This is for this week's Twisted Sistahs Challenge which was presented by Tater. Phyllis asked us to make a card that was representative of our heritage. I chose to go with my mother's side which is Russian. I never had a set of these Matryoshka dolls, but some other members of my family did, and I remember playing with them as a child. The textured background represents the pot holders my grandmother used to crochet for Christmas gifts. She also made lots of doilies. I have some of those. She tried to teach me to crochet when I was young, but she went too fast for me. I did learn how later, though. The white, blue and red strips are representative of the Russian flag (current). This one was adopted in 1993 after several flag changes over the years. It was originally adopted in 1868. My mother still speaks a little Russian, mostly prayers and blessings though. My mother is 95 and the last of her generation.
My grandfather fled Russia soon after the turn of the century. He feared assassination since he had been in the czar's army. He and his family went to Brazil. While there, his wife died and left him with children to care for. My grandmother's husband came to the United States and then later sent for my grandmother and their two daughters. When she was pregnant with my Aunt Mary, her husband died. My grandfather had come to the United States with his children, and the Molokan (Russian for "milk-drinkers") Church in East Los Angeles brought them together. They were married before my Aunt Mary was born in 1913. My mother, born in 1915, was the first born of their union.
If you would like to join in on this TSC, just make a card that is represenative of your heritage and use TSC1015 in your keywords. Thanks for taking a peek!
Registered: March 26, 2007 Location: Iowa Posts: 7344
Fri, Oct 15, 2010 @ 11:33 AM
I love your nesting dolls. I have this set, but haven't used it yet. I enjoyed your background story too. I have two sets of nesting dolls. One my older son got me while he was studying Russian and the other I purchased myself. The one I bought still has the sticker on the bottom with CCCP (Soviet Union).
------------------------------ Suzanne Lifetime 10/16/08 Back to WW 8/9/18. Down 108.4 pounds. Lifetime2 - 11/23/2019 My Gallery
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni Stamp Like You Mean It
Registered: March 24, 2006 Location: Posts: 38589
Fri, Oct 15, 2010 @ 12:02 PM
CarrollAnn, your story is beautiful! I hope to someday hear your mom whisper a prayer in Russian! (I love that lil gal!) Your card is wonderful Sistah. I love how you have represented your heritage so well. I especially enjoy the bg that reflects on your grandmother's needle work! Precious! This is a top notch effort. BIG fat hugs to you CA, LYMI (and kiss that Mama for me!)
------------------------------ Pat Smethers "The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun scorched land and strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden." Isaiah 58:11
Registered: September 17, 2006 Location: San Marcos, Tx Posts: 3011
Fri, Oct 15, 2010 @ 2:33 PM
How awesome to read a bit of your heritage! Russian! And the perfect stamp for it too. Loved the lesson you shared in the Russian history. See, I told you we'd all learn something!! Thanks for inserting the invite for ANYONE to join the challenge. I always forget to say it!
------------------------------ Ich bin Klein. Mach mein Herze rein Soll niemand anderen drin wohnen Als Jesus allein. (I am little. Make my heart clean. Don't let anyone else live in it but Jesus alone.)
Registered: June 10, 2007 Location: BC Posts: 44872
Sat, Oct 16, 2010 @ 1:19 AM
Ohhh you've coloured those babuska girls to perfection! Oh how cute, CarrollAnn!!! What an interesting heritage!!! For me - my great great grandparents came over to Canada long ago - one side is Icelandic -the other side is Scottish. No big tale there! Thanks for sharing your heritage!
Registered: February 21, 2007 Location: Bay City, MICHIGAN Posts: 17556
Sat, Oct 23, 2010 @ 9:41 AM
How beautiful it was to read of your heritage, and how lucky you are to know so much about your family. God bless your dear Mother who can still pray in her native language. Your card is so perfect for this challenge - the images, and even the flag's colors - you certainly have met the challenge!! Thanks for sharing your family's history !
------------------------------ SUE aka GREENIE - Twisted Sistah Handmade cards because..No one displays an email on their mantle, or saves a FB post in a box of treasures! Nothing is impossible with God!