Saturday, October 3, 2009

Memories of Emma

MEMORIES OF EMMA

by Dianna Greer Bybee

 

 

My memories of Emma Allebes span nearly 40 years since I was a young teenager growing up in Fair Oaks, CA.  Many of my fondest recollections center around the Allebes home on Sunset Avenue.  Emma's home was just around the corner from where I lived.  I recall turning into the driveway, then the sound and feel of gravel scattering beneath my feet or tires as I approached.

 

I spent many happy hours visiting with Shenna, one of my closest friends, and her family.  Emma always made me feel comfortable and welcome.  Emma's home was so fascinating!  I loved to visit the studio behind the Master bedroom to see the latest creations Emma or the girls were working on—quilts, dolls, wall hangings, clothing…

 

To me the Allebes home was as exciting as any museum!  Between Ted's beautiful art work and Emma's imaginative crafts, there was always something new to enjoy.  I especially loved the arrangement on the dining room wall.  And the measuring wall was fun to search—I prided myself in having a spot on it!  Through the years I often brought visiting friends and relatives over to Emma's to tour the works of art displayed throughout the house.

 

I am a "food person" so some of my warm remembrances are of food in the Allebes home.  It was thrilling when the 'Dutch Man' came by.  I prized the yummy ginger cookies and other treats.  The Christmas Eve open houses at Emma's were always a favorite!  I also liked eating "Hutspot" and will forever remember Shenna's unique Scandinavian wedding ring cake.  When I finger through my recipe box I sometimes see "Tiajuana Torte by Emma Allebes."   It was something I loved as a teen and make even now as an adult.  I think of Emma and it makes me smile. 

 

When I think about Emma I think of a fine seamstress.  I think of Christmas trees displayed until Valentine's Day, and wearable art.  It goes without saying that Emma is brilliantly creative.  But more than that she is a kind, lovely woman.  Emma is also lots of fun!  I can hear her warm laugh even now!  She is a great conversationalist and is so interesting to talk to.  Although she has been one of the busiest women I have known, she always takes time to visit with her friends.  When I come to town, she is always warm and interested in what I am doing.

 

Knowing Emma has added color and spice to my life.  I feel blessed to have associated with her and I am privileged to call her my friend.

 

I love you Emma.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

 

With love,

 

Dianna

 

 

 

 

 

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What is Your Emma Story?

This blog is a chance to remember and honor Emma by bringing us together in a way that can only be done through a medium like the internet. We love her, we will miss her, but she's here for a short time still, and we want to smile and cry and laugh together with her as much as possible while we can.

Emma has touched a monumental number of lives through her work as a mother, grandmother, friend, teacher, artist, and to Ted as a dear wife. There are countless stories that have already been told many times, and there are many others that we're going to learn for the first time as we read them here.

PLEASE SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS, STORIES AND PICTURES!!!

Not only will we be able to laugh and smile together, even after Emma has passed, but we will be sharing this blog with Emma. If you have a story, long or short, silly or sad, pensive or outrageous, please take some time and share it with us and Emma.

This is such a dear time for all of us. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and prayers.

It's easy! To post to Emma's blog, send an email to emmaallebes.post@blogger.com. If you have a picture(s) that you would like to add, make it an attachment to the email. Your email will post automatically.

Please remember to include your name somewhere in the email/post.