Tea With Tasha Tudor – One of Mother’s Special Memories (and Mine)

AlzheimersNotes.com

Something may occur that brings back memories of a special occasion with your Alzheimer’s parent. The announcement of children’s book author/illustrator Tasha Tudor’s death, at age 92, although sad, brought to mind my meeting with her years ago. Mother also was involved in this special day. 

Perhaps some of you have her enchantingly illustrated books, have read them yourself or to your children.  She also took pleasure in the handcrafts of days ago and shared those with others.

Tea Party Memories

My memory involves a tea party with Tasha, when I was an aspiring author just out of college. I studied her art and writing in a children’s literature class and was fascinated by her work. When I had an opportunity to visit at her farmhouse in New Hampshire (the state where I moved after college graduation and marriage), I was thrilled.

We spent a quiet afternoon before her fireplace, where she made tea and toast and talked with me about writing. I’d had nothing published yet, and she warned me it wasn’t easy, getting started as a children’s writer and illustrator.  

Then when my parents and aunt, who were visiting me and had driven me to Tasha’s home, returned from their jaunt around the nearby countryside, she invited them in for tea and toast, too.  Our talk of books and writing (Mother’s father was a writer) and country homes lingered long in all our memories.  Mother often mentioned that lovely autumn afternoon.

Over the years, I often thought of Tasha Tudor and followed her career and move to Vermont. She inspired me to continue as a children’s writer/illustrator, although my career has branched in many directions.  She also gave my family and me memories that linger in spite of the erosion of Alzheimer’s.

Additional information about Tasha Tudor:

http://www.tashatudorandfamily.com/news.html

Information about my children’s stories, e-mail me above.

(Amazon image; click on cover for details)

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen