10.22.2015

The Story Behind the Pic: October Linkup


Tell me your stories.

This is a link up that is for ALL types of blogs.

Just choose a pic of yours (or more), and tell me the story behind it. It can be funny, silly, serious, sad, etc.

I started this last month (read it here) and am doing it again, today.

Edit: I hope this post doesn't come off as too sad. It is honest and how I was feeling in those moments.


This picture was taken on this past Sunday, my birthday. It was OktoberFest in Helen, GA, and I made everyone buy the traditional Alpine hats. We wore them everywhere, regardless of what clothes we were wearing or what we were doing. If there was a small one for Charlie, I would have made him wear one, too! ;)

The leaves had just started to change a little and the weather was finally cool enough for a sweater. Autumn is my fave. Perfect weekend. I felt so loved. Lucky girl.

Straight up, I hate how I look in this pic--glasses and no makeup. But I made myself leave those things and the computer back in Atlanta. I tried to stay off the phone and enjoy it all. I am the worst at relaxing, especially when it comes to blog-related stuff.

Hard for me to let go.

I had mixed emotions this day--it was the first birthday without my Daddy. I was trying so hard to chill, to celebrate, and I did have a great weekend, but it was hard this day. As crazy as it sounds, I kept expecting him to call me, like he always did. But when a man stopped in front of me and started playing a harmonica, just like my Daddy did, that was all I needed to hear.

Hard for me to let go.


Yes, yes, yes, I LOVE autumn, and one of my traditions growing up was my late Great Granny Sugar's Apple Dapple Cake. My Daddy is the one who started calling her Granny Sugar. I remember eating it every year and I will forever associate it with her. I haven't had it since she passed away 3 years ago (I have no doubt she is fussing over my Daddy in Heaven) and decided this year I would make it.

I had my mom text me the recipe and she sent me this--the recipe written in Granny Sugar's handwriting, that Palmer Method cursive. Sidenote--I am fully aware that it's weird that I know the different methods of cursive handwriting. Handwriting analysis is a hobby of mine. Anyway, this was such a treat to me to see. I would know her handwriting anywhere.

When I moved away for college 3.5 hours away from my small hometown, she came with me (with other family) to help me move in. I didn't have housing there until the weekend before classes started. She had gotten on her knees every night to pray for me to get a room. And I did.

I was the first person in my family to gradate from college. It was a big deal. She was in her 80s then, having survived breast cancer a year or two before. She walked the four floors (!!!) to my dorm room and made my bed. She met my roommates, who were all basketball players. I was an English major, so I never saw them. It was a lonely year, but I grew up.

The next week I got my very first care package at school. It was from Sugar. Inside the box I found crocheted booties made by a lady at her church, a crisp $20 bill, decorative soaps, a card that said With Deepest Sympathy but it was scratched out (she was notorious for doing this--she had a huge box of random cards and never used them for their intended message) and instead she wrote, "I'm so proud of you. I love you, Angel Pie #1."

And the last thing I found in the box was a container of Apple Dapple Cake.

Thanks for reading, and don't forget to link up!
Missed it this time? Next link up is November 24.


52 comments:

  1. I love this photo of you and Charlie! What a gorgeous setting! Your grandma sounds like she was an amazing woman! So funny about the cards!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

    ReplyDelete
  2. That picture of you and your sweet pup is absolutely gorgeous, you, your doggie in the scenery! So beautiful! I love this post girly and I hope you have a most fabulous day!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Love that pic of you and Charlie, and how cute are those hats! *Hugs* gurlie, I'm so glad the guy with the harmonica came by at the right time for you <3

    Green Fashionista

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm glad you were able to make it through your birthday even though it was hard. Your granny sounds awesome! Did you make the cake yet? How did it turn out?

    ReplyDelete
  5. oh my word what a sweet story. your granny sounds so adorable and loving. glad you made that recipe!!

    xoxo cheshire kat

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm sure it was a happy and heart heavy day. Helen is such a fun place to celebrate with friends. Looks like you had a good time! I love that your Sugar rewrites cards!

    Xoxo,

    Whitney & Blaire

    Peaches In A Pod

    ReplyDelete
  7. The story of your grandma gave me chills - I loved it! Thank you for sharing Elle! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston

    ReplyDelete
  8. Aw such a sweet story about your Granny Sugar! My grandmother did the same thing with cards, too funny! And that picture of you and Charlie is adorable! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes

    ReplyDelete
  9. I was thinking about you and the first birthday without your Daddy. Sending you <3!

