A little post for a late night Sunday.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Monday, March 26, 2007
Popham Beach
Went to the most beautiful beach on Saturday, absolutely stunning.........
There were some folks who had brought their horses to the beach for a walk. The horses really enjoyed rolling around in the sand. What a lovely sight, I really should have taken some photos of them, but Chris had the camera.
Went on an unexpected blog-break this past month. Still processing all the new developments on our family front. Looking forward to the changes but as usual, still some big goals to meet before we get to out new destination.
Milo has been amazing lately. His imagination takes me for a ride. His joy for spring is positively inspiring, if only I weren't so tired....
There were some folks who had brought their horses to the beach for a walk. The horses really enjoyed rolling around in the sand. What a lovely sight, I really should have taken some photos of them, but Chris had the camera.
Went on an unexpected blog-break this past month. Still processing all the new developments on our family front. Looking forward to the changes but as usual, still some big goals to meet before we get to out new destination.
Milo has been amazing lately. His imagination takes me for a ride. His joy for spring is positively inspiring, if only I weren't so tired....
Friday, March 09, 2007
IMG_1237.JPG
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Eulogy for My Grandfather
Recently my Grandfather passed away. On top of an already particularly challenging year, this has been a real kicker. Pop and I were really close. Thankfully I was able to pull it together to write a eulogy, which I think he would like.
This one is for you, Pop!
****************************************
I was blessed for many years to have lived with my
grandparents. They took me in and gave me
unconditional love and support, when often times I
proved hard to love. They stuck by me & gave me a
place to call home, meals, a warm bed and a
sympathetic ear. I am forever grateful.
Pop, especially, gave me much room to grow and played
a huge roll in helping me become the person I am
today. He let me say my piece and listened with an
open mind, giving advice in turn & more often than not
leading me down the path where I than could recognize
my own folly. He encouraged me in my endeavors &
listened to my grand thoughts and feelings. He did
not judge, would only mildly disapprove and gave me
trust, that eventually I would work it out. I
remember once he asked me to cut his hair, but I was
afriad. He told me it would be okay no matter how it
turned out, just try it. It was that quiet yet
encouraging support which he gave throughout my whole
life, that helped me let go of my fears and move into
the future with strength and conviction.
The most treasured of gifts I've ever received is from
my Pop and Nan. Like Pop's name, they gave me a "Ray"
of light into the knowledge of their lives & the past
which surrounded & is the sum of us as a family. Pop
especially. In the mornings, I'd often wake up bleary
eyed and miserable, showing up at his kitchen table to
eat a bowl of cereal. He was quiet, but more often
than not, he'd tell a tale, his legend.
This poem is about that bit of legend that I was
fortunate enough to hear.
On the second story - of a front room
overlooking Green Lane, he was born
into legend.
A boy defying gravity & swimming with the
warm mill water from the rivers, building
rafts & ditching skools of fish
to float amongst the Main St. Matinees.
As a boy, eating peanut butter
from the jar that was always set
upon the kitchen table,
for whenever hunger came -
he was lucky, you know
for his Pop had a job with the automobiles.
In the summer they pitched a tent
on the beach in Jersey,
cooking, playing in the sand dunes
asleep near the waves tumbling at night -
he remembered
his father coming to visit on the weekends
to dole out the weeks supply of food
from wooden crates -
he grew amongst the sun
into corn fields of upstate
where they grilled the corn in the husk
the chickens running from unskilled knives.
I can imagine him on a rope swing, his
feet leaving the muddy ground of boyhood.
Jumping into the pond
where he met his mate for life
A girl who was never allowed to roller skate
whom he liked besides,
because she could dance,
& dance they did
to Have de Grass, Maryland
sent there by his mother's phrase
& a long came a marriage
where they danced the Tango, the twist & turn,
the Marangue, the Tarantella & at times the
Waltz coupled with the occasional Mashed Potato
marriage to fatherhood,
the steps laif by those who came before.
He found his way with the jobs on trucks
& back with the fish amongst the
river - where flood waters rose deep at times
threatened to swallow
but than, receded
& the five & he & his gal
mambo'd their way
to Conarroe Street
where cars went much slower than,
he used to say.
Where truth became legend, that
he passed on to us
through stories & cigarette smoke
Sanka with sugar, the whistling kettle calls
with Chesterfields & Zippo clicks
His chair, his perch
amongst the trees - the window his movie screen
he told tales of lightening coming through
the front door
& how Santa & his reindeer lived in the moon
He told us how Nan might have fell in
the pen & perhaps we could just get that
pound of twenties
& if you asked for anything, well
his name was Ray
& it was nice to meet you.
