Thursday, September 25, 2008

Clarice


When the Yellow Fever took his beautiful wife Eleanor, Norman was left to raise their only child Clarice. With a broken heart he did the best he could but life was so dark with out her. He found himself sinking deeper and deeper into debt and doom.


He lost his job at the coal mine because he had no one to care for Clarice and with no job it wasn't long before the bank took their home.


Norman had no where to turn and no family to help. He had no choice but to go to Mrs Blathersby's orphanage for the unattractive and mentally unsound. He knew that it was unusual for a grown man to ask to live there but he thought he could perhaps work for their room and board. He begged her to take them in and Mrs Blathersby agreed to and said he could be the gardener. She gave them a room in one of the towers.


Norman thought that since they were no longer in their home, the dreams would stop, but night after night Eleanor came to him pleading with him to bring Clarice and join her on the other side.


One night after waking in a sweat from yet another dream, Norman did the unthinkable!


While sweet Clarice lay asleep with her teddy tucked under her arm, he took his garden sheers and slit her throat. He then climbed up onto the night table, threw a rope over the rafter and hung himself.


Norman did not realize that by taking his own life he would not be able to join his wife and daughter and would be forever in the small room in the tower.


Clarice can be seen from time to time wandering the gardens looking for her him.
Clarice's nighty is hand made along with her night cap and bloomers using my great grandmother dress which is round 125 years old. The lace trim is recycled as well but is from around the 60's. She is truely one of a kind:)






5 comments:

Unknown said...

awww...lovely.
Can't wait to see her in person.

Amy Short said...

She's brilliant. Such a sad and intriguing story. I'll be back to visit often. Love it when I find cool arteests. :o) Amy

Odddollz by Jacqui said...

Thanks Amy:) Nice to meet you.
I really like your Earl Grey!! He is awesome.
I will be stopping by your blog often too.

Jacqui

Gail Lackey said...

OHHH poor Clarice!
but she still loooks lovely in her fashionable gown!
I love that you have used old textiles that have a meaning and a history for you! It makes a piece really important I think! She's hauntingly adorable!
Dark Blessings, Gail

Odddollz by Jacqui said...

Thanks so much Gail:) and yes the material is special, for sure my Great Grandma would be happy Clarice has a nice nightie, bloomers and night cap made from her dress.

Hugs

Jacqui