Thursday, December 15, 2011

Picking Poppies . . . what's behind the name



"Picking Poppies", it has absolutely nothing to do with flowers,
and everything to do with picking . . .  weeds that is.

You see,
I knew someone who was very generous, and
not just because he gave often, but because he gave so much of what he had.
Who grew rhubarb in his garden,
 which was that one thing he would always want to show you when you came to visit.
 Yes, he was proud of that rhubarb.
And speaking of visits,
for as long as I can remember he had one every afternoon from a duck
and when he was tired, he would put his head in his pocket and fall asleep.
It was not unusual to find this someone in a white tank top, with his pants rolled up,
some leather driving slippers and his sailor hat.
Oh yes, I can't forget his white socks of course!
And you would, while you were visiting, most often find him in his yard
with a bucket and his dibble
and that is where we had some of our best conversations . . . picking weeds.
This someone loved me,
and I loved him back.
He was my grandfather . . . I called him Poppy.



I'm pretty sure he would be tickled to know that I named my blog after him, and even more so
at the technology of digital photography. I'm not sure how old he is in this photo, but isn't
he a handsome guy!  I miss you to the moon and back!!

Love, Kim
XO





13 comments:

Kmcblackburn said...

Oh my friend, thank you for sharing the story behind the name of your blog. It makes it even more personal every time I come to visit now. What a HANDSOME man! And seriously, don't you just LOVE old photos?!?!? Makes me wonder if our grandkids will sit around the antiquated "computer" and reminisce over old digitals???? :) Wonderful post!

Kathy

Unknown said...

What a sweet story. And what a great photograph to have.

Ellie said...

Awe, what a lovely story and tribute to your dear Poppy. Thank you for sharing.

Honey from the Bee said...

So glad to finally know the "secret." What precious memories you have of him and indeed he must be proud and always feel loved. Grandpas are the best!

Great photo of him! He looks like a movie star!

Tamar SB said...

What a wonderful story! That photograph is just wonderful, too!

Kathryn Dyche said...

Thanks for sharing such wonderful memories. What a great photo too.

Leslie Todd said...

Your grandfather was a handsome fellow! The blog and post is a wonderful tribute to him.

TesoriTrovati said...

So sweet! Thank you for sharing that. What a delightful tribute! I never knew any of my grandfathers and it would have been nice to have one in my life. Thank you for sharing yours.
Enjoy the day.
Erin

Brooke said...

He sounds like a charming and giving man!!

Lisa Gordon said...

I am sure he'd be tickled too!
What a beautiful post this is Kim.

Nancy said...

What sweet memories you have of your Poppy. That's what we called my mother's father too. He was also a very nice and giving man. xoxo

deb duty said...

This is so sweet. I still miss my grandfather even though he's been gone since I was 10.

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

Beautiful post Kim. I had wondered about your blog name but would never have guessed the real story. Your grandfather was handsome indeed.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...