Discover Kay Koeper Sorensen’s blog called “Quilts & Color” for a look at both traditional and modern treatments of both topics. To Kay, I say, “Keep up the good work!”
Patricia Cummings
Archive for December, 2008
Quilts and Color
Thursday, December 11th, 2008Who Is the Father of the American Christmas Card?
Thursday, December 11th, 2008The answer is simple: Louis Prang. To read more about his background and fascinating life, click on this link.
Patricia Cummings
Rubia calendar now available
Wednesday, December 10th, 2008If you would like to help combat illiteracy among women and children of Afghanistan, you will surely want to purchase the beautiful annual calendar offered by Rubia, an international organization. The calendar costs only $10.00, payable by Google checkout, or by other means, by calling (603) 397-3438, a New Hampshire phone number.
We wrote a feature article about a woman from Afghanistan for The Quilter magazine, some time ago. A similar article is now on our own website.
To visit the Rubia website to learn more about the calendar that features poetry as well as photos, visit: http://www.rubiahandwork.org/calendar.html
Enjoy!
Patricia Cummings, no affiliation
Christmas Decisions
Wednesday, December 10th, 2008In one of her writings, Ellen Webster states that her father gave their local, small town church, Christmas trees each year, with which to decorate. They smelled wonderful, were decorated in a simple manner, and enjoyed by all. That seemed to be a comforting thought to her – that he was so generous and could share the bounty of God’s blessings with others.
A photo of their 1892 Christmas gathering (that appears in my latest book) reveals her sisters, their boyfriends and husbands, her parents and a nephew, all in Victorian garb, and all gathered in the farmhouse that was the Hardy home in Hebron, New Hampshire. I found out that Christmas that year fell on a Sunday. The congregations that shared the one common town church must have had to do some fast scrambling to figure out which group would use the building and when.
The Christmas we celebrate today, with all of its commercial aspects, had its roots in the nineteenth century. For example, Christmas greetings were not generally exchanged until the commercialization of the greeting card industry. The antique card on the front of our website looks very much like a spin off of a Kate Greenaway illustration.
With the economy being uncertain, many people are cutting back on what they might normally spend. I am convinced that it not the quality of gifts that matter. Rather, it is the sincere good wishes to please another person, and to bring them joy (and something they would like).
Some Christians really wish to get back to basics. After all, the tragedy of the poor man who was trampled to death at Walmart should teach us that life itself is more important than trinkets. No gold bracelet or diamond ring, or pair of earrings will have any long term effect on your ultimate journey. It is in considering these matters that we can begin to learn and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, an expression of God’s love for man.
My goal is not to superimpose my own religious/faith beliefs on my readers. Rather, I started out to say that I think that too much emphasis is put on material goods for their own sake. We will all live without a big screen tv, or the latest book (ok, maybe not), or the anything that is store-bought.
The meaningful essence that we can impart is a strong sense of family, a willingness toward forgiveness, and the joy of celebrating what we do have, rather than condemning what we don’t have. Re-think the goodness of other people and try to understand that we are all struggling with our own humanity. Christmas gives us hope that our lives are not spent, in vain. An even more important Christian holiday is Easter – with its promise that there is eternal life that is offered to those who believe.
Enjoy Christmas, and certainly, exchange gifts. Just keep in mind the word, “Simplify.” Often, you will find that the simple moments of life are the most unforgettable ones. Time is the greatest gift of all. This moment will not come again. Enjoy the season and find the joy that is there for the looking.
Patricia Cummings
Things that Make me Smile
Tuesday, December 9th, 2008This morning, I woke up thinking about things that make me smile. Here is my partial list:
my grandson playing with white German Shepherd pups of his “other” grandmother,
the sight of falling snowflakes as they gently glide to earth,
the smell of an apple pie that Jim just baked,
a call from anybody, to say, “I was just thinking about you,”
a beautiful Christmas card from my friend in Germany,
another friend’s predicable response whenever I call her, “So, what is on your alleged mind?,”
seeing an art quilt that is so wonderful, I just have to stand and marvel at it and say, “Oh, my!,”
revisiting the Christmas ornaments that have been packed away for a year,
and … thinking about Ellen Webster and all the wonderful people I met this past year and all the fun I had while researching Mrs. Webster’s extraordinary life.
