June 20, 2008

Tasha Tudor


I received Tasha Tudor's book, Take Joy, as a Christmas gift from my favorite Sunday School teacher ever many years ago. To this day it remains a favorite as does the quote in the front of the book.
I salute you. I am your friend and my love for you goes deep. There is nothing I can give you which you have not got. But there is much, very much, that while I cannot give it, you can take. No heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in today. Take heaven! No peace lies in the future which is not hidden in this present little instance. Take peace! The gloom of the world is but a shadow. Behind it, yet within our reach, is joy. Take joy! Life is so full of meaning and purpose, so full of beauty . . . that you will find earth but cloaks your heaven. Courage then to claim it, that is all! . . . And so I greet you, with profound esteem and with the prayer that for you, now and forever, the day breaks and the shadows flee away.
"Letter to a Friend" by Fra Giovanni, 1513
So it is sad news that Tasha Tudor has passed on on June 18th at the age of 92. A prolific illustrator and writer, she led a wonderful, individual life.

7 comments:

alison said...

Thanks for the info. on Tasha Tudor and the tribute passage - I hadn't heard of her passing. I too enjoy her works, especially Pumpkin Moonshine, which comes out every Fall to delight me and the kids. One of my favorite quotes of hers is "I believe in moderation in all things, except gardening and antique collecting." She certainly will be missed.

Susan Moorhead said...

Oh yes, Pumpkin Moonshine, another good one.

Nan said...

Have you ever gone to a Revels performance, Susan? They say the "Take Joy" piece, and I just love it. Great, great words. Nice remembrance of Tasha Tudor.

Susan Moorhead said...

Hi Nan, I have never heard of a Revels concert but it sounds really interesting. Especially if they did that piece. Are the Revels a group or is it a kind of performance various groups do?

Anonymous said...

Is that a picture of Tasha Tudor? I have know idea who she is but she is a beautiful woman and I want to know more about her. What is this "Pumpkin Moonshine" ?

Susan Moorhead said...

Tasha Tudor was an illustrator and writer, primarily for children, but was also known for the authentic way she lived her life - adhering to an old-fashioned, rather homespun life that - especially in her illustrations - looked very appealing. You can find a number of her books in the library as well as a book about her life style (with great photos)called The Private World of Tasha Tudor. Pumpkin Moon is a classic and was her first children's book.

Susan Moorhead said...

I meant Pumpkin Moonshine :)