Here is the photo of my late mother, Blanche Kleid Zuckerman that I shared in yesterday's post, December 8, 2013. This is a detail shot of my mother's permanent altar in my home. I choose a variety of reds for this shrine, based on the types of colors my mother enjoyed wearing. The fabrics are vintage velvets, and the antique glassware is known as Goofus glass. It is almost always painted in metallic tones of golds and reds. Several of the small containers hold my mother's jewelry. Even some of the dried roses and other petals on the front of the altar table were saved from the flowers that were given to us when our mother passed away in 2001. Several of Blanche's favorite belongings are also on her altar, including her candelabra, candlesticks, and monogramed pitcher. Everytime I look at the colors and textures, I feel that my mother would approve!!
I have collected many vintage/antique santos from Mexico for this altar. Pictured above is the featured wooden Madonna from Mexico wearing a silver resplendor crown that I purchased especially for her. Some of my mother's jewelry is hanging from the Madonna's neck, and a tin Sacred Heard of Jesus is just above her head.
Please join my dear friend, Rebecca Brooks at her blog for the 12 days of Mary sharing by artists around the world: Recuerda Mi Corazon. I have linked this post to Rebecca's site on Day 9 and Day 11 of Mornings with Mary.
Good evening, Laurie. I am so in awe of your gift. All the bits and pieces of your mother's life, held by this shrine, keep her alive in a way that goes beyond memory. You must feel a tangible sense of the real about your mother whenever you gaze on it or touch some of the objects that lie within.
ReplyDeleteYour Mom is loving this altar your have made for her. The bits and pieces make it up. She is always with you. Thank you for sharing this special tribute to your Mom.
ReplyDeletethank you laurie for bringing us beside your most personal of altars. altar making is the souls work. truly your love and soul blaze bright on the altar of your beloved mother. the rose red, violet red, crimson red all sing out in a mystical harmony. i feel the strength of motherlove, astounding beauty and the knowledge that life is fragile.
ReplyDeleteI think having a permanent altar to a loved one is a fine idea. Unfortunately, my present tiny "cottage" has no room, so my heart serves as the altar!
ReplyDeleteKeeper of the Door
I agree with Magical Mystery Teacher about the permanent altars you have in your home and my own limited space. But how I would love to see your house someday. Do you have anything on YouTube where you tour your house?
ReplyDeleteIt is just so courageous, so inspirational, so beautiful!!
ReplyDeletevintage velvet and red - i am loving this!
ReplyDeleteTo actually have some things that belonged to your mother and include them on the altar--what a blessing!
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