In my life, I have known much pain and many blessings. God is good. “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”
Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse
Monday, December 8th, 2008Just for the sake of interest, every now and then I “google” certain key words like quiltersmuse or Quilter’s Muse. My website: Quilter’s Muse Publications and Virtual Museum has been around since 2002.
One blog writer has found her “muse,” recently, in a lovely, female, fairy statue. “Jessica’s” muse can be seen at: http://tinyurl.com/5f6t8o
Jacquie Sciutto has published quilt related poems, for years, using “quiltmuse” or just “The Muse,” as nicknames. The poems have been presented on a quilt art list and presumably, in print, elsewhere. (No known website or blog).
Crane and Don Johnson have a business website called Cranefly Quilts. Crane Johnson is a quilt teacher whose work has been juried into international quilt exhibitions. Her husband, Don, is an accomplished pianist. Several years ago I purchased a CD or two from him. His music is wonderful, and I guaranteed it to add sunshine to any gloomy December day. The web page upon which his musical songs are listed is “Quilter’s Muse.” www.cranefly.net
A newcomer on the scene is Karen Griska from New York. She has at least three online identities, one of which is www.QuiltersMuse.blogspot.com Her claim to fame so far has been one article in Mark Lipinski’s magazine, and one book about making quilts with selvages (which I purchased, by the way). The book is colorful and fun! We have to support the muses and the inspiration from where their work emanates.
Wherever you find your muse, we hope that you are urged to try new creative techniques, and that the work of the muses validates your wish to be artistic. Don’t let the word “artistic” scare you. If you are choosing fabrics that have color, (and which fabrics don’t?), then you are putting together color and design – the definition of an “artist” by anyone’s standards.
Well, that is a brief rundown on the quilt muses as they stand at the present time. I am personally happy to think that I may have inspired the other “muses” by my long term, online presence. So, here’s to creativity. There really is room for all.
Patricia Cummings
Pills
Monday, December 8th, 2008Today, there is a pill for every conceivable bodily function. I just have to wonder what we used to do without all the pills that are offered. I just love the TV commercials that tell a person about all the bad things that could happen if the pill being promoted is taken. Then those statements are followed up with, “Call your doctor, and ask if this pill is right for you!” Sure, where’s the phone?
We are developing new pills at such a rate, it seems that we have lost track of potentially bad interactions among the chemicals contained therein. The key is this: if the patient suddenly drops dead and that event can’t be explained away, in any other manner, oh, well, must have been a bad mix of pills. Sometimes, the bad mix is pills and alcohol.
Of course, in the old days, a sick person would just be bled. Either he lived, remarkably, or his death was hastened in his already weak state.
Dr. Wayne Dyer’s talk was being aired on PBS today. He pointed out something very astute. During the half hour of news each night, the bad news (and all of it is bad) is interspersed with advertisements for anti-depressants. Here’s some bad news; here’s a pill to help cheer you up!
It’s a crazy world in which we live, made worse by most of the chemicals we could ingest, with few exceptions. I have to envision a time when people relied on prayer and on each other to get them through the hard times of life. One poor old lady (literally) was on the news the other night. She reported that she pays $600. per month for her medicines, “and that really cuts into (her) income.” Unless she is independently wealthy, that is a conceivable statement.
Pills: treat them with caution. Your life may depend on that.
Patricia Cummings
“The Troops”
Sunday, December 7th, 2008Whenever we use a collective word that refers to a group of people, we de-personalize the individuals in that group. That may be one of the reasons why the term “the troops,” does not mean as much as it would, if we begin to think of each person who has signed up for military duty, and each soldier, sailor, or marine, who is so far away this Christmas season.
Remember that the body of “troops” is composed of individual people who miss their homeland, their families and friends. We wish “you” were here.
God bless all those who stand in harm’s way, for the sake of democracy and decency, and God bless America!
