wordsfromanneli

Thoughts, ideas, photos, and stories.

Learning English is not Easy

46 Comments

As I’ve mentioned before, my mother had trouble learning the English name for daffodils when we first came to Canada a very long time ago. She had heard of Daffy Duck because we children used to listen to a Saturday radio show called Kiddies’ Corner and they often played stories about Daffy Duck.

She also knew what dolls were, of course, because my little sisters had to have their dolls.

So the best she could do to get her tongue around the word “daffodils” was “daffy dolls.” My mother has been gone for 43 years already, but I can’t help thinking of her every year when my “daffydolls” bloom, usually in the same month when she died so long ago.

These flowers bring me happy thoughts of her wonderful sense of humour and her sunny disposition. She loved gardening and would be pleased to see daffydolls in my yard. I wish she could see them. But who knows? Maybe she can.

 

cheerful daffodils

welcoming another spring

bittersweet flowers

 

Unknown's avatar

Author: wordsfromanneli

Writing, travel, photography, nature, more writing....

46 thoughts on “Learning English is not Easy

  1. Lynette d'Arty-Cross's avatar

    That’s such a lovely story about your mother, Anneli. Daffy dolls is a good name for them, too. 🌼

    Liked by 2 people

  2. John's avatar

    This is very sweet, Anneli, a wonderful way to remember your mother. ❤️🙏🏻😊

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Writing to Freedom's avatar

    Fun story. Cheers to you, your mom, and daffy dolls! 😀

    Liked by 1 person

  4. kagould17's avatar

    Always good to remember your Mom and daffydolls is perfect Anneli. My Mom’s been gone for 51 years and every time I bake bread, I think of her, because she taught me how to bake. Have a wonderful evening Anneli. Allan

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Jacqui Murray's avatar

    That is a precious memory.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. wordsfromanneli's avatar

    Yes, it is. Thanks, Jacqui.

    Like

  7. shoreacres's avatar

    Made up words can be such fun, and often do get passed on through generations. You’ve honored your mom’s ‘silly’ word with a great haiku.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. arlene's avatar

    Hi Anneli, I love your story about your mom. Sweet daffodils.😍

    Liked by 2 people

  9. hase956's avatar

    so wonderfull thanks a lot

    I understand sometimes funny things in songs

    have a good week

    Erika 🙂

    Like

  10. Ursula's avatar

    I remember your mom very well, she was such a nice and good person. I think that the name daffydolls is much prettier for those lovely springflowers.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Dina's avatar

    Love the name daffy dolls. The plant “Snow-in-Summer” is the one that brings back memories of my mum and her garden in Norway.

    Liked by 2 people

  12. V.M.Sang's avatar

    What a lovely name for daffodils. I’m sure your mum would love those in your garden, and perhaps she can see them and is smiling at the sight.

    I bet your family never calls them daffodils, either. Always daffydolls.

    And I love your Haiku .

    Liked by 2 people

  13. Unknown's avatar

    Lovely story, Anneli. She was a wonderful, loving mother with a great sense of humor. Her love for gardening was passed down to all the kids as we were growing up. Daffydolls have always been a beautiful surprise in my garden as well.

    Liked by 2 people

  14. ~M's avatar

    Such a sweet memory

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Lori's avatar

    I’m sorry I didn’t see this sooner to give you a cyber hug. I know you’re not into this stuff, but I’m sure your mom can see those beautiful daffy dolls. 🤍💛

    Liked by 1 person

  16. Jennie's avatar

    I smiled at this story!

    Liked by 1 person

  17. nellifant's avatar

    I love your photo and the haiku. Thanks for sharing the memory.

    My husband obviously planted bulbs in pots on our patio not long before he died. I didn’t know about them so it was a very bittersweet surprise when tulips and daffodils appeared last month.

    Liked by 2 people

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