    ReplyDelete
  10. The picture of you and Charlie is so cute, I can't imagine how tough your first birthday without your dad must have been! And the story about your grandma is very sweet, the recipe sounds delicious :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Such a fun idea! I love you and your sweet pup! I love having recipe cards like that written in my mom’s/grandma’s handwriting because they are more special to make the recipe like that!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thank you for being so honest and sharing how you were really feeling. I'm sorry for your loss :( I can't imagine how hard that would be. I know you don't like how you look in that photo, but I think you look perfect. <3

    ReplyDelete
  13. This must have been a tough story to share, but thank you for sharing it! And for what it's worth, I think you look great in classes. You're beautiful Elle- inside and out! Thank you for hosting this linkup :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. What a sweet story about your grandmother! And such a cute picture of you are Charlie!

    xo, Rachel
    A Blonde's Moment

    ReplyDelete
  15. I miss my grandmas! It sounds like you were blessed with such a wonderful dad and grandma. My husband lost both of his parents fairly young (sixties is too young IMHO!) and I know he still had a hard time dealing with it on his birthday, holidays, etc. All you can do is hold those memories tight! It sounds like you had a great birthday and that hat is too cute on you and you look great without makeup!!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

    ReplyDelete

  16. Just amazing and love it!! Thank you for your thoughts on my WMCFashionWeek experience.

    MyLyfeMyStory

    ReplyDelete
  17. I know what you mean about it being hard to let go- I'm the same way, both with the hustle-bustle of daily life (and the tech that comes with it!) and letting go of old traditions and relationships you're used to. It is totally understandable to miss your dad on your first birthday without him- absolutely you would! And no worries about how you look in the picture- you look happy and smiley and gorgeous and oh-so-fall. :)

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

    ReplyDelete
  18. What an adorable photo of you two and a lovely story about your gran. <3
    International Foodie Files

    ReplyDelete
  19. Such an adorable pic of you and Charlie! Love that you guys all wore your hats! Such a cute idea! I love that a man started to play the harmonica like your dad! That was definitely his way of saying happy birthday! :)

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

    ReplyDelete
  20. This is such a sweet, wonderful post and story and thank you for sharing it. I love that when you were sad, a man playing the harmonica appeared. Definitely the universe sending you a sign.

    And for what it's worth, I think you look adorable in the picture.

    Also, handwriting analysis? As a hobby? That is crazy interesting!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Such a sweet post, Elle! I'm sure it means a lot to have that hand written recipe from your Granny. I bet that is one amazing cake. I'm sure that man playing the harmonica was definitely your Dad saying Happy Birthday!

    xo,
    Angela

    ReplyDelete
  22. Love this link up... I hate it was on Thursday (Thankful Thursdays)... let's make a deal you don't do them on Thursday ok? :) haha ... I want to join in so bad. love the 'behind' stories of pictures.

    Glad you enjoyed your birthday & did just turn things off & enjoy life that day - especially to celebrate it for your dad :(

    ReplyDelete
  23. Oh how sweet! I think the first photo is beautiful, and I loved reading the story about your grandmother. My grandma also loved to bake and I love going through my mom's old recipes that have some of hers in her handwriting!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I hope you had a great birthday weekend with your friends. Even though your dad wasn't there as the harmonica guy proved, he was there in spirit. :)
    Your granny sounds like she was hilarious. The card thing made me laugh. Her apple dapple cake sounds yummy!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Thanks for sharing, this was a really sweet post. :)

    Xo Ally

    www.allysoninwonderland.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. I think that's a great pic of you and Charlie! So glad you enjoyed your weekend :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. What a great memory of your Granny Sugar. Cake is the way to the heart! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  28. Love this post! And I totally understand having a hard time slowing down and letting go. Hope you had a happy birthday! And your memories are so sweet! :)

    ReplyDelete
  29. I think you and Charlie look cute. I love the recipe card!! My mom gave me a recipe card that my grandma wroteher spanish rice recipe. On the back of the card she even wrote "Have Deenie taste test for pepper/salt. She is the rice expert." Deenie is what she used to call me. That food splattered recipe card is one of my prized possessions. I am sure this one is for you too!!!! Granny sugar, such a cute name!!! I also was the first to graduate college in my family :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. What an adorable pic! Love that you made everyone wear alpine hats. It's your birthday! I think I need to steal this recipe. :)

    http://www.kathrineeldridge.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. I love your stories, Elle! Your daddy is with your everyday, and he was singing happy birthday to you from heaven. The man playing the harmonica was a sign of him singing. I love the story about your grandmother- her hand writing reminds me of my grandmas so that made me smile! And you look gorgoues in your picture!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Such a cute pic and your story about Granny Sugar is the sweetest!