Patricia Cummings
Eliza’s Rail Tales
Sunday, December 7th, 2008Eliza’s Rail Tales by Judy Haslee Scott is a novel written for children. The subtitle of the book is The Underground Railroad and Codes of Quilts. This book was first published as a paperback in March 2008. Amazon is carrying it at $28.79 and sellers of used books are offering it for up to $49.51, a fact that I do not quite understand. However, let’s not get diverted from the topic.
When I first learned that a review copy of the book is available to publishers, I requested one. I was told that X Libris prints the book, on demand, and that the process takes 10 days and then another 3-5 days to mail it. However, the book never showed up in my mailbox. That is no surprise.
As a prolific writer who has condemned the myth of quilts being used on the Underground Railroad as signaling devices, and as someone who has studied the history of this idea, my predicted reaction to this book was probably abundantly clear.
The most startling fact of all is that the author, a retired teacher, proposes class exercises centered around the certain quilt blocks pointed out to be those that helped the slaves communicate. In a world that thrives on hearsay and repetition of false information in the name of scholarship, this is just one more example.
I truly wish that more actual stories of real events surrounding the Underground Railroad would be told. I am sure there must be many more accounts regarding slaves who passed through New Hampshire, for example, as the state borders Canada, a slave destination.
To call something “a novel” means that the story is made up in the author’s head. That is one thing, but then to turn around, and teach fables as history, is quite another matter.
For quilt historians, this kind of book is irritating at best, and damaging to the children in our schools who are taught to believe their teachers, when, in essence, their teachers are imparting lies. They “heard it through the grapevine … ” Ozella McDaniel Williams’ “secret quilt code” has taken on a life of its own.
Recently, I came across a U Tube offering. It was a video of children telling the stories of quilt blocks and what they meant on the Underground Railroad, and as photos of quilt blocks went by, I happened to notice a “Wagon Wheel” block that was conveniently “lifted” right off my website. The antique block is a complex one that would have required a lot of time to piece by hand, and it is made of late nineteenth century print fabrics, including the color, Cadet Blue, that did not appear until the early 1870s, after the Civil War had ended. You can see the framed block, no doubt severed from a quilt, and framed, by clicking the link.
Fantasy is more fun than facts, at times, but let’s speak the truth when it comes to teaching children “History.”
Patricia Cummings, Quilter’s Muse site
The Best Gift of All
Saturday, December 6th, 2008Like you, over the years I have received many gifts. Some of them have been better received than others. In some cases, I have acquired the habit of “re-gifting,” a practice learned from an old Danish woman I once knew. If someone gave her a candy dish and she never bought or ate candy, she would save it and pass it along to some other soul who just might like it.
When I was a kid, I was often given 45 RPM records because, after all, I liked music, and had a small record player. So, it was assumed that I would treasure songs by Alvin and the Chipmunks, and other songs like “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” and “All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth.” At the time, I was missing my two front teeth, but that is not what I wanted for Christmas!
One of the greatest gifts I ever received was a pair of ice skates. Later that (Christmas) day, after a hearty meal, my father took me, and me alone, to Dorr’s Pond, a local ice skating pond at the North End of Manchester, NH where we lived. I was so impressed that he could even skate backwards! As for me, I was all toes and heels and had a nasty habit of falling down until I was bruised all over. I tried again, years later, when I was at the University and Snively Arena was open for skating, but I never quite managed to do much more than wobble.
I suppose it was not the gift itself that was so important, after all. The time spent with my Dad, and not shared with anyone else in the world, is a precious memory to me now, many, many years after he has passed on.
Time shared is the greatest gift that anyone can experience. Time is not infinite for us mortal human beings. We will not always be here. I might add that it is always a shock when one of the greats in the quilt world passes on, or becomes critically ill, but many of us are at an age when that kind of thing is not quite so unexpected.
This week, I ordered a book about a Master Quilter and her life’s work. One can see how she spent her time: making beautiful quilts of all different patterns. Quilts are tangible objects that we treasure, from other generations, and the quilts we make for our grandchildren are gifts of our time, our love, and our effort.
