Finding pieces a new home

One of the first things I wanted to do was wash this wall handing Mom did and find it a spot in my crafts room. I washed it in the kitchen sink with some detergent for delicates. It took quite a while for the water to run clear but I did it.



After towelling dry, I hung it up to dry in my crafts room on the door handle.



Then I really started to like it being there. It was like an invitation to come in so I am thinking of leaving it there.



All those years and I had no idea Mom made this herself. I used to love this image of a princess in her carriage, I would admire it all the time. I am glad I found this treasure Mom made a home.

My Hair School Hair

I am so glad we found this contact sheet of photos Mom took and that I have evidence of that crazy haircut I had in high school. I only have one other photograph of it and it is just like this, much longer than I remembered. Funny that I grew my hair for 2 years after this cut. Mom must have liked it or thought it made an interesting subject.

Ridler Siblings

A portrait of us taken by Mom, probably near 1990. Not sure where this photo was taken though.

Hursting Avenue

On Saturday July 13, 2013 Auntie Laima drove Jamie and me down to 13 Hursting Avenue to check out the house that she, Mom and Grandma lived in from 1953-1963. She said it was the most stable time period of their childhood.



Auntie Laima drove up to the front of the house.



We got out of the car and took some photographs of it.



I ran down to the end of the street to take a shot of it with both convenience stores on the corners.

Then I hear Jamie and Auntie Laima calling my name and they were waving their arms.



The owners recognized Auntie Laima from when she and Shannon had been here taking photos and decided to give us a tour.

A lot has changed but apparently the brick wall is original.



It was so amazing to be inside the house!



Definitely a highlight for me to really get a sense of family history in Toronto.