“and don’t forget Chessie” by Viennese artist, Guido Gruenwald
Little Patters
rain patters through dusk
like long-gone feet of toddlers’
playtime before bed
memories of clean Pjs,
oft-told stories, nodding heads
The image I chose today to accompany the tanka has sentimental value. My stepdad worked for the C&O Railroad for many years and retired from there. I happened across this image back when my own two sons were young and so were my two nephews. The two little boys reminded me of my nephews but also of my sons when they were a few years younger. I found a place that sold the image on tin and gave it to my folks for Christmas one year. When I hear the pattering of the rain on roof, I remember those days of little feet pattering across the floor.
If you want to learn more about the artist and how Chessie the Cat became a trademark for the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Railroad (now known as The Chessie System) visit this link/pdf at: The Legend of Chessie
Lillian is today’s host of dVerse‘ Open Link Night.
Reminder: OLN LIVE is this Saturday at 10 a.m. EST
Tao Talk 
Love your tanka, Lisa, and the precious memories. ♡
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Nancy, thank you and yes they are precious memories <3
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What a sweet memory Lisa. I love the old advertisement to go with your lovely Tanka ☺️💕
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Things were different back then, weren’t they. Thank you, Christine <3
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That takes me back to a great time….and tired time. Love the story and the picture.
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Max, I know what you mean. Glad you enjoyed them, and thank you for always supporting my work.
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Beautifully done, Lisa.
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Carol, thank you very much.
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I love it Lisa. The picture is precious. What great memories.
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Dwight, they looked just like that back then <3
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Our two little boys did also… now they are 50+!!
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I remember those days of pattering feet, Lisa. Life is a series of changes, isn’t it?
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It surely is. It’s probably good we don’t realize how quickly the changes happen while we are experiencing them. It seems like they were little forever, but it was in the blink of an eye.
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I know, time speeds up as they grow 😂
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Such a sweet poem and I loved the back story of this image Li.
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Sadje, thank you <3
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You are most welcome
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A tenderly written tanka, Lisa, spilling with sweet memories. I still love the smell of clean pyjamas when I spend time with my grandsons.
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Kim, thank you, and grandparenthood is a gift from the powrs tha be for getting through parenthood ;) Your grandsons are very lucky to have you for a gramma also.
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My pleasure, Lisa, and thank you.
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Short and sweet, Lisa, a memory savoured…
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Andrew thank you. The golden days <3
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Love the image. Love the tanka. BUT, I JUST managed to close my mouth…my jaw dropped and I was gawking at the name of the artist for this image….my maiden name is Gruenwald!!! I MUST look up this artist!
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Lillian, are you serious!? Talk about synchronicity! Did you visit that link about Chessie? It talks about the artist. Please share what you find about him, will you?
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That’s lovely, Lisa
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Thank you, Glyn. It was nice to reflect on those times.
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I had to smile to see Chessie. I still have Chessie playing cards from my parents. I wish I still had my stuffed Chessie cat though…
And I’m smiling to think of my own children when they were young, too. (K)
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I’m glad this connected with you, Kerfe. Happy to make you smile.
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Love, love this, Lisa! I especially admire this part; “rain patters through dusk like long-gone feet of toddlers.” 💖💖
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Thank you, Sanaa. And did you see the artist’s connect with Lillian? Too strange and wonderful.
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That is so sweet!
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Thanks, Nolcha!
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