This one is for you, Pop!
****************************************
I was blessed for many years to have lived with my
grandparents. They took me in and gave me
unconditional love and support, when often times I
proved hard to love. They stuck by me & gave me a
place to call home, meals, a warm bed and a
sympathetic ear. I am forever grateful.
Pop, especially, gave me much room to grow and played
a huge roll in helping me become the person I am
today. He let me say my piece and listened with an
open mind, giving advice in turn & more often than not
leading me down the path where I than could recognize
my own folly. He encouraged me in my endeavors &
listened to my grand thoughts and feelings. He did
not judge, would only mildly disapprove and gave me
trust, that eventually I would work it out. I
remember once he asked me to cut his hair, but I was
afriad. He told me it would be okay no matter how it
turned out, just try it. It was that quiet yet
encouraging support which he gave throughout my whole
life, that helped me let go of my fears and move into
the future with strength and conviction.
The most treasured of gifts I've ever received is from
my Pop and Nan. Like Pop's name, they gave me a "Ray"
of light into the knowledge of their lives & the past
which surrounded & is the sum of us as a family. Pop
especially. In the mornings, I'd often wake up bleary
eyed and miserable, showing up at his kitchen table to
eat a bowl of cereal. He was quiet, but more often
than not, he'd tell a tale, his legend.
This poem is about that bit of legend that I was
fortunate enough to hear.
On the second story - of a front room
overlooking Green Lane, he was born
into legend.
A boy defying gravity & swimming with the
warm mill water from the rivers, building
rafts & ditching skools of fish
to float amongst the Main St. Matinees.
As a boy, eating peanut butter
from the jar that was always set
upon the kitchen table,
for whenever hunger came -
he was lucky, you know
for his Pop had a job with the automobiles.
In the summer they pitched a tent
on the beach in Jersey,
cooking, playing in the sand dunes
asleep near the waves tumbling at night -
he remembered
his father coming to visit on the weekends
to dole out the weeks supply of food
from wooden crates -
he grew amongst the sun
into corn fields of upstate
where they grilled the corn in the husk
the chickens running from unskilled knives.
I can imagine him on a rope swing, his
feet leaving the muddy ground of boyhood.
Jumping into the pond
where he met his mate for life
A girl who was never allowed to roller skate
whom he liked besides,
because she could dance,
& dance they did
to Have de Grass, Maryland
sent there by his mother's phrase
& a long came a marriage
where they danced the Tango, the twist & turn,
the Marangue, the Tarantella & at times the
Waltz coupled with the occasional Mashed Potato
marriage to fatherhood,
the steps laif by those who came before.
He found his way with the jobs on trucks
& back with the fish amongst the
river - where flood waters rose deep at times
threatened to swallow
but than, receded
& the five & he & his gal
mambo'd their way
to Conarroe Street
where cars went much slower than,
he used to say.
Where truth became legend, that
he passed on to us
through stories & cigarette smoke
Sanka with sugar, the whistling kettle calls
with Chesterfields & Zippo clicks
His chair, his perch
amongst the trees - the window his movie screen
he told tales of lightening coming through
the front door
& how Santa & his reindeer lived in the moon
He told us how Nan might have fell in
the pen & perhaps we could just get that
pound of twenties
& if you asked for anything, well
his name was Ray
& it was nice to meet you.
http://www2.blogger.com/unlock-blog.g?blogID=9754345&popup=trueSaturday, March 03, 2007
Cesky Krumlov
Wanting to think of happier times and more pleasant things, I did a search through my photos and came upon these beauties taken in Cesky Krumluv, my favorite Bohemian city.
Wanting more of the magic that lies there, I stumbled upon their website, go and partake of its beauty.
I particularly like the photos by Lubar, and was happy yet saddened to see that Jan Saudek is having an showing of his work there this month, ah......Hope all is well on your ends, just enjoying the melt-down.
Cesky Krumluv
Wanting more of the magic that lies there, I stumbled upon their website, go and partake of its beauty.
I particularly like the photos by Lubar, and was happy yet saddened to see that Jan Saudek is having an showing of his work there this month, ah......Hope all is well on your ends, just enjoying the melt-down.
Cesky Krumluv
Sunday, February 18, 2007
goldbug
Made with the best of intention last month, please meet Milo and I's Goldbug. Based on the Richard Scarry storybook character, Goldbug is my very first attempt at making a softie without a pattern. Please note the crazy length of his arms. Oh my! Milo seems to enjoy him, lets see if he lasts the test of time!
