I have been a huge fan of the charismatic and hilarious Josh Flagg ever since tuning in to "Million Dollar Listing" on Bravo.
Today I am thrilled to announce a collaboration between Josh and Everyday Minerals, as well as an exclusive interview where I sat down with Josh on a recent trip to Los Angeles.
Look at that pose - Josh knows what he's doing! :)
I teamed up with Josh to create this exclusive set of new shades that will only be available for a limited time!
Check out Josh Flagg's Million Dollar Makeup Kit!
Josh had a lot of fun naming these shades - he drew his inspiration from the different neighborhoods of LA that he sells homes in. Here we have Doheny Estates, Beverly Hills, Holmby Hills, Trousdale Estates, and Bel Air. So fun!
I also included, All Smiles Pressed Blush, Viki's Radiant Creation, the special Baby Flat Top Brush and Junior Eye Kabuki!
Proceeds will go to benefit the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles. For more information on this charity, check out http://www.jewishla.org.
While many of you know that Josh is a successful Los Angeles real estate agent, you might not know that he is also an author! Josh has penned a book, "A Simple Girl: Stories My Grandmother Told Me," as a way to pay tribute to his vivacious and inspirational grandmother, Edith (who you also may recognize from his show!)
Here are the two posing with Josh's book. How adorable!
In the book, Josh tells a classic "rags to riches" story of his grandmother Edith, a Holocaust survivor who immigrated to the United States with only $5 in her pocket, and went on to create a multi-million dollar clothing business by introducing polyester to the US.
These are some of Edith's designs - they are so chic!
Josh's book is a loving testament to his family and heritage, as he has worked on this collection of stories for the past 10 years. So inspirational!
My chat with Josh was, in a word, fun. He is such a sweet guy and I had such a great time learning more about him.
Carina Menzies: Hi Josh! Let's start with where you grew up.
Josh Flagg: I grew up on the Westside of Los Angeles and I am a fourth generation Los Angeleno. In Los Angeles, that is extremely rare, considering if you are a second generation Angeleno, you are considered to be a rarity!
CM: That's so funny. Did you always know you wanted to be a real estate agent?
JF: I did not know I wanted to be a real estate agent until later in life, however, I know I wanted to have something to do with real estate at a very young age. I used to love visiting open houses when I was a little boy, so we weren't sure if I would be an architect or a designer or a broker. I found my calling though when I bega selling high-end houses at 18.
CM: Yes, you've been quite successful at such a young age! What' s the most exciting part of real estate for you?
JF: The most exciting part about real estate for me is showing houses. I'm a showman, and it is an art to show a house.
CM: I can definitely see the showman side of you, I remember on the show when you brought in that white horse for a showing in Malibu!
JF: Ha, that was definitely a memorable showing.
CM: Tell us about your book, what inspired it?
JF: It is the incredible life story of my grandmother who is a Holocaust survivor. During the war, she was a member of the Dutch Underground, a group that saved Jews and non-Jews during the war. She came to the US with only $5 in her pocket, and she and my father and were able to build a huge business out of a mere $2000 she saved up. I loved telling her story.
CM: It's so fascinating! It's obvious that you have a very close relationship with your grandmother. What would you say are the most important life lessons you have learned from her over the years?
JF: Over the years, I have learned many things, but none more important than giving back to the community. Charity is very important to me.
CM: Absolutely. The book is called "Stories My Grandmother Told Me." Do you have a favorite story that she's told you?
JF: My grandmother has had many remarkable stories, too long to tell, but if you read the book, I think one of the best stories is how she discovered polyester.
CM: You have a great sense of personal style, Josh. How would you describe it? Any favorite designers?
JF: I don't really have too many favorite designers, but I do like to wear suits. I have them custom made, I like to use a guy named JR Custom. He makes the best quality suits.
CM: There's nothing like an impeccably tailored suit on a man, I must say. What about home décor? How can you best describe your interior design style?
JF: In a word, my home is very eclectic.
CM: What is something that people might not know about Josh Flagg?
EM: Nothing, my life is public. I'm on a reality TV show. Haha!
CM: Ha! What are some of your favorite things to do in LA, Josh?
JF: My favorite thing to do in LA is drive to Pasadena at around 3PM and look at some of the houses for a few hours, and then go for dinner in the city. Afterwards, I like going to a hotel for coffee and dessert.
CM: I know that you sell homes all over LA, but do you have a favorite neighborhood of the city?
JF: The Sunset Strip. The houses North of Sunset or off of Doheny. This is where I grew up. It is the hottest place to live in town.
CM: Lastly, what's next for Josh Flagg?
JF: Next is continuing what I have been doing, and possibly expanding my territories to the East Coast.
CM: Very exciting stuff! Thanks for sitting down with me today, Josh. I had a ball.
JF: Thanks Carina, as did I!
FUN TASK:
Taking cue from Josh and Edith, what is the most memorable story that your grandmother has told you?
I will be giving away Josh's Million Dollar Makeup Collection along with five autographed copies of Josh's book to my favorites, and trust me - this is a fascinating read!
xoxoxo,
Carina
A Big Congrats to…
Storyteller
Dixie82
KerryElizabeth
Artgecko
Kattykittykat
xxxooo,
Carina
KEEP UP WITH CARINA ON TWITTER - CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW HER!
Comments (62)
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written by jackiescobie, April 05, 2010
written by jackiescobie, April 05, 2010
When I was doing a project at school on family trees, I quizzed my grandmother at length about our family history. The most memorable story she has told me was during that time. She talked of her father, my great grandfather, Wallace Ellison and his life during the First Wold War. She told me how he had been imprisoned in a prisoner-of-war camp and had escaped using a handmade key. He wrote a book about his attempts to escape prison and ultimately his success which can be read online here: http://books.google.co.uk/book...q=&f=false
My grandmother of course had a copy of the book which she let me borrow to read and also showed me the key my great-grandfather had used in his escape. A truly amazing and fascinating story!
My grandmother of course had a copy of the book which she let me borrow to read and also showed me the key my great-grandfather had used in his escape. A truly amazing and fascinating story!
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written by Minute, April 05, 2010
written by Minute, April 05, 2010
I'm a city girl and have grown up surrounded by concrete buildings. My most memorable story is of her childhood - growing up in a farm, where fishing for tadpoles in the rivers, chasing and being chased by dogs, being surrounded by animals are a daily occurence. It's a way of life that I can only experience through stories.
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Zmora!
written by storyteller, April 05, 2010
written by storyteller, April 05, 2010
[Please, read to the end before you suspect my grandma for scaring the poor child! 
]
"Zmora" is a creature in folklore of my country - there are many "definitions" of it - probably in every part of a country "zmoras" were (are?
) a bit different.
Anyway - "zmora" attacks at night - it makes you can't sleep or you sleep, but having nightmares and in the morning you are tired and feel bad. Zmora can even kill you!
And the thing that attracts her is a sin.
When I was a kid and I couldn't sleep in my grandma's house. I was told that it's because of "zmora", who knows my bad secret.
And well... that night, when I heard it for the first time, I had a bad secret!
I did something BAD (now I don't remember what exactly - something like eating an apple from the neighbor's orchard - not asking him for permission).
I promptly promised myself that the next day I'll apologize the neighbor and... at once got a sleep!
Of course the next day I had to apologize... what was a hard thing to do, but... otherwise, "zmora" could became even worse!
Until now: when I can't sleep, I don't take pills but think what is the "zmora" that doesn't let me sleep?
It doesn't have to be "a sin" - it also can be a problem you underestimate or neglect but your intuition tries to tell you about it. When I discover my zmora" I can get asleep. And then - fix things up!
I am very grateful to my (3!) grandmothers for making me aware of "zmoras" or however you name it.
Our intuition often tells us important things that we underestimate or neglect. It's good to try to listen to it - it let's us became more aware of what's going on in our lives.
] "Zmora" is a creature in folklore of my country - there are many "definitions" of it - probably in every part of a country "zmoras" were (are?
) a bit different. Anyway - "zmora" attacks at night - it makes you can't sleep or you sleep, but having nightmares and in the morning you are tired and feel bad. Zmora can even kill you!
And the thing that attracts her is a sin.
When I was a kid and I couldn't sleep in my grandma's house. I was told that it's because of "zmora", who knows my bad secret.
And well... that night, when I heard it for the first time, I had a bad secret!
I did something BAD (now I don't remember what exactly - something like eating an apple from the neighbor's orchard - not asking him for permission).
I promptly promised myself that the next day I'll apologize the neighbor and... at once got a sleep!
Of course the next day I had to apologize... what was a hard thing to do, but... otherwise, "zmora" could became even worse!
Until now: when I can't sleep, I don't take pills but think what is the "zmora" that doesn't let me sleep?
It doesn't have to be "a sin" - it also can be a problem you underestimate or neglect but your intuition tries to tell you about it. When I discover my zmora" I can get asleep. And then - fix things up!
I am very grateful to my (3!) grandmothers for making me aware of "zmoras" or however you name it.
Our intuition often tells us important things that we underestimate or neglect. It's good to try to listen to it - it let's us became more aware of what's going on in our lives.
