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Friday, November 14th, 2008

On November 13, 2008, Jim Cummings posted a new recipe that we have enjoyed twice this week. He posted a design that can be worked in Outline Stitch embroidery, as well. Here is a response from someone who lived through the hard times of the Depression, and whose husband served valiantly in World War II. Here is the link to the : http://www.quiltersmuse.com/frugal-soup.htm

Hi Pat,

I had a few extra minutes so looked at the recipe and the design. Did I have a good laugh for myself!

I married a man born in Scotland of very frugal Scottish parents. NOTHING was ever wasted. My parents weren’t Scottish, but they didn’t have a lot of money either, esp. during the depression when my father wasn’t working, and if it wasn’t for the fact my grandparents raised vegetables and chickens, we might have gone hungry at one point. But we had a chicken once a week and just about every day thereafter in one form or another for quite a while. We even used the feet to make a wonderful, rich soup that you can’t make today.

The favorite quote in DH’s house was Waste Not Want Not so I will so much enjoy embroidering this for my kids who also heard it at least once a day. We grew up not wasting anything, and my kids and even grandkids couldn’t understand why the lights had to be turned off when you left the room, or you shut the water off and just didn’t let it run when brushing teeth, don’t waste food … well, the list goes on and on.

This piece will be a warm reminder of my in-laws and parents, the Depression, and my life to a great extent. I’m so glad Jim did this … it’s like it was made for me (and for many others I’m sure). Thank him for me.

Regards,

Carol

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Carol,

Thanks so much for your kind note. I am sure that Jim will be happy to read it.

Best,

Pat

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Thursday, November 13th, 2008

We really like to browse in antiques stores. They can transport one to another time and sometimes say something about popular tastes, the type of goods that were valued during a past time, and items that have clearly served a long time before they hit the shelves. The material objects that one encounters are always delightful. Each time one visits a store of that kind, the surprise factor is in place.

The other day, we wanted a break from work, so we visited one of our favorite haunts. Walking in the door, I spotted the following item, and before anyone could say, “Jack Be Nimble, Jack Be Quick,” I had scooped it up into my hands and was ready to claim it as my own. What was this item I so coveted? Here you go:

Redwork pillow with image of girl and feather duster

The image of a little girl in Redwork, holding a feather duster, appealed to me. Isn’t she sweet?

After that find, I didn’t care too much about buying anything else, although I did find a few inexpensive things that called my name. These treats for the soul did not break the bank. I think that it is important for us to continue to shop, especially in the small stores that struggle to maintain themselves, on the best of days. If we don’t help, the next time we go to shop there, the store may not be in place, just an empty storefront, and how often have we seen that lately?

Sometimes, the smallest things can change a mood, or make one feel happy. Now, don’t get me wrong. Don’t spend money you don’t have, but every now and then, break into the piggie bank to “borrow” a little cash to buy a little something special. I did. Isn’t she great?

Patricia Cummings, , the home of more great Redwork designs and books, offered at no charge!

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Wednesday, November 12th, 2008

There is a book and a DVD available from a website online. Both provide information about an extraordinarily successful woman who called herself, “Nelly Don.” She invented the house dress of the early twentieth century, and was determined to make the dresses fashionable enough to be desirable. As a result, sales soared and soon she was a millionaire. Her brand label, for house dresses constructed in own her factories, brought her wealth, fame, and problems.

She was kidnapped by thugs and held for ransom. With the help of gangsters, the mystery of where she was located was uncovered and she was rescued. Her life is one of high drama and industry as well as personal entanglements that were often a challenge.

This is a compelling book that should be on everyone’s shelf just because it is wonderful! High in graphic content and descriptive detail, the book is one that I can’t wait to spend more time viewing.

No one is paying to write this mini-review. I just like to keep my friends informed whenever I come across a really interesting book. The book and the DVD cost the same amount, $28.00, which includes shipping. I chose to purchase the book version of the story, but reportedly, the DVD provides additional information.

It is my believe that some of these early twentieth century woman entrepreneurs really set the stage for women who would live at a later time. They infiltrated the gray flannel cadre to set their own agendas, and to assert themselves in the marketplace. The book about Nelly Don, is a fun read, and I fully recommend it. For availability and more details,

Patricia Cummings,

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Tuesday, November 11th, 2008

River in the Fog

This beautiful photo by Patti Ives reminds me of the poem by Carl Sandburg (1878-1967). The first two lines of the poem say:

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There is something wonderful about fog. The most fantastic fog is that which I saw in New Brunswick as we traveled the highway in the early dawn hours, the only car on the road, and the only visible life, a large crow, cawing, and flying between the tall fir trees that were saluting the dawn.

We often speak of fog metaphorically. If we say that someone is in a fog, it means that the person is not fully cognizant of his actions, and is perhaps executing them in a perfunctory way, not engaging in the moment, just “going through the motions.”

When we say that someone has come out the fog, the statement could mean that he or she is seeing things more clearly. In religious circles, we speak of seeing God through a looking glass, in other words, we are the mirror image of the Creator, but the Bible tells us that “then,” meaning in the hereafter, we shall see Him face to face.

None of us can see ourselves too clearly, can we? We cannot even decipher our own reasons and our own emotions. We keep asking, “What does it all mean? Why am I here?” Certainly, there is a reason for our sustained presence, and if we are still above ground, there is always some potential that we can do some good for someone else.

I love fog, particularly when I see it lifting off the mountains, revealing them clearly. I like to see sun through the fog, the hope of a sunny day. We must, however, live right now. Whether the fog is real and visible, or is existent only in the foggy-brains of ourselves or others, we must live with it until it passes. The joy of life is that there is always a new day dawning.

Patricia Cummings

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Monday, November 10th, 2008

Everyone has been buzzing about the economy and cut backs and job layoffs, but is the economy really that bad? Who is all of this affecting the most? Right now, gas prices are down, making us believe that if we wished to go anywhere, we could. A friend told us that a few months ago, a cross country trip would have been out of the question. Now, he is looking to doing just that, soon.

Seemingly, the personal finances for some people are horrible for a number of reasons, not necessarily reflecting current overall circumstances. Some people simply live beyond their means. We have come up with personal strategies that seem to work, and I would like to share them with you.

1) Stop eating out so often, and if you do want to do so, have a nice breakfast or lunch. People should consume the most calories of the day in those two meals as it is better for digestion, burning calories, and also easier on your pocketbook.

2) Cook meals that can be heated up easily. Soups, stews, and casseroles are examples of this kind of hearty fare. If you have a bread making machine, all the better. The smell of homemade bread will fill the house with a wonderful fragrance, and the resulting bread can be sliced and toasted, or made into “French Toast” for breakfast. In making meals that continue to “give,” you save money and energy.

3) Combine errands when you go out. Plan the trip around what you need to do, and what you need to pick up.

4) When in the grocery store, shop with a list, turning a blind eye to all the “extra” goodies like cupcakes, candy, and other such treats.

5) At restaurants, order water, even if you have to pay for bottled water. It is far better for your health than soda or other sugared drinks, and you can save in a number of ways, including preventing diabetes.

6) If you want an occasional candy bar, buy one. Just don’t buy the whole bag.

7) If you commute a long distance from work, consider either getting a different job, or moving closer to your place of employment.

8) Mend clothes. Don’t throw them away. Learn to do simple things like sewing on a button, or shortening or repairing hems, or darning a “hole” in a sock. Our grandmothers repaired clothing to extend the life of garments, especially in hard times. You can do it, too.

9) For entertainment, try taking a walk, or working on some creative hobby, or watching television, rather than going to a movie.

10) Turn down the thermostat at night, if you heat with gas or oil. Even five degrees will make a big difference in your bill. A nighttime setting of 62 seems to work well here. Any lower temperature makes my bones ache.

