The Queen of Toy Land and her purple court jester!
He doesn’t look like he likes this game much.
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By: Nina Mata,
on 12/2/2011
Blog: Beautifique (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: illustration friday, Illustrations, digital painting, imaginary friend, Nina Mata, beautifique, lil nina, purple bear, Add a tag
By: Laurel Gaylord,
on 11/24/2007
Blog: studio lolo (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: gorilla, franklin park, imaginary friend, 1959, franklin park, 1959, imaginary friend, dreams, hope, zoo, gorilla, Add a tag
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By: Nina Mata,
on 12/2/2011
Blog: Beautifique (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: illustration friday, Illustrations, digital painting, imaginary friend, Nina Mata, beautifique, lil nina, purple bear, Add a tag
By: Laurel Gaylord,
on 11/24/2007
Blog: studio lolo (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: gorilla, franklin park, imaginary friend, 1959, franklin park, 1959, imaginary friend, dreams, hope, zoo, gorilla, Add a tag
This week's prompt for Illustration Friday is "The Zoo." I can't hear that word without remembering The Franklin Park Zoo in Boston, near where I grew up. I was only six years old in this photo, 1959. This is Mabel, the matriarch of the gorilla colony at Franklin Park. She and I were good friends right from the start. We used to talk about what we'd do when we'd get out into that big world waiting for us . (I could talk to animals all of my life.) She worried about her little one, Hank, but she knew that there would be a better world waiting for him without barriers and barricades. He'd have better opportunities than she had. He wouldn't have to live in the confines of the city. It just didn't seem right to sit in the short, mown grass and watch cars go by. Not right at all. Yeah, Hank would do just fine as long as he could find his way out.
As soon as my parents and I got to the zoo I could smell the popcorn and roasted peanuts mixed with the smell of the monkeys and elephants. It was heaven to me! My six year old hands would grasp the cold bars of the monkeys' cages while they looked at me, anticipating a treat of some kind. I'd name them all and make plans for each and every one of us to meet again. I'd run to the aviary filled with the most magnificently colored birds that filled the air with their shrieking, shrilling calls.
Franklin Park Zoo was a much needed escape from my hard life at home. It's amazing to me that my parents even took me there. It just tells me that in spite of the hard times, they tried. They really did the best they could. But it was Mabel who taught me to be strong.
I used to pick flowers for Mabel whenever I got the chance to go to the zoo to see her. As you can see, I would stand beside her and we'd talk for hours, sharing secrets and planning life's strategies. She was the heart and soul of Franklin Park.
We moved around a lot when I was growing up and I never got to say goodbye to Mabel. She knew I had to follow my parents as a youngster, but she also knew I'd grow up to be okay. She often comes to me in my dreams and I wake up laughing, not being able to tell anyone I felt gorilla breath on me last night and how wonderful it was!
You know, Mabel and I weren't suited for the city yet somehow we found each other and gave each other strength and hope. Man oh man, that's what life is all about.
Thank you, Mabel.
Love always, Lolo
0 Comments on IF : Lolo At The Zoo as of 1/1/1900
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Nice collage and a funny, though poignant, story. :)
Awwwww... that's so sweet. You look adorable, Laurel. I love what you did in this collage :)
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You look happy and so does Mabel. A truly beautiful story and I'm so glad you shared it with us. The smells came back to me as you described and the zoo carries wonderful memories for me as well. Course I have not smelled gorilla breath up close but I have smelled a lot of dog breath. I am enchanted by your story and illo!
WHICH ONE IS THE MONKEY????
LOVE YOUR LITTLE BROTHER
i am such a soppy sentimental fool, and i love the story so much.
Such a cute story & picture!
That's a lovely story, Laurel, very moving. It's amazing how much animals can help us when we need to get through difficult times.
You did a beautiful job with this collage, very tender...
So wonderful, the story and the photos. Sad, the challenges gorillas face in the wild... the poachers and all. Their eyes are so soulful.
Oh, by 'their' eyes, I meant the gorillas... NOT the poachers. Poachers have sold their souls.
What a story. I almost cried thinking about you trying to say goodbye to Mabel.
Precious collage, Laurel! The story is so touching. This reminds me of the gorilla in the mist.
Very nice...and I remember those days. I also remember that dress. Wow, and we're talking over 40 years ago! I didn't realize that was a gorilla in the picture; I thought it was our "little brother."
Simply precious. I am drawn to tears once again. I think we all had a Mabel in one form or another, and it's so nice to have them visit once in a while.
peace and love~
This collage is lovely and tells a story of love. It is no wonder you began a visiting nurse service for animals.
Both you and Mabel seem to be sharing a special moment.
I love that you chose collage to illustrate this week since your story is comprised of bits of memories. I love all your work and especially enjoyed reading about your likes and dislikes. Very cool about your books but you should illustrate your own from now on!
Anyone who can talk to animals is a special person indeed! Thanks for sharing such a poignant, sweet story, and cool imagery...and look how cute you are in your little dress, heehee.
every little girl should have a mabel and a tulip dress. this really made me smile. you had a gorilla as a friend...
Run Free, fair Mabel.
Wonderful story and illustration. Very nice.
yes indeed! What a fine story and a wonderful accompanying photo!
as always, great illustration and story.
Really funny!
:)
Great illustration and story. The little bit of pink/peach color in the collage is perfect.
Very impressive little story and memory. I really enjoyed it.
I wouldn't think they would let you get that close. Oh but those were the 50's, times were different then.
Thanks for sharing.
this is a beautiful story... and a great collage as well.. i havent posted my entry for this week and any moment now IF will change topics so my unfinished flamingos will not be used... anyway glad i had spent my free 5 minutes to randomly click entries and actually go here too..
That is an awesome image. Great merging and I really like that little bit of color.
what a very sweet story; you and Mable still stay in touch? ;-)
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