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written by elle_71125, April 05, 2010
written by elle_71125, April 05, 2010
My grandmother is a remarkable woman. When I was 5, she fell down the stairs in her house and got brain damage. She was left with many different personalities and only one of those was her true persona. In one of her personas, she was a witch. She would walk around with a black cape and black witch hat all day. She saw many brain doctors and no one was able to do anything to help her. After several years, my grandfather, who is a very religious man, brought her to Margoram, which is a Catholic holy place. On on of the days they were there, my grandfather was praying in church about my grandmother, when she suddenly fell over in the pew. When she woke up, she was her normal self again! They returned home and she went back to the same doctors and they could not explain how she had been cured. In my family, we call it a miracle! 
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written by Terri Dell, April 05, 2010
written by Terri Dell, April 05, 2010
My grandmother used to tell me stories of life in upstate NY in a small town where her sister lived. She ran a general store there. Yes, the old fashioned kind with pickles in a barrel and penny candy. Whenever she would tell the stories, it made me feel like I was living in the pioneer days even though this was in the 60's and 70's. I never did get to visit up there but the memories and images her stories gave me will last forever.
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written by Jamie Lynn, April 05, 2010
written by Jamie Lynn, April 05, 2010
One of the most memorable stories my grandmother told me was about her wedding to my grandfather. The day before their wedding, he decided that he wanted a tan instead of his normal very fair Irish complexion. So, he greased himself up and laid himself out on his stomach...and promptly fell asleep. When he woke, he was red as a cooked lobster with blisters the size of your fists. My granny wasn't very happy with him. He stayed shirtless until the very last second before their ceremony because of the blisters; they quickly said their vows and he removed the shirt. Needless to say, the honeymoon had to wait!
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Grandma's are Great!
written by organically, April 05, 2010
written by organically, April 05, 2010
I was young when my Grandma past but I will always remember her telling the tales of her trips across the US. She visited every state with my grandfather while involved in the Coast Guard. She collected little spoons, matchbooks, postcards, pins and small bottles of liquor special to each state. I got all of her pins, some matchbooks and postcards. They are so fun to look at because some are from to 30's and 40's and represent the society of that day and age. I was very fortunate to travel out west with her when I was 5 years old to visit my uncle in Idaho. The trip lasted 22 days and we traveled through19 different states.. stopping to check out the scenic landscapes and national parks. I still remember almost everything 
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written by Lupita8907, April 05, 2010
written by Lupita8907, April 05, 2010
Oh my dearest grandma, she truly is a crack up! This woman is so strong and despite her age she still wrestles with my brother who is 20. 
the most memorable story she told me was about the 8.1 earthquake she encountered in Mexico in 1985. My grandma woke up that day with the mentality of going about her regular routine. Get up, wake the kids up, make breakfast, take them to school, go back home, clean, make dinner, and call it a night. When she dropped off the kids at school, as in my mom and uncles, she retuned to her house to jiffy it up. All of a sudden she hears a rumble coming from afar and hears it coming closer. Suddenly the ground shaking violently. The majority of the items on the shelves fall off and she is swaying side to side and she runs outside in fear of having the house collapse on her. Once outside she sees the light poles and electricity cables swaying violently. After the earthquake she rushes to her kids school and is in shock to see part of the buildings collapsed. Thankfully everyone was ok though and they headed back to their house. My grandpa arrives a short time later to the house and is enthusiastic about the great earthquake that he decides to drive down to the city of Juarez, close to where the earthquake originated. Everyone though he was insane for wanting to drive down there with all the chaos occurring. My grandma though, not wanting her stubborn husband to go alone, went with him as well but she had a very bad idea about it. Once there they saw the majority of the buildings had collapsed, and a lot of people out on the streets. They got out of the car and walked to the hospital of Juarez, a building that had collapsed, to offer their assistance.
All of a sudden the earth starts trembling again and they are caught in a massive aftershock which causes more damage and rescue efforts at the hospital to slow down. They stay in Juarez for a week to help the rescue team at the hospital. Several people were rescued from under the rubble, but the most amazing thing happened on the last day they were there. My grandparents, other volunteers, and the rescue team were able to rescue almost all the new born babies that were in the nursery when the earthquake struck. These babies survived despite lack of nourishment, warmth, or water which is truly amazing. They are known as the "miracle babies." My grandma still tears up every time she tells the story.
the most memorable story she told me was about the 8.1 earthquake she encountered in Mexico in 1985. My grandma woke up that day with the mentality of going about her regular routine. Get up, wake the kids up, make breakfast, take them to school, go back home, clean, make dinner, and call it a night. When she dropped off the kids at school, as in my mom and uncles, she retuned to her house to jiffy it up. All of a sudden she hears a rumble coming from afar and hears it coming closer. Suddenly the ground shaking violently. The majority of the items on the shelves fall off and she is swaying side to side and she runs outside in fear of having the house collapse on her. Once outside she sees the light poles and electricity cables swaying violently. After the earthquake she rushes to her kids school and is in shock to see part of the buildings collapsed. Thankfully everyone was ok though and they headed back to their house. My grandpa arrives a short time later to the house and is enthusiastic about the great earthquake that he decides to drive down to the city of Juarez, close to where the earthquake originated. Everyone though he was insane for wanting to drive down there with all the chaos occurring. My grandma though, not wanting her stubborn husband to go alone, went with him as well but she had a very bad idea about it. Once there they saw the majority of the buildings had collapsed, and a lot of people out on the streets. They got out of the car and walked to the hospital of Juarez, a building that had collapsed, to offer their assistance. All of a sudden the earth starts trembling again and they are caught in a massive aftershock which causes more damage and rescue efforts at the hospital to slow down. They stay in Juarez for a week to help the rescue team at the hospital. Several people were rescued from under the rubble, but the most amazing thing happened on the last day they were there. My grandparents, other volunteers, and the rescue team were able to rescue almost all the new born babies that were in the nursery when the earthquake struck. These babies survived despite lack of nourishment, warmth, or water which is truly amazing. They are known as the "miracle babies." My grandma still tears up every time she tells the story.
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written by lucitabonita, April 05, 2010
written by lucitabonita, April 05, 2010
I love that show!
My grandmother is a riot. She loves to tell stories, one of which is that she ran into Pancho Villa when she was a little girl, and gave him one of her favorite dolls.
My grandmother is a riot. She loves to tell stories, one of which is that she ran into Pancho Villa when she was a little girl, and gave him one of her favorite dolls.
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Grave Robber Grandmother
written by maribellaugh, April 05, 2010
written by maribellaugh, April 05, 2010
My Grandmother was a very funny woman. She used to tell me about when she was a little girl, she used to go to the graveyards and gather the flowers from the graves to make flower arrangements out of them.
Her mother, my great Grandmother never knew where she got them from but always loved the arrangements so much that she would put them on the dining room table. My Grandma thought it was very funny.
Her mother, my great Grandmother never knew where she got them from but always loved the arrangements so much that she would put them on the dining room table. My Grandma thought it was very funny.
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written by nevermore, April 05, 2010
written by nevermore, April 05, 2010
when my grandma was a little girl she lived on the indian reservation in a big tent with her her 8 brothers and 1 sister because they were too poor to buy a house 
such difficult times, especially for the native americans.
her stories always make me feel so blessed and appreciative of the things i have, because she had so very little.
such difficult times, especially for the native americans. her stories always make me feel so blessed and appreciative of the things i have, because she had so very little.
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written by CHaak9603, April 05, 2010
written by CHaak9603, April 05, 2010
I lived with my Grandparents until I was 8 years old, so I share a special bond with them. My Mom was a single parent, so my Grandparents (her parents) watched me while she worked. My Grandparents loved to garden! We always had fresh fruit & veggies! I loved it. And my Grandma has the biggest green thumb I’ve ever seen. She is part of the reason why I love flowers so much. She had and still has a gorgeous garden full of bright colors and tons of different kinds of flowers. I learned a lot of tips and tricks from her and now have a garden of my own. Mine isn’t as lovely as hers, but I’m working on it! :-D
My Grandma used to be a school teacher and is extremely smart. She is especially good with money. One of the things I remember so well is the fact that she always said “a dollar is a lot of money, so make sure to spend it wisely.” She grew up in the Great Depression. She would always tell me stories about what it was like, and back then I could never imagine the times so hard. She also had her home broken into, so she always made sure to keep her money locked up and safe. She has always been a savvy shopper and loves coupons. I love coupons and trying to find good deals, which is another quality I get from her. She is not only a big saver, but so generous as well. She always gives back to help others. My Grandparents are the ones who helped me buy my first car. I am so thankful that they were able to help me in that time while I was so young and didn’t have a full time job. With their help, I was able to get a nice start without having a lot of debt. I did pay a lot for my car on my own, but would have never been able to afford it without their help. It taught me a lot about being independent as well as how to budget for my expenses. I never really understood how important that information was until the economy got to where it is today. The times are rough and people are trying to budget the best they can. I’m so glad to have had my Grandma’s stories and gentle warnings. I never thought I would see our economy in the trouble that it’s in, but at least I had someone there to guide me in how to set up a life for myself. I never understood how a dollar could be a lot of money, but I now have a better idea of what she was talking about. I’m thankful she always told me to spend my money wisely. She has great insight on how to invest money, so I’m lucky to have had the chance to learn about it from her. Even though I’m extremely grateful for their financial help, it’s the information that she gave me that is so valuable. I'm very lucky to still have them in my life. They are so important to me!!! Like you said Carina, Grandmas are so special! I do really miss my other Grandma, Nyeita! But the memories and stories last forever!!
