As stated in my previous blog, Who is Gauge, many of the characters in my books are inspired by people in my life. So it’s not unusual that readers have been asking about Opal. Who does she represent in my life?
The short answer—my deceased grandmother, Georgeanna, or more appropriately, Georgie.
After simulating Gauge’s character after my husband, I wanted to give him a fitting partner, someone precious as a way of making it up to my hubby for having to put up with my sassy ass. Thus, Opal came into existence. Though Opal is her own person, I took several attributes from my very kind grandmother and instilled them into Opal’s charming character.
My grandma, Georgie, was a very honest, generous, and sweet woman. Honest to where she expected the same from others and, to her surprise, was occasionally disappointed when they were not. Generous beyond all reason, from constantly making meals for family and friends, opening her home to strangers, and contributing to whatever cause she could help with. And she was the sweetest person who most ever knew.
Georgie was a good listener, and sometimes, the only one who listened. She loved with her whole heart and put all of herself into any relationship she ever had. If something was troubling her, she kept it to herself, turning to her faith to help her through trials and tribulations. Some may have thought Georgie to be naïve because she trusted people, but she could be quite shrewd and get away with a good joke or prank on anyone.
It’s been over seven years since she’s passed, and the family still misses her like crazy. I miss her home-cooked meals. I miss how her blue eyes twinkled and teared-up when she laughed. I miss hearing her singing in the car when we would travel somewhere as a family. I miss Friday night fish fries and Jim Beam happy hours with her. I miss her hugs and how she loved doting on her great-grandbabies. I miss seeing her speed racing past my house on her way to Sunday mass. I miss seeing her getting tipsy with my other grandma and dancing on the tables or bar hopping around town.
That was my grandmother, and that is Opal.
Personality-wise, Opal shares a lot in common with my grandma, but there are many physical similarities as well. Both have natural platinum blond hair, a friendly face that draws people in, lovely blue eyes, and an hourglass shape. Picture a young Dolly Parton and you have a good visual of who my grandma and Opal look like.
Many of you already love Opal, but I’m excited for all you lovely readers to become better acquainted with her history and her romance with Gauge. Here are some images of what I picture Opal looking like, along with the woman who inspired her and Dolly. Enjoy!
Images courtesy of Pinterest.
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