March 21, 2006

Christmas 1949

1949photocarolmargiejimmydickhill.jpg


My first childhood friend, Carol, sent me this photo taken of us (her brother Jimmy on the right, next to me) at her house (next door to mine) before what must have been a Christmas party for the dance class we were taking at the Women’s Club. (She says she still has the picture of Santa and brings it out every Christmas season. I have some important things from my childhood too--the clock that was a wedding present to my parents in 1931, some hand-carved bookends, the print of a Rembrandt self-portrait my dad had in his basement work-shop and I now keep in my studio, and most important, my piano, all major additions to my home.)

I remember the dance classes well. We were in the seventh grade and most of the kids in the neighborhood were taking them. Before starting the classes, my dad waltzed around the living room with me. He was a wonderful dancer—a great sense of rhythm, a strong embrace and knew his steps—and taught me well. I’m still dancing!

Posted by leya at March 21, 2006 08:30 AM