My Grandma used to be a school teacher and is extremely smart. She is especially good with money. One of the things I remember so well is the fact that she always said “a dollar is a lot of money, so make sure to spend it wisely.” She grew up in the Great Depression. She would always tell me stories about what it was like, and back then I could never imagine the times so hard. She also had her home broken into, so she always made sure to keep her money locked up and safe. She has always been a savvy shopper and loves coupons. I love coupons and trying to find good deals, which is another quality I get from her. She is not only a big saver, but so generous as well. She always gives back to help others. My Grandparents are the ones who helped me buy my first car. I am so thankful that they were able to help me in that time while I was so young and didn’t have a full time job. With their help, I was able to get a nice start without having a lot of debt. I did pay a lot for my car on my own, but would have never been able to afford it without their help. It taught me a lot about being independent as well as how to budget for my expenses. I never really understood how important that information was until the economy got to where it is today. The times are rough and people are trying to budget the best they can. I’m so glad to have had my Grandma’s stories and gentle warnings. I never thought I would see our economy in the trouble that it’s in, but at least I had someone there to guide me in how to set up a life for myself. I never understood how a dollar could be a lot of money, but I now have a better idea of what she was talking about. I’m thankful she always told me to spend my money wisely. She has great insight on how to invest money, so I’m lucky to have had the chance to learn about it from her. Even though I’m extremely grateful for their financial help, it’s the information that she gave me that is so valuable. I'm very lucky to still have them in my life. They are so important to me!!! Like you said Carina, Grandmas are so special! I do really miss my other Grandma, Nyeita! But the memories and stories last forever!!
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written by oogieboogie, April 05, 2010
written by oogieboogie, April 05, 2010
My Grandma is such a strong woman!
She looked very dainty but was definitely one tough cookie!
When she was pregnant with my Aunt, my Grandpa was away for work. She lifted something that was too heavy for her, her water broke and she went into labor! No one was around and she lived too far from the next neighbor over to get help so she gave birth to my Aunt on the kitchen table by herself without even a doctor!
I love oral histories of our family. I am actually in the process of recording my grandmother's stories on video and tape so we can cherish them for the future generations.
She looked very dainty but was definitely one tough cookie!
When she was pregnant with my Aunt, my Grandpa was away for work. She lifted something that was too heavy for her, her water broke and she went into labor! No one was around and she lived too far from the next neighbor over to get help so she gave birth to my Aunt on the kitchen table by herself without even a doctor!
I love oral histories of our family. I am actually in the process of recording my grandmother's stories on video and tape so we can cherish them for the future generations.
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written by fayemaygo, April 05, 2010
written by fayemaygo, April 05, 2010
I love that show! Josh Flagg is pretty hilarious.
My Grandma isn't doing very well these days. She has Alzheimer's which is really begining to take it's toll, but when she was with it she used to tell me some "interesting" stories. Her dad was "A Made Man" if you get my drift. She said that often times she would find tons of money stuffed inside of mattresses or in cushions and that there were several occasions where my great grandpa would make a mad dash gathering things and telling them to grab what they could and then she would have to drop everything and move, but they never went without- by the time they would get to their new location a house would be waiting completely furnished to the nines. She always had the nicest clothes, they drove the nicest cars, and she had the nicest dolls. She never received any explanation for the odd childhood, it was always rather a "dont ask, dont tell" or "we dont talk about that" sort of thing.
My Grandma isn't doing very well these days. She has Alzheimer's which is really begining to take it's toll, but when she was with it she used to tell me some "interesting" stories. Her dad was "A Made Man" if you get my drift. She said that often times she would find tons of money stuffed inside of mattresses or in cushions and that there were several occasions where my great grandpa would make a mad dash gathering things and telling them to grab what they could and then she would have to drop everything and move, but they never went without- by the time they would get to their new location a house would be waiting completely furnished to the nines. She always had the nicest clothes, they drove the nicest cars, and she had the nicest dolls. She never received any explanation for the odd childhood, it was always rather a "dont ask, dont tell" or "we dont talk about that" sort of thing.
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written by marshamarshamarsha, April 05, 2010
written by marshamarshamarsha, April 05, 2010
My grandmothers passed away before I was born so I don't have any stories to share but I am really enjoying reading all of yours
Cant wait to receive my Josh Flagg Kit- ordered this morning! Those eyeshadows look beautiful!
Cant wait to receive my Josh Flagg Kit- ordered this morning! Those eyeshadows look beautiful!
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written by Brnbatr, April 05, 2010
written by Brnbatr, April 05, 2010
I was pretty young when my grandma passed away so I dont remember any stories but she used to chase us kids around with her cane all the time.
Not really the sweetest memories but it was pretty funny.
Not really the sweetest memories but it was pretty funny.
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written by muddledmum, April 05, 2010
written by muddledmum, April 05, 2010
My Grandmother was always a very prim and proper woman but had a very subtle sense of humor that only came out rarely. She used to have Tea Parties with me and teach me all the "things that young ladies ought to know", but it was always so fun at her Tea Parties, she would even let my dolls join in.
One story in particular that I always remember was that my Grandfather worked in some high level government position so she would get to meet all sorts of interesting people, and once she had Tea with the Queen of England!
I always thought that was too cool that my Grandmother had Tea with the Queen!
One story in particular that I always remember was that my Grandfather worked in some high level government position so she would get to meet all sorts of interesting people, and once she had Tea with the Queen of England!
I always thought that was too cool that my Grandmother had Tea with the Queen!
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written by connieconn, April 05, 2010
written by connieconn, April 05, 2010
I have so many wonderful thoughts and remembrances of my grandmother. We really didn't get to "talk" alot esp since my grandfather passed away before i was born and she had to take on a full time job in order to support herself and her 4 children.
When i got older i remember sitting with her and her talking about how a woman has to have independence. She told me that when she was a young girl in rhode island her family was wealthy and then when the depression hit they lost every bit of money they had. She talked about what it was like going from her lifestyle that she was used to --to living in a car with her family! she then married my grandfather (when she was a bit older) and made a family (a very working class family--my grandfather came from a lineage of police officers and he became a steel worker). She then lost him at a young age. Years later when she took on a "friend" i can remember her looking at me and telling me "i want to go on a cruise and he didn't want to so i told him to go blow and went by myself" --- she told me "Connie please keep your independence if a man doesn't want to go-go without him"
This is what i learned from my grams
When i got older i remember sitting with her and her talking about how a woman has to have independence. She told me that when she was a young girl in rhode island her family was wealthy and then when the depression hit they lost every bit of money they had. She talked about what it was like going from her lifestyle that she was used to --to living in a car with her family! she then married my grandfather (when she was a bit older) and made a family (a very working class family--my grandfather came from a lineage of police officers and he became a steel worker). She then lost him at a young age. Years later when she took on a "friend" i can remember her looking at me and telling me "i want to go on a cruise and he didn't want to so i told him to go blow and went by myself" --- she told me "Connie please keep your independence if a man doesn't want to go-go without him"
This is what i learned from my grams
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written by caymanali, April 05, 2010
written by caymanali, April 05, 2010
Oh my the kit is FABULOUS!!
My Grandmother is an amazing woman, I love to hear her stories about how she raised up my mother and my 2 uncles. My Grandma and Grandpa were very poor, but rich in love. My Grandpa was a school teacher in there very small hometown, he actually taught my mother and her brothers. Grandma was a full time mother and truly worked the land to raise her family and keep food on the table. In may have been the late 50's but my mother was raised in a home without a bathroom (the had an outhouse!) and they did not have a working car until the 60s. Until the car they actually travelled by horse and buggy or SLED in the winter time. It's amazing to hear how hard life was for my Grandmother and how just an every day back then in rural Canada was HARD WORK. I mean the woman milked the cow, washed the laundry by hand and worked their plentiful garden. I also love hearing stories from my Grandmother about the Great Depression, it really changed her. To this day my Grandma wastes nothing and can make a family meal of soup out of darned near ANYTHING. I remember her telling me that things were so tough, they had nothing but still her and her sister wanted to look proper so they used to pencil in the stocking line on the backs of their legs as of course these real luxuries were completely gone. Ahhhhh I love my Grandmother is is such a strong, hardworking woman and never one who can sit still for a moment!