11) Don’t take “long, luxurious baths,” particularly in winter. They dry your skin and waste hot water and the energy to heat it. Our ancestors did quick wash-ups and kept very clean in that manner. Of course, it was that, or go to the well, haul in buckets of water, chop the wood, make a fire, and heat the water sufficiently. Quick showers are fine, if they are quick, which they usually are NOT, especially if used by a teenager.

12) This tip is the most critical of all: Don’t run up credit card debt. If you have a card, spend only as much as you can pay off, when the bill arrives. Credit cards are the bane of modern existence and especially gets young people “in over their head.” Debit cards are susceptible to fraud and are not good to even have.

I’m out of advice, and you are out of time, so that makes two of us with limitations. I hope these tips will resonate with someone who reads them, and I hope that if you are having financial difficulties, you will be able “to see the light,” soon. There is nothing more depressing than not being on top of spending habits, and nothing more frustrating when a person realizes that the amount of money coming in is not equal to what should be going out.

We all look to a better day for all,

Patricia Cummings

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Sunday, November 9th, 2008

Of the many quilt types there are, somehow, I really appreciate quilts that depict animals. They are wonderful! I have seen a number of them in quilt shows. This year, there was at least one at the Cocheco Quilt guild, and at least one at Quilter’s By the Sea show in Rhode Island. Some of those were memorial quilts.

Of course, some great books exist about making cat quilts that look very lifelike. The only animal quilt of dogs that I have made, so far, is a replication of a photo of a Dalmation. Here is a picture of it, in an unfinished state. When it was done, I sent to my great nephew in California whose Dad is a firefighter.

Dogs are great! There is a reason they are called “Man’s Best Friend.” Humans let them down, more than they would ever do the same. Like the Obama family, we are ready to adopt another shelter dog, preferably a “mutt.”

Purebred dogs are beautiful but often come with a high-strung disposition. We have been looking online, and have seen some great dogs at the shelters throughout New Hampshire. I even downloaded “adoption papers.” Today, one has to qualify by answering a slew of questions.

I have my own criteria for adopting: no more little dogs. A fat lady walking a tiny dog looks ridiculous, at best. I’ve owned a miniature poodle, a Sheltie, and a miniature pinscher. Now, I think I would like a Golden Lab/ German Shepherd mix. Sounds like a combination made in heaven. I’m pretty excited about this new venture, but it will take some planning to make sure we have everything to make this a happy and safe environment for the teenage dog we hope to adopt.

Besides dogs, the shelters have ferrets, rabbits, many cats, horses, ponies, parrots, and other animals. There is a scaled fee associated with the transfer. The payment helps to offset the cost of neutering and care. In New Hampshire, only neutered animals are placed. There are many pitbulls available. They are hard to give away due to their reputation and territoriality.

I just really like dogs and I think this will be a great deal of fun. So, as we do with any decision, we will “study the possibilities.” Who knows? Maybe our new pet will inspire another quilt. I will have to put “doggie treats” on Santa’s list.

Patricia Cummings

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Sunday, November 9th, 2008

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Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906)

Thanks to my friend, Mindy Fitterman, of , for sending this poem.

All of the arts provide so much pleasure to our lives, as do our friends. They are like large rocks of safe haven in a sea of turmoil and stress. Have a pleasant Sunday! “Happy trails to you!”

Patricia Cummings

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Saturday, November 8th, 2008

While it may seem an archaic practice today, at one time in America, families only took baths on Saturday nights. A roomy container held heated water prepared in a large hearth fireplace. One by one, each family member would bathe in turn, from the father to the mother, and to all the children, down to the youngest. In the summer, the bath must have been a welcome treat and a chance to get clean all over. In the winter, everyone had to contend with the chill of dwellings without central heating.

