ADDIE’S FOG/MY BUDDY
A pencil drawing on linen board 24 x 36 inches by
June Pauline Zent featuring her daughter Adieren
Christmas was right around the corner and I am obsessing about gifts for the kids but their father solved that problem. He was always there for them regardless of our relationship. As the big day grew closer I was now focused on planning a feast and what in the world I could give Buddy with no funds in the cookie gar. I have never had much to give in a material way except my artwork.
Buddy had fallen in love with a drawing of my youngest daughter created when she was a few years younger.And in fact he had fallen in love with her. She was a sweet, tiny, independent maverick who didn’t give a hoot about any ones opinion of her. She would show up in checkered pants, a stripped shirt of contrasting colors, a floppy hat full of buttons with hair uncombed and curls flying, then dare anyone to try to change her. My oldest daughter once offered he a dollar bill if she would allow her curls to be combed. Nothing doing! She would fly down the street on her bike with curls tangled by the wind laughing. She was an original and still is in many ways. How many Navy wife’s do you see canoeing by herself down the Chesapeake Bay! That’s something she does now. Back then she was also my right arm in dealing with and caring for Billy even though she was little more than a baby herself. She would help feed him and babysit, always his strongest advocate .
I guess that she struck a chord with Buddy; he laughed at her antics and kept admiring that drawing. It was already framed with a plack on the bottom that read “Addie’s Fog”. I used the word Fog because that is how she pronounced Frog. She loved frogs and would chase them down and bring them to me in her little hands with her face glowing. That’s where the inspiration came from. The drawing had won an award and a four person show sponsored by The Museum of Art in Richmond Virginia which was also inscribed on the metal plack..
I regret ever having parted with it but I did even worse by changing the name to “My Buddy” Of course he was thrilled and presented me with a signed print of the only piece of artwork that he had ever done: A pencil drawing of a country road winding through a homey landscape. I have apologized to my daughter for this rash action and would love to give her “Addie’s Fog” but there is no accounting for what you will do when you think that you are in love..
I was working in the kitchen and listening to Billy Jo Spheres singing on a record when the phone rang. A womans voice said, “Is this June Zent?” She introduced herself: “This is Tammy Wynette”. Silence, Then ” Really!” My very favorite country music singer calling me? I was speechless! She asked who was singing on the record and I had to tell her the truth followed by my assurance that her voice was my favorite. My habit was to sing along with the artist when I was painting and I could imitate her voice pretty good. She said, ” I am so glad that you enjoy my music but I am calling to thank you for Your masterpiece that Burt Reynolds just gave me as a Christmas present.” My God! I thought. They Walked Together? Yes it was ! She was overjoyed with it stating, “It is the single most wonderful piece of artwork that I have ever seen.” Then, I want you to come to my beach house so the I can meet you and discuss a commission project with you.” Of course I agreed to visit the next day. That gave me a little time to recover from the shock and to think about why Buddy would give her the painting that he had Just went to a lot of effort to buy. I thought that he would never part with it!
The story continues soon in number five. Hope to see you here.
artzent
zentcreativeblog 
I’m not leaving this spot until you come back and tell more!
And don’t forget to tell us if Tammy Wynette still has “Addie’s Fog” today?
Oh Mom! You’ve made up for it many times over with all the other drawings and paintings you have given me! Love you! ~ Adieren XOXOX
Now I am going to cry! No one deserved that drawing but you and I will never sell or give away another piece with family except to family. Your stunning daughters, my granddaughters are on that list. Thank you for forgiving me. I love you more XOXOXO
Oh, You are such a cutie! Buddy owns “Addie’s Fog” but he gave “They Walked Together” to Tammy and You are going to like what she did with it – at least most of what she did! There, I teased you again so that you will come back!
You keep us hanging, waiting for “What happened next”. I guess I will just have to learn to be more patient! 🙂
Well, I am getting faster at putting post up, but it is a long story with a lot of twist and turns and I keep remembering things that make it longer. I do appreciate you following it though and taking the time to comment. It means a lot to me. Hugs
It’s late her 12:00 am here, I will be back tomorrow inshallah (with God’s will) to read this story carefully to rejoice in its beauty ;I’m sad I can’ t do that now for I’m not fully awake I can hardly open my eyes .See you tomorrow inshallah ,have great time.Salam.
Oh,my goodness. Go to bed. There is no hurry here.The story will wait for you. Your sleep and health is more important!
I’m running out of superlatives to use every time you post a new segment so I hope you’ll overlook my repeat comments. That being said, this is once again a lovely continuation of your story and I’m looking forward to the next installment! I’m starting to see this like a movie….. which means you’ve done a very good job indeed. 🙂
Oh, What a great compliment Lillian. I never get tired of hearing compliments about the stories because I never dreamed that I could write for most of my life. I did feel that for some reason unusual events- good and bad- seemed to follow me so I started to write them down in this blog. I am shocked at every post that people like them! I get more than I give and the bloggers that I have become friends with are just plain awesome. I learn from you and many others!
Well my sister you keep me on the edge of my chair!!!!! Its like going to the movies and can’t wait until the next installment coming next week.( when we were little girls). You are a great storyteller, thats all there is to it. can’t wait for the next story. big sister.
Hey, what would I do without you! Each time I write one of these I think, “This one is not good enough so get ready for the email blast”. But here you are and I breath a sigh of relief! You above all others deserve to hear the real story. I love you for keeping up and I love you period!
That is the cutiest picture i have seen in a long time. You captured Addie to a tee
Thank you. She still has that great personality and I have done another one of her that I will post in time that’s more up to date. I am off to see Billy. Love you
OK , this story gets me so curious …
About the image, I like how you show her expression and the tones of gray.
Beautiful work.
Thank you my friend. I am pleased that you are curious that means you will come back. This is an old photo of the original. I am going to try to get it closer to the original. As usual your opinion is valued.
You’re multi-talented woman ,it’s a privilege to meet you and explore your masterpieces ,thank you for sharng this beauty =)
Thank you for coming here and giving those wonderful compliments. I think that your blog is great and look forward to following it.
Thanks for stopping by http://serenityinnature.wordpress.com/ and liking the posts. You are very talented and I am glad to meet you.
I love the picture. 🙂
So glad that you do. She is a awesome young woman now and takes care of everything that comes into her life just like the frog in the drawing. I see that you have managed to navigate the story. Great!
That’s good to hear, I’ve read some of her comments. It’s a gripping story, I’m hooked! 🙂
Oh, another great compliment. I will try not to let you down.
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