My Grandmother is an amazing woman, I love to hear her stories about how she raised up my mother and my 2 uncles. My Grandma and Grandpa were very poor, but rich in love. My Grandpa was a school teacher in there very small hometown, he actually taught my mother and her brothers. Grandma was a full time mother and truly worked the land to raise her family and keep food on the table. In may have been the late 50's but my mother was raised in a home without a bathroom (the had an outhouse!) and they did not have a working car until the 60s. Until the car they actually travelled by horse and buggy or SLED in the winter time. It's amazing to hear how hard life was for my Grandmother and how just an every day back then in rural Canada was HARD WORK. I mean the woman milked the cow, washed the laundry by hand and worked their plentiful garden. I also love hearing stories from my Grandmother about the Great Depression, it really changed her. To this day my Grandma wastes nothing and can make a family meal of soup out of darned near ANYTHING. I remember her telling me that things were so tough, they had nothing but still her and her sister wanted to look proper so they used to pencil in the stocking line on the backs of their legs as of course these real luxuries were completely gone. Ahhhhh I love my Grandmother is is such a strong, hardworking woman and never one who can sit still for a moment!
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written by grannypants', April 05, 2010
written by grannypants', April 05, 2010
My dad was a tinker, and one of my grandma's favorite stories was when they started using the electric chair, my dad decided that he wanted to know how it worked, so he built the chair with the straps and the wires and alll, hooked up to an electric source.
He wanted to see exactly how it would work so he convinced my aunt to be his guinea pig and sit in the chair.
She was nicely strapped in and he was about to turn the switch when my grandma came marching around the corner and screamed "NO NO NO NO- STOP!! WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?"
My dad answered "I wanted to see how it would work"
She answered "It would kill your sister, that's how it would work!"
I remember once when she was telling this story my mom was in the room and asked "I think you may have needed to watch your children more..."
My dad was one of a kind....
He wanted to see exactly how it would work so he convinced my aunt to be his guinea pig and sit in the chair.
She was nicely strapped in and he was about to turn the switch when my grandma came marching around the corner and screamed "NO NO NO NO- STOP!! WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?"
My dad answered "I wanted to see how it would work"
She answered "It would kill your sister, that's how it would work!"
I remember once when she was telling this story my mom was in the room and asked "I think you may have needed to watch your children more..."
My dad was one of a kind....
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written by Makub890, April 05, 2010
written by Makub890, April 05, 2010
My grandmother was arrested for protesting for equal rights for African Americans.
She was a firey one and VERY strong willed!
She was a firey one and VERY strong willed!
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written by diamondgal, April 05, 2010
written by diamondgal, April 05, 2010
I never knew my grandmother, but once my grandfather told us about Normandy. He was one of the brave men to take that battle. He didn't go into too much detail because we were still young but he did love telling us his war stories and about his buddies, some of which he lost, and would always drive a point home to tell us about courage in the face of fear, honour and what true heroism was about.
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Granda lottie tattoo of the American Flag
written by ms. dainty , April 05, 2010
written by ms. dainty , April 05, 2010
when I was a little girl i asked my grandmother why she had a Tattoo of the American Flag on her arm. She told me that, living in Los Angeles, during WWII a lot of the service men that would come into town (from other parts of the Country, aka the south) would view the Hispanic youth in there Zoot Suits, and want not, and thought of them as being not patriotic, even though they were in jobs that where part of the war effort. So to counter this view point allot of Hispanics got American Flag tattoo to show their alliance to the country in which they loved and were born in.
I always thought it to be funny that her being a women would get a tattoo, specially for young girls growing up in the 1940s. But after hearing other stories of my Grandmothers during her youth, and being a bit of a rebel, I soon became not surprised!
I addition to these stories she would tell me about My Uncle Smiles (who is her younger brother) and the stuff the family and him went through during the Sleep Lagoon Murder trial, in which he was falsely accused for murder. He was latter found not guilty of and a Play and Movie was made out of his (and the other men's experience who were falsely accused as well) called "ZOOT SUIT"
I always thought it to be funny that her being a women would get a tattoo, specially for young girls growing up in the 1940s. But after hearing other stories of my Grandmothers during her youth, and being a bit of a rebel, I soon became not surprised!
I addition to these stories she would tell me about My Uncle Smiles (who is her younger brother) and the stuff the family and him went through during the Sleep Lagoon Murder trial, in which he was falsely accused for murder. He was latter found not guilty of and a Play and Movie was made out of his (and the other men's experience who were falsely accused as well) called "ZOOT SUIT"
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written by jojo2739, April 06, 2010
written by jojo2739, April 06, 2010
The most memorial story from my grandma is probably how she and my grandpa manage to gather together after the Chinese civil war took place in 1949 when KMT retreated while the CPC took rule. Back at the time, my grandpa was one of the military general of the KMT and was been wanted by the CPC - which they were categorize as "Dark Five" and he must retreat with his fellow army in order to survive.
At that time, my grandma need to take care of their THREE little kids and retreat from another route and believe that they will eventually meet again. However, it didn't turn outs to be very bad, as members of other families still showing the "they are rich" sign from their appearance (from jewelries), my grandma was smart enough to disguise money as these were the only fortune to find my grandpa.
During the whole fleeing process, my grandma followed my grandpa stop by stop (as the army retreated from one point to another), and eventually they managed to meet up and left China.
When my grandma told the story, I was only a teenager who never know the "reality in war". After many years, I can really see how warfare destroy human life - I really hope that we can see world peace among and within all nations and people.
At that time, my grandma need to take care of their THREE little kids and retreat from another route and believe that they will eventually meet again. However, it didn't turn outs to be very bad, as members of other families still showing the "they are rich" sign from their appearance (from jewelries), my grandma was smart enough to disguise money as these were the only fortune to find my grandpa.
During the whole fleeing process, my grandma followed my grandpa stop by stop (as the army retreated from one point to another), and eventually they managed to meet up and left China.
When my grandma told the story, I was only a teenager who never know the "reality in war". After many years, I can really see how warfare destroy human life - I really hope that we can see world peace among and within all nations and people.
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written by jjiyunlee, April 06, 2010
written by jjiyunlee, April 06, 2010
My (paternal) grandmother has always been a fiercely proud woman and never showed much emotion. I didn't understand her and she didn't talk about herself with me. One day, we were visiting my grandfather's grave on the 12th anniversary of his death, and she began crying and telling him how hard it was to be alone. On the drive home, my father finally told me her story. She married into a wealthy family in North Korea and thought her life was set, until the Korean War happened. Her husband and she were convinced that they had to go south but no one in their family could go with her. Leaving her brothers and sisters behind to seek better lives for her 3 children (and pregnant with my dad), she went with my grandfather on foot to what is now South Korea. It was a tumultuous time and my dad doesn't know what year or day he was born, but he was raised in poverty. My grandfather never fully recovered from the trip and was sickly for the rest of his life, with only my grandmother to watch him. She never knew what happened to the rest of her family. I don't think anyone understood her except for him, because he'd been through everything with her.
Although this story didn't come from her mouth, it defines my grandmother today. Her strength is one of the most memorable things about her. I'm truly lucky to know her and blessed that she decided to go south.
Although this story didn't come from her mouth, it defines my grandmother today. Her strength is one of the most memorable things about her. I'm truly lucky to know her and blessed that she decided to go south.
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written by ariebeth, April 06, 2010
written by ariebeth, April 06, 2010
My grandmother, whom I love and miss very much, passed away in 2007. The most memorable story told to me was that my grandma was the reason why my family survived WWII. During the Japanese Occupation, my grandmother singlehandedly brought up her 3 children, and times were tough when they had to go into hiding. She was uneducated and had to work with her hands. When the electricity and water was cut off because she didn't have enough money to pay the bills, she had to go round begging for water, candles and matches from people. She sold everything she had to buy flour and sugar, and made little pastries for my mum to sell, in order to get electricity and water running again. She was truly an inspiration. I miss her so much 
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Is there anything sweeter then a grandma??
written by Dixie82, April 06, 2010
written by Dixie82, April 06, 2010
What an amazing read Carina! I loved your questions for Josh!
I have 2 grandma's and they are both still here, I talk to them every day...one of them is 85 now and mostly doesn't remember who is on the phone, and being so far away from them makes it even worse (I am in Canada and they are in Bosnia). Anyway, let's just say it makes me cry every time I get off the phone with them because I spent most of my ife with them and now I am so far away from them. My other grandma was so brave and came all the way to Canada by her self just for my wedding 4 years ago! I am still amazed she did lol she doesn't speak anything other then Croatian
So my Grandma #1 we will call her lived during the 2nd World War and she used be part of Partisans, she always used to tell me about her and grandpa hiding in the woods and caves (and even showed me once one of those areas) and she used to knit socks for all the Partisans because that was the first thing they needed during the war..they always got wet and their feet would be cold and then they would get sick....so she was in charge of knitting socks for Partisans...and she still does it for one of them (my grandpa
My other grandma is also as amazing, she lived in a very poor area...and she could not get ends to meet..the rent the food etc. She had 4 kids and a husband who was a truck driver and was never there...it still amazes me and how she managed to raise such fine boys (one of them my dad)! Anyway...for her it will have to do with an uncle who was not meant to be...they used to say that if a fox bites ona chicken you should not eatthe chicken and just throw it out...but being poor and nothing else to eat and when your last chicken is dead you do not throw it out...so she made chicken soup out of it...she was preganant at that time...when she gave birth to the stillborn baby, the baby had deformities in it's back and she always attributed this to the fox and the chicken...she always tell us this story mostly to warn us to never eat something you should not...
