How does anyone decide on their blog name? Was it easy, a no-brainer, or difficult to the point of despair? When I began this blog way back in 2011, I had no idea of where I was going, how to write a post, how to edit photos, or have a friendship list. Then after talking to Marg Ussher who lives in the Auckland area, and throwing around a few ideas, her help in rearranging the words to what it is now was the deciding moment. For a long time, Walter’s compass was the header photo.
In March , 2010, I made Walter Drake ( 4th March 1919 - 15th April 2010) a wall hanging, a “ Mariner’s Compass” to celebrate not only that day but to represent his time with HMS during WW2. Our friendship was over some 13 or more previous years, and he so enjoyed a visit to our home here in 2002 .
As First Lieutenant, and later Commanding Officer of Motor Launch 106 and finally senior officer of the 51st ML Flotilla, Lieutenant Walter Charles Drake, DSC, RNZNVR took part in thirty four successful mine-laying operations in enemy waters off the Dutch coast in the North Sea.
He was awarded a Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) in July 1944.
Along with this, I also enclosed some words, and the wonderful staff in the Merino Ward at Auckland Hospital kept the parcel, ( a bit more subterfuge ) and brought it in for him on the morning of his birthday, and after opening it, they hung this on the wall in his room.
To Walter
Happy 91st Birthday 4th March 2010
The Mariner’s Compass
Not sitting in the binnacle with the bridge just up above
No shouting down the voice pipe “Starboard 15. Stop Engines, Slow ahead”
A Mariner’s Compass in quilter’s terms, sewn with needle and with thread.
No swinging gimbal and no glass cover for salt spray protection
The four points, North, South, East and West, and others for direction.
Remembering those words; “To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.”
This is sent to you with friendship and with love.
Today I wrote a comment on another blog on what was my most happy mail, real snail mail, and I am sure it was when Walter’s daughter Kristine sent me a card after Walter’s funeral to thank me, and to say that his wall-hanging was at the Felixstowe Museum where memories of the Coastal Forces are displayed. It is on the wall, covered with special glass so it will not fade. A wonderful honour and huge privilege.A small part of our friendship, that has travelled from New Zealand to the UK.
Quotation of the day, by Mark Twain
“ Grief can take care of itself,
but to get the full value of a joy you must have
somebody to divide it with”
Greetings from Jean
.
15 comments:
My blog name came from a joke my husband made, when he referred to my handmade items as "Arts and socks" instead of arts and crafts. I loved it and think it well suits my blog. I added the cat's after requests from friends who wanted to see them. The cats lead you to me! I am glad they did.
What a beautiful tribute you gave to him and now they in a small way have given it back by displaying your beautiful quilt. That is such an amazing story. Carol
Wonderful, Jean - and I can only imagine what your gift meant to Walter while he could enjoy it. My Mom often said "live and learn" when she discovered something new. That became the title of my blog.
Nancy, believe it or not when I read the comment you left today, I immedately remembered reading your post from February about the compass wall hanging you made for Walter. It was such a beautiful story and I love how it ties in with your blog name. I've just always used TishNWonderland for emails and such since I was in college. Sometimes I do feel a bit childish when I have to give it out for something "grown up." But since I've started blogging and decided to use it has my blog name, I proudly give it out. TishNWonderland, it's just who I am. Maybe it's the one thing that will help me keep in touch with my whimsical side.
I have to admit my blog title is rather boring, but it was my son who scanned my diary and turned it into a blog. I still keep my paper diary. In that one I put a picture of the finished quilt and the date and any details as to how it came about. My blog sometimes gets to run off in many directions at once.
Love your story.
What a wonderful story of how you came to have your blog name! It's love to hear tales like this.
A wonderful story - I remember when you posted about giving the wall hanging to Walter.
When I was thinking of starting a blog my header name just came into my mind and I typed it in and then didn't know how to change it.
Such a warm story for a warm friendship. The name I wanted for my blog was the same as my quilting business but it was 'taken' so I extended it to "Quiltmekiwi".
Hello Jean, what a wonderful tribute and a beautiful quilt. It is an honor to have it displayed at the museum. My title and blog "Viewing Nature" started only to record all the beautiful birds and wildlife I was seeing during my walks.
I love the quote, post and quilt. Wishing you a happy day and weekend ahead!
I love this story, and what a perfect tribute to your friend, and the name of your blog is perfect too!
I'm not sure why I named my blog what I did -- We do have pine trees, and there are goldens, so I guess it just worked. If I had to change it, I don't know what it would be -- I'm just not clever that way! :-)
I love your blog name, and I LOVE the quote of the day! I named my blog for what I wish to be someday! I consider it a little prayer every time I write one - keeps me sane/honest.
Your blog name is much more creative than mine is... Mine is just a combination of first and last names. I really had no idea I was going to blog beyond two or three posts...
I remember your story of the compass and commenting that your quilt belonged in a museum, it is so very very special.
This is lovely! Mine came from an article I wrote and was published!
I'm sure that your lovely wall hanging brought great joy to your friend, Walter! What a kind thing to do for a friend. You are so thoughtful, Jean! I'm excited to hear that it is now preserved in the Felixstowe Museum. I am always attracted to textile art of all kinds and enjoy seeing them in museums. I want to know the story behind the piece, especially who made it and why. I think people will find the story and the piece compelling!
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