quiltersmuse.com Blog

Yesterday’s events proved that there is joy in the unexpected. To see a woman selected for a Republican Vice Presidential running mate was a shock. To further learn about her was even more alarming. I didn’t think that a person of her qualities, interests, and convictions existed in America or anywhere else, for that matter. Pro-life, anti-abortionist, gun-toting, mother of five children, one of which is a soldier, and another of which is an infant with Down’s – how refreshing it is that Sarah Pallin can and does take time to get involved in government. She seems like a genuine asset to the ticket.

That is not to say that I will vote for the team. I’m afraid that my head has been turned in favor of the other party. In spite of that, and on the side of human empathy alone, I have to say that I appreciate ALL of the candidates for the decent human beings they are, and for the good intentions they have.

Seeing the announcement about Pallin, as it was happening, was like suddenly spotting a marigold growing out of a sidewalk crack.  She is bright, sure of herself, and a good choice for the many segments of the population who will be drawn to her “goodness.”

Joy comes in all forms:  seeing fox dance in the moonlight, coming across a mama bear with two cubs, sipping a strawberry milkshake, discovering the undiscoverable, reading a good book, being creative and more. During the past few days, I’ve heard a lot of whining about how bad life is for so many people. I’m sorry, if that is true. No doubt, it is true. Good life v. bad life, is a matter of definition, and often depends on one’s way of thinking. With a deep seated faith in an improved future, I can only hope that all of the politicians have been listening to the issues of all Americans. Like the flower poking through the crack in the sidewalk, may joy continue to enhance our lives at the least expected moment. In the crucial days before the election in November, may we, as a people, find joy in each other, and wish each candidate the best, win or lose. We all have a say in what happens.

Patricia Cummings

For the last four days, I sat riveted to the television, as if I were watching the World Series. Although, the choice of who will lead America next is not as much a matter of athletic prowess as it is endurance. Not being much of a political animal myself, other than to watch history unfold, I came away with some general observations. The first is obvious, we are all Americans, not “red states,” and “blue states.” The Republicans also want the best for this country. The Democrats just believe that they can achieve that goal better.

As I looked at the tens of thousands gathered, I saw the strong and the weak, the fat and the thin, the young and the old, the rich and the struggling. Their common denominator is that everyone in attendance was there because they care, and they want America to maintain its leadership role in the world, with a level-headed person at the helm of the ship of state.

I am convinced that it will be interesting to watch the Republican convention, a group of equally dedicated citizens who, at least theoretically, want the best for the nation although the proof of the pudding lately has been no proof at all.

What has become abundantly clear is the need to “fix” a laundry list of issues that have not been satisfactorily addressed:

1) the need for affordable health care

2) adequate care for veterans, and homeless veterans

3) better educational opportunities for young people

4) the need to end our reliance on foreign oil and to develop alternative, renewable sources of energy.

5) and the wish of the American people to leave Iraq and the financial waste it is causing.

Viewing the overall picture of what is currently “wrong” with this country, it would seem that greed is at the root of a lot of the problems. Corporations have a lot to do with bleeding the public on every level.

The lack of knowledge about sound money management is the other side of the coin. My father, John E. Grace, was a very astute man who founded no less than 17 Credit Unions in the state of New Hampshire. He did so to give the little guy a hand up. His sound ideas about money are invaluable lessons that I learned as a child. These include:

1)� Save for a rainy day.

2)� Don’t borrow what you can’t pay back.

3)� Work hard, and live within your means.

4)� If you can’t afford it, don’t buy it.

5)� The concept of “shop and save” is a stupid one. If you are spending, you are not saving.

All of that advice has stood me in good stead. Other Americans were not so lucky as to have a parent like mine. If we look to the federal government for a good example of how to manage money, we will not find one. Social Security could be endangered, something that goes against the grain of every hard-working American who thought that he or she was earning the right to retire. Soon, as we Baby Boomers continue to age, and will need nursing home care. Just who will provide the cash for those places that only the rich can afford now?

