Wednesday, March 7

sandwiches, cider and...opera!

 Update WIP: March 13th.

Well, as you can see, this Viking Opera hamster is certainly not nearly as dramatic or finished as I had hoped! (That's what I get when putting things off too late.)  It is truly simply a scribble for now. My hope now is to add the colours needed for the IG Colour Collective challenge which for this week is a golden yellow. If I can get back to it, it will be ta wonderfully fun and engaging piece but for now, instead of Wagner, per se, you're more likely to end up with a wimpy shrill chipmunk style warble for Scribble Picnic this week! My apologies, but as I say, it's OK to even toss out an idea, just to have engaged our minds even a bit more creatively.

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Opera will always make me think of my mother, amusingly. She loved it! My indelible memory there of her would be Sunday mornings as a teen. I'd often make her a simple breakfast (toast and tea with marmalade) and then carry it up the stairs on a tray, following a few steps carefully behind her as she'd quite carefree saunter (i.e. waddled) up the stairs stark naked, singing opera at the top of her lungs in her VERY fruity English voice! (She'd sometimes carry the cassette tape player with her, if not draping a towel.) All the while, she'd throw handfuls of talcum powder over her shoulders, usually missing her back though and hitting me in the face with it or landing like snow on her "bum" ledge.  Ha. Yes, seriously! She was very much a child of the tropics as she'd say — at home anyway — but oh so proper (while still warm and engaging) the rest of the time. :)

In years prior when I was 13, she'd have the same routine but would take us to HTB church beforehand so we could get eventually confirmed. After that though, she fell into the leisurely routine above as it was the only day off she had to sleep in, and hey, who wouldn't want breakfast served my one's loyal son? When we'd arrive at the top of the several flights of steps to her bedroom, she'd then place the cassette player down, still singing jollily, and walk back and forth across the little room...on her derriere. ("It's good for the bum, darling!") Oh, and then do a Tarot card reading for me and her! Yes, my mother was truly beyond stereotypes, enigmatic even, one might say. My dear Mama. There will never be another one like her.

OK, will catch up with everyone later.... Can't wait to see what kind of shows, as it were, we all put on here! :) Meanwhile, I'm going to be floored again by this 9 year Dutch girl's talent.

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20 comments

  1. can't wait to see your 'opera'! Loved your story above, it was like a snippet from a book, you are so good.

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  2. Oh Micheal ... your Mother must have been a proper hoot. What woman hasn't walked across the floor on her derriere, she was so right :) And, an accomplished Mother at that (you being proof of that). I look forward to seeing what you come up with after this story, it will have to be good. Have a wonderful week, Micheal ...

    Andrea @ From the Sol

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    1. Oh raeally? I didn't realise women do that? too funny! Thank you.

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  3. I listened to your young opera singer ... amazing. A gifted child to be sure. I am guessing the world will hear more from her in the future.

    Andrea @ from the Sol

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  4. I think you've rather colorfully illustrated with words this story from your childhood and your dear mother. What a charming memory. I've just spend the last 20 minutes or so listening to the little Dutch girl. Thank you for that treat today.

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    1. That girl is incredible, isn't she? Thank you so much.

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  5. Gosh Michael, I wish I'd known you mom, we have lots in common, though the bum ledge is yet to come lol! :) What a lovely memory you shared! I so enjoyed reading that! :) My contribution today is a simple drawing. I'm feeling better, just a little stomach issue...so of course, I was back to vacuuming and dusting today lol! :) But...Alex is up and we are meeting in bed in about an hour with some tortillas and nacho dip to watch movies all day with some sangria! :) A proper day off! :) I wish I could bring some to the picnic, but I'm being selfish. :)))

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    1. My mother and you would have got along very well, I am quite sure, dear Rain. Thank you.

      so glad you are done with your spring clean though. Bravo!

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  6. I love it Michael! I think it's really good! A lovely opera singer!!

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  7. your piece is outstanding as it is Michael, but will be great to see what you do with it next.

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  8. Oh Michael, I would so much loved to have known you mum. What a delightful and funny story. I can so see you up the stairs with the talcum powder like powdered sugar on her toast and tea. You are such a wonderful story teller and artist...God has blessed you twice over and more. Love your opera hamster...just beyond cuteness. Is he a tenor or a base?? I thinking high tenor...haha

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    1. I think SHE would sound like the chipmunks singing, don;t you? :) Thank you so much, Wanda.

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  9. Looks like I wasn't the only one who didn't make it to the picnic this time. Hopefully next time.

    It appears your little hamster has no trouble at all hitting those high notes. (nor did that amazing little girl!)

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  10. I didn't have time the other day to listen to the little girl singing opera. I just did, and Oh my, how could such a voice fit into a little body. She was magnificent. Will have to listen again.

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  11. I really love your Opera hamster, Michael...it will look fab when finished. I checked out the two Opera links...both so beautiful and I'm not even a fan of Opera. haha I even watched a few more of Amira's performances when she was a little older. Beautiful voice!

    I had a giggle at your story about your Mum and Opera...I think I would have loved your Mum as she was quite the character. :)

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  12. I'm admiring this hamster and I believe she can really belt out a very good song. I like her outfit and that pike or spike she holds, I'm thinking this is a comedy instead of a drama. great piece.

    have a lovely day.

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