TAMMY’S DAUGHTER’S IN HAND
Oil on canvas 30 x 40 inches by June Pauline Zent
PLEASE READ THE STORY OF ” I PROMISED YOU CONTINUED” THROUGH ALL ELEVEN CHAPTERS BY SCROLLING TO THE BOTTOM AFTER SELECTING FROM THE HEADER OR THE DROP DOWN MENU LOWER RIGHT
This is an old photograph of an oil painting of mine commissioned by Tammy that I had taken and someone spilled liquid on. I did my best to clean it up in Photoshop but the colors and details are so altered there wasn’t a lot that I could do to restore it. I thought that you might like to see it anyway.
Time moved like an endless summer while I finished Tammy’s commissioned portrait and tried to keep thoughts about Buddy from taking over and affecting my focus. I wanted this canvas to be sunny and happy; one that Tammy would view daily with a feeling of pride that matched her devotion as a mother. From the top left to the right: Gwen, Jackie, then Tina, and Tammila Georgette. Tammy’s hands are holding the bouquet.
Gwen had her mom’s calm determined steadfastness while Jackie was shy with all of her mother’s sweetness and vulnerability. Tammy said more than once that Tina was the most like her and that’s why they locked horns so often. Tina also played the guitar and was a tiny bit mischievous, a trait that I saw in Tammy when she shared stories about her life. George Jones adopted the three older girls but Georgette, as she was called was his natural daughter with Tammy. She was a little extroverted attention loving bomb who loved to show me her latest acrobatic moves while I photographed her. I say was because I have not seen these girls in many years. I do hope that they are all well and happy. Of course you know that Tammy died and I still have an unfinished portrait of her that I cannot bring myself to complete.
In those days I actually used film in the camara and must have used five 36 frame roles during several visits. I talked with them while filming aiming to bring out their personalities. It took time but eventually they relaxed and showed me who they were.
Tammy wanted me to have it framed before she viewed it so I took the piece to a local framer. After hearing who the subjects were he wanted to place it in the display window for a week. Flattered, I agreed. The road by the shop was separated by a railroad track running parallel with a second road on the other side. It must have been at least 300 feet away when viewed from the second road but I could see it clearly from there. The work was huge with four full size portraits, hands and flowers. Little did I know that Tammy had also driven down that road and seen it too. she said later that it looked very familiar but she didn’t make the connection until I brought it to her.
“Oh my goodness June, it’s wonderful!” reaching out her arms for it.” I saw it , I saw it in the framers window and it has been on my mind since then; now I know why”. I believe one of her girls has it now or it might be in the Wynette museum in Nashville. When she was alive I made several trips to her Nashville home to bring commissioned artwork. She was always gracious and appreciative. Whenever I would call from Jupiter or before delivering a piece a thick Southern accented voice would answer. “who is this” I would say and hear, “Coookey” It never failed to crack me up. Of course she meant Cookie, she was the cook. On one visit Tammy took me to a room that she called The Zent Room. On the walls were all of the prints beautifully framed that I had given her and several commissioned originals not hanging in other areas of the home. It took my breath away!
She said ” Come on, lets talk” and the first question was had I heard from Buddy. I knew that we shared that love in common but I suspected that he was treating her like he did yours truly. She believed the rumors about him and Sally Fields were true but said, ” June, she’s too young for him”. I didn’t speak but thought, ” Maybe, but she has more fame and money: good for his career”. We gossiped about each others lives, exchanged stories, laughed a lot, and had a good time. Not once did she mention The Mike Douglas show and her part in it. I kept silent because I wasn’t sure about the reason or even if she had been told the real reason. I believe that the truth would come out in time. I told her about the house that I was negotiating to buy and she described more artwork that she wanted to commission. My sense of her was that she was a true , sincere friend who valued the artwork as much as she valued our friendship. Besides we had great fun together and we both needed that in our lives.
Learn how the truth does come out in the next continuing twelve where I hope to see you here!
artzent
zentcreativeblog 
What a creative concept, the girls intertwined with flowers. A beautiful bouquet! I am in awe 🙂
Oh, what a lovely compliment. I just wish that the photo was better but you realized what I was trying to do so that makes me happy. Thank you!
I scrolled back up and looked at the faces, as you described them in your story, and you did a great job of putting their personality into each face. And then the mothers hands embracing them all with flowers, makes it seem full of love and family. Her children are her bouquet. All different, and all her joy! As usual you leave us hanging and wondering what will happen next. Can hardly wait for part 12. 🙂
Sharon,it’s always great to have your insightful comments; you read the painting perfectly!
I hope that Tammy felt the same way about it. Wish that I could get the original again to take a good photograph.
I had to tell this part of the story first but i hope that you will enjoy the next part. Love you! and thank you for always coming here!
Such a unique and beautiful piece! I’m glad you’re back with this installment and now I’m all hyped up about part 12. Love how the paintings act as a bridge to each section of the story.
Thank you Lillian! My surgery is postponed until after Christmas so I hope to get to 12 soon. sure glad that you are hyped up but wish that the picture was better for you. It is frustrating but I learned a lesson and always get a good photo before artwork leaves my hands. That’s a nice concept ” a bridge to the story” I love it!
lovely..and the painting is really wonderful..
Thank you nightake. Your comments are valued as is your time to come here. i just wish there was a better photo.
I am always amazed by your beautiful work.
Thank you Renu, I am always amazed at your wholesome inventive recipes. We are all artist sharing our mediums and enjoying ! Thanks for your wonderful photos!
Your work is beautiful June, I’m sure Tammy treasured it. I can’t wait to hear more about your friendship with her and if you ever meet Burt again…
Thanks Maggie, I think that she did but I am not going to give the answer to the secand part of your comment. You will find out though. Yes, I have more stories about Tammy. she was a wonderful person!
Very nice a creative concept, My friend have nice day
Thank you Stefan. You always come and leave a wonderful comment and I so appreciate it! All the best to you. Love
June
Hi! There’s an award for you!
Have a great time
Thank you so much tuttacronaca! I am thrilled and will add it to my list. You are so sweet to nominate me and CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU?1 WELL DESERVED
You’re welcome. You deserve this nomination! Congratulations to you!
Hello, I have just nominated your blog for the ‘Blog of the Year 2012’ Award:
Stefan, you always share your love with me and I am so grateful! Congratulations to you! You deserve all of the stars in the universe for your wonderful poetry and your sharing nature!. we need more people like you in this world. Sending love amd thank you!
June
This amazed me so much! very beautiful creation!, I will be following you from now on!
June, I love reading the exciting past in your life. Although I have heard of everything before, It refreshes my memory of that time, and i feel like i am living through it with your eyes again. Love you sister Marlene
Another lovely painting and story installment. 🙂
Hi June, missing you blogging. I hope all is well and that you’ll say hi soon!
JUne, are you going to write a chapter 12, where you said we will find out how the truth comes out??? I hope all is well with you and yours. ❤ Sharon
Sorry Sharon,
I have been dealing with a lot of problems for a while.The blog has to wait until I have the time. You know that it isn’t easy for me to write anyway. I will get to it in time when I am under less stress.
You know that I love you!
June