The Author

The Author
Brian Haggard

My Dyslexia

Having the skill to write, spell, and punctuate has never been my strong suit. Growing up as a young child I was always nurtured to be creative and artistic which came naturally to me but I could never quite grasp written language. I now know that it's a learning disabilty with a name: DYSLEXIA.



I write from the heart and I make my best effort to get the words on the page properly but as you'll see I don't always succeed. I ask you to enjoy what I write and post but to be understanding and kind. Brian

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Sunday, June 24, 2012

One Great Family

 This story starts out when I was 18 years old and I met this family in my first career as a floral designer. After many years of creating florals for them, it was a natural progression to start designing their homes when my career turned to interior design. At any given time through the many years, I have worked for the children, the parents and now I am so happy to say the grandparents on both sides of the family.

The current story starts with the sister of the original couple I have known for so many years. She is an amazing designer in her own right but, as you know, we all sometimes get tired of our own perspective so she asked for my help to update the look of her home. So we did just that by moving things around to create a fresh look.

While working with her to make the changes in her living room, I learned she and her brother were planning a big surprise party for her mother's 90th birthday. The grand affair was already in motion and the room and food were decided but they were looking for a special gift--something that their mother would never expect. I mentioned to her that a pillow made of her mother's pictures and hand embroidered would be a one-of-a-kind gift. She agreed, so we started looking for a picture for her pillow. She started laughing and said, "I don’t think I can pick one, I love these two over all the rest." She then said, "I guess we'll just need to make two" as she threw her head back in laughter. I left and started looking for things in my studio to create a design appropriate for 1922. I found buttons made from materials from the era and created the Tree of Life to signify her long life and the cobweb, an old tradition for health, peace and happiness. You can see these and many more items on her birthday pillows.

So friends, as you can see, I have run full circle in this family's life with my careers as floral designer, mural artist, interior designer, and now quilt artist. Can I just say how lucky I am to have met and remained good friends with this family over the many years who are so much more than clients to me? I wish a very special birthday to Bertha and a great big thank you to all of the family members who have let me become part of their lives.



A lovely lady and the start of
a beautiful family

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3 comments:

Connie Eyberg Originals said...

Brian, the pillows are outstanding. She will love them! I did a heart shaped CQ pillow for my mother who is 88. I used a photo of a painting I did of her family home where she grew up. These things are so personal. It is really nice this family thinks so much of you.

Mary said...

These are wonderful! What a fortunate family to know you and receive these wonderful gifts. You are very talented and I can see where you would be great in all of those careers you have had. I love studying your work and getting inspired by it.

Mosaic Magpie said...

I am certain Bertha Dora Louise will cherish these pillows. The perfect gift, creating a keepsake, that will surely become a family heirloom.
Deb

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