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Clara
I am falling more and more in love with vintage cabinet cards and photos. Clara is one of the latest additions to my little "family." Once again, I can't help but wonder about her life. Was she happy? Did she marry, have children, grandchildren and grow old? Why is her photo being sold on eBay? What happened to her family? I will probably never know the answers to these questions, but, little Clara, you now have a home with me.
You may remember seeing Clara in Tree Hugger, and now I've just completed a collage sheet with her sweet, haunting face.
This week's theme for Gothic Arches is heritage. I chose an old family photo taken at a family reunion in 1936 as the basis for my arch.
My grandmother and grandfather are in the photo along with aunts and uncles. The handsome young boy on the right is my father at the age of 10. This is my heritage.
The quote is taken from Family and Politics by Letty Cottin Pegrebin, but it is well worth reading the entire quote.
If the family were a container, it would be a nest, an enduring nest, loosely woven, expansive, and open. If the family were a fruit, it would be an orange, a circle of sections, held together but separable—each segment distinct. If the family were a boat, it would be a canoe that makes no progress unless everyone paddles. If the family were a sport, it would be baseball: a long, slow, nonviolent game that is never over until the last out. If the family were a building, it would be an old but solid structure that contains human history, and appeals to those who see the carved moldings under all the plaster, the wide plank floors under the linoleum, the possibilities.
I love how you've incorporated all these bird/nest elements around the wonderful family photo. The quote is perfect!
Thanks for participating in this week's challenge!
Posted by: Louise | March 24, 2008 at 10:35 PM
The heritage arch is very cool and the quote is perfect for it. I love the entire quote that you selected. Clara is beautiful. She looks like a good egg :) Your collage sheets are treasures.
Joanne
Posted by: Joanne Huffman | March 24, 2008 at 11:14 PM
WOW what a wonderful arch, a beautiful tribute to your family!
JudyNZ
Posted by: Judy NZ | March 25, 2008 at 12:39 AM
Wow this is a dream of collage sheet and a stunning arch. Love it.
Posted by: Sandy | March 25, 2008 at 01:17 AM
fabulous arch!! love the birdsnest and the quote!!!!
Posted by: femmy | March 25, 2008 at 02:35 AM
Fabulous, love it.
Posted by: Hermine | March 25, 2008 at 04:31 AM
Great arch!
Posted by: Willy Anderson | March 25, 2008 at 06:05 AM
Wonderful - thanks for sharing your heritage
Posted by: hilmof | March 25, 2008 at 06:45 AM
Beautiful arch!
Posted by: Audrey | March 25, 2008 at 09:07 AM
Karen I love your arch, gorgeous. Clara is just the sweetest.
Debby
Posted by: debby | March 25, 2008 at 09:34 AM
Your arch is beautiful!
Posted by: Jacqueline | March 25, 2008 at 09:46 AM
Wonderful Arch Karen!
Posted by: Caryl | March 25, 2008 at 10:15 AM
really a wonderful arch!
Posted by: Ilonka | March 25, 2008 at 01:00 PM
Truely stunning arch and a beautiful quotation, Karen!
Posted by: Frieda Oxenham | March 25, 2008 at 02:31 PM
I'm glad Clara found a good home. Love all the arch's you've been doing. Your glass house is super.
Posted by: Kathy McElroy | March 26, 2008 at 01:21 AM
Wow one of your best ever I think. Absolutely love this arch!
Posted by: Nellie | March 26, 2008 at 04:39 AM
What a wonderful arch you´ve made, and your new collage sheet is one of my favourites of yours!
Posted by: Marion | March 26, 2008 at 05:57 AM
great 'family' arch!
Posted by: pauline | March 26, 2008 at 09:03 AM
Clara is a lovely girl!
Posted by: pauline | March 26, 2008 at 09:04 AM
Wonderful arch, I love it :)
Sally
x
Posted by: Sally | March 26, 2008 at 11:32 AM
I love the new collage sheet! Kudos to you and your amazing photoshop skills!
The arch is awesome, too!!!!
shirley
Posted by: shirleymcc | March 26, 2008 at 01:58 PM
Hi Karen! I Love Clara! I have been so busy and know I still owe you a tale of my cow, which I will tell you and have started it but i have been so snowed under with STUFF! Sorry..I haven't forgotten you!
Posted by: Jo Anne | March 26, 2008 at 06:15 PM
This is beautiful and remarkable. I quote is lovely.
Posted by: Patricia | March 27, 2008 at 02:56 AM
Karen: what lovely, moving art! I adore the idea that little Clara finally has a home. jood
Posted by: Jood | March 27, 2008 at 11:47 AM
it's really wonderful ! beautiful artwork !
Posted by: filetta | March 27, 2008 at 01:44 PM