Tasha Tudor, 1915-2008
I am very sad that Tasha Tudor has just died. Her lovely books, and the books which show her home and gardens have been comforting inspirations to me about the beauty of a simple life at home. Our little corgi, Homer, is a special addition to our family because of the charming pictures of corgis in Miss Tudor’s stories. If you have read any of her books or those about her, you know that she was a fount of creative energy, planning special activities for special days at home with her children. I have enjoyed reading about her homemade dollhouse and dolls, family plays, tea parties, and other adventures throughout her life, both when her children were young as well as with new friends in her old age.
Always dreaming up imaginary fun, she reminds me of Jo in Little Women. Sadly, like Louisa May Alcott who dreamed up Jo in her imagination, from what I’ve read about her, Tasha Tudor had New England Unitarian roots and to my knowledge she never professed any Christian belief. Some of my favorites of her books are those which have biblical themes, including her illustrations of Psalm 23 and the Lord’s Prayer. I have a Christmas pop-up book she wrote and illustrated which has a gorgeous Nativity scene. I hope that in her last days the biblical themes she pondered and the traditions she celebrated finally found their fulfillment and that she trusted for salvation in Christ alone. God gave her a long and productive life which blessed many people.
As our days go speeding past and we make memory markers for our families with delicious food, gardens, crafts, and special celebrations, let’s make sure to do it all for the glory of God, building our lives on that which is eternal.
For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw–each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. (I Corinthians 3:11-15)
I think we will have a tea party to remember Tasha and we will re-read some of her sweet books this week. We will talk about these verses, too, and remember that beauty comes from the One who first created and defined it, and that we reflect His glory when we bring our attempts to make loveliness in our own lives and lay them at His feet.
Note: Images found at this website, where you can also read a biography of Tasha Tudor’s life. And here is an article about her from Practical Homeschooling Magazine a few years ago.
June 19th, 2008 at 10:17 am
Oh no! I hadn’t known. I’m tearing up here. How very sad. We own many of Tasha’s books and I had just finished reading Tasha Tudor’s Garden last week. A remarkably creative woman who has brought us joy through the years. She was an inspiration to us in the simple way she lived and through her artwork. I do hope that she embraced Jesus Christ before she died. What sorrow to think that she may be separated from our Father for eternity.
June 19th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Late last night I couldn’t sleep, so I got up to pray and then started cleaning out my drawer next to my bed. I had kept a small little book of the Lord’s Prayer in it illustrated by Tasha Tudor, and with a quiet spirit I enjoyed the little book late last night. I too hope she embraced Jesus Christ.
June 20th, 2008 at 11:57 am
I was also sad to learn of Tasha Tudor’s death. I have always questioned where her heart was with God. In a newpaper article it quoted her as saying she would go back to being a 1830’s seawife after her death. I know scripture says we can look forward to even more than that. She blessed us with her books, her art and simple way of life.
For that we can be thankful. I am glad I came upon this site for a Biblical view about this subject. Thank you Buried Treasure.
August 31st, 2008 at 4:25 pm
What a delighful website and to see the name of Jesus and speaking of the Word of God is so wonderful. ..
We adored Tasha… I have many of her books for our grandchildren.. and children.
love her art work. My daughter gave me her Peter Rabbit Journal… adorable.. and I
am 75 this next Tues… 2 of Sept. Never get too old to enjoy such art.
We love tea parties.. also.
Bless you,
novella hawk – Phx., Az.
September 6th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
[...] Cathy Santarsiero32. Thistle Dew33. Jill: A Tribute to Tasha34. Carmon at Buried Treasure35. Betzie36. Carrie – Oak Rise Cottage37. Happy Birthday Tasha! by Barb38. Mary at St. Athanasius [...]