Sunday, December 27, 2009

Sunday Citar - Millet and Emily Dickinson

Jean Francois Millet - "The Shepherdess"




A charm invests a face
Imperfectly beheld.
The lady dare not lift her veil
For fear it be dispelled.

But peers beyond her mesh,
And wishes, and denies,
'Lest interview annul a want
That image satisfies.

Emily Dickinson

For Sunday Citar with Fresh Mommy, I look for a painting and a quote that speak to each other in a way. This painting by Millet has been on my mind all week. This shepherdess has her own kind of Dickinson "veil" as she carries unspoken emotion and possible distress on her petite shoulders. I knew that I needed to post it for you.

I know that the painting especially strikes a chord with me today because it is the 9th anniversary of my father's passing. I kind of feel like that shepherdess today. I miss my Dad.

Thanks to everyone for your wonderful Christmas wishes!! I hope you all enjoyed the holiday very much. I'm happy to say that I'm not surrounded by wrapping paper and cardboard anymore. One kid after another seemed to pop up next to me over the past two days saying, "Can you open this one?" Can you tell that Santa Grandma came bearing her toy sack on Christmas?


26 comments:

WordsPoeticallyWorth said...

A thoughtful concise poem. To hide away in such a fashion (through will or want) is a tearful shame for all who warrant it, regardless of their emmotion. Take care. Bye.

Naqvee said...

wow. so thoughtful & the painting contains silent emotions

He & Me + 3 said...

Beautiful painting. The loss of a parent is so difficult. Glad you all had a nice Christmas.

Unknown said...

I love that picture. I think it is so beautiful! Wonderful poem to go along with it as well.

I am so sorry that you lost your Dad. My husband lost his mom when he was young, and he is especially sad around the holidays. I am sorry for all you are feeling this year especially. May God bless you.

Beth Kephart said...

Thinking of you — this is the season (Dec 30th, three years ago) when I lost my mother. It always makes now a bit melancholy, I find.

Joanne said...

Hello, Septembermom! I'm sending hugs and good wishes to you and your family for all good things in 2010!

I had to remove my book blog for a period, but it is back with a new URL. I hope you will find time in the new year to come back and visit me at Slice of Life.
http://joanne-sliceoflife3.blogspot.com

Randi said...

What a perfect picture! That is exactly how I feel when I am missing my mom! Like there is all this activity behind me but all I can see is the nothing-ness ahead of me. She made Christmas what it was for me as a child. To not have her around at Christmas makes the holiday feel very silent.

So sorry about your dad. It's been eight years since my mom passed but it never gets any easier, does it? It seems like the older we get, the more we need them, even though the opposite should be true.

Flory said...

A beautiful painting, and poem. The holiday season seems to take so much of our time - in good and not so good ways. We should all get some time to show our emotions, if only to ourselves.

Have a happy new year!

Michelle said...

I'm so sorry for the loss of your dad. I can see how you would feel like that shepherdess. It's a gorgeous poem, one I had to read several times. So glad you had a wonderful Christmas -- and that all the boxes and paper are now gone!

Muthering Heights said...

Great quote, as usual! :)

Judith Ellis said...

Wonderful painting and accompanying quote, Kelly. Thank you. Emily Dickinson is an all-time favorite since my early youth. My mom adored her.

Judith Ellis said...

My love I especially send to you today, Kelly.

Becca said...

I am so sorry that you lost your father 9 years ago. I can't even imagine how difficult that must be for you. HUGS

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. I am also hoping that my hubby will get all of these boxes out of my house. LUCKY YOU!

Vickie said...

Those two work beautiful together. Very creative!

I am sorry about your Dad. I miss mine often. It is very hard. {{Hugs}}

I get the "Can you open this" a few times a day times three:)

Hope you are having a great holiday!

T Rex Mom said...

What a beautiful painting - I really like what you said about how it speaks to you about your father. Glad Christmas was nice for your and the family.

Don said...

Christmas... a season of mixed emotions... who would have thought? (Oh, I did.)

The sorority/fraternity of the brokenhearted.

"I will always love you..."

Words that reach beyond the grave.

Jenners said...

Sending you hugs from me and your dad.

Kringle said...

What a gorgeous post.. I am glad I stopped by :)
Blessings
Kringle

Caroline said...

So sorry about your Dad... This is a very emotive painting for sure. I just want to say thank you for all the support over this past year...what a gift you are. Wishing you a blessed 2010... XOXO

Jillien said...

I'm sorry about your father. This was a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing.

In my prayers,

JM

Hyacynth said...

I'm so sorry you're missing your dad so much. It's such a deep-rooted feeling when you long to spend time with someone who no longer is with us. I miss my grandma that way this time of year, especially. Hope you're doing well.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful thoughts, beautiful painting. Sending you love and prosperous vibes for the upcoming year. Always in my prayers.

Corrie Howe said...

Haven't seen you in awhile. Does that mean you've managed to break-free of the computer and blogsphere?

The Write Girl said...

I really love reading Emily Dickinson poems and this painting is quite complimentary. I'm sorry to hear it was the anniversary of your father's passing. I hope you are remembering the fondest memories of him and best wishes in the New Year : )

Unknown said...

Yes, there's so much unspoken in that down-turned face.

I hope your heart is filled with wonderful memories of your dad. (hugs)

kanishk said...

Haven't seen you in awhile. Does that mean you've


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