One method that counteracted the cold drafts, and also afforded privacy, was the use of “quilt cranes.” Quilts were hung from these two long wooden boards that extended from the wall on both sides of the fireplace. Surely, nothing could work better to buffer the cold! An example of this set-up can be below, and the photo was taken, with permission, at Storrowton. See the full article on our website.

quilt cranes

I love learning about what our ancestors did to survive in the past. If it were not for the rampant fatal illnesses, the complications of birthing, and the uncomfortable “fashions,” of the 1800s, I could easily go back in time to live in the nineteenth century. Life had its hardships then, as now, but my romantic notion of the time period is that it was more pleasant, even though much work was required of everyone, even children.

I like to fantasize about a time when tall trees grew here, in New Hampshire, for the masts of British war ships. I enjoy thinking about the years between wars. Seems like wars are perpetual, throughout history. I like envisioning all the mills on every fast moving stream in New England. Ah, if I could only go back in time, if only for a day. Who would I want to meet? Who would you want to meet? Quilting Bees, church fairs, country picnics, fresh air, counting sheep … ah, the simple life was probably the best! It’s fun to dream.

Patricia Cummings,

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Friday, November 7th, 2008

While I was suffering from a sudden onset attack of Bell’s Palsy that lasted for a month, from April to May, my son recorded an old song originally performed by the Carter Family. I like the sentiment of the words and the fact he recorded it for me. If you would like to give a listen, it is still on my website:

My son, James Patrick Gorham, has many similar interests to mine. I can’t help but think that my work, hobbies, and outlook on the world have had a profound effect on his own life choices. I taught Spanish at a small college and had the opportunity to bring James with me to a supper put on by the international (mostly Japanese) students. He was four years old. I can’t help but think that had an impact.

He has taught English at the college level for quite a few years now, and is participating in a doctoral program. His writings have won awards, and have afforded him the opportunity to go to London to address the annual International F. Scott Fitzgerald conference. He enjoys many of the same early New England writers and poets that I, too, favor.

He enjoys writing songs and has performed in the Rhode Island area. James, like his grandfather and many family members before him, loves music. He plays flute, keyboard, mandolin, and (like me) guitar.

James, like his grandfather, is religious. In leading a ministry for youth in his church he has reached out to the poorest parts of the country, leading his charges to tutor Indian children in reading; and traveling to the poorest sections of Philadelphia to work with the homeless; and going to the deepest parts of the south. He is sensitive to people from other backgrounds and has a love in his heart for all people who walk the earth, no matter what color their skin, or how “funny” their language. I guess the attitude is partially due to his upbringing, at least that is what I hope.

I just wonder how many other children follow in their parents footsteps, without actually realizing how their thoughts of how to act were formed. Of course, we have the generations of welfare mothers follow a trend of procreating without having given much thought to the outcome. People like that, whom I have known in the past, have no “man” in sight to help support their “issue.” Call it hormones or call it irresponsibility. That is an example of how NOT to emulate a parent.

Now, I am blessed with a lovely grandson. James and his wife have hundreds of photos of him, in settings all over the world, and all over the country. The family travels to visit old college classmates and relatives in Europe. Previously, I featured pictures of my grandson here, often. Then, a convicted sex offender joined my blog list, and well … go figure. Now, I just enjoy seeing the photos that I am privileged to see. He truly is the most beautiful child on the planet, and that is no exaggeration!

When Tim Russert was alive, there I was, every Sunday morning, watching “Meet the Press.” I still watch the show but not with the same gusto. Tim had a certain uncanny ability to zero in on any topic, giving supporting evidence for the point he was trying to get across, and delivering the message well. At the same time, he was always fair. It was with great joy and surprise that I have seen his son, Luke Russert, fielding political questions on television, this past week. This is another example of how a parent influenced a child, in a good and lasting way.

I am proud of my son, James, and all that he has accomplished, just as I am vicariously happy about Luke’s work now. Relationships change when children marry, but a mother never stops loving their own (child). There is a lot of satisfaction in having raised a morally upright person who is now setting a good example for his university students and others. My son and I came through the rain together. Today, I am happy to be reminded again to “Walk on the Sunny Side of Life,” whenever I hear his recording.

