I've been trying to think of something light or funny to talk about today, since yesterday's post was so serious,
Vann Cleveland never met a stranger, as the saying goes. No matter where we went or what kind of people were there, my Vann would be making friends and influencing people in no time flat. He knew enough about so many different subjects that it was easy for him to find common talking ground with just about anybody.
He loved to travel and had visited every state in the continental U.S. He'd never been to Alaska or Hawaii, and one ambition he died without accomplishing was to visit Alaska.
Most of our traveling together was confined to the southeast, but we also made trips to Texas, Wyoming, New Mexico, New York, Nassau, the Virgin Islands, and Mexico together during our marriage.
I recall one early autumn getaway in a Tennessee state park. We were walking the trails and enjoying the great weather when we came upon another couple doing the same thing. We got to talking to them and finally it came time for introductions. When Vann told them his name, the other's guy's eyes became big and interested.
"Are you the Vann Cleveland?" he wanted to know, "the one who takes all those beautiful cover shots for Progressive Farmer?"
Vann allowed that, yes, he had taken a PF covered shot or two in his time. Well this couple, who it turned out were long-time PF readers, acted like they had met a celebrity. And I was so proud to be Mrs. The Vann Cleveland that I was almost busting my shirt buttons.
Still not recovered from this flu, but I'm better. I tried to get to work cleaning out my office today so the fellows can get that old furniture out. I lasted only about 30 minutes, then had to come back to bed.
DD Andy came home from work early today with the stuff. And Phillip coughed a lot in the night and said he had a sore throat this morning. Those sea billows just keep on rolling, but we're rolling with them.
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On 09/14/2009, Jan said ...
What a beautiful memory!!!!
On 09/14/2009, Beverly said ...
Susan, my ten year old grandson says that memories are wonderful. I'm so glad you have wonderful memories. I know from experience how sweet they can be.
Maybe you need to put a "keep away" sign of the door. Tell the bugs to keep away from all of you. Feel better soon, dear.
On 09/14/2009, CarlaH said ...
Hi Susan, it sounds as though that flu is making the rounds and no wonder, you must all be totally exhausted, I wish you all a speedy recovery. Yes, memories are wonderful, I came across some pictures of my mother taken when we took her with us on a trip to Vermont about 20 years ago, I immediately shared them with my sister so we could remember her as she was - always a lady. She also came with us to Europe and Cape Cod - must go through those slides as well to revisit those times.
Continue to do what your body tells you - rest when needed.
Sorry that Vann never got to see Alaska, I've been there once and it was majestic (although I was disappointed to see no black bears when I was all set for them with my can of stones to scare them off).
On 09/14/2009, Nicole said ...
Hope you are feeling better day by day Susan. Typepad has done something stupid with the "reply to comment" feature. I thought I was sending you a nice private response to a comment you left me and it posted right on my blog comments for the entire world to see. Arggghh. What was Typepad thinking?
Anyway, I hope you are getting along all right. Sounds like the family has been rallying 'round.
If you get sick of the whole scene, you can always come out to California and we will walk on the beach. I have lots of guest rooms.
On 09/14/2009, Lavender Dreams said ...
I hope you continue to feel better, too. Take care of yourself and thanks for sharing this with us!
On 09/14/2009, AwtemNymf said ...
Beautiful post! HUGS!!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
You won a prize! Come check out this BLOG post
I've emailed you and will wait to hear back from you!
Congratulations! :O)
~A~
On 09/14/2009, Barbara Anne said ...
Oh, what a wonderful story! I hope you have some favorite pictures that Vann took enlarged and framed in your home.
Be well, sister!
Hugs to Mrs. The Vann Cleveland!!
On 09/14/2009, Pat T. said ...
Dear Susan - have just discovered your blog and your wonderful, heartfelt posts. I pray that through this incredible medium we have called "blogging" that it will, in some way, aid & comfort you now and in the days ahead. Photographers are very special people...they see the world in all its details...things others of us may miss entirely. They capture moments that stay with us forever. I believe it is a gift. Take good care of yourself and thank you for sharing your thoughts.
On 09/14/2009, Alison Gibbs said ...
Hi Susan such wondeful memories of your trips with Vann.
Hope you are soon feeling better
Alison
On 09/14/2009, Debra Spincic said ...
What a great story! Now I want to find some old copies of PF and see some of Vann's work myself.
On 09/14/2009, Pokey said ...
Sweet story. Hold those close, and thanks for sharing it! It makes you who you are.
On 09/15/2009, Kai said ...
Wow! Vann was not only a #1 SWEETHEART, he was a VERY handsome one! And I am so glad he got accolades from fans for his photography! Like Debra, I think I will look into finding past copies of PF & check out his work! And you know what? I betcha' Vann would LOVE it if he could watch over you as you carry out YOUR dreams! Get well, my sister-friend! I love you!
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