    Rowena @ rolala loves

    ReplyDelete
  33. Such a wonderful story!!! So sincere, warm and full of love. x

    ReplyDelete
  34. That is such a touching story about your grandma! Mine used to cook green beans soup and it reminds me of her whenever I have it. Great comfort food in the winter!

    Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking

    ReplyDelete
  35. I loved reading this Elle. It sounds like you had a great birthday but I am sure it was hard as you said and I send you hugs! The story about Sugar was awesome. Its amazing how people and foods can have such specific memories. I loved it!

    ReplyDelete
  36. I loved the stories behind your pictures! They were sentimental and sweet. Sending you love, I'm sure the first birthday without your dad was tough.

    ReplyDelete
  37. You look so pretty, I'm sure it was tough facing the day without your dad. I'll pray for you!

    God bless,
    XO, Claire
    Http://www.littlemissfashionqueen.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. This is an awesome photo, and I loved reading the story behind it! It didn't come off as sad at all; it seems very strong to me.

    ReplyDelete
  39. You and Charlie look so cute, and your grandma sounds like a wonderful lady! I'm sorry it was a tough birthday for you.

    ReplyDelete
  40. First of all I think you look adorable in that hat. And how cool you all wore matching hats. The dark red shade is perfect for Fall too. Secondly, this post make my heart break for you as you fondly remember your dad and your grandma. Her recipe sounds great and she has beautiful hand-writing. And how cool of that man to play the harmonica right when you thought of your dad. I am sorry you celebrated this birthday without your father.

    Hugs to you Elle.


    P.S. I will remember to link up this time because I find the idea behind this link-up so fun and unique!

    ReplyDelete
  41. You look gorgeous even if you think you don't. I'm incredibly sorry about your losses, your Granny Sugar sounded like the sweetest lady.

    ReplyDelete
  42. I see that the leaves are changing in GA too. You do look cute, I'm the same way about glasses. I have to wear them now because I had eye surgery 2 years ago & my eyes have gotten worse. I can't wear contacts anymore because of the surgery. It must have been hard without your Dad.
    http://therantingsofadramaqueensmum.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. So sorry to hear about your dad, how perfect that the man started to play the harmonica. Hope you had a good birthday and know your dad was there in spirit!

    ReplyDelete
  44. You look amazing in this picture! I had no idea you weren't wearing make up! You have some seriously amazing skin!
    ~Sara

    ReplyDelete
  45. Aw! I love reading that story of your Grandma! And that picture is so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  46. I've been relaxing a little too much lately and enjoying life more without worrying about losing blog followers, YT subbies, etc. And I must say, I actually really relaxed. For the first time in ages! I am sorry that your still dealing with the loss of your father. I know people say it gets easier, but I really don't believe that to be true when you really were close to the person or in the case of a parent. My Dad passed when I was only 22 and my mother when I was 30 and I still miss them both terribly and find myself still wishing I could pick up my phone to call them. I have 3 sisters and that is it. Noone left to carry on our name if I don't have a baby then my niece Hailey is the end of the line, (No pressure) so anyways, I sure hope you enjoyed your special bday weekend anyways. I'm sure your dad was there as well. Love you and Charlie pics.... XO

    ReplyDelete
  47. aw hon i am so sorry you hate that picture. you look amazing, makeup or no. i can't even imagine what this birthday was like without your father. sounds like he was there though. hugs xx

    ReplyDelete
  48. I love that shot of you and Charlie! I know what it's like to not like a photo of myself, though, so I understand that. But really it's such a pretty setting! And you look great! :)

    Birthdays are such a hard day for losses. Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays... they're difficult. I'm so sorry you are having to go through this. I can't imagine.

    On a lighter note - I think it's so cool that you know all about different types of hand writing! What a unique skill!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Such a cool story! I hope you made the cake and it tasted the way Granny Sugar made it. :)

    P.S. I am kind of a handwriting nerd, too, though I don't know all the different types. Time to do some research.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Your grandmother sounded absolutely lovely (bless that cursive script) and thank you for sharing that touching memory with us

    ReplyDelete

I respond to comments via email, so make sure I can respond!
For a faster response, please use Twitter or email: elleseesyou@gmail.com

More ways to keep up with me: Bloglovin, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram , Youtube or email: elleseesyou@gmail.com

You made my day by visiting! See ya tomorrow :)

Disclaimer:

All products mentioned are purchased by me unless stated.
All pics, thoughts, etc, are mine unless otherwise noted. Publishing or redistributing any content from this blog is strictly prohibited. Please seek permission first. Thank you.




Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...