I have so many stories told by my both grandma's I could keep going for a long time..these two really stick out of my memory
XOXO
I have 2 grandma's and they are both still here, I talk to them every day...one of them is 85 now and mostly doesn't remember who is on the phone, and being so far away from them makes it even worse (I am in Canada and they are in Bosnia). Anyway, let's just say it makes me cry every time I get off the phone with them because I spent most of my ife with them and now I am so far away from them. My other grandma was so brave and came all the way to Canada by her self just for my wedding 4 years ago! I am still amazed she did lol she doesn't speak anything other then Croatian
So my Grandma #1 we will call her lived during the 2nd World War and she used be part of Partisans, she always used to tell me about her and grandpa hiding in the woods and caves (and even showed me once one of those areas) and she used to knit socks for all the Partisans because that was the first thing they needed during the war..they always got wet and their feet would be cold and then they would get sick....so she was in charge of knitting socks for Partisans...and she still does it for one of them (my grandpa
My other grandma is also as amazing, she lived in a very poor area...and she could not get ends to meet..the rent the food etc. She had 4 kids and a husband who was a truck driver and was never there...it still amazes me and how she managed to raise such fine boys (one of them my dad)! Anyway...for her it will have to do with an uncle who was not meant to be...they used to say that if a fox bites ona chicken you should not eatthe chicken and just throw it out...but being poor and nothing else to eat and when your last chicken is dead you do not throw it out...so she made chicken soup out of it...she was preganant at that time...when she gave birth to the stillborn baby, the baby had deformities in it's back and she always attributed this to the fox and the chicken...she always tell us this story mostly to warn us to never eat something you should not...
I have so many stories told by my both grandma's I could keep going for a long time..these two really stick out of my memory
XOXO
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written by Bobby jean, April 06, 2010
written by Bobby jean, April 06, 2010
My grandma told me a story about humming birds,it is kind of a silly. When she was growing up there they lived out in the country and she had to wake up early to get to work, go to school, come home and work till night. They were not wealthy and they all had to do their part to get things done. Well, by the time night time came she was exhausted and there was this stupid little hummingbird that decided to sing at night when she tried to sleep. She said that the thing would keep her up all night long. Well one day she said that it was gone she was so happy because she could sleep in peace. Well about a week later it was back. and a few weeks after that it was a lot more chirping. And that is why she hates humming birds lol
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GrandmaStory!
written by Butterfly18, April 06, 2010
written by Butterfly18, April 06, 2010
Aww. so sweet topic, Carina !. I really adore my grandmother. I guess grandmothers are the creations of God filled with so much of affection and love. I've heard a lot of stories, real stories, from my grandmother. The one I remember very clearly is when she told me about her marriage. She got married at the age of 12 !! And my grandpa was like 18-20 or something. When I asked her why she got married so fast? She said that her grandmother was afraid of the atmosphere at that time (1947 - war between india and pakistan). So she got her married. And it wasn't like a big big celebration. It was just that she followed the rituals and went to his village, which was nearby. they didn't know each other. And they actually met each other for the first time in their marriage. I think this was really cute, but at the same time very surprising. But I guess this was quite normal in those days. Anyways, this was the story I was told by my grandmother. I think it was very sweet. I've seen them laugh, cry and even quarreling with each other. hehe. that is fun! Grandma rules over Grandpa. heheh.
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written by kattykittykat, April 06, 2010
written by kattykittykat, April 06, 2010
My favourite story from my grandma comes from WWII. Our country was being invaded by the Soviet Union and her family was 'blacklisted' as her father was a big landowner. As you all know, owning private property was a big no-no with the Communists. So the night the Russians invaded her home town her father went underground so he wouldn't be deported to Siberia.
My grandmother and great-grandmother decided to stick around their town house though as they thought women and children would be safe. My granny was 12 at the time. A couple of days later they got word through friends that a group of soldiers would be coming for them the next day.
They literally had only a couple of hours to disappear completely. So my great-grandmother packet a suitcase with their most valued possessions/memorabilia and they put on their warm clothes and started walking. Nobody dared to help them further as people knew that the Soviets were after them and they were afraid of getting into trouble themselves.
So in the dark winter night they just walked out the city with no idea where they'd go or what they'd do. And after an hour or so a large military truck passed by and the Russians asked the woman and girl if they wanted a ride, they didn't ask for documents, just their names. They made new ones up. The soldiers dropped them off in a small town on their way, and they settled there taking up new identities.
I cannot even imagine how they managed to start a whole new life there in absolute poverty. But they did. My great-grandfather was never heard of again, my grandmother suspect he was killed soon after he went underground.
My grandmother and great-grandmother decided to stick around their town house though as they thought women and children would be safe. My granny was 12 at the time. A couple of days later they got word through friends that a group of soldiers would be coming for them the next day.
They literally had only a couple of hours to disappear completely. So my great-grandmother packet a suitcase with their most valued possessions/memorabilia and they put on their warm clothes and started walking. Nobody dared to help them further as people knew that the Soviets were after them and they were afraid of getting into trouble themselves.
So in the dark winter night they just walked out the city with no idea where they'd go or what they'd do. And after an hour or so a large military truck passed by and the Russians asked the woman and girl if they wanted a ride, they didn't ask for documents, just their names. They made new ones up. The soldiers dropped them off in a small town on their way, and they settled there taking up new identities.
I cannot even imagine how they managed to start a whole new life there in absolute poverty. But they did. My great-grandfather was never heard of again, my grandmother suspect he was killed soon after he went underground.
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written by chirowinter, April 06, 2010
written by chirowinter, April 06, 2010
It's not so much a story my grandmother told me, but it is rather special.
My grandmother got married when she was really young to a man she didn't really love, because their parents thought that it would be a good idea. It wasn't that they didn't like eachother, but it was maybe more business than love. Then after 50 years of marriage she found out that her husband had been having an affair with her best friend. It was really devastating for my grandmother and it has taken her to come to terms with it.
But a few years ago her life changed drastically. She met a man who fell in love with her and did everything to win her heart. It was a hard thing to do, but he succeeded and my grandmother fell in love. For the first time in her life, she fell in love at 81 years of age! It is so wonderful to see my grandmother in love! Her boyfriend is a wonderful man who changed my grandmothers life. And i am so grateful to see her really happy for the first time in her life.
It showed me how much it means to have real love in your life and that it is never too late to find happiness.
My grandmother got married when she was really young to a man she didn't really love, because their parents thought that it would be a good idea. It wasn't that they didn't like eachother, but it was maybe more business than love. Then after 50 years of marriage she found out that her husband had been having an affair with her best friend. It was really devastating for my grandmother and it has taken her to come to terms with it.
But a few years ago her life changed drastically. She met a man who fell in love with her and did everything to win her heart. It was a hard thing to do, but he succeeded and my grandmother fell in love. For the first time in her life, she fell in love at 81 years of age! It is so wonderful to see my grandmother in love! Her boyfriend is a wonderful man who changed my grandmothers life. And i am so grateful to see her really happy for the first time in her life.
It showed me how much it means to have real love in your life and that it is never too late to find happiness.
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My Grandmother
written by L. Lee, April 06, 2010
written by L. Lee, April 06, 2010
My grandmother was a character. She would tell stories about playing cards with her grandfather as a child. Her grandmother sitting behind the grandfather and always lift the number of fingers for each of his cards. My grandmother always won against him. She loved tell how she couldn't prepare a whole chicken for a couple of months after giving birth to my mother. My mom was two months premature and the size of a small whole chicken.
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written by sisten92, April 06, 2010
written by sisten92, April 06, 2010
My grandmother has a good memory, particularly for amusing quotes that have popped up in various situations over the years, and I think that is one of the main reasons for my family's tradition of referring to these quotes over and over, making them almost ideomatic for our family. The expression "now take this butter", which really makes no sense at all, is an example. the way she can tell us stories of things we have said long after we forgot them ourselves is wonderful.
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written by buttercupkittens, April 06, 2010
written by buttercupkittens, April 06, 2010
My grandmother was pretty onry and a total character, but her mother was apparently just a wild child!
In Italy where she grew up it used to be that after a hundred years of your ancestor being buried, they would open the grave and everyone would come and view the body. (I dont think they still do this)
But My great grandmother was a prankster, so when they would have these viewings, she would run up behind those at the grave and push people into the grave!!!
Now I know where my grandmother got her onry bone...
I miss her so much.
In Italy where she grew up it used to be that after a hundred years of your ancestor being buried, they would open the grave and everyone would come and view the body. (I dont think they still do this)
But My great grandmother was a prankster, so when they would have these viewings, she would run up behind those at the grave and push people into the grave!!!
Now I know where my grandmother got her onry bone...
I miss her so much.
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written by wishbone, April 06, 2010
written by wishbone, April 06, 2010
My grandma's family were not allowed to wander around the town because her brothers were major trouble makers!
She was pretty embarrassed of their behavior and was not like them, but was included in the blacklisting none the less.
She was pretty embarrassed of their behavior and was not like them, but was included in the blacklisting none the less.
