Often when I would visit Mrs. Rose in her room, she would be sitting in the chair with her eyes closed and her lips moving, whispering the prayers of the rosary.
And on more than one occasion, she had dozed off in her chair, the prayer book and rosary puddled together in her lap, her fingers still holding fast to the last bead.
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| Vintage sampler from my personal collection |
Mrs. Rose had very little in her room to call her own and that little prayer book and rosary were her constant companions.
My grandmother had a similar practice of sitting in her chair and praying the rosary (and nodding off!)...as did many of my Great Aunts and Uncles. It's probably one of the main reasons I was so drawn to Mrs. Rose in the first place.
I was comfortable with her. Her prayer was a practice I was all too familiar with and it connected her with the family I knew and loved.
The little book is made from mulberry paper and was too small to hold in my fat fingers...
And even though prayer books tended to be diminutive in size, this one takes the cake at 8mm x 10mm...
The rosary was made with size 18 seed beads and 1.5mm rounds...
And now rests in the lap of Mrs. Rose...
Puddled just as I remember it...
I imagine that the daily spiritual practice of saying the rosary was a form of meditation. And the repetition of the simple prayers allowed the mind to rest and the heart to connect with the soul...
One thing I know for sure. Mrs. Rose had heart and soul.
Now I'm off to figure out what's next.
Happy day to you.
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25 comments:
Aww so sweet ❤❤❤
The perfect touch!
SusieW
These two bits are very personal to Mrs. Rose and really make her story come to life.
FlowerLady
Susan, your attention to detail is amazing. I'm so happy I follow your Blog.
How perfect....my mom at age 86 still says her rosary evert night. I love the sampler..do you have pattern for it?
I gather with a small group of Anglicans to say the Rosary regularly on Monday mornings. You are right about it being good for the soul. I'm not surprised Mrs. Rose treasured it and her prayer practice. What a lovely detail to include in your piece!
Such a wonderful addition and such a wonderful touch.
What beautiful things you do with your talent. Thank you for sharing with the rest of us.
Marvelous! Abolutely!
I have quite a collection of rosaries, from my very first plastic one (you know the one), to the very special gifts received, but THE most precious is a ring made of ten beads, very plain, but a gift given to me when my heart and soul were broken.
I can't imagine what you will add next to this piece, but I can't wait to see.
xx, Carol
Such a personal touch....I am so enjoying this journey, thanks for sharing.....
It is always the details...no matter how tiny or diminutive that you excel in creating. This is very touching Susan Dear...
It is minuscule you Bible how clever to make something so tiny and beautiful, Mrs Rose must be very happy to be reunited with these pieces.
OMG...this is such a beautiful tribute. It reminds me of my own Aunt Mary :)
–Cassandra
This is an amazing piece of art! Love seeing the progression! (found you through the HOCOBLOG site)
Wow, Susan, your attention to detail is amazing, creating such tiny elements! Mrs. Rose must be comforted now she has her Bible and rosary with her again.
I have been enjoying Mrs. Rose's progress so much, and it was kind of shocking to see her finished. I can almost hear her prayers. I can't wait to see what/who you come up with next.
xo Linda
Perfect:) You have so much patience.
Do you know if Mrs. Rose has any family? This is a beautiful memorial to her memory. I hope if there is family, they know how important she was to you, and what an impact she has made in your life! Your work is beautiful. It is inspiring me to make my own memorial to my grandmother.
Thank You, Debra Ravlin PrettyHandy
Acabei de conhecer o seu blog e achei maravilhoso.Visite:http://algodaotaodoce.blogspot.com.br/
Siga-me e pegue o meu selinho!!!
Obrigada.
Beijos Marie.
I'll bet Mrs. R is smiling down on you and your work!
Gorgeous, Susan. Miniature things have their own enchantment, and Mrs Rose obviously understood that one can be creative even when dexterity has gone, just by holding the world in one's heart through prayer.
Heart and soul - what this wonderfully elegaic piece has in spades. Loving it. :o)
I have been moved and impressed with all the work you've done on Mrs Rose but the little Bible baffles me ; 8x10 mm wow !
My mother said the Rosary every day. She had several Rosary beads, my daughter bought her a beautiful set of beads when she was in Rome a few years back as did my nephew several years before that. I inherited her Rosary beads when she died & they are truly treasured. Your story reminded me of my mother so much. Thank You.
I'm just getting caught up on your blog after the death of my sister. Her rosary was such a large part of her life. I've loved watching the progress on Mrs. Rose. Absolutely beautiful.
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