The Gift of GrannyBalls

“Getting old ain’t for SISSIES!” ~ Granny Snuggs  

I'm convinced this was the best advice my grandmother gave me.

As a child I feared and disliked her. As an adult I understand and appreciate her.

She lived close to Snug Harbor Cultural Center, and was coined Granny Snuggs by her greatgrandchildren. She was a German girl who had a child out of wedlock in 1945. She sent my mother to live with relatives in the country while she worked in the city. She eventually married a Polish man, had a son with him, collected my mother and immigrated to America.

My mother never knew her father. My grandmother never revealed him. Whatever reasons she had for that died with her. It makes the mind wander, though…doesn't it?

The many scenarios I can imagine (from sinister violence to simple passion) always leave me at the same end. Granny Snuggs was a survivor. Her life story created that thick skin that rubbed me the wrong way when I was a little girl, but impresses me now as a woman.

Granny Snuggs did not teach me to crochet. My sister Norma did that, and she is yet another life story full of tough choices and bittersweet memories. What Granny Snuggs taught me is that life doesn't care about your fears and disappointments, nor your aches and pains. You've got to put on your BigGirl panties and get on with it!

For years, people have been telling me I should, and I have been wanting to, start a business with my creative talents. I have made attempts, but struggle to follow through...fear of failure? lack of confidence? 

Thanks to Granny Snuggs, I know what I have to do.

Grow a pair. ;-}

My goal is to build a gallery of handmade items (available for purchase of course!) and sometimes share my meandering thoughts as I toughen up to journey through what's left of my own life story.

My hope is that it is noticed by anyone who might be interested.