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Free Spirit
written by humbug, April 06, 2010
written by humbug, April 06, 2010
This isn't a story she told me just something about my grandmother that is pretty unique and trips alot of people out.
My Grandma is pretty young, and a rather free spirit (she wont let me call her Grandma), she has.... well, alot of nude photos from when she was younger. Anytime someone new comes over to the house she will take out the photo album and show them all her photos including the nude ones, which usually makes people pretty uncomfortable and especially after they find out that it is actually her in the photos!
My Grandma is pretty young, and a rather free spirit (she wont let me call her Grandma), she has.... well, alot of nude photos from when she was younger. Anytime someone new comes over to the house she will take out the photo album and show them all her photos including the nude ones, which usually makes people pretty uncomfortable and especially after they find out that it is actually her in the photos!
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My Grandmother's first love...
written by artgecko, April 06, 2010
written by artgecko, April 06, 2010
Once I went to visit my 80 year old grandmother, a few days after she had a stroke. She was a sharp as ever, except she called me by my mother’s name (but she did that on occasion, so that wasn’t from the stroke). She decided to tell me about her first marriage, something she never talked about with us. Before she met my grandfather she was going to college to become a teacher, “in those days women only went to college to become a nurse or a teacher”, she said. While there she meet the love of her life, and they soon married. She continued to go to school, even after having a child. It took her 7 years to get her teaching degree and soon after that her first husband died of a heart attack. So with her degree and a young son, my uncle, she moved to a small farming community to be their teacher. While there she met my grandfather, a farmer, and married him. She told me that while he was a good man, she didn’t really love him. She divorced him after her other two children had moved away from home. She lived alone and continued to teach, until she retired. I felt honored that she decided to tell me that story, having never known about that part of her life.
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written by Smitty1, April 07, 2010
written by Smitty1, April 07, 2010
My grandmother used to tell me about how when she was younger, before she met my grandfather, she traveled around the world learing how to cook. She said that it was the most amazing experience that she had. She got to learn secrets about he people she learned from, about different cultures and even got to see the world. It was amazing hearing all of that, it was so hard to imagine her in her younger days but those stories made a movie.
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written by Ribbongirl, April 07, 2010
written by Ribbongirl, April 07, 2010
My grandma passed away before I was old enough to hear her tell stories but she did write me a lovely letter telling me about her life and how she grew up and knew that I would be a shinning star when I grew up.
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EWWWW!
written by adonwana, April 07, 2010
written by adonwana, April 07, 2010
My grandma used to give her dad surprise treats, she would say "close your eyes" and then hand him some sort of candy and he would eat it. Well once she decided that she would play a joke on him.
She lived on a farm and her mom had just slaughtered a pig, so she grabbed the pig's kidney and handed said "close your eyes" he put his hand out and took the kidney and took a big bite out of it.
He said "WHAT IS THAT" she said " A raw kidney, mama just slaughtered the pig!"
from then on he checked his surprises before he took a bite.
She lived on a farm and her mom had just slaughtered a pig, so she grabbed the pig's kidney and handed said "close your eyes" he put his hand out and took the kidney and took a big bite out of it.
He said "WHAT IS THAT" she said " A raw kidney, mama just slaughtered the pig!"
from then on he checked his surprises before he took a bite.
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written by foreverblues, April 07, 2010
written by foreverblues, April 07, 2010
My grandma's dad died when they were very young and left my great grandmother, grandmother and my great aunt with nothing but a pile of bills, they had a very hard life, she didn't talk about it much.
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written by doodad, April 07, 2010
written by doodad, April 07, 2010
I never knew my grandmother but i heard that she was a beautiful wonderful strong woman.
My grandfather however was not very nice, she took my dad and left town in the middle of the night and survived on her own. She was an exquisite gardener and had prize winning rose garden, she was even featured in the paper several times, I wish I could have known her.
My grandfather however was not very nice, she took my dad and left town in the middle of the night and survived on her own. She was an exquisite gardener and had prize winning rose garden, she was even featured in the paper several times, I wish I could have known her.
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Mimi
written by KerryElizabeth, April 08, 2010
written by KerryElizabeth, April 08, 2010
What fun it is to read everyone's stories about their grandparents!! I think about Mimi (my maternal grandma) quite often.. she passed away in metastasized breast cancer in 2004. I always lived relatively close to her, so I had a pretty strong bond with her. My grandma was born in Ogden, Utah.. and at one point, early in life, the family decided to move to Europe and live in Austria. My grandma used to tell me the story of being in elementary school during the time of Hitler and having to do the "Heil Hitler" salute. One day, one of the other kids in her class refused to do the salute, and was promptly removed, never to come back again. It's one of those stories where I was left simply in awe of the times they lived in back then. They moved back to the states when my grandma was about 7 years old. I love being able to go to Utah and visit the family home where she grew up and walk the very same halls she did..
Of course, I've always had other amazing stories about my great-great grandfather and his immigration from Scotland.. or their amazing adventures around the world throughout the course of their marriage. I miss you Mimi!!!
Of course, I've always had other amazing stories about my great-great grandfather and his immigration from Scotland.. or their amazing adventures around the world throughout the course of their marriage. I miss you Mimi!!!
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Grandmothers
written by experimental, April 08, 2010
written by experimental, April 08, 2010
I just wished to say that I agree that grandmothers are very important. When my grandmother passed away almost two years ago I was so sad. One friend of mine to console me told me that he thinks that I had a great grandmother, so one day I will be a great grandmother to my grandchildren. I never thought about it before. It was quite surprising solace. I am still thinkink about my granny often.
Thank you all for sharing your amazing grandmothers' stories! It a pleasure to read.
Thank you all for sharing your amazing grandmothers' stories! It a pleasure to read.
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written by hillaryD, April 08, 2010
written by hillaryD, April 08, 2010
Aweee these are some great stories. I wish i could share but I never knew my grandmother.
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written by ayeluvme, April 08, 2010
written by ayeluvme, April 08, 2010
I found this pretty funny
She was driving a friend to a Dr. Appointment and she saw a couple of kids jumping trains, they were running a muck and throwing things hopping on and off the trains. She started going on and on to her friend
"look at those kids, what are they doing?"
She continued to go on and on to her friend about these kids and how terrible they were when the train started moving and the kids jumped on and the train was heading towards them.
She continued on and just as she was saying
" Where are these children's parents...
Their parents should be shot for letting them run a muck, how terrible..."
The train passed by them the kids started waving at them and my dad yells out "HI MOM"
LOL
She was driving a friend to a Dr. Appointment and she saw a couple of kids jumping trains, they were running a muck and throwing things hopping on and off the trains. She started going on and on to her friend
"look at those kids, what are they doing?"
She continued to go on and on to her friend about these kids and how terrible they were when the train started moving and the kids jumped on and the train was heading towards them.
She continued on and just as she was saying
" Where are these children's parents...
Their parents should be shot for letting them run a muck, how terrible..."
The train passed by them the kids started waving at them and my dad yells out "HI MOM"
LOL
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written by mesoma97, April 08, 2010
written by mesoma97, April 08, 2010
Grammy was a character. She used to put the salt in the sugar bowl so when people would have coffee or tea they would be adding salt to their coffee or tea. She thought it was so funny.
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written by Qinnie, April 08, 2010
written by Qinnie, April 08, 2010
To be frank, I've never really knew my grandma (mama. that's how I was taught to address her) even though she passed away when i was..17-18? She spoke in a dialect which I never understood (I'm a Chinese) and she was biased towards my brothers(which is still common amongst the elderly here). But strangely, after she left us, I was still pretty upset, upset with the fact that I never really get to knew her and her having favorites which kinda hurt me when I was much younger. But if she was still with us now, I would have approached her more and spent more time with her. Somehow, I feel that it doesn't matter that much that I can't understand what shes saying, it matters more with with trying to understand her.
The same goes for my granny from my mum's side. She got a stroke when I was 2. So you can imagine, I don't even remember how she sounds like which was quite a pity. But I know shes someone kind, I can still remember how she looks like though she left us when I was younger like 11?
Well, no more time for regrets people.. spend more time with those that truly matters to you. Like NOW!
haha. I know this is out of the topic stated but since i don't have much conversations with my grandparents, that's all i could say
The same goes for my granny from my mum's side. She got a stroke when I was 2. So you can imagine, I don't even remember how she sounds like which was quite a pity. But I know shes someone kind, I can still remember how she looks like though she left us when I was younger like 11?
Well, no more time for regrets people..
spend more time with those that truly matters to you. Like NOW! haha. I know this is out of the topic stated but since i don't have much conversations with my grandparents, that's all i could say
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written by Peachykeen, April 09, 2010
written by Peachykeen, April 09, 2010
My grandmother was not much for sharing stories but she did love to share her recipes. I remember cooking with her and her old Betty Crocker cookbook with all of her changes to the recipes. She always told me that whatever you do you have to make it your own.
