The official portrait of King Harland and Queen Helen of the Kingdom of Wingate
My grandmother was a no-nonsense New Englander whose mother passed away when she was a teen, leaving her alone with a gruff Swedish father who didn’t believe in doling out compliments. She wore coke bottle glasses, had an overbite, and couldn’t tolerate a change in her schedule. Married barely out of nursing school, she worked through the Great Depression as “The District Nurse” for the county and raised three, shall we say, spirited children.
Arguably her most spirited child, my rambunctious Uncle Bob.
To the grandmother I remember, being plain and modest was far better than being pretty. Vanity was a sin. Flowers and candy on Valentine’s Day were a waste of money. And anyone trying to give her a compliment – oh my goodness – she’d sink them with an icy stare Yes, siree bob! There’d be none of that Tom Foolery on her watch.
The woman above is not my grandmother! Giggling and holding hands with a man who is not her husband – even if he is the king! Not my Gram!
Now this is my grandmother – fixing to tell someone off. (I’ve seen this look many times!) You think King Harland dared to cop a feel?
Their coronation makes headlines worldwide!
Even though she spent her life feeling plain and unattractive, she wasn’t. As you can see, the good citizens of the Kingdom of Wingate acknowledged her dignity, strength and beauty by crowning her their queen!
May you be recognized for the unique and special person that you are!
A thing of beauty is a joy forever,
Its loveliness increases, it will never
Pass into nothingness; but will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.
John Keats, From Endymion
Saying Nothing in Particular 
How lovely. The thrones and crowns are great.
Thank you! I thought it was fitting for Valentine’s Day!
What a family history you have, Jan. Keep these memories and photos coming; I can’t get enough!
Thanks KC Gal!
Lovely memories, Jan! A fitting tribute to your grandmother.
Thank you!
I think she was- undoubtedly- a Queen… Beautiful post and great ending with those perfect verses by John Keats… sending love and best wishes. Aquileana 😉
Thank you! She prized these pictures until her death and now they’re my prizes! May you always be surrounded by love as well!
Normally, I have a total aversion to any kind of royalty, I am happy to make an exception in this case. :)))
Thanks Glyn – the Kingdom of Wingate is actually run by doctors and nurses and the King and Queen were elected by the residents! Which how it should be in all countries!
Beautifully written Jan. Hope the compliment doesn’t offend! It, the prose reminds me of US dramas from the 50s. No siree Bob! Don’t hear that much this side of the pond!
Thank you! How about “what the samhill?” (another of my grandma’s favorite sayings)
Who was samhill?!
Nice story! That generation was so different. They really were no fuss, survivors!
Happy Valentine’s Day early!
They lived through some tough times that’s for sure. Happy Valentine’s Day to you too!
What GREAT photos, J. Precious. Love the personality (I think you got it from her.) 😉
Thanks! She didn’t really approve of the things I did! She didn’t have the luxury of being as rebellious as me.
Couldn’t choose better pictures for Valentine’s day! What a remarkable woman!
Thank you! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Thank you, and Happy Valentine’s day to you too!
Formidable woman. I’d say she could have shrivelled a worm two fields away.
I’m sure my cousins would agree!
My grandmother was a tough old bird too. Coming to think of it so was my mother.
I guess it was the times they lived through.
Wonderful post!
Thank you!
Lovely memories!