Hi to all my blogging friends...
I'd like to introduce myself. I was born in Jasper, Alabama in 1934 and was named Willie Latane, the Willie for my Dad who had been killed by lightning 5 months before I was born. I have one sister older than me.
When I was ALMOST 17 I married this amazing fellow and we were married for 60 years before he was taken from me. Who says YOUNG love won't last!!!
We had 5 children (lost one at 3 months old),7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandsons.
My husband was career Navy and we lived in many places. The two most interesting was Midway Island and the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md.
I've had a life-long love of family and family values. I love to read, write, quilt, scrapbook, travel... and I love the computer and the wonderful friends it has given me. I love a lot of music but classical is probably my favorite. I've piddled in so many things over the years and never mastered any of them. I took piano lessons when I was growing up, I took art classes in Annapolis from the artist Margaret Farmer, I learned to cake decorate, make shell jewelry, do all those little crafty things that women sometimes do. I could find more excuses to not do housework... haha. At age 80 I had my first novel published.
I have always been active in women's groups, clubs, etc. I was part of the Navy wives clubs when we were stationed various places. I served as co-chair for the annual flower show at the Naval Academy. When we retired back to Alabama I was a member of what they used to call the Homemakers Club and served in both local and county offices. When my youngest daughter was hit by a drunk driver I started the MADD chapter in my county. I started a quilt bee in that county. You might say I just like to 'start things'.
In 1999 my husband and I moved to the Tidewater area of Virginia. Right now, after losing my husband in 2011, I am trying to discover who I am at this juncture of my life and am making some exciting finds. Blogging has opened up such a huge new world for me and for that I am so grateful for all the friends I have made, the new ideas that you give me, the inspiration to carry on. You are the best!!
So, I guess that's about all there is to know about me... I do hope you will visit me often and do leave a little comment. I won't know you've been here if you don't say hi and I'd be sad to miss that opportunity to get to know you. You should see me.... when I see that I have comments, it's ridiculous... you'd think I'd won the lottery!!
Love and Hugs,
I'd like to introduce myself. I was born in Jasper, Alabama in 1934 and was named Willie Latane, the Willie for my Dad who had been killed by lightning 5 months before I was born. I have one sister older than me.
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| This was made about 1940 and is of my Mom, my sister and me. |
We had 5 children (lost one at 3 months old),7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandsons.
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| Our family in 2004. We're a bigger bunch now!! |
My husband was career Navy and we lived in many places. The two most interesting was Midway Island and the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md.
I've had a life-long love of family and family values. I love to read, write, quilt, scrapbook, travel... and I love the computer and the wonderful friends it has given me. I love a lot of music but classical is probably my favorite. I've piddled in so many things over the years and never mastered any of them. I took piano lessons when I was growing up, I took art classes in Annapolis from the artist Margaret Farmer, I learned to cake decorate, make shell jewelry, do all those little crafty things that women sometimes do. I could find more excuses to not do housework... haha. At age 80 I had my first novel published.
I have always been active in women's groups, clubs, etc. I was part of the Navy wives clubs when we were stationed various places. I served as co-chair for the annual flower show at the Naval Academy. When we retired back to Alabama I was a member of what they used to call the Homemakers Club and served in both local and county offices. When my youngest daughter was hit by a drunk driver I started the MADD chapter in my county. I started a quilt bee in that county. You might say I just like to 'start things'.
In 1999 my husband and I moved to the Tidewater area of Virginia. Right now, after losing my husband in 2011, I am trying to discover who I am at this juncture of my life and am making some exciting finds. Blogging has opened up such a huge new world for me and for that I am so grateful for all the friends I have made, the new ideas that you give me, the inspiration to carry on. You are the best!!
So, I guess that's about all there is to know about me... I do hope you will visit me often and do leave a little comment. I won't know you've been here if you don't say hi and I'd be sad to miss that opportunity to get to know you. You should see me.... when I see that I have comments, it's ridiculous... you'd think I'd won the lottery!!
Love and Hugs,
I enjoyed reading this "about you!"
ReplyDeleteI, too, married young (I had just turned 18) to the love of my life. We have five children and are in the very busy stage of life keeping up with their growth. I love every minute.
I felt a kindred bond as i read this - family values & the art & importance of homemaking.. those are my two greatest passions.
I enjoy learning new arts & skills. We acquired a beautiful old piano about a year ago, and I'm trying to teach myself from where I left off as a child. I love the sound of a piano!
Sounds like you've given yourself to many great things.. Inspiring!
Latane,
ReplyDeleteI could spend all day just here at your blog. We have so much in common. I have found that same thing with blogging that you mentioned. You are a true inspiration to me.
I hope you'll come follow me too at http://www.memoriesbythemile.com/
We have been through Jasper, AL many times in our travels.
Love and Hugs back to you,
Wanda Ann @ Memories by the Mile
Latane,
ReplyDeleteI've been silently following your posts for quite some time.
Today, I was going through the list of blogs I frequent to re-organize and "clean house" and thought I needed to create a special category in which yours fits perfectly. "Kick Your Shoes Off- Your gonna be a while." (smile)
Latane, I just wanted to stop by today to share with you how much I've enjoyed your blog, and I promise not to be such a stranger in the future!!!