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written by FRIDAY21, April 09, 2010
written by FRIDAY21, April 09, 2010
The most memorable story that my gma ever told me was about when she met my grandpa. He worked at the local market and her family supplied some of the veggies. The slowly got to know eachother and fell in love
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written by samloo, April 09, 2010
written by samloo, April 09, 2010
This is such a hard question, my grandmother has tons of stories!The most memorable story is how she escaped from hungary to austria. She was a little girl than (she wouldnt tell me how old she was,shes scared im gonna figure out her age now).Her and her family escaped in the back of a truck carrying canned foods. Soldiers stopped the truck to see if theres anyone in there but they didnt find them. There was a baby with them and thank g-d it didnt make any noise! Then they had to walk over the border-it was a very far walk.Finally they got to austria,they had nothing with them but the clothes on their back. they lived in these camps that were really crowded and uncomfortable till her aunt in America got them on a boat to come. my grandmother always tells me how she had no toys-all she had was a wooden spoon as a doll. one day she was looking at a doll in the window of a store and a really nice man saw her and bought it for her. she was the happpiest girl in the world!(she was so happy with one doll and we never have enough, look how spoiled we are!)
how lucky we are to live in a free country!
how lucky we are to live in a free country!
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written by jbroni100, April 09, 2010
i have such find memories of granny, she always had the brightest smiles, and always told me to grasp any opportunity that comes your way.
One of my favoruite stories was when my granny was a young girl, she lived in a village and her desire was always to learn, but unfortunately as a girl she was not allowed to go to school and was expected to help with chores especially carrying water from the well, farming, it was hard work.
But she told me whenever she had opportunity she would sneak off to a local boys school, hide outside and try to catch whatever was being being taugt. She used to carry around a tiny book which was just scraps of paper, and she would just write down things, she would hide the book when she ran home. The fact she risked being caned for her behaviour was overtaken by her simple desire for education, which most people take for granted, this is so inspiring. She said she wanted books, how much she wanted to read but unfortunately she never had the opprtunity growing up. she would make me laugh telling me how much fun it was seeing others sitting and learning, and how she got so many srapes because she had to run home quickly and pretend it was so tiring because of the chores.
I used to moan when i came home from school and that is when she told me this story, when i was little i didnt think much of it, but when i reflect over it i can now understand. I was given the little book as a gift, and this is so special to me.
My granny was such as wonderful perosn, she designed the most beautiful garments, never grumbled, just inspired people to be happy with what you have no matter how little, just make the most of it.
written by jbroni100, April 09, 2010
i have such find memories of granny, she always had the brightest smiles, and always told me to grasp any opportunity that comes your way.
One of my favoruite stories was when my granny was a young girl, she lived in a village and her desire was always to learn, but unfortunately as a girl she was not allowed to go to school and was expected to help with chores especially carrying water from the well, farming, it was hard work.
But she told me whenever she had opportunity she would sneak off to a local boys school, hide outside and try to catch whatever was being being taugt. She used to carry around a tiny book which was just scraps of paper, and she would just write down things, she would hide the book when she ran home. The fact she risked being caned for her behaviour was overtaken by her simple desire for education, which most people take for granted, this is so inspiring. She said she wanted books, how much she wanted to read but unfortunately she never had the opprtunity growing up. she would make me laugh telling me how much fun it was seeing others sitting and learning, and how she got so many srapes because she had to run home quickly and pretend it was so tiring because of the chores.
I used to moan when i came home from school and that is when she told me this story, when i was little i didnt think much of it, but when i reflect over it i can now understand. I was given the little book as a gift, and this is so special to me.
My granny was such as wonderful perosn, she designed the most beautiful garments, never grumbled, just inspired people to be happy with what you have no matter how little, just make the most of it.
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written by jbroni100, April 09, 2010
written by jbroni100, April 09, 2010
i have such find memories of granny, she always had the brightest smiles, and always told me to grasp any opportunity that comes your way.
One of my favoruite stories was when my granny was a young girl, she lived in a village and her desire was always to learn, but unfortunately as a girl she was not allowed to go to school and was expected to help with chores especially carrying water from the well, farming, it was hard work.
But she told me whenever she had opportunity she would sneak off to a local boys school, hide outside and try to catch whatever was being being taugt. She used to carry around a tiny book which was just scraps of paper, and she would just write down things, she would hide the book when she ran home. The fact she risked being caned for her behaviour was overtaken by her simple desire for education, which most people take for granted, this is so inspiring. She said she wanted books, how much she wanted to read but unfortunately she never had the opprtunity growing up. she would make me laugh telling me how much fun it was seeing others sitting and learning, and how she got so many scrapes because she had to run home quickly and act like it was so tiring because of the chores.
I used to moan when i came home from school and that is when she told me this story, when i was little i didnt think much of it, but when i reflect over it i can now understand. I was given the little book as a gift, and this is so special to me.
My granny was such as wonderful person, she designed the most beautiful garments, never grumbled, just inspired people to be happy with what you have no matter how little, just make the most of it.
One of my favoruite stories was when my granny was a young girl, she lived in a village and her desire was always to learn, but unfortunately as a girl she was not allowed to go to school and was expected to help with chores especially carrying water from the well, farming, it was hard work.
But she told me whenever she had opportunity she would sneak off to a local boys school, hide outside and try to catch whatever was being being taugt. She used to carry around a tiny book which was just scraps of paper, and she would just write down things, she would hide the book when she ran home. The fact she risked being caned for her behaviour was overtaken by her simple desire for education, which most people take for granted, this is so inspiring. She said she wanted books, how much she wanted to read but unfortunately she never had the opprtunity growing up. she would make me laugh telling me how much fun it was seeing others sitting and learning, and how she got so many scrapes because she had to run home quickly and act like it was so tiring because of the chores.
I used to moan when i came home from school and that is when she told me this story, when i was little i didnt think much of it, but when i reflect over it i can now understand. I was given the little book as a gift, and this is so special to me.
My granny was such as wonderful person, she designed the most beautiful garments, never grumbled, just inspired people to be happy with what you have no matter how little, just make the most of it.
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written by jbroni100, April 09, 2010
written by jbroni100, April 09, 2010
i have such fond memories of granny, she always had the brightest smiles, and always told me to grasp any opportunity that comes your way.
One of my favoruite stories was when my granny was a young girl, she lived in a village and her desire was always to learn, but unfortunately as a girl she was not allowed to go to school and was expected to help with chores especially carrying water from the well, farming, it was hard work.
But she told me whenever she had opportunity she would sneak off to a local boys school, hide outside and try to catch whatever was being being taugt. She used to carry around a tiny book which was just scraps of paper, and she would just write down things, she would hide the book when she ran home. The fact she risked being caned for her behaviour was overtaken by her simple desire for education, which most people take for granted, this is so inspiring. She said she wanted books, how much she wanted to read but unfortunately she never had the opportunity growing up. she would make me laugh telling me how much fun it was seeing others sitting and learning, and how she got so many scrapes because she had to run home quickly and pretend it was so tiring because of the chores.
I used to moan when i came home from school and that is when she told me this story, when i was little i didnt think much of it, but when i reflect over it i can now understand. I was given the little book as a gift, and this is so special to me.
My granny was such as wonderful perosn, she designed the most beautiful garments, never grumbled, just inspired people to be happy with what you have no matter how little, just make the most of it.
One of my favoruite stories was when my granny was a young girl, she lived in a village and her desire was always to learn, but unfortunately as a girl she was not allowed to go to school and was expected to help with chores especially carrying water from the well, farming, it was hard work.
But she told me whenever she had opportunity she would sneak off to a local boys school, hide outside and try to catch whatever was being being taugt. She used to carry around a tiny book which was just scraps of paper, and she would just write down things, she would hide the book when she ran home. The fact she risked being caned for her behaviour was overtaken by her simple desire for education, which most people take for granted, this is so inspiring. She said she wanted books, how much she wanted to read but unfortunately she never had the opportunity growing up. she would make me laugh telling me how much fun it was seeing others sitting and learning, and how she got so many scrapes because she had to run home quickly and pretend it was so tiring because of the chores.
I used to moan when i came home from school and that is when she told me this story, when i was little i didnt think much of it, but when i reflect over it i can now understand. I was given the little book as a gift, and this is so special to me.
My granny was such as wonderful perosn, she designed the most beautiful garments, never grumbled, just inspired people to be happy with what you have no matter how little, just make the most of it.
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written by ksmom, April 09, 2010
written by ksmom, April 09, 2010
My grandma was very superstitious. She always told my mother that all her relatives died in March (both of her parents did) and that she knew if she lived through March, she was going to live another year. When she passed away, it was in March, so she was right.
My story is not so much something my grandma told me but something she did that we still talk about to this day. When my grandma was getting older, she no longer drove very much. She had her car in her garage (1984 Chrysler) and one day my mom, my grandma, my husband and I were going to run some errands and we decided to drive my grandma's car so it could be gotten out and driven since she wasn't driving it very often then. She agreed to let my husband drive her car, but she had a small narrow one car garage and apparently did not trust him to back her car out of the garage so she said she had to do it.... he tried to talk her into it and tell her that he could but she said no no, she would do it. He was standing on the driveway behind the car and had literally "just" stepped off the driveway to the side when my grandma threw the car into reverse and literally came roaring out backing her car out of the garage at top speed and slammed on the brakes in the middle of the driveway. If my husband had waited one more moment to step off the driveway, I think she would have run him over! The look on his face....... it was priceless. My mom and I were laughing so hard - seeing my husband who is usually not at a loss for words standing there in stunned silence looking like he was ready to crap his pants - priceless I tell you.... priceless.