Patricia Cummings

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Friday, November 7th, 2008

A recently discovered blog features some of my words from an article I wrote about toile and its origins. Included are some wonderful examples of toile fabric being used in all manner of home decoration in the blogger’s home. Although, at first, this blog ended up in my spam mail box, I am so glad that I retrieved it. Some wonderful pieces of this classic kind of cloth are shown.

http://bargainhuntingwithlaurie.blogspot.com/2008/11/in-love-with-toile.html

To see my website article on the subject, click on:

Enjoy!

Patricia Cummings

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Friday, November 7th, 2008

There is a marked difference in the “feeling in the air” since Tuesday night’s election results. I am feeling more hopeful than ever. I think that the country will soon head in the right direction and I have to pray that the scandals that have plagued previous administrations will not be a part of this one, with a young family in the White House.

We always look to our leaders, at every stage in our lives, and in every capacity, to do what they should do to lead us. Smart leaders are intuitive. They really listen to their constituents, and they try to change situations for the better, and sometimes with innovative approaches.

Too often, we get mired down with the Old Guard who can’t go right, and can’t go left, and can’t get out of their own way. The prophetic Bob Dylan sort of described what I mean in his song, “The Times They Are A Changin’.”

Amid all of this rhetoric of hope and change, “the dark side” has reared its ugly head via some despicable sites on the Internet. I had no idea, before now, that our new president is not considered to be “a brother” by some African-Americans. It seems to be a kind of reverse discrimination brought on by the president-elect’s mixed racial background. Bad enough for a preacher to have commented on this, but even worse are the utterances of malicious hatred by him toward the man who was chosen by the majority of Americans. This self-proclaimed “anointed,” “man of God,” preacher, is full of rage and hatred, spewing forth his Internet words from behind a banner that says, “Jesus is Love.”

Just when we think we have come so far, we find that there are still tensions in the world caused by hate. Even if you do not believe in God, you would have to be aware of the sheer forces of evil that are present in daily life. Most of us would prefer not to acknowledge evil, or to confront it, but evil does not go away just because it is ignored.

As for me, I have decided to try to re-focus on more positive things. Knowing that the war(s) are more likely to end quickly than they might have otherwise, is a source of satisfaction. With our new president, we can have the hope that officials will be working on solving problems. As to individual hate-mongers, or preacher-led bands of “pockets of resistance” against Obama who won the election, fair and square, well, I suppose we have no control over the misguided. I will pray that they see the light that they already claim to have seen.

There is a lot right about America. There is also a lot wrong. We can only lead by example and try to do the best we can, everyday. We can quit the excuses and quit the blame-game and have more tolerance for people who are less gifted, perhaps, than we are. We have to realize that the reality of our common human experience is that we all have only one day at a time to live, as that is all that is given. We cannot even take that much time for granted.

Meanwhile, we should all strive to do the best we can, forgiving ourselves when we err, and making sure that others know that we accept them and their human frailties, too. While I prefer dogs due to their unconditional, all-accepting, and non-judgmental nature, I put up with a few people, once in a while. A new dog in the White House is a terrific idea! There is something refreshing about the thought. Yes, Happy Days Are Here Again!

Patricia Cummings

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Wednesday, November 5th, 2008

From the quiet of our living room last night, we watched television and waited for the outcome of the presidential election. While it is difficult to lose a dream, John McCain was gracious in defeat and the true gentleman he has always been. When the big news came, crowds had already assembled, across America and across the world.

In the Chicago’s Grant Park, the throng included such notables as the Reverend Jesse Jackson, and the famous Oprah Winfrey, both with tears in their eyes, like so many others there. The President-elect was inspiring in his acceptance speech. All that was missing from the program was a chorus of “Let Freedom Ring … let the white dove sing.” The crowds gathered could have just run out of their homes and businesses to see the Second Coming. Some were on their knees, some were jumping up and down, all were moved by emotion in their anticipation to once again hear Obama speak.

