Sunday 23 February 2014

8: Joan


Portraits - the Motherhood series. 

Joan. My Nana, and one of the namesakes of this blog. Much loved Matriarch, she's a mother of four, Grandmother of ten and Great Grandmother of seven.
I think the key to a happy life lies within our relationships and connections to each other. My belief in this is largely set by her example. Nana is a great conversationalist. Though she probably wouldn't think so. Not in an overly gregarious sense, more that she's generous in conversation, agreeable. She offers as much as she listens. These days I feel like the art of real life conversation is kind of a lost virtue. It's a quality that I find so endearing of her. I can sit and chat with her for hours. I often do. We'll talk of the old days or the latest celebrity gossip, I can confide in her about anything. Not so long ago, I sent Nana an sms and asked what were the things that made her happy. She replied;

"Dear Belinda, the things that make me happy and proud are my family, being independent, owning my own home, security, privacy and being accepted. Sounds boring but they are important to me. Love Nana"

Practical, humble and honest. This portrait was taken in her kitchen after lunch, countless cups of tea and good conversation going into the late afternoon. She laughed as I constantly clicked away with the camera, uncomfortable with having her picture taken but generously accommodating me all the same. Could not love her more.

(You can read more about Joan in this post. Click through if, like me, you love poring over vintage photos, some great ones there!)

You can view all of my portraits from 2013/14 by clicking on the Portrait Series links in the right sidebar of this page.

Belinda x

5 comments:

  1. Oh she sounds just like my nana, whom I miss greatly. SMS I am so impressed...thank her for her wisdom. xxx

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  2. Just lovely - such an inspiration. I'm very impressed with both her texting ability (I'm still learning) and her wise words! I also loved checking out all the old photos - you can see her beautiful spirit from the beginning!

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  3. This is so beautiful! She sounds like a fantastic person friend! And how blessed you are to be able to learn from her and have time with her to just chat! I miss my Gram dearly...and would love to have had more time with her. An inspiring post lady...a wonderful week ahead friend! Nicole xoxo

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  4. This is a beautiful tribute to your Nana and a gorgeous portrait of her too. I was very close to my Grandmother too and miss her everyday since she passed away 2 years ago. Grandmothers are so precious, it's beautiful you named your blog after her....Mel x

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  5. Such a beautiful shot. If there were no words underneath the photo still captured what you were tryin' to say. Your Nana seems like a very lovely lady.

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Thanks for your comment, so nice to hear from you. Belinda x

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