I am named after my great grandmother Elizabeth.
She was awesome. I’ve heard story after story about her skills and antics from my grandma—like the time she painted her kitchen floor green because her husband wouldn’t put in a new floor for her, the pride she took in being the first of all her neighbors to get her laundry on the line each Monday morning, and the love she gave to each of her 9 children.
But until recently I’d never heard this story—-
My great grandmother kept her sewing machine out on her front porch during the warm seasons. (I can’t believe that she took that beautiful treadle machine and parked it outside!) Then she would work her magic making projects like intricate quilts and beautiful clothing while her boys worked the farm and the children came and went.
(Doesn’t that create a beautiful image…beautiful farm wife sewing on a treadle machine out on the porch…laundry blowing in the breeze…kids chasing each other on the lawn…husband out back milking the cows….)
In my minds eye it’s beautiful. However, here’s what I see from where I’m sitting and how I found out her story:
The past few weeks I’ve set up shop on my front porch. I have a card table, my old sewing machine (that goes “cha chunck ca chunck when it’s in use), a folding chair and a soda. And there I sit in the mornings and sew. My kids ride their bikes, shoot hoops, use chalk, etc. and it’s perfect. I can be out there with them and get my work done.
Sure, it’s not as idyllic as the image of my great grandmother but to me it’s a beautiful thing…as for my neighbors every now and then someone will drive by, stop, back up, and ask me what the heck I’m doing. But I don’t mind…by now they have come to understand that I am crazy.
Last week end I was telling this to my mom who told me about my great grandmother’s porch sewing habit. Later that afternoon I confirmed the story with my grandma. Now…if only I could get her mad sewing skills instead of just her kooky ideas….
So what’s in a name?
Mysterious tendencies to move things outdoors that should remain indoors? An unseen force compelling you to repeat history? A deep need to paint things in your home insane colors to drive your husband crazy?
I don’t know. But it’s on my mind.
New baby…new name…new legacy…it’s a big decision.
I love this post. I felt the same way when naming both my girls. I love using family names and keeping a connection to those gone before. Both girls have original first names, but they are still similar to close family. My mother is a Brenda. You don’t really see little girls named Brenda anymore. But I read a book while I was pregnant that had a character named Brenna. It’s an old named that could still sound modern (the only problem is everyone assumes it’s really Breanna). Her middle name comes from both sides of the family.
My youngest is named for one of my great aunts. She was always one of my favorite people and no one else had ever used her names. She is also named in honor of my mother-in-law. She always wished she had a longer name, but her mother hated nicknames and chose Cathy Lee. Our choice for middle name: Kathleen.
I love both their names. Classic names that will age well. And I do see traits of their namesakes in them. And I think of those namesakes often.
Good luck choosing a name for your new little one. It’s a big responsibility to choose something someone will carry for the rest of their life.
you are so adorable – seriously we should hang out 🙂 That is a great story. We named Charlotte after a lady at the church I grew up in – she is beautiful and an artist and the most thoughtful person I know. Every thing she touched became beautiful and I learned so much from her. I’m not really named after anyone, but I think it is so cool to pass that legacy on to your child. If/when we have another, that baby will be named after someone who has influenced us and someone that we can tell our child about.
xoxo
jessica
Love the story about the floor. What a great woman she must have been! 🙂 Good luck with picking a name for your little one. I know I always found that a difficult decision, but somehow it always seems to turn out right in the end 🙂
Well I love the name ELizabeth, and it is my middle name, my mothers and my grandmothers. I chose it as my eldest daughters middle name too.
I am so envious that you managed to do some sewing on the porch- so idealic and homely.
I am so excited for you.
I love this post so much–and I love that you are named after such a great woman! My little guy is named after my grandfather, and although my grandpa died when I was pretty young and I didn’t know him as well as I wish I did, he is one of the most inspiring people I’ve ever known. I got some guff while I was pregnant for planning to name my baby Forrest (everyone: “Like Forrest Gump? He’s gonna get teased for that!”) but I couldn’t think of anyone better to have my baby look up to and try to model himself after. Now you’ve got me wanting to write my own What’s in a Name post for him . . . 😉
The mother of my granddad called ‘Elisabeth’. We called our daughter, Isabel.. from Elisabeth.
Good luck with your pregnancy!
That is a really sweet story.thanks for sharing it!
how cool is that? what a great story! my son is named after his grampa and they are so similar its scarey!
Love this post! I wish I had thought to bring my sewing gear outside!
Naming kids are tough, but I’m sure whatever you come up with will be perfect for the little one.
🙂
Sewing on the porch, what a great idea!
Love your blog and the picture you created.=) http://bellesbazaar-heather.blogspot.com/