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
what I love
belly-to-belly time with Milo
photos of brides with little girls
dancing & friends
sailors
more belly time &
& the coming season of the egg
photos of brides with little girls
dancing & friends
sailors
more belly time &
& the coming season of the egg
Monday, February 12, 2007
a find of all finds
Lately I have been keeping far, far away from any thrift stores and fabric shops, & its been difficult. After the move, I could not possibly justify buying one more piece of fabric, regardless of how inexpensive or original. This weekend my resolve wore thin. I have been aching to try out local thrift shops and the like, but honestly haven't really had the opportunity until yesterday while in Augusta.
It was brilliant. The linen section was chock full of old vintage sheets and curtains. I even stumbled upon my first vintage quilt. Its a little tore up in one corner but definitely workable. I was so excited to have found it, I feel like I am really in Maine now when I make a find like this!
I also found some great sheets and a nifty washcloth. The little chair is for our doll house.
We also spent some serious quality time in the studio this weekend. Its been great & Ieven managed to finish up a few valentine cards. That is what is on the sewing machine in the photos below.
More to come for this week, now that I have found the camera charger.
It was brilliant. The linen section was chock full of old vintage sheets and curtains. I even stumbled upon my first vintage quilt. Its a little tore up in one corner but definitely workable. I was so excited to have found it, I feel like I am really in Maine now when I make a find like this!
I also found some great sheets and a nifty washcloth. The little chair is for our doll house.
We also spent some serious quality time in the studio this weekend. Its been great & Ieven managed to finish up a few valentine cards. That is what is on the sewing machine in the photos below.
More to come for this week, now that I have found the camera charger.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Stephen's Free Library
This building always fascinated me as a child. It was once a library which my mother and father both visited as children & than was turned into a residence in the early seventies. I used to play in the yard as a child with all the other neighborhood kids. Located in Manayunk amongst the row homes and narrow streets, it was one of the few places which had a grassy lawn. Whoever lived there never minded that we played, walking along the wall outside and as a teenager, trysting behind in the shade.
It tickles me to think that its still there on Krams Ave. My aunt Barbara who lived down the street has since moved. My grandmother who lived up and around the corner has sold her house and passed on. Even the church across the street,with its beaten graves, is locked and closed to the public. Manayunk, altogether has changed so much. All the families who made this place a neighborhood have moved up and out. Now traveling the streets there are few faces I know. But it feels good to know that the library is still there.
Maybe once day I will even get to go in...
"This is the information I found on the Stephen's Library.
The William B. Stephens Library on Krams Avenue was established by the family of a wealthy Manayunk mill owner (date undocumented). It closed in 1969 and its foundation was transferred to the Roxborough Library. That foundation continues to purchase most of the materials for Roxborough Library to this day. "
I imagine that this is not a terribly interesting blog post. But I promise more soon. Tomorrow I am going to meet Yana at the studio and start setting up our stuff. I can't wait to get to some sewing. And perhaps I will even find the camera charger and start taking some photos of our new digs.
Good weekend to all.......
It tickles me to think that its still there on Krams Ave. My aunt Barbara who lived down the street has since moved. My grandmother who lived up and around the corner has sold her house and passed on. Even the church across the street,with its beaten graves, is locked and closed to the public. Manayunk, altogether has changed so much. All the families who made this place a neighborhood have moved up and out. Now traveling the streets there are few faces I know. But it feels good to know that the library is still there.
Maybe once day I will even get to go in...
"This is the information I found on the Stephen's Library.
The William B. Stephens Library on Krams Avenue was established by the family of a wealthy Manayunk mill owner (date undocumented). It closed in 1969 and its foundation was transferred to the Roxborough Library. That foundation continues to purchase most of the materials for Roxborough Library to this day. "
I imagine that this is not a terribly interesting blog post. But I promise more soon. Tomorrow I am going to meet Yana at the studio and start setting up our stuff. I can't wait to get to some sewing. And perhaps I will even find the camera charger and start taking some photos of our new digs.
Good weekend to all.......
Friday, January 26, 2007
Saint Lucy
Last Sunday, while I was back in Philadelphia, my Mom and I took a little trip back to my old gradeschool, Saint Lucy's. My goal was to make it into church so that I could see the statue that has made such an impression upon me. Here she is, and yes, those are her eyes on a plate. Here is some more lovely history of Saint Lucy.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
for Uncle Joe
Chris' Uncle passed away yesterday. This photo was taken this summer while at the family shore house in New Jersey. We had a great time that weekend.