Earlier in the afternoon, in visiting another quilt historian’s site, I came across a link to a disturbing site. The (Ph.D.? or is that he a Dr. of Divinity?) “Reverend” was condemning the political candidate of his same color, using very derisive language including the abhored “n” word, and exclaiming the most hateful things I have ever heard a “man of God” say. In fact, I only stay tuned to his message, out of shock. For 22 minutes, his video railed against Obama. The only thing I took away from the message was a great feeling of shock and sadness that anyone could act so vile under the guise of calling himself a follower of Jesus. There is also the issue of separation of church and state, if he does, indeed, have a church, and the video is not just propaganda.

Barack Obama has the support of millions of people, worldwide. His record, one of scholarship and leadership, speaks for itself, and the majority of those in this country have affirmed his selection as our president. We will be watching the change of guard closely. At the same time, we know that one president cannot “do it all.” We shall pray for his safety and continued success. Like others in the crowd, there were tears in our eyes at this monumental milestone in American history. We will soon “pass the torch” to a young leader, a leader of promise, a leader who has the “audacity of hope.”

Patricia Cummings

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Tuesday, November 4th, 2008

Today is a day to celebrate. The contentious fight for political power will soon be over and we can all sink into our easy chairs to watch comedy shows and educational television rather than negative political ads. At least, I would enjoy relaxing with anything that is less taxing than choosing the man will lead this great country of ours for the next four years.

Both of the leading candidates for the “first” office of the land have exemplified behaviors of leadership. In addition, we were blessed to have had other, primary election, candidates in the race who were willing to lend their hearts, their minds, and their hands to the cause of democracy as we know it. Supposedly, the two men who are best qualified to be president have been left standing.

Tonight shall be an exciting time, as the votes are tallied. For Presidential hopeful, Barack Obama, it will be a bittersweet experience due to the loss of his grandmother yesterday, coming right on the heels of this great day. For Presidential candidate, John McCain, even if he does not win, he can rest assured that running for the presidency was an act of patriotism.

I have expressed my choice by going to the polls, and so doing, I remembered the 1920 election when women were first allowed that privilege, due to the efforts of outspoken women such as Susan B. Anthony. I hope that you will vote today. In our capital city of New Hampshire, a sleepy little town compared to the much larger cities of the U.S., there was no waiting at the polls this morning. I went prepared for a long wait. I suppose that many people will vote after work.

Sentiment is running high in this country as we face more problems and more tests than ever before. Please vote your conscience, thinking seriously about who will best address your issues, whether they include better and more affordable health care, an opportunity for higher education for your children, an end to the war in Iraq, or a current lack of employment for you or loved ones.

In these hard times, we need to pull together. We need to see the best in each other. We must give others the same opportunities that we demand for ourselves. We must accept people of all colors and languages as belonging to the same human race, and treat them accordingly.

Of course, like you, I hope that my slate of candidates will win, both in local and national races. We must cross the dividing lines, as Barack Obama has stated. We are, after all, and forever, “one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Patricia Cummings

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Monday, November 3rd, 2008

No matter what mailing list I have ever participated in, sooner or later, the subject of copyright law rears its ugly head. A while back, we had the self-named “Pattern Piggies” whose mission was to scoop up every possible design they could find and share the designs with each other, online. Since they were so busy with their illegal activities, one would wonder when any of them had time to pick up a needle. They were too busy giving someone else the needle.

No matter. “Sharing” is a word that has come to have a different meaning these days. A person will order a book or a pattern that is original to the writer or bookseller, and that person will “share” it with their friend, or their guild. This deprives the artist or other creative person of money lost to potential sales, and it also usurps their intellectual property rights. In this manner, “sharing” really equals “stealing” and “putting one over on” type of activity.

The copyright law is not concerned with the financial ramifications. They are concerned about intellectual property rights – that is, the rights that a creative person has to their own creation, in whatever form that may be, including paintings, sculpting, music, etc.