Time given away to others connects us to people in a way that nothing else can. So, this holiday season, think about how you can share your time in a meaningful way with your friends, family, and others. I am sharing my time with you, right now. Trinkets come and trinkets go, but quality times, remembered, are a joy forever.
Patricia Cummings, Quilter’s Muse Publications
Cats
Friday, December 5th, 2008Cats are wonderful, soft, flexibly-made creatures. They love to escape outdoors, whenever they can. So, it is no wonder that we see so many of them in our backyard. Some of them may be house cats. My fear is, with winter upon us, that some of these cats do not have any home. In the last week, we have seen an orange tabby trying to rummage vegetable peelings out of our compost pile in the back. There is a regal-looking black cat with white on its face, chest, and paws, an elegant animal. Just now, we saw a gray cat with white paws and chest. Then, there is the darkly-colored tiger cat. They all like our yard because the garden area is suitable for one of their needs, (soft dirt to dig in, etc.), and there has always been an abundance of mice, which they can hunt even when they are under snow cover.
I worry about these seemingly feral animals, especially those who run at the sight or sound of a human. In fact, one year I worried so much that we took in one of these animals who was a long-hair, orange cat and whose main hobby became chasing our (little) dog. “Oliver,” named for Oliver North, at the time, became a beloved pet whose antics we enjoyed. He was not “turned out” on a regular basis but must have accompanied us outdoors a few times, as we have pictures of him outside. His favorite perch was to sit on the back of the couch, on a quilt.
The dog would pull down the same quilt and make a little nest for herself. I didn’t care. It was a strictly utilitarian quilt that, since then, was thrown away.
In New Hampshire, we have Fisher Cats. These ferocious, predatory animals kill and eat domestic cats. It is simply not safe to leave a cat outside, unattended. On our busy street, I would not even think of purposely doing so.
To be a responsible pet owner is to know where your pet is, at all times, sort of like knowing where your toddler is and what he or she is doing. Pets, unless you plan to be a breeder, should be spayed or neutered. For one thing, they make “better” pets, as males are less likely to “mark” their territory on your furniture, and both sexes will not want to answer the call of the wild. Calmness is a good thing in a pet.
In the cold winter months, with temperatures dipping way below zero, and the winds blowing, please keep your pets inside. If walking your dog, be sure to remove salt from between their paws, if you walk on city sidewalks. Some pet stores sell little “boots” to protect paws. I worry the most about animals who have no food, shelter, or someone to love them. I also think of animals in shelter situations through no fault of their own.
One last thought, never, ever, give a puppy or kitten as a Christmas or Holiday gift. The young animals need care and love and they will be lost in the shuffle of all of the hoopla. Please be a responsible pet owner, and don’t send your pet out the door to rummage through my vegetable peelings outside, to get some kind of food. Thanks.
Patricia Cummings
The Holidays and What You Can Do About This Economy
Thursday, December 4th, 2008For one half hour, every night, we faithfully watch the “nightly news.” To hear more news than that, would be overload, but we like to keep up with major events happening in the U.S. and around the world, so 30 minutes is a sufficient dose.
Lately, on a daily basis, we have been hearing about the economy and the Dow Jones’ averages and Bull markets or lack thereof. All of these Wall Street reports have seemed distant (to us). Perhaps that is because New England has not been the hardest hit area, so far, or so it has seemed. In New Hampshire, most of us have barely noticed the recession, until we think about it.
Case in point, yesterday, we walked into a national chain store and were unprepared to see totally empty shelves in a good part of the store and the yellow caution tape that cordoned off areas not to be entered. A sign revealed that our local “Linen ‘n Things” is going out of business. Not finding what we wanted, we went into the mall across the way. Hardly anyone was shopping, and there were deep discounts for those who were willing to spend their dollars there.
At this time of year, our mailboxes are usually bulging with company catalogs, but not this Christmas season. The mailman’s pack is much lighter, and the ads that have come in are not the usual thick, lush catalogs; they are thin, and sent once, not a zillion times. The cost of paper has skyrocketed, and so has ink, making the electronic transmission of information seem more and more like a less risky alternative for presentation of ads, and with a far greater effect.
