It was one year ago today that Vernon died.* I thought I’d say just a few things about Allison.
You’ll remember the trial of it all, if you’ve heard bits now and then. Many have followed Allison’s blog, and have been impressed with her honesty and insights and strength, not to mention her prowess with the pen. Reading through it you can’t help but think there’s a book in the making . . . and maybe so . . . but Allison keeps having new ideas. It’s part of what keeps her going.
You know, if you know her at all, she’s a person with multiple talents. Her photography shows an eye and skill of staging that many professionals could envy. Maybe it comes out of her CalArts degree in theater, who knows? Check it out here: allisonmoorephoto.com.
Then she paints. Have you seen the recent series she calls “Ground Breaking Girls”? It’s portraits of women through history who have made a difference. She accompanies them with brief bios. There should be a book there too, and maybe will be.
Lately she’s been inspired with abstract painting. The photo above was the day of that birth, just a month or so ago. I wanted to paint but had no ideas so just put a blank canvas up on the studio wall and invited Allison to join me. Below are a couple of photos of how it evolved.
I could brag, with equal substance, about each of our children, and maybe I will someday. But today it seemed right to say just a few things about how this one is surviving, even thriving, one year into her widowhood.
Not mentioned are the real occupations, her two children . . . Vernon’s son Maki, and their daughter Justine. Tonight we’ll take them all to dinner. We’ll acknowledge the past, particularly this past year. But mostly, I think, we’ll talk about the future, the plans, the hopes, and all the ideas yet to pursue.
It’s what keeps us all going.
Here is just one of the walls Allison filled with her “Ground Breaking Girls” at our last show at the house. (As with all, click to enlarge.)
Here’s how our shared canvas looked after a couple of days. You’ll see we went in completely different directions . . . her’s following whims, mine a take on Jesus and the children . . . which didn’t last.
As Allison says in her blog, “the artist has very little say in where the painting will go, how it will emerge, or if she’ll even like the thing when it’s finished.” I decided I didn’t like mine and went over it with a whole new idea. In the end we cut the canvas in two. Happily both paintings have found new homes.
For more on Allison’s abstract paintings, and her state of mind as of yesterday, check out her latest blog, here.
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* Vernon suffered a tragic motor scooter accident with a truck. He was in hospital two and a half years, never fully recovering, then died.)
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
9:21 am
How could it be a whole year? I’m reminded how slowly time seemed to move as we followed Allison’s blog and prayed for some kind of miracle for Vernon…..and then how fast this past year has sped by us….praising the Lord for His wonderful work in providing His peace and comfort for her…..and for the extra dose of talents that all the Moores were given!…….not saying the allotments of talents is fair……but wonderful!
2:40 pm
Thanks, Mabel. You’re funny, about the “fairness” thing.
10:03 am
She’s not just a multitalented person, she’s a remarkable human, an exceptional soul. Ironically, just last night I was looking for a font and unwittingly selected one of Vernon’s. Brought it all back.
2:42 pm
I think you’re right, Chris. She was, and then all this has made her more. I’m grateful.
11:00 am
You gave a beautiful tribute. May dinner tonight be rich and memorable. Love to all. PS Vernon’s fonts continue on my Hospitality Wall Calendar 2018 and the Every Table Tells a Story Hospitality Planner – best of the best!
2:43 pm
Thanks, Sue. BTW, the fonts I use on this blog are Vernon’s too.
11:47 am
As one of your and Allison’s devoted followers (I have followed Allison’s postings from the very beginning of her long journey with her dear husband, Vernon, never missing even one) I am moved deeply by the creativity and resilience you and your family have so richly been blessed with and that you share with the world. What a true inspiration each of you have given, including Maki and Justine. May God continue his blessings upon you.
2:47 pm
Thanks, Suszanne, for your kind and detailed remarks. Amazing that you’ve followed it all. Good that you’re giving tribute to the proper Source.
12:21 pm
Allison is indeed talented….love her “ground breaking girls” series! And the Father will indeed heal her wounds, especially as she takes time to unravel it all with her painting; as well as the help of her dear family. So enjoy and am inspired by your lives together.
2:49 pm
Yes, our lives together. It’s providential that though four of our five children all live not less than a day’s drive away (or much father), it’s Allison and family that live right here, just ten minutes away. It’s another thing we’re grateful for.
10:00 am
Hi Hyatt,
I really admire your talents and Allison’s. I remember way back in our Huntington Beach days and we socialized some. You challenged me by asking what do you do to stay challenged and use your free time wisely. I said I study classical guitar and you agreed that was a good idea. Today I still play and practice classical. However I don’t have a particular musical talent but I plan to be accomplished one day in heaven! Thank you for sharing.
Frank
2:58 pm
Thanks, Frank. I’d forgotten. I still think that a good choice. As we speak I’m listening to classical guitar. It’s already the music of heaven.
9:32 pm
I love that you and Allison worked on a painting together and came up with two totally different paintings. Maybe that could become a recurring activity?
1:59 pm
Thanks, Acacia. Yes, it was fun . . . but every painter paints very different . . . as this one showed.
6:48 am
Beautiful tribute to your daughter. So much love there. Thank you for sharing with us.
2:01 pm
Glad you see it at the depth. Thanks.