There are a lot of details to the law and some exceptions.

I would not be writing about this at all except that I was speaking with a needleworker who told me that she is posting patterns to a Flickr site because she is so angry that someone is selling old patterns of the same designs on eBay for $10. In her mind, she is doing a “good thing.” I told her that two wrongs don’t make a right. I guess at that point, I’d disagreed, and it was the end of the discussion.

Sometimes, I get the feeling that while people are told about copyright, they simply don’t care. They only want to do whatever they want, to gain popularity in groups, or for whatever reason. I will continue to do my best to express the idea that the law exists for a purpose. It’s not the first time I’ve taken an unpopular stance. Given the chance, I’d rather err on the side of truth and justice.

So, today, if you are inclined to be creative, why not start with a pencil and paper, or a photograph YOU have taken. You don’t have to be a sildenafil mechanism of action ARTEEST to design something of your own. If you are having trouble getting started, take an art class. Most communities have them. There are also plenty of good art methods books, or how-to-paint, or how-to-quilt shows on TV. Go to your local library and check their resources and videos. Go to the bookstore, or friends, even take a ride in the country or look in your own backyard. Anything that has color, or grows, or moves can be inspiration for a new work. Be proud of what you do, and enjoy the process. We only go this way once.

Patricia Cummings

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Monday, November 3rd, 2008

After all the speeches are given, and all the promises conveyed, if you vote in the presidential election on Tuesday, November 4, and I hope that you do, you will be alone in the voting booth to help determine the course that our country will take in the next four years.

This year’s slate has a curious balance. Regarding one presidential candidate, there are charges of inexperience and liberal thinking, and for the other contender for the office, there seem to be thoughts and worries about longevity, and his potential successor. Both men are great leaders, and both men have given of themselves to the country. Service and patriotism and level of commitment are non-issues for either one of them. Those qualities can be assumed.

Like many other Americans, I have concerns about the emphasis on the Economy by either of them. As far as I know, neither man has a college degree in Economics. Yet, in the last days, this has become the major focal point of speeches.

As the candidates have flipped from issue to issue, in a soup du jour kind of a way, the election has seemed disjointed at times, with wild promises to spend more money than should be spent, coupled with an added commitment to cut taxes. There has not been any emphasis on just how we got into this pickle in the first place.

Obama seems to have a Robin Hood kind of plan. In taking more in taxes from the very rich, he can level the playing field a little more. That will allow a tax break for the middle class citizens who have made the rich, “rich,” in the first place.

In a town hall meeting in Peterborough, New Hampshire tonight, McCain stated that his priority was to finish the wall between Mexico and the United States and that “some” of the people (in Mexico) are “good people.” He offered to “incentivize” businesses who provide “green technology” to private homes and businesses, to fix all the government buildings, so that they are in line with “green” thinking, and to grant more money to students who are seeking higher education.

Campaign promises always seem to be forgotten, once anyone attains the office they seek. I wonder if anyone has ever done a study of broken campaign promises.

On the face of it, it seems that we are in a state of “Promise her anything, but give her Arpege.”

This weekend, many people in other states have tried to vote in pre-elections. Some have stood for hours, until they could stand in line no more, without food, drink, and a place to sit down. If you are in your 80s, you’d have a hard time holding out, too. Some elderly people just gave up after waiting more than two hours and being told that the wait would require at least three more hours.

On Tuesday, I doubt that the lines in New Hampshire will be too long. However, I plan to go prepared with everything I need to wait in line, if that means a thermos of coffee, folding chairs, a winter coat and scarf, an umbrella, snacks, and a good book. We are determined people, in New Hampshire. I, for one, do not want “four more years … ” sildenafil mechanism of action, America, indeed, “sildenafil mechanism of action.”

Anyone out there making any political quilts?

There you have it, and that is how it looks from this corner of cyberspace. Patricia Cummings, reporting from Concord, New Hampshire, home state of the first primary election in the nation.