Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Some Sundays, Daddy got up early and shot rats foraging in the compost heap. Other Sundays, he refused to get up, saying he was feeling bilious - something in the water. Hmmn - tainted water only on Sundays?










After Church, we were allowed to choose something at the sweetie shop. If Granny was with us, she forbad bubblegum and gobstoppers. "All that masticating makes you look vulgar," she said. 'Masticating' is a very vulgar-sounding word, I
thought.





When we got home, the paper and comics had arrived. "Do your jobs and then you can have it"... I sometimes took mine up in the loft and cosied into the pirate chest. I had Wonderland, then Treasure, then Look and Learn. My brother got Beano and then Mad.


12 comments:

The Victorious place said...

These are real nice and the memories sound wonderful. I like the way you write. Warm and a little commical. :)

Laura Frankstone said...

So glad to see more of your fabulous memory paintings! Can't wait to see them in a book;D.

winna said...

These sketches are wonderful and such intricate seeing by you---you must be pleased to have them now--your words capture the moments perfectly.

Lisa Adams Reed said...

These are great stories with wonderful illustrations!

annie said...

I agree, this child-view of the world is delightful to share-- memories to savor now and later in a book.
annie

Anonymous said...

As wonderful as always - especially Daddy when he felt bilious!

Margaret Ann said...

What a lovely way to note our memories..Nicely done! :)

Anonymous said...

Hmmm, my comment disappeared. I'll try again.... Your dad got up on Sundays and shot rats?! From inside the house!? Were there so many of them? My dad got up on Sundays and made pancake "sandwiches" -- eggs and bacon between pancakes -- when he was around. The juxtaposition of cheery colors and shooting rats goes along with your deadpan telling of these stories which makes their strangeness seem even more so!

Penny said...

Have to say I agree with Jana!, an interesting insight into your family life. We only shot rabbits.

Peceli and Wendy's Blog said...

Delightful take on childhood! I'd forgotten the comic books. We did read lots of English comics and girls magazines, and then Mad magazine when I was about eighteen. Keep up the treasured memory pics.
w.

bubblemunch said...

So evocative of childhood memories - especially the sweetshop with its many jars of goodies, the sherbert fountains and the licorice sticks and catherine wheels. I used to be allowed to go to the shop for a ten penny mix (which got a whole bag of yummy things!) Great detail and care taken with all of the different jars. Thank you for jogging a happy memory for me too!

andrea joseph's sketchblog said...

such a british experience.
this stuff is priceless.
LOVE your work.