Wednesday 10 October 2007

Gone with the wind/ OLW challenge "Gone"


My great grandparents Alexandra and Timofei got married in the whirlwind of the Russian Revolution in 1917, and like butterflies who get scorched by the fire, their wings were burnt and their lives changed forever.
Timofei was a sailor on the battleship Mercury, and in this photo he is young, handsome and wearing his uniform.
Alexandra or Shurochka as she was known among her family and friends served as a cook in a baron's house, was giggly and loved to read. They met and fell in love.

In these photos they are always young, in love and finally together.

Timofei was arrested during the wave of the Stalinist repressions in 1937 and executed.
My great grandma didn't know that he was gone, and patiently waited for his return for over twenty years. His friends who returned from the GULAG told Alexandra that her husband has been dead all these years.
This is my family history.

For this layout I used some authentic vintage items, like an antique ribbon that I bought in the antique shop. The little leather piece with tiny buttons comes from a glove worn by a maid of honour at the Russian Royal court, and was a gift from an old friend to me.

14 comments:

Penny said...

What a truly moving and beautiful story and layout. I love the way all your work tells such interesting stories.

Emma said...

Fab LO Galina and what a beautiful, moving story.. :o)

Allison Rankin said...

Wow...as a historian, the back story to your art is amazing!

deb said...

What a gorgeous story Galina.

I like all the little bits you've included on this layout.

Lynn said...

This is gorgeous!

Lynn

Tricia T said...

What a wonderful remembrance you've made of your history. I'm glad you found my blog, so I could stop by!!

Caroline Moore said...

This is so sad and wonderful of you to share it. They have beatiful names and it really is very romantic amidst its sadness. I love your LO - your chosen colours and cut outs really set it off. Thanks for sharing this. This is what Scrapbooking is all about.

Marjolein said...

Beautiful, and what a sad story, thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

How poignant and beautiful! Once again Galina, you tell a deep and meaningful story with your scrapbooking.

joanne wardle said...

wow! what a story, beautifulluy written. and a lovely layout

Kaz said...

this is gorgeous and so sad......I love that the LO means they are always young and together......as it should be. wow. gorgeous.

Unknown said...

Awesome layout!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful piece!!!! This is very special.

Debby

Seona said...

What a tragic love story Galina!! You have put it all together in a beautiful piece that matches the story perfectly!