This all feels as though we are entering another age. The economic experts state that we have been in a recession for a year now, and that the common folk are just catching on to the idea. There has been a trickle down effect, with the giants in industry having been the first to notice. Today, “the little guys” live from paycheck to paycheck, wondering if their job will be the next one cut, with hardly a moment’s notice.
While all of this is scary, it is making everyone take a closer look at how we all spend (or save) money, and that is not such a bad thing. The official advice is to pay off credit card bills, if you can, downsize your lifestyle (smaller car, etc.), and save money in an account you never touch, in an amount that equals six to eight months of your income, should your paychecks stop. All this is easier said than done for most people, but these are goals that we can begin to implement, over time.
Mainly, learning to live a more self-sufficient life can be its own reward. The smell of homemade bread baking is a wonderful experience, even if it is in a bread maker, and not made from “scratch.” Homemade soups and casseroles that can be heated up again quickly for a repeat meal, without too much fuss, are a wonderful help in this busy season. In addition, plan your errands so that you can logically move from one geographical site to another, in a manner that saves miles (and gasoline). So much of this is just common sense, but you’d be amazed at how the “little things” can add up to a less costly and more satisfying life.
If you have the time and the know-how, homemade gifts are a lovely idea. A knitted cap, stuffed animals that are sewn, a quilt for a doll bed, or a doll bed itself, homemade socks, or homemade fudge or cookies, will be much appreciated. Used book stores often have books for children that are in “as new” condition. Don’t overlook places like Goodwill, or the Salvation Army store. Sometimes an unwanted item can be a “treasure.” In some cases, valuable quilts have been found there.
In whatever manner you celebrate the holidays, there are things you can do to make them fun. Decorate your table, even if the new tablecloth or table mats are ones you have made yourself.
Think of the “old days,” when popcorn and cranberries, or linked chains of paper were used to trim the tree.
Why am I saying all of this? I guess I just want to remind people that it is not always expensive gifts that make holidays happy. Time spent with loved ones is one of the keys. Hearing from friends or seeing them is another joy of the season. If we all dwell on our losses, (and who doesn’t have adversity), or if we linger over what we don’t have, we are bound to be miserable. However, keeping the true meaning of the season in mind, our hearts will be lifted, and we will be able to share Joy with others. Giving a gift to someone else always makes the giver feel happier. For now, forget the dire news of the economic prognosticators, and just enjoy the season, with good measure.
“Be of good cheer, Charlie Brown.”
Patricia Cummings, author of “Christmas Stockings, Legendary Christmas Stories”
A Moment in Time
Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008The news of the death of a friend always comes as a shock, particularly when one has lost touch with the person for a while. And, so it was this morning, in learning of the death of a former neighbor, a Vietnam Vet who had won the Purple Heart award. His age, 59, is too close to our own ages, for comfort.
http://www.cmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081202/NOCOMMENTING/812020314/1006/COMMUNITY02
I remember sewing patches on a flak jacket for him. He was so appreciative, he went home and hand carved a sign for our house, the “Abel J. Baker House, 1821.” He was a great guitarist, and knew electronics of every kind.
Circumstances change, and he moved to another city when his mother passed on. Some people leave an imprint in your heart, and although you may have had only brief encounters with that person, you remember them always.
It is with great sadness that I now know that James Pinfield, honored veteran, is no longer among the living, leading me to recall the words of a song, “If you get to heaven, before I do, just throw a rope to pull me through.” God speed, and God’s rest be yours, Jim. You saw more than your share of tragedy in this life, but always rose above it, with your art and your music. You will be missed.
Patricia Cummings
Haiku
Monday, December 1st, 2008Haiku is a form of Japanese poetry that adheres to form and meaningful content. The general syllabic configuration is 5, 7, 5 (three lines in all). My first stab at writing a haiku poem follows:
The rain falls slowly
Gently stroking the earth’s surface
Refreshing all life.
Try it. You can see how this art form is so appealing in its simplistic configuration.
Patricia Cummings, who loves to add the written word to any needle-made object.