Our last night there, most of the "adults" (Chris' aunts and uncles) had left, Uncle Joe had stayed. We ended up having this amazing thunder storm, which we watch move around the pennisula and over the bay. We lost our electricity. The younger kids loved it, and the thrill was exciting. We even had a dance party when the electricity came back on.
The memory of that weekend is truly a gift. We are so glad to have the photos. It going to be a hard week.
Our last night there, most of the "adults" (Chris' aunts and uncles) had left, Uncle Joe had stayed. We ended up having this amazing thunder storm, which we watch move around the pennisula and over the bay. We lost our electricity. The younger kids loved it, and the thrill was exciting. We even had a dance party when the electricity came back on.
The memory of that weekend is truly a gift. We are so glad to have the photos. It going to be a hard week.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
open: 2 friends meet on a train platform
Recently Sue sent myself and our friend Bea an email about two friends that met in High School and how with a small gesture and an offer of friendship, changed their lives entirely. Sue had said it reminded her of how she & I had met. Bea wrote back and asked where we did meet and Sue sent back this story.
Well, Jenna was sitting on a bench at Rosemont station, having just missed the train. A few minutes later Sue arrived on the scene. She sat down on the same bench as Jenna and turned to her and said "Just missed the train, huh?" (she could tell because Jenna, smoker for several years, was still out of breath from her mad dash to the train.) "Yes " said Jenna in her polite, yet "I grew up in Philly and we boo Santa Claus" way. Not detered in the least, Sue then, (still high from being allowed into such a prestigous college as Rosemont and determined to make new friends in her best "I'm from Jersey, but don't hold it against me" way) turned to Jenna and said "Oh, we're going to be friends!" Jenna then looked at Sue with that wary Philly eyeball (you know the one you give those crazy homeless people at 30th Street station and asking for your last quarter) and said "Yeah Right" Sue, knowing that she really was crazy (afterall, the gallons of Aqua Net inhaled during her Mall rat, Big-spiral permed hair faze, had to have effected her, although at the time perhaps it gave her a quick buzz) and having once been homeless for three weeks herself, took this as conformation.
The two have been best friends ever since.
That accurate depiction definitely made my day. Thanks Sue.
& we live happily ever after.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
key card
Still all quiet on the northern front. We are waiting to hear back from our perspective digs in a northern town. As a funny side note I found the most excellent apartment in Portland. Complete with yard, garage, tub and lovely landlord. If only we decided to stay, but I do believe we are going north, my dears.
I received a check in the mail this week for selling 18 of my cards over the past two months. I am very excited. My first money from my own creations. It feels really good. So on with the positive and more new cards. Here are some of my new favorites for Valentine's Day.
I received a check in the mail this week for selling 18 of my cards over the past two months. I am very excited. My first money from my own creations. It feels really good. So on with the positive and more new cards. Here are some of my new favorites for Valentine's Day.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
space
Chris and I are contemplating a move north. We have been thinking of moving from Portland for a while and recent occurances have been motivation. First, Chris had the most miserable, awful, disgrace of a day at work on New Years Day. our current neighborhood. I am tired of living across from "Mobile Masterpiece Theatre." Our new neighbors above us have, I do believe, been filming adult videos loudly about twice a month for till 5 in the morning. Unfortunately their "stage" is right above our bedroom. Third, the Property Management Co. and the complete nimrod that s the president of the Management Co...I could go on, but I don't want to dwell. Its time.
SO while perusing the rental ads, I stumbled upon a little town about 45 min. above Portland that advertised an apartment + artist studio space included in the low rent, with all ammentities included. We immediately made an appointment to see both the apartment and studio. Geoff, the owner, was great and met with us the next afternoon. The apartment was okay but the studio space was amazing. In the center of town, located in an old dance hall with 15 foot windows.....it is great. Its huge. We are definitely sold on the studio space. See photo above, which does not do the space justice at all, its quite bigger than it looks.
Now what to do about the move?
When we left Philly we wanted to be in a more rural small town setting. Portland is definitely small town. About 64, 243 people, which is comparable to Roxborough/Manayunk, my town back home. After having lived here, I am craving smaller.
Opinions are welcome....
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
pedaling
This year Rob Brezsny, my all time favorite astrologer gave me this lovely predicition:
"Though millions of other people may be flirting with glamorous badness and crafty nastiness in 2007, I bet you'll have a minimal attraction to negativity, no matter how interesting it might allegedly be. Drama kings and drama queens may try to seduce you into the crazy chaos they stir up through their addiction to pain, but you'll be pretty immune to their temptations. Seemingly reasonable people might hope you'll buy into their gloom and doom, but you'll be too smart for that. Congratulations in advance for your determination to be free of the stupid suffering that so many people love to entertain themselves with."
