John Dusenberry 1929-1982I am back in the store today after a little vacation celebrating my 54th (yikes) birthday. I haven't had any none-business related time off since, well... forever! I spent the week at a friends house at the Lake of the Ozarks. The weather was perfect and doing nothing was divine. (Of course I antiqued for you! Those pics to come.)
This birthday was especially important to me as my father passed away at 54. Back then, even at a young 25, I knew my father died at an early age, and now that I have hit this number too- it seems even younger. My dad loved to fish and taught me how as well. He bought a vintage trailer at Sunrise Beach (where I was) and he and my mom would head down there after work every Friday for the weekend. He loved the lake and it seemed to bring out even more of the calm, centered man that he already was. My mom said he would get very quiet come Sunday when he knew they had to pack up and head home. I know now just what she means. There is a tranquility that comes from sitting by the lake, nestled in the woods, doing as little as possible.
The Dusenberry Family, circa 1960He died of cancer 29 years ago and when I think of him now, the tears flow like it was yesterday. He was a good man and had none of the issues you sometimes hear of today about fathers. He adored me and my mother, I never heard him swear, I never saw him drunk, he never had a negative thing to say about anyone, he was never mean or even angry. (Well maybe once when I lied at 14 that I was at a girlfriends house but I was driving around with a 24 year old guy) So you can see, this number was big. When your parents die young, you're never really sure you're going to hit that number yourself, so when it arrives it is a very big deal...
And just for grins, a picture of Pearl waiting for mom to unsuccessfully catch dinner.And now...
Announcing the winners of our Press Junket Giveaway!
Sandi F. from Canton, MA and Katie C. from Ithaca, NY. Congratulations to you both and your package will be mailed this week.
Thanks to all for entering. Never fret! Your names will be saved for future giveaways.
ALSO! All Halloween items, in the store and online are 20% off.
SHOP ONLINE 24/7 at curioussofa.com
21 comments:
I love the vintage shot with that steed!
Just great and good looking.
L.
From one October babe to another - Happy Birthday! Looks like a magical place with wonderful memories.
-Julie G. in Iowa
Happy happy Birthday my friend!! I hope you relaxed and had a great time. You are right...what is is about being by the lake, fishing, that is so relaxing. Other than antiquing, and I can't wait for your pics, another fav place is the lake. Celebrate your birthday all week, you deserve it.
Happy Birthday!
I understand completely the peace that the lake brought to your father and to you. You are lucky to have such beautiful memories of your Dad to cherish. Thinking of you...L
Lovely post.
Thank you.
I loved the post, I understand your thiughts, my mom passed away at 51 years of age and I also felt the same way this year when I got there. It has been 21 years of missing of my mom, however I know she is happy and in no pain. HUGS MARY
~*~*Happy belated birthday!!!~~*~*Hugs,Rachel~*~*
Thank you so much for sharing your cherished memories of your Dad and Mom!
Happy Birthday! I am an October Birthday girl too ~ and am excited on my giveaway win!! Thank you!!
Happy Birthday...love the photo of Pearl!!! Nice tribute to your Dad...sounds like a wonderful man.
Happy belated birthday!! Lovely memories of your Dad, keep those close to your heart. I know I do mine!
Carol in GA
What a beautiful tribute to your loving father. I hear you sister.
Blessings,
M
Happy Birthday Debbie! I know what you mean - my uncle (my mother's older brother) died at 52, and my mother was terrified of hitting that age (they tend to die young in her family, or they did anyway) - now she's an active 75 year old so the curse is over - hopefully!
That shot of Pearl is adorable!
Happy Birthday Deb! I'm turning 50 next year, not sure how I feel about that yet! LOL!
Hope to see you in Texas in the spring!
Theresa
aka: TOT
Happy Birthday! Understand totally about missing your dad. My father passed away two years ago and I never understood how deep the pain of a significant loss was until now. Life is altered and the longing to talk to or hug them never goes away. Blessings on your birthday.
My Dad and your's must have been cut out of the same cloth! Mine died almost 5 years ago, and although I'm (usually) past the tears, I'm wistful when I think of him. It's an uncommon blessing to have such a wonderful growing up, I fear -- so thanks for the tender reminder of how lucky we are.
Your dad left a wonderful legacy...you have done well by him! I love the picture you have of him on the horse. Wow...he was handsome.
Ahhh...........lovely pics of your handsome father and the three of you. What a great tribute to a wonderful dad....so sorry he left too soon.
That sweetie Pearl is a great fishing buddie I'm sure - perfect shot of her lakeside.
Belated happy birthday dear - mine is here in a few days and let me tell you I have many years on you - but each one is special and I'm so grateful they keeping popping up!
I'm 'shopkeeping' of sorts now - recently opened a booth with a young friend at a local antiques shop...........having so much fun searching for treasure and displaying. Have to thank you Debbie for all the tips you share on display......forgive me if I 'borrow' some now and then!!
Great weekend wishes - glad you had a break at the lovely lake.
Hugs - Mary
A Breath of Fresh Air
A sweet, sweet post. He left you wonderful memories to live by.
Congratulations to the winners!
Love the family love photo. happy belated Birthday.
And Pearl is so sweet on the dock there with her life jacket on. I love dogs they are little furry sweet people.
Janice
Congrats to those winners (lucky them!)
Belated "Happy Birthday" to you! Your lake retreat time sounds like the perfect birthday gift. I always enjoy time we spend at our little (one room) cabin at our lake. So peaceful
Heidi
I grew up in Kansas City, our house was near 75th and Mission Road. I want to affirm your comments about losing a parent when they are young. My Mother died at the age of 40 of cancer. I don't think I really considered that as I planned my life but I know that until I was 40 I played away the years. After 40 I went back to school, earned a doctorate and became a research scientist. Yes indeed, my Mother's death did affect me.
I loved the tribute to your Father. It reminded me of an era that is gone forever. I am so glad you have that to remind you that there are good and decent people in the world. Ann
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