Tasha Tudor

When I was making my Full Moon Dreams tarot deck, there was no doubt in my mind whose image should represent the Queen of Earth. Tasha Tudor, who died Wednesday at age 92, was a woman who lived intimately with the things of earth — her home, her gardens, her animals, the seasons, food, crafts, the scent of herbs and the texture of hand-woven cloth. Her artwork reflects the intense attention she gave to detail — the way ivy twines around a porch pillar or the waggish tilt of a corgi’s head. In her everyday life, she famously pooh-poohed the modern world and moved at the slower pace of the 1830s, the era she believed she belonged in. In her soft old-fashioned dresses, her feet bare on the summer grass, this queen of earth set an example of authenticity and originality that I know will inspire women for many generations to come. Especially for those of us looking toward our crone years, I am grateful for Tasha Tudor’s feisty and uncompromising insistence on being true to herself, her own inner guidance, no matter what anyone else thought about it. There will never be another like her, but if we each can stay true to what feels good and proper for ourselves, we honor her memory. (I’ve added three of my favorite books about Tasha Tudor to the little blogue bookshop.)

Comments

[Carolee]

What a lovely tribute. I read of her passing yesterday and was so saddened. I was first introduced to Tasha Tudor's work as a child, and most recently purchased one of her books just a few weeks ago (her cookbook) - such a blessing to have been touched by her work over the years.... May she rest in peace....

~ Carolee

[Maggie]

How beautifully you presented this rememberance of an amazing woman . . . . . one doesn't have to identify with the 1830s to appreciate the grace of living life in harmony with one's deepest soul . . . . . surely she was a blessing to all women who follow their own quirky, slightly meandering, pathway.

[Susan]

Tasha Tudor has been a heroine of mine since I first discovered her through her childrens books when my now grown children were young. That she was so deeply connected to working with her hands, the land, and seasons of the year was deeply inspiring to me and has served to light the path that I have chosen to tread.

Her farm, located in southeastern Vermont, is quite close to where I reside in the southwest corner of New Hampshire. Though I never witnessed it myself, I have met people who encountered her while she was grocery shopping at the local supermarket. I can not help but smile imagining what petite Tasha looked like wearing her trademark garb while negotiating a cumbersome shopping cart!

We have lost a great lady. Thankfully, we still have her books. In them, each of us can capture the spirit and import of living our own authentic and altogether magical life.

Sue

[Aurora]

Tasha is an important mentor of mine, I can see my crone self in her. Her creative energy and sense of self as Woman will continue to be an inspiration. I'm glad I invested in her wonderful books back in the 80's...I still enjoy revisiting her world and envisioning my future. She was a true witch indeed!