My story is not so much something my grandma told me but something she did that we still talk about to this day. When my grandma was getting older, she no longer drove very much. She had her car in her garage (1984 Chrysler) and one day my mom, my grandma, my husband and I were going to run some errands and we decided to drive my grandma's car so it could be gotten out and driven since she wasn't driving it very often then. She agreed to let my husband drive her car, but she had a small narrow one car garage and apparently did not trust him to back her car out of the garage so she said she had to do it.... he tried to talk her into it and tell her that he could but she said no no, she would do it. He was standing on the driveway behind the car and had literally "just" stepped off the driveway to the side when my grandma threw the car into reverse and literally came roaring out backing her car out of the garage at top speed and slammed on the brakes in the middle of the driveway. If my husband had waited one more moment to step off the driveway, I think she would have run him over! The look on his face....... it was priceless. My mom and I were laughing so hard - seeing my husband who is usually not at a loss for words standing there in stunned silence looking like he was ready to crap his pants - priceless I tell you.... priceless.
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written by snickerdoo, April 09, 2010
written by snickerdoo, April 09, 2010
One thing I remember about my grandmother is she was very rigid. She never spoke about her childhood and I never asked because I felt like she didn't like when I asked about it.
She used to get very upset at us if we would sit at the table before dinner. She hated it! I always found it odd that we could not sit down at the dining table unless the food was on the table and we were ready to eat.
Another quirky thing was that she would yell at us if we would use our finger to follow along with a book. She Would say "Why dont you have a bookmark?"
Of course I really had no words to respond to that because I thought it was so off how upset she got about not using a bookmark, so she would get frustrated and hand me one of hers. We would HAVE to use the bookmark when we were there.
She used to get very upset at us if we would sit at the table before dinner. She hated it! I always found it odd that we could not sit down at the dining table unless the food was on the table and we were ready to eat.
Another quirky thing was that she would yell at us if we would use our finger to follow along with a book. She Would say "Why dont you have a bookmark?"
Of course I really had no words to respond to that because I thought it was so off how upset she got about not using a bookmark, so she would get frustrated and hand me one of hers. We would HAVE to use the bookmark when we were there.
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Grams...
written by Phantom, April 09, 2010
written by Phantom, April 09, 2010
Grams was hilarious, though I don't think she meant to be as funny as she was. Unfortunately I don't remember any stories she told about her life, but I do have a couple funny stories about her.
I was pretty young when she passed away but these two things we still talk about today 20 years later because it was just too funny.
She and my dad were discussing current events, and my dad was mentioning Cuba and the guerrilla warfare and how the guerillas were receiving guns from somewhere.
She was from NY so she had a NY/Italian accent..
She said "Jawny, Jawny, why'd they give the gorllias guns, eh? Why would they do that?.... And how'd they get their fingehs in the triggeh?" She had her finger up like she was trying to pull a trigger on a gun and everyone rolled laughing.
Another time we were on a family summer road trip and we were passing by the Shasta Mountains. It was hotter than.... well it was hot down at the base and we looked up at the Shastas and there was snow on the top, we were all marveling at how it was so warm and yet there was still snow on the mountains. My dad was going on and on about it and Grams yelled out "Ehhh, they do that for the tourists, Jawny" So of course we all looked like "what?" and she said "The government... They pour paint up there for the tourists for you can think there's snow up there... but it's just paint Jawny, it's just paint!"
It's funny because there was no arguing the point with her. She was always right.
She would always mutter some italian and brush us off with a wave of the hand and say "Youz crazy"
I was pretty young when she passed away but these two things we still talk about today 20 years later because it was just too funny.
She and my dad were discussing current events, and my dad was mentioning Cuba and the guerrilla warfare and how the guerillas were receiving guns from somewhere.
She was from NY so she had a NY/Italian accent..
She said "Jawny, Jawny, why'd they give the gorllias guns, eh? Why would they do that?.... And how'd they get their fingehs in the triggeh?" She had her finger up like she was trying to pull a trigger on a gun and everyone rolled laughing.
Another time we were on a family summer road trip and we were passing by the Shasta Mountains. It was hotter than.... well it was hot down at the base and we looked up at the Shastas and there was snow on the top, we were all marveling at how it was so warm and yet there was still snow on the mountains. My dad was going on and on about it and Grams yelled out "Ehhh, they do that for the tourists, Jawny" So of course we all looked like "what?" and she said "The government... They pour paint up there for the tourists for you can think there's snow up there... but it's just paint Jawny, it's just paint!"
It's funny because there was no arguing the point with her. She was always right.
She would always mutter some italian and brush us off with a wave of the hand and say "Youz crazy"
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written by rachbutterfly =), April 11, 2010
written by rachbutterfly =), April 11, 2010
My paternal grandma used to tell me stories of when my dad and his 6 siblings were little.
Back in those days, they were poor - my grandma worked as a washerwoman for neighbours, while my grandpa went around with a pushcart selling waxed duck everyday. I've never known my paternal grandpa as he passed away even before my parents got married, so it always interested me to hear what he was like.
So, my grandpa had to wake up at 4 every morning to prepare the ducks and it was really backbreaking work, having to push the cart around all day, trying to sell the meat. Since meat, during that time, was considered to be a luxury, people didn't buy it unless there was a very special occasion like a birthday or wedding. So it was hard to make money out of selling duck meat.
Between the two of them, my grandparents didn't make much money, and often the family of 9 had to make do with eating plain rice for dinner. My grandma said they used to have an exposed lightbulb hanging over their dining table, and what she would do would be to dangle a piece of sour plum on a string from the lightbulb. So when the family sat down to eat dinner, they would just look at the sour plum in between bites of rice and imagine the taste of the plum as if they were really eating it. Only on birthdays did the birthday person get to have a treat - a whole chicken drumstick. Otherwise, they had to settle on just rice and occasional vegetables.
When I remember this story that she used to tell me (sadly, my grandma passed away 10 years ago), I think about how fortunate we are now to have all the food we could want to eat in the world. Our burgers and fries, sushi, pasta, cakes and sweets...they're all taken for granted. I can't imagine eating half a bowl of plain rice each night! It really makes me thankful for all that we have today.
I miss my grandma and the dishes she used to whip up for the whole family during reunion dinners (a Chinese tradition). =(
Back in those days, they were poor - my grandma worked as a washerwoman for neighbours, while my grandpa went around with a pushcart selling waxed duck everyday. I've never known my paternal grandpa as he passed away even before my parents got married, so it always interested me to hear what he was like.
So, my grandpa had to wake up at 4 every morning to prepare the ducks and it was really backbreaking work, having to push the cart around all day, trying to sell the meat. Since meat, during that time, was considered to be a luxury, people didn't buy it unless there was a very special occasion like a birthday or wedding. So it was hard to make money out of selling duck meat.
Between the two of them, my grandparents didn't make much money, and often the family of 9 had to make do with eating plain rice for dinner. My grandma said they used to have an exposed lightbulb hanging over their dining table, and what she would do would be to dangle a piece of sour plum on a string from the lightbulb. So when the family sat down to eat dinner, they would just look at the sour plum in between bites of rice and imagine the taste of the plum as if they were really eating it. Only on birthdays did the birthday person get to have a treat - a whole chicken drumstick. Otherwise, they had to settle on just rice and occasional vegetables.
When I remember this story that she used to tell me (sadly, my grandma passed away 10 years ago), I think about how fortunate we are now to have all the food we could want to eat in the world. Our burgers and fries, sushi, pasta, cakes and sweets...they're all taken for granted. I can't imagine eating half a bowl of plain rice each night! It really makes me thankful for all that we have today.
I miss my grandma and the dishes she used to whip up for the whole family during reunion dinners (a Chinese tradition). =(
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written by Purple Daisies, April 11, 2010
written by Purple Daisies, April 11, 2010
I most inspiring story my gma ever told me was about her neighbor. He drank a lot and was using his wife as a punching bag only when he was drunk. This went on for a long time and gma said she talked her about it and just listened and was a friend when she needed one. Well one night he came home drunk again and beat the crap out of her again. The next morning she saw her neighbors husband outside doing yard work with the biggest black and blue face you ever saw!! She asked her neighbor';s wife what happened to her husband. The neighbor said that after he passed out from beating her she tied him in a sheet to the bed and took a rolling pin to him!!! Gma said for as long as they lived next to them he NEVER hit her ever again! I guess he needed a dose of his own medicine?! LOL
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My favourite story of my nanna (Maltese grandmother) is one she tells all the time... after emigrating to Australia she worked all manner of crappy factory jobs. One night she was out with some friends who introduced one of their friends, who actually used to babysit nanna and her sisters... what's more, they'd been working in the same factory for 6 months and never realised. Later that year they got married, and here I am!
Can we have a story from your grandmother too Carina please?