Last week I spent several days at Middleton Place Plantation - an 18th century rice plantation and National Historic Landmark comprising 65 acres of America's oldest landscaped gardens. I came across a slave cabin that is now referred to as Eliza's House. Eliza was not the first to live in the cabin, but she was the last. Born in 1891 she passed away in 1986 at age 95. She lived as those before her; chopping her own wood for the fireplace and carrying water back from the well. She tended the gardens for 40 years of her life as well as cooked in the kitchens. When I stood looking through the window and out the other, it was like looking through a soul. I knew immediately that I needed to translate what I saw through my camera lens to paper. This watercolored piece turned into a card is my tribute to Eliza Leach. I am sure when her time was over the Lord was waiting to take her hand and lead her home to freedom. Well done good and faithful servant. So the last will be first and the first will be last. Matthew 20:16
Registered: July 9, 2008 Location: Stars Fell on Alabama Posts: 74640
Fri, Feb 09, 2018 @ 7:44 PM
What a beautiful tribute to this soul. Almost brings tears to my eyes. Beautifully watercolored, too.
------------------------------ My Blog---My Gallery---My PinterestI'm a Punchkateer! (Prez) FOREVERDirty Dozen Alumni2014 CAS Spring DT--- Inspiration Challenge Co- Hostess 12/02/17-12/28/19 Watercolor Wednesday Design Team Hebrews 13:2Brenda
Registered: February 3, 2005 Location: Delray Beach, FL Posts: 34769
Sat, Feb 10, 2018 @ 7:58 PM
Oh, Susie! I read your blog post email and haven't had an opportunity to comment there, but I absolutely loved reading about Eliza and her life. I loved seeing the beauty of Middleton Place Plantation and especially love how you captured the photo of her room. I truly love how you've incorporated her room with the beauty of the plantation and how you brought flowers into her room -- so very appropriate. Yes, she lived a life worth living, and I trust that she heard those precious words from Matthew. You are so dear, and I feel relaxed seeing your work. You inspire me, and thank you so much for sharing your artwork with us. You are loved!! xoxo
------------------------------ Cheryl
Proverbs 3:5-6 My blog
Registered: June 4, 2009 Location: Deatsville, Alabama Posts: 82065
Sun, Feb 11, 2018 @ 3:02 AM
Oh my gosh - your card is soooo lovely, but your story is even more lovely! Wow. You drew this and painted it? You are soooooo talented. What a sweet thing to see and read this morning!
------------------------------ Nancy Williams - Hope your day is Spirit-filled and ink-filled (in that order)!DRS Designs-DT, Punchkateerforever, Dirty Dozen Alumni
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni Proud Fan Club Member Splitcoast Challenge Hostess Teapot Tuesday TEAm
Registered: April 18, 2011 Location: Melbourne, Aus Posts: 51844
Sun, Feb 11, 2018 @ 2:10 PM
Susie your beautiful story brought tears to my eyes, then I saw your card at it took my breath away. You are so talented my dear friend and I am so grateful that you share your art and heart with us at SCS.
------------------------------ Susie
Please don't take your organs to heaven - heaven knows we need them here.
Registered: June 27, 2012 Location: Washington Posts: 25246
Sun, Feb 18, 2018 @ 3:13 PM
There are no words for the beauty of you've captured in your card and how you've been able to portray the beauty surrounding Eliza each day of her life. Your words and how you saw Eliza's world touch my heart, and I am hopeful that she was able to see her world with just such beauty that you have been able to capture. SIMPLE BEAUTY at its best!
------------------------------ Carlene aka Chatterbox-1--My BLOG; My Pinterest;My SCS Gallery; FAVORITES Team Member; 2022 Christmas Card Challenge 75/105. My SCS Goal: Challenge Catch-up; Sketch Challenge Sample Card Team (August 2022--January 2023).