In the UK, to honor our servicemen and women on Remembrance Day we wear paper poppy’s on our clothes or coat and donate money to The Royal British Legion. Every year I run a Poppy Day fundraiser with my British Expat society here in NYC, where everyone comes out to socialize, make donations and wear their poppy with pride. Big Apple Brits also match all donations to send back to the charity. I’m pleased to say we had a very successful event last week. 🙂
My grandfather, like many others fought in a war and today I wear my poppy with pride to remember him and others who have served their countries over the years.
Please take some time today for quiet contemplation, take a walk, smile at a stranger on the street, offer a co-worker a cup of tea. Do something nice for yourself.
Tonight I’m excited to be going to an art opening. Myself and a photographer friend are exhibiting together in a lovely space in the east village, New York City. I’m so glad I asked Rob to exhibit with me, this is his first NYC exhibit so he is very excited and his work is gorgeous (ill share photos this weekend). There will be champagne, smiles, art, friends, poppy’s and time for remembrance and celebrating how lucky we are in this world.
I’m also pleased to announce the winner from this months
First Friday Giveaway. YAY! Congratulations to
Esther from E Makes Art. The lovely Poppy print above is all packaged up and ready to go, so please email me your mailing address (info[at]louisegale[dot]com)
when I went shopping today being rememberance day – whilst packing my shopping I noticed a dear old soldier sitting there with his tray of poppies proudly wearing his blazer with his old regimential badge on it.
People were walking by and ignoring him – I purchased a poppy and he gave me a lovely smile and he proudly showed me how to wear my poppy on my jacket. Its so easy to be nice to people and make an old solider smile. I also felt sad that very few peole could be bothered to stop and smile at him on this special day – all to busy only caring about themselves. so yes just a smile and kind word to a stranger dosnt cost anything.
What a beautiful post, Louise. I love the idea of the poppies and am so glad to hear your fund raiser was a success. Today I hung my flag and remembered my family members who served as well as those serving now.
Have a spectacular time at your exhibit! I wish I could be there to sip champagne, smile with you and enjoy your beautiful gift of art you share so openly.
I have never heard of this memorial tradition of the poppies, what a beautiful way to remember.
Congrats and enjoy your exhibit!
And WOWEE!!! YAY for me!!!I can't believe I won this amazing art print!! I really do love it!! I'm so excited! I'll email you right now…
xoEsther
Poppies are so beautiful and encompassing of remembrance…we wear them here in NZ on ANZAC day each year (25th April). I'm still lucky enough to have my dear dear grandad and love listening to his old stories…
Your poppies print is beautiful Louise. Have a lovely weekend 🙂
It is funny that you say that about the poppys. When I was a little girl there was a lady that came to school every Veterans day and sold poppys. We call her the "Poppy Lady" She would wear a red hat. And I believe like a cap type coat. Almost like the Salvation Army use to wear.
I love your Poppy Painting!
Congrats to Esther!
hope your exhibition is all you wish it to be. Can't wait to see the photo's.
Wearing a poppy over here too 🙂
Amelia.x
Lovely post Louise. The poppy tradition is such a poignant reminder of Remembrance and ANZAC day. I make sure I buy one every year to support the diggers and their families.
Lee:)