& with that I just feel like I must keep ahead of all the negativity that skulks (is that a word?) around. So I am making this photo my reminder to keep ahead, keep pedaling. This year, perhaps, I will stop choking on what I want myself to be and just be it. Fill myself with joy & be who I am, whoever that woman is. Take the lesson from my little buddha and just be....learning and growing.
"Though millions of other people may be flirting with glamorous badness and crafty nastiness in 2007, I bet you'll have a minimal attraction to negativity, no matter how interesting it might allegedly be. Drama kings and drama queens may try to seduce you into the crazy chaos they stir up through their addiction to pain, but you'll be pretty immune to their temptations. Seemingly reasonable people might hope you'll buy into their gloom and doom, but you'll be too smart for that. Congratulations in advance for your determination to be free of the stupid suffering that so many people love to entertain themselves with."
& with that I just feel like I must keep ahead of all the negativity that skulks (is that a word?) around. So I am making this photo my reminder to keep ahead, keep pedaling. This year, perhaps, I will stop choking on what I want myself to be and just be it. Fill myself with joy & be who I am, whoever that woman is. Take the lesson from my little buddha and just be....learning and growing.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
don't you worry about a thing, my love
http://www.youtube.com/v/M6sGWGlwDr0">
Just a quick note to Christopher.......
Just a quick note to Christopher.......
the working sock
This little pretty is my "sock" as they say in New England, for work. We initiated a sock making contest for all the staff on 2B. This was my contribution. I will post more photos soon of the many contributors and a few "socks" that I made for some co-workers who were not feeling so crafty.
Season's fleeting, ye best get to Greeting.........
Season's fleeting, ye best get to Greeting.........
Thursday, December 14, 2006
A Chrismas Corner
This is the top of a small bookshelf by our front door. I found those sweet cordoroy reindeers with markings from Japan at a rummage sale this summer while in Philly. They came from North Light, which is a community center in Manayunk where I grew up. It warms me to think that they probably came from one of those old row homes in on the hill, where I spent all my Christmas'....It gives me pause for my Nanny, whose house I cherished around the holidays. Where my Nanny's 12+ family gathered and laughed into the night.
The second piece on the shelf which makes me smile is an old copy of the Night Before Christmas. I believe it was printed in 1910 complete with an inscription, "To my Dear Sweet Niece Josephine." An old roomate/adopted older brother gave it to me when I was a teenager & I've longed to read it to my family.....it was exciting to do it last year, but I think this year is going to be even more special because Milo knows who Santa Claus is.....
I am so looking forward to Christmas.....
The second piece on the shelf which makes me smile is an old copy of the Night Before Christmas. I believe it was printed in 1910 complete with an inscription, "To my Dear Sweet Niece Josephine." An old roomate/adopted older brother gave it to me when I was a teenager & I've longed to read it to my family.....it was exciting to do it last year, but I think this year is going to be even more special because Milo knows who Santa Claus is.....
I am so looking forward to Christmas.....
Monday, December 11, 2006
Score!
Last week was full of big old scores in thrifting. I am in love with a few of these pieces and can't wait to dig in, yum! My favorites are a toss up between the 70's quilt print sleeping bag that Milo loves to hide in and the floral print in the back, that I ventured out into the snow the following day of the initial purchase & picked up the coordinating pieces, praying they'd still be there. I felt in touch with Soulemama & anxious and twitchy with her "lounge wear" entry a while back.
Milo and I wrote a letter to Santa today. He told Santa he wanted three things; a crane (check), Thomas trains (check) & a doll house....I damned near leapt with joy! Chris and I are actually making him a doll house of sort and its been in the works for a while. While thrifting I found this terrific box, that will be a perfect canidate for a doll house. Chris and I need to get cracking to have it done before Christmas. In September I managed to get some Ikea goodies for the holidays, and doll house furniture was one of the scores. I can't wait to play with it!
Milo and I wrote a letter to Santa today. He told Santa he wanted three things; a crane (check), Thomas trains (check) & a doll house....I damned near leapt with joy! Chris and I are actually making him a doll house of sort and its been in the works for a while. While thrifting I found this terrific box, that will be a perfect canidate for a doll house. Chris and I need to get cracking to have it done before Christmas. In September I managed to get some Ikea goodies for the holidays, and doll house furniture was one of the scores. I can't wait to play with it!
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