Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Larry's Roses..

One of the last times I visited with Larry, he had on a Wrangler Western shirt, long sleeved and crisply starched and ironed - as usual. I can't think of a time I didn't see him in pressed Levis, crisp long-sleeved western shirts and boots..




But this shirt was different..it was pink.

Pink plaid.

Because it was Wrangler's Breast Cancer shirt - complete with a small embroidered Breast Cancer ribbon sewn on the pocket.




And he wore it for me...and later for my sister Gerri who developed breast cancer..

When he passed, my other sister Kathy asked his wife for the shirt..to have..


She was given it at dinner and cuddled it and sniffed it, trying to find the essence of Larry..but of course, it was fresh with soap and softener..

She told me on the way home that she thought I should have it..after all, he had worn it in honor of all the Breast Cancer in our family..all so far from our maternal line.

I didn't argue.

Took it home and pulled it out of the suitcase and did the same "embracing and sniffing"..then put it in a drawer..

Got to thinking, what good is it doing in there? While I didn't want to wear it..at least not as a shirt..

..but I wanted it close to me..where I could see it and not forget about it and what it represented to me.

That's where blogging comes in.

While blog-hopping, I found a great tutorial on "Shabby Flowers" that I thought would be perfect...IF I could really learn how to make them.

{ Go to: http://www.robenmarie.com/home/category/tutorials and scroll down to the Shabby Flower Tutorial - it's WOndERfuL }

..and I DID :-) Thanks, Roben-Marie..where ever you are!

While a slow day at work, I made some practice ones..then took the plunge to TEAR this beautiful, perfectly good shirt into strips..

..and make..roses. Larry's roses. I wore one at the memorial and will make them for any of the girls in the family that want one..for headbands, wristlets, corsages, purse accents..or just to have..

Larry's roses...



I like 'em..

If you have something 'special'...don't let it sit unused, unseen or forgotten.

Take it out..use it..see it..well....maybe not TEAR it, but if it would allow it to have a second life...a second purpose..go ahead. Have fun..and have...'rememberies"

Love it and pass it on.



-me

24 comments:

Sue said...

Colleen, this is such a beautiful idea and the result (your roses) is fabulous!

I have an old scruffy cotton plaid shirt that belonged to my BIL. He and my youngest daughter were very close and when he tragically passed away she slept with this shirt. (He was living with us at the time and Keara was only 4). She is out on her own now, however the shirt is still up in the closet of her old bedroom. Guess what I'm going to do? She, her aunts, her grandma and her sister are all going to be getting some shirt roses from Jim's old shirt.

Thank you so much!

Hugs,

Sue

Pearl said...

This is really special Colleen I love all the details and what a sweet piece for remembering. Have a nice night.

Laurie said...

Colleen what a beautiful idea. I made the primitive rabbit from my father's shirts, but have so much left this would be perfect for my sisters. Thanks for this great idea.Bless you!

Laurie said...

I also wanted to say what a special brother Larry was to his sisters, how thoughtful to wear this for the cause. You were so fortunate to have him in your life.

Mandy said...

gee girl...your posts make me cry...i love your roses...they are perfect...i loved the shirt and my goodness...the love in your family is so obvious....hugs to you and....can you have a rose giveaway...would love one???lol...i see inspiration in this to make a cute bag...hee hee hee... take care...xxx

Mandy said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
A Wild Thing said...

What a grand idea...in the drawer it's just a memory fading to time and forgetfulness...now you can gaze upon Larry's rose whenever he walks by your mind.

Have a great day sister...you da bomb!

RoeH said...

How clever is that. And what a great memory!

Karen said...

Beautiful! You're so thoughtful and sentimental!

Art by Darla Kay said...

What a WONDERFUL idea!! I just love this Colleen!!!

diane b said...

Larry's roses, what a great idea to be able to keep it close to you wherever you go and to give them to the rest of your/his family is so nice.How good to have that photo too. I'm sure he would be very happy to see how you have used the shirt that he bought for you and now it is for him.

Heather said...

what a wonderful idea. and that you will make them for all the ladies in the family is awesome. what a way for Larry to continue to be with you all.

Breezy said...

Having a gentle reminder of your brother is such a sweet thing. Great idea..!!!
I love your creativity and your sentimentality.
XOXOX

Vee said...

Colleen, I'm so glad that you found a way to share the shirt with so many. Larry's roses is a perfect idea. I hope that they make you smile every time you see them. Hugs to you today...

Little Penpen said...

Colleen... how beautiful! What a sweet way to remember your brother and the shirt... and awesome that now every girl in the family may have one! You are so sweet!

Candy said...

So happy that you found me and joined my following gals.
Love the story and the new life you have brought through Larry's roses.
I also look forward to looking through your pages and getting to know more wonderful people, for starters with Lovey of Fabric Photo Memories. She seems to jump off your page and call to me. I love blogland.
Come back anytime and I hope you will always to be encouraged, inspired and leave with a smile on your face.
Blessings ;-)

Jillian said...

Absolutely perfect! Perfect for him, perfect for you, perfect for remembering the two of you in one thing :)

The Texas Woman said...

So gorgeous. What a wonderful present!

Roben-Marie said...

Your flower is beautiful and I enjoyed reading your story. What a nice keepsake that you can share with your family. :)

Sidra said...

these are so beautiful! would you ship one to me if i paid you to make me one!

Anonymous said...

Love this, Colleen. I'm still missing my sister something awful, but whenever I see ballet-pink clouds, I think of her and smile.

Unknown said...

Oh colleen! this is such a beautiful thing to do...it made me sniffle a little and the roses are beautiful!

Anonymous said...

`Fabulous! What a great idea. Iam going to check out that tutorial. I love the way you have included the denim too. Wonderful way to honour Larry.

Frau SchnickSchnack said...

looks very beautiful!

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