Marigold and I had a "girls only" visit over the weekend, and it was fun. Marigold is a delightful young lady, very bright, with an inherent elegance. I noticed a few years ago whenever we were sitting on a bus, or anywhere, she would sit up very straight with her legs crossed -- just so -- and other little girls would look at her and then imitate how she was sitting. She's fortunate that she has inherited her mother's beautiful hands and feet. Marigold has a sweet nature, although she can be feisty too. She doesn't take any nonsense, but I don't remember ever having seen Marigold in a bad or whiny mood. She has a very steady centre, so it is always easy to be around her. She has a very easy laugh, and she loves a good joke.On Saturday night we watched "Whale Rider", which is one of the best movies ever made. Afterwards I told her that Keisha Castle-Hughes, the little girl who played the lead role, was only eleven years-old when she was cast for the role, and she had never acted before. She went from the classroom to the film set. When the movie was released, Keisha was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress, and was the youngest person ever nominated for such an award. Marigold loved the movie, and particularly loved the Maori Haka dancing.
On Sunday morning Marigold and I had blueberry pancakes at the table outdoors on the terrace. After we were finished breakfast I said to her, "Now only if we had a lake or a pool we could dive into and go for a swim right now..." She chuckled.
Marigold and I had fun. We painted our toenails and we both mentioned -- more than once -- how *quiet* it was with just the two of us. *heh*
Excuse my inhuman sense of humour. Is this even possible? But that is the way I feel about my friend Goldenrod.
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely that you get to enjoy Marigold as a person as well as a grandchild. It's just that added bonus when the people we love are intriguing, and special to the extent that we know we'd find them so even if they weren't relatives. It's as great gift.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful memories you made. It's funny, looking back over my life it is small things like blueberry pancakes, or a nice breeze on a summer's day that stand out as being very happy memories. Special occasion memories usually have to do with the rush of activity, but for just plain old happy memories? It's usually something sweet and almost ordinary.
One of my favorite memories of my son is of watching a movie with him when he was nine, and he cried for a character because she was so lonely (it was the remake of the Little Princess). It really stands out in my memory because he was watching the movie with me to make me happy, as a nine-year-old boy that wouldn't have been his first choice but I loved that he had such an empathetic reaction. I was very proud of him in that moment.
Maybe we get to know the people we love best in those little moments.
O gawd. I didn't realize you were talking about your granddaugher. My bad.
ReplyDeleteYou had a lovely weekend, didn't you? Growing and fostering memories, Jo. Nothing is better than that!
ReplyDeleteGlad you had that time with her sans Phinneus. Another time will be just for him. These are the moments they will hold in their hearts forever. :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, precious moments. :-)
ReplyDeleteyou know i read all your posts, and they are superb. I dont comment so often, being the lazy bum i am.
ReplyDeleteIts a lovely post.:))
"On Sunday morning Marigold and I had blueberry pancakes at the table outdoors on the terrace." mmmmmmm - sounds delightful! What a wonderful time you two had. And once again...ANOTHER movie I have yet to see. LOVE your posts.
ReplyDelete:)
Sounds like a lovely weekend, Jo. I am looking forward to having a little grandchild to spend some time with. My children are too busy to have kids right now, but maybe someday!
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean about the folded hands and legs crossed just so. My Layla who is 8 is that way and always was, even as a toddler. Just so secure in her femininity. It comes through even in photos!
ReplyDeleteDear Jo, such a delightful journal - I always admire you for managing to be original and cleverly creative with each piece of writing. It was a piece of luck to have discovered your blog almost as soon as I started mine because it inspired and encouraged me right from the start.
ReplyDeleteThankyou for your comment.
Shaista
Sounds like a perfectly lovely time. Marigold must be a gem. :)
ReplyDeleteQuality time spent with a special little lady. She will remember them the best. Sounds like a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it nice to realise that life knows how to figure out such wonderful time - seems as if there's a bit of positive energy around currently.
ReplyDeletePlease have a nice start into the week.
What a perfectly lovely sounding young lady. And a wonderful weekend together.
ReplyDeleteblessings!
is she your grandchild?? wow!! you have described your relationship very well!!! lovely post dear Jo.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like the two of you spent so good quality time together.
ReplyDeleteMarigold is an absolutely charming name.
ReplyDeleteJosie, greetings from the tropics
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed my little visit here catching up and even taking a tour of your tree terrace.
Marigold is a lucky girl to have such an interesting grandma :)
Enjoying a late night blogging session which I rarely get to do nowadays
Cheers
Enid
You, Jo my dear, have such an inspiring touch when you write. I too have not one, but three lovely Marigolds, and their names are Charlotte, Sarah-Sophia and Eloise. My three gorgeous granddaughters, 18, 17 and 7 respectively.
ReplyDeleteLife's riches in abundance have blessed our house, and yours Jo.
What a lovely young lady your granddaughter Marigold is. I too loved the movie WHALE RIDER and to share it with your granddaughter, as well as a nail painting time of relaxation, precious!
ReplyDelete*Sigh* What a wonderful gift, not only to have a granddaughter, but to get along so well with her. I hope God sees fit to bestow the same gift on me in my lifetime!
ReplyDeleteJo, what a lovely story. Hope you get to meet more Mariagold's!
ReplyDeleteI love the name "Marigold!" She sounds a lot like my niece, Aiyana, who is also, at 12, very poised with a very wry sense of humor. It's so nice to have such "old souls in young bodies" in our lives, don'tcha think?
ReplyDeleteLovely!
ReplyDelete