This will make more sense if you have read my previous post. 
It's funny but it had not occured to me to do anything with this air mail letter ....not until the lovely 'mimilove forever' in the previous comments said that she "would look forward to seeing what I do with it". The light bulb lit and several hours later, here we are.
I have copied the 'goose bump' part of the letter onto linen, collaged and embroidered, you know, my usual thing......I did add some very special antique tatting. I adore this tatting it is so exquiste and I nearly did'nt add it (wanted to keep it) but I thought it really added to the piece. I have also had a french knot fest with this. The very pretty crepe de chine is 1940's.
I don't really know how to finish this post off....It's a very emotional subject, but all I hope for is that long ago an ordinary, every day fella got back to his lovely wife, safe and sound.
Thank you to everyone for stopping by and your wonderful comments. x
17 comments:
What a touching letter ~ It is such an intimate glimpse into their relationship. You have honored them by creating this work of beautiful art. I just love your work ~
Me too. Beautiful
Wow! Your art work is a wonderful tribute to Sid and his precious wife! I'm so pleased that he appears to have survived the sinking of the Zulu - I just hope he had a long and happy life. I don't think I have ever read such a beautiful and romantic letter.
Lucy x
This is so wonderful! I know I say so everytime I saw something new from you - but this is for real !!!!
Oh that story is just incredible. I could get quite obsessed with things like this though, especially as you have quite a bit of info. I have already spent about 10 minutes on Google trying to find more out about Sid and his wife. heehee The finished piece of work trult does it justice. It's beautiful.
A beautiful homage to Sid - what a lovely way to celebrate their lives.
beautiful, really beautiful.
What an intimate tribute to their life and love. You really are amazing Viv!!
This is one of my favorite love letters ever. It was actually from the US civil war. SOrry if this is a super long comment but I knew you would love it as do I:
July 14,1861
Camp Clark, Washington DC
Dear Sarah:
The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days - perhaps tomorrow. And lest I should not be able to write you again I feel impelled to write a few lines that may fall under your eye when I am no more.
I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the government and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am willing - perfectly willing - to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this government, and to pay that debt.
Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me with mighty cables that nothing but omnipotence can break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly with all those chains to the battlefield. The memory of all the blissful moments I have enjoyed with you come crowding over me, and I feel most deeply grateful to God and you, that I have enjoyed them for so long. And how hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes and future years, when, God willing, we might still have lived and loved together, and see our boys grown up to honorable manhood around us.
If I do not return, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I loved you, nor that when my last breath escapes me on the battle field, it will whisper your name...
Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless, how foolish I have sometimes been!...
But, 0 Sarah, if the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they love, I shall always be with you, in the brightest day and in the darkest night... always, always. And when the soft breeze fans your cheek, it shall be my breath, or the cool air your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by.
Sarah do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for me, for we shall meet again...
Sullivan Ballou was killed a week later at the 1st Battle of Bull Run.
Beautiful, such a perfect way to pay tribute to them. Wouldn't Sid be amazed to see what you have made and the effect his touching letter has had on us.
I hope you don't mind I've given you an award. You can ignore it if you like but I think you deserve it.
Yes, of course you can post it :)
Ah, knew you wouldn't disappoint!
Beautiful stuff chick x:)
Beautiful. Your work is such a lovely tribute. So touching.
Viv - what a fantstic tribute! Beautiful - everything it should be!
I have so enjoyed reading this post and your earlier one. Your tribute to Sid and his family is wonderful.
Oh so beautiful. How wonderful that you have immortalised his loving words.
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