quiltersmuse.com Blog

Whenever one needs a topic of conversation, there is always the weather. Earlier today, temperatures were predicted to dip to 29 below zero tonight (counting the wind chill factor). The wind advisory now has been lifted, but a snow storm appears to be on its way, the same one that is currently hitting the mid-section of the country.

This report leads me to start thinking about a song I used to know about a “Frozen Logger” – “I lost my logger lover, there are none like him today, if you’d put whiskey on it, he’d eat a bale of hay.” etc. etc. When I was a teenager, it was great fun to sing this old folk song.

Music can transport me back to another time and place, and evoke very strong memories of life experiences, both good and bad.

After posting this message, I did a Google search, and came up with a link to the words of the song by James Stevens:

http://sniff.numachi.com/pages/tiFROZLOGR;ttFROZLOGR.html

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Pat

At the Portland Museum of Art in Portland, Maine, there is a new exhibit featuring the work of Spanish painter Francisco de Goya (1746-1828).

http://www.portlandmuseum.org/visit/

Goya is perhaps best well-known for his painting, “Los Fusilamientos Del 3 De Mayo en Madrid,” a work that I believe I have discussed in the file on my website called “Voces y Visiones.”

When I lived in Spain, I had the opportunity to travel to Madrid and see many of Goya’s paintings. My recollection is that photos were not allowed inside the museum, but I was able to purchase a collection of postcards that have served as a quick and easy reference point for many years now. Of course, I have the text books that were used in my classes at the University, but the postcards are small, easily stored, and quickly available.

Tonight, I looked at a few of them again. Goya is most interesting as he had many “dark” moments. At those times, he painted, “Two Old People Eating Soups” (skeletons), “Saturn Devouring A Child,” and “The Colossus and The Panic.” In times of uplifted spirits, Goya painted “The Parasol” that features a lovely young couple with the suitor holding a parasol over the head of his lady friend. Another painting called “The Vintage” shows workers toiling in the field, and a woman, surrounded by her family, carrying a basket of fruits, on her head. His paintings stand in sharp contrast to each other.
We hope to attend the current exhibit at the Portland Museum of Art. If you are a member of the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, NH, as we are, that museum is under construction and closed down right now, and so, has a reciprocal agreement so that their members can have free admission in Portland.

We are so lucky that art resources abound in this part of the country, New England. We are also fortunate to see many traveling exhibits such as the “Voces y Visiones” one that originated at the Museo del Barrio en New York.

The ice storm is over and now we turn our thoughts to other things, besides the inclement weather.

Patricia

Today, Jim formatted a photo of his that features one of last year’s Iris. He printed it out for me using a special paper product that a dear friend sent me to try. As soon as that “cures” and I peel off the backing, I will be ready to superimpose pieces of cloth that were hand dyed and sent to me by yet another very close friend. I can’t wait to appliqué this project. The colors of the fabric in the “Iris Pack” perfectly match the print out of the photo. I am blessed to have other creative and extremely talented, artistic friends.

Today, I also added some photos to the website, one being a picture of my mother when she was 21, I think. She was drop-dead gorgeous. She died in 2005 at the age of 92. I thought it appropriate to add her image to the file I created today about the Granite State Credit Union. My father founded the organization in 1945. He died in 1974 and most current members never heard of him. However, there is currently a museum exhibit dedicated to his work, at America’s Credit Union Museum. My mother worked closely with him, in the office, serving as bookkeeper, using a manual machine, for many years. No computers were available until the early 70s, just before my father got sick and that final illness forced him to resign as Manager and Treasurer.
I am extremely proud of my immediate and extended family. They are all bright, many of them professionals. All are very dedicated to work and family. It is wonderful to be a grandmother. Motherhood certainly seems to be agreeing with my beautiful daughter-in-law. She is absolutely glowing, and the baby is thriving. Everyone is doing well and for that I am thankful.

A very sweet and close friend of mine sent me the book, Baltimore Elegance, for Christmas. I just love Elly’s preface. She clearly is a loving grandmother, too. The book looks just wonderful and I can’t wait to plan a project using it.

If you have friends, keep them close. They are as rare as an albino deer, and as precious as rubies. To all of my friends, I salute you. May God Bless your coming in and your going out. Long life! Here’s to friendship!
Patricia

A reader has been desperately trying to find some historical information about some feedsack pieces she owns. Tonight, we created a new file where you can see the photos she sent me. If anyone can help to date these pieces or knows the manufacturer, I’m sure the information would be most welcome.

http://www.quiltersmuse.com/feedsack_questions.htm

Patricia

When William Saturno, a professor at the University of New Hampshire, traveled to Guatemala in 2001, he made an amazing discovery. In looking for Mayan ruins at San Bartolo, he ventured into the jungle with just enough food and water for one day. The trip turned out to be three days to the destination point, and three days back.

In searing 90 degree heat and severely hydrated, he entered what appeared to be a cooler spot, at a cave-like entry point. When he took out a flashlight and looked up, he realized that he was sitting in an ancient Mayan temple with paintings on the walls. His discoveries of Mayan hieroglypic writings have been dated to 400 B.C. to 200 A.D., centuries earlier than previously thought for mesoamerican hieroglypics.

A PBS special that aired in my area today was the first I had heard of these new findings of ancient Mayan sites in Guatemala. Saturno’s knowledge of archaeology, along with the work of an associate who used a Nasa satellite and space technology resulted in the mapping of coordinates by which other Mayan ruins were located. The limestone used to build the temples has resulted in plant life that glows in photos taken from outer space and this altered chlorophyll led to the further discoveries of Mayan buildings.

To read a story about William Saturno and his incredible journey and findings, please visit this page:

http://unhmagazine.unh.edu/sp02/temple_doom.html

I am so proud of my alma mater, UNH, and its ability to attract and keep outstanding professors, many of whom are research oriented. I just had to share this great news with you. There are many other files online about his work, but the one above will bring you to a three page article in the UNH magazine.

Patricia