my grandma memory

A special feature coming in our July/August magazine. my grandma memory

enjoy “my” grandma memory

Above right: My Grandma, Caroline Myers

Aunt Carrie…that was most of my father’s brother and daughter-in-laws called my Grandmother Caroline Myers. She was born in rural New York though her parents came from Europe. I had a bachelor uncle who saved my grandfather’s leather suitcase containing my grandmother’s rosary, several religious medals, a Last Rites wooden Crucifix Cross packed with what was called a Sick Call Set, a few holy cards marking passages in her red, then faded to a rosy pink velvet missal printed in German. The same uncle saved her china for me…made in Austria.

When she was alive and even after she developed cancer, it was totally understood by all that Sunday afternoons were reserved for visiting her. Even at three, I could remember being lifted up to her bedridden arms for a smooch for “her baby.” AND you did not smoke in front of Gramma…daughters-in-law had to smoke outside the house!

During WWII my father, mother and I lived with my grandmother. My grandfather, gone when my dad was only two, built the big saltbox house on a knoll facing the Genessee River. It still stands today. I have b/w photos of threshing teams working the farm’s fields and vividly recall my mother with all the other women in the family making meals for the traveling men. The kitchen was packed with lunch and those wonderful pies…there was a patch of rhubarb on the bank at the front of the homeplace and there were some super delicious rhubarb pies made in that kitchen.

P.S. We’ve received quite a few entries already! Some a paragraph or two, some a page or two. Some with photos and some without. Remember, it’s not a contest, and there’s no right or wrong, It’s simply sharing and enjoying a special memory honoring your grandma.

We’d welcome your grandma memory! We’ll publish your memories in our July-August magazine. We’d need your memories by May 1, 2021. We’d welcome a copy of a photograph of your grandma, together with you would be great, but no photo is required!

email to: barabara@yadkinvalleymagazine.com Mail to: Barbara Norman Yadkin Valley Magazine 413 Cherry Street, East Bend, NC 27018

As a thank you, every memory submitted will receive a Keepsake, Commemorative “Grandma’s Kitchen” Pot Holder celebrating this special issue of Yadkin Valley Magazine.

Homestyle Basics:“Be Your Own Style” WRITER Amie Thomas Brendle

A Discovery of the Old and the New...You can find your own personal style and aesthetic with just a little bit of practice and patience. Just remember, you have to live in it, see it every day and feel comfortable, so chose items and a décor you like and will enjoy, and the rest will come. No one says you must do everything all at once.

Working in stages can be better… Allow yourself to acclimate in your surroundings, especially if you are moving into a new home. Change can be gradual. Your home should be a reflection of YOU and your Family, no matter the style. An idea can be implemented in a one room studio or a multi-level house. There are literally limitless possibilities.

Always enjoy the transitions, if you are stressing, you may be trying too hard and perhaps forcing project ideas and selections. If you are second guessing yourself, that item or theme may not be for you. Do not force something to “speak” to you. Allow yourself to come through naturally in the project. Never settle or purchase an item just to check something off your list.

A big misconception concerns mixing styles. In the South we are very proud of our generational history. Family heirlooms and furniture are a large part of that. We often mix styles anyway, either because of love of our past or necessity or a little bit of both. A modern more minimalistic or even utilitarian concept looks wonderful with antiquities and generational pieces.

Another point to ponder is Niceties vs. Necessities. It is wise to set a budget. The more DIY the project can be, the better. Do not sell yourself short, you can do more than you think, there are no prerequisites, just a willingness to allow yourself to be creative and have fun. Most people find this very therapeutic and then a sense of accomplishment and pride.

Starting small. It may sound trivial, but believe me starting too many projects in too many rooms at one time is overwhelming. Decluttering: Clean a

STYLE...Style can be defined as: A distinctive manner of Expression. We all want to express ourselves, some more quiet some loudly, but perhaps the most important reflection is our living space… the place we call HOME. In the Upcoming Months we will go on a journey of sorts, visiting different opportunities and hopefully, assisting in creating ideas and choices. What we may discover is all things will not work for all individuals but can be used as a springboard for all sorts of beginnings and alternatives.

room and declutter before you start any project. If there are items you know you will absolutely never use, donate them to a local charity so someone else may benefit from them.

Here are some ideas to try. And the first one does not even require spending money. Simply move items around in your home. From one room to another just mix it up, knick knacks to small pieces of furniture. I love doing this, and then living with the results for a few days, continue until the spaces feel refreshed. Also, take a look in your storage places, garage, attic and basement, possibly seeing something that can now be used and enjoyed. Perhaps just cleaning an old piece up, leaving it rustic, or painting it a different color to update it. Maybe it just needs a little Fru-Fru (my favorite phrase) to come back to life.

Any Room: A fresh coat of paint always uplifts any room instantly. And even though it is easier to go with neutrals, some may like and enjoy bolder colors. Please be aware of the difference in oil and latex paints (especially if there is existing paint) and which sheen would be better suited for a particular room and your own taste. Wallpaper, especially the easy-to-use peel and stick, or borders can add a nice touch as well.

Window treatment: Invest in a new valance, use your existing hardware or simply paint the existing one to better match. A more expensive alternative is investing in wooden blinds, but this can take the place of all window treatments in the foreseeable future.

Switch Plates: Replace, use wallpaper, decoupage or again, simply paint the existing ones (Do not forget about the screws) Always paint in a well-ventilated area!

Electrical Outlets: Many more types and colors now including USB outlets. ONLY professionals should change out and work with outlets.

Dining Room: Reviving can be as simple as some new chair covers, new chair cushions and/or a new tablecloth and centerpiece. Centerpieces can be freshened by replacing the contents and keeping the Vase/Container.

Kitchen: Change out the pulls. Too expensive? Mix a few special ones in, OR spray paint the old ones after cleaning them good first. Paint the hardware and screws at the same time.

TIP: Use recycled cardboard or Styrofoam—sticking the screws in it. This way they are not lost and much easier to spray.

Den/Bedroom: New throw pillows or even pillow covers and throw blankets can add a nice pop of color to a chair, couch, or bed. Change out a lamp shade instead of buying a new fixture or of course, just paint (fabric paint may be needed depending on the type of shade). Covers to use on chairs/couches are much more economical than purchasing new ones.

Replacing a duvet, comforter or bedspread is ideal, just be aware once you begin, there may be more pieces you would like such as shams, decorative pillows, etc. Try to search for inclusive sets.

Bathroom: Mix and match in a few new towels. Use a basket(s) or any type of container to display towels and hand towels by simply rolling them or arranging in a fan shape. Wicker or metal is nice, just remember to put a protective coating on the basket/container due to humidity. Battery candles are wonderful as decoration or with a relaxing bath. This past year has changed how many of us shop. More people are of course ordering online. As with any purchase, whether in store or online, make sure you can return the item if it does not work. The exception could be specialorder items.

These are some general ideas and information to start and hopefully to motivate. I know most of us are still a little stir crazy and this is the perfect time to focus on freshening up your home. Believe me…it will make you feel better and smile when you are finished, whether a big or a small project.

Amy Thomas Brendle