Hugs to You,
Gammy/Tammy
I don't know how I missed this page. How did you end up in Virginia after that Navy life of travel?
ReplyDeleteHi Latane, my husband graduated from the Naval Academy back in 1969 and we have had a couple of friends who have taught there. Long retired from the Navy now, since 1990. It's good to be visiting again as it's been a while. Just wanted to say hi and pop in. I decided to come and read 'about me' as I had not done so before. I have enjoyed coming back and hope to be here more often.
ReplyDeleteI see that you have become a new follower of Estelle's and I welcome you! I am always anxious to meet new bloggers and so look forward to reading more on your lovely blog! What an interesting bio you have! I am going to turn the pages and discover a new friend! I do hope you will drop by often and enjoy the posts!
ReplyDeleteI so enjoyed reading about your life. Such a change for you to lose your life long partner, but totally agree that the internet is a wonderful place to stay connected and to meet people of "like mind'. How exciting to have lived at Annapolis. I just visited there recently with my husband and was so impressed by it. What an amazing experience. hope you are having a great spring
ReplyDeleteLatane, where do you live now? Maybe I missed it but I saw your Bama roots!! I live in Decatur Alabama and I consider it home now although I am originally from Georgia!
ReplyDeleteGreat to read about you ~ I am a widow myself ~ (actually been widowed 3x ~ once at 23 ~ again at 48 and again at 56 ~ Am now trying to enjoy life 'single' with with my little Yorkie ~ I do photography, write haiku and some art ~ I also belong to a Mystery Book Club and a Knitting group ~ Enjoy time with my small family ~ brother and sister and their family and friends ~ Despite my losses I still feel I have had a wonderful life and still have a wonderful life ~ Get lonely sometimes but then who doesn't married or single ~ So glad to 'meet you' and love your book ~
ReplyDeleteCarol
carol, so happy to hear from you. Sounds like you and I could spend hours together just drinking our (whatever) and talking and talking. Let's keep in touch.
DeleteLatane, it's been too long since we connected. It's three o'clock in the morning. I can't sleep so I picked up my laptop and for some reason one of your boards from Pintrest popped up. I thought to myself...well, there is a friend I haven't heard from in a long time. My blog just sits there. I think Facebook took it's place and that makes me sad because I once had a lot of friends I kept up with daily. Are you on Facebook? If you try to find me, I am there as Clara Cardwell Melvin. It sounds as if you are doing well. I am still well and happy. I've been to Spain this summer with my daughter and her family. I loved your board, "places I have been." You've been everywhere! LOL Well, my eyes are getting heavy again so I will sign off and here's wishing you a wonderful week and a wonderful life! Take care!
ReplyDeleteLatane, while my dh was not career Navy, he was in the reserves for years and retired as Commander in the Naval Reserves. I was also born in 1934 and I live outside Richmond VA. I have never lived outside the US but I have lived from Portland OR to Wilmington DE, Texas to TN, CA to VA. Next year would have been our 60th but I lost him in 2013. I am trying to see how life can be normal as a single. Art is taking up a lot of my time and effort and I love it. I also love meeting artists online. If you come up this way, give me a buzz.
ReplyDeleteHi Latane, I accidentally found you while playing here online and just Had to say Hi! My name is also Latain... Just alittle different! Finding any Latain's/Latane's is rare! Latain was my grandfathers middle name: Guy Latain Walston. I'm from Texas, now in Minnesota. I love your art! I also play with art... Collage, watercolor, acrylic... Began pursuing art a year ago upon quitting my job to stay home. I'm a young 62 with an aging husband of 72. It's a full time job as time moves on. Anyway, it's good finding you Latane! Sincerely, Latain's!
ReplyDeleteOh I loved reading about you and would have never guessed your age by your youthful demeanor in your writing and blogging!! Sorry you lost your husband of many years but happy to hear you are still discovering the vessel of talent within! You take beautiful photos and I love your art too!
ReplyDeleteHugs Giggles
Awww I just had a moment to read your "about me"...I would have NEVER guessed how "young" you are (wink), let alone, losing your father before you were even born. I'm so sorry to hear that. I'm glad we've connected and I look forward to getting to know you more and more. :) Blessings!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Alexandra. It is through the inspiration you and your husband have given that I have rediscovered my love of art and trying to produce something that I enjoy and feel good about. Sure, my art isn't very good but it is giving this 'old' lady some real pleasure these days. Thank you for your friendship and your encouragement. God bless you.
DeleteWell hello Latane, reading your biography was so interesting. Thanks for sharing and hopefully I'll visit often. I couldn't believe that you are over 80 years young and had your book published. It's brilliant that you are still on the road of discovery.
ReplyDeleteWaving from Bonnie Scotland :D
Married at almost 17... :-)
ReplyDeleteYou know, I think that's sweet. My grandma married at almost 17. So did my mother-in-law, well, at 17. All stayed together. The old ways might seem strange to modern eyes, but these are good love stories if you ask me!
"At age 80 I had my first novel published."
There is hope for me yet!