Yes, it is “time for a change.” In November, I hope you will vote. Whatever your political affiliation, get to the polls and help make a difference by letting your voice be heard via your ballot. As just about every person who spoke at the convention said: “God bless you, and God bless these United States of America!”

Patricia Cummings

If you like to step back in time, as we do, then you would enjoy visiting historic houses. There are more of them than expected, and yesterday, we discovered one that is a pip.

Now, while most people, these days, may think of N. Conway, NH as a shopping mecca with outlet stores, or else, a town that features skiing possibilities, I have a new appreciation for the town. In the building we visited, the Conway Historical Society which is helping to preserve the past.

We enjoyed the “Victorian parlor,” in mostly black or dark colors, and with a hand-painted wooden “firescreen.” Everywhere one looks in the house, a piece of the past is waiting to enjoy. There are pieces of clothing, from a soldier’s uniform hanging on a mannequin in the kitchen to an old Shaker style, wool jacket in a closet. There is a “woman” in mourning, completely draped in layers of black, from head to toe, with lots of lace. We were shown some “long johns” previously worn by President Grover Cleveland. He had an astounding waist size and does not appear to have been too tall. I know the waist measurement, but I’m not saying!

The different styles of furniture were grand, from the Murphy bed, to a rope bed with a homemade mattress, stuffed with the most amazing “stuff.” Again, I ain’t sayin’ what! Don’t want to give away the store!

From ephemera, to a collection of millinery pieces, to the history of the people who lived in that house, the place is enchanting, as was our guide, who knew so much about everything. Thank you, Susan! The collection spans the years from 1818-1945, and includes some Abenaki Indian artifacts. The Abenakis came down from Quebec to trade.
On such a hot day, the fact that there is an ice cream store next door was a blessing. I did not have to be invited twice!

To learn more about the Eastman-Lord House, click on their website. I will tell you right now, the photos don’t do it justice. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit, as would anyone, especially those who love Victoriana. The place has limited hours and is open until Labor Day. There are other goodies awaiting, about which I have not even hinted! Here’s the link:

http://www.conwayhistory.org/eastman_lord_museum.html

Patricia Cummings

When we were kids, we would wake up in the morning and decide what we’d do for the day. As young adults, we might have done some of these activities:  walk the baby, do the housework, go bowling or swimming, work on an oil painting, visit friends, read, sew, go shopping, and/or go to work!

As baby-boomers, many of us wake up to pain:  Backaches, leg aches, all-over aches, and a myriad of other problems. Just when one issue seems to be resolved, two more take its place.

Much as we might wish to remain upbeat and not bore our associates with our health complaints, when the opportunity to whine presents itself, let’s face it, most of us do. I’m referring to the female population, but come to think of it, I had several uncles who seemed to relish their recitations of ailments.

I believe the problem starts when someone says, “How are you?” The accepted answer is, “Fine, thanks. How are you?” There should be no mention of your pet goldfish taking its last breath, your dog being run over by a wild kid on a bicycle, or the aggravation of young people constantly littering the sidewalk with candy and cigarette wrappers.

However, people, including me, take the question, “How are you?” too  seriously. We reflect for a moment and then say something like, “I’m fine, although I have not slept well lately, my large toe is swollen, and a mosquito bit me, leaving a swollen lump on my ankle that “itches” to beat the band.”

Those three little words, “How are you?” can unleash a veritable assault of words heaped upon the unsuspecting soul who asked the question, leaving him or her to shift from one foot to the other, eyes rolling back into unconsciousness.

I vote that we avoid those three words altogether, but now the conundrum is to choose a greeting as a replacement. “What’s up?” sounds fresh, and opens one up for some unexpected comebacks. “How’s it going?” (How’s what going?”). “What’s happening?” makes it sound like there should be something happening, and if not, you are pretty durned boring.

Like everyone else, I don’t know what to say to greet people. I only know that the words, “How are you?,” open Pandora’s Box. If you use them, beware. The result may be more than expected, and after listening to a litany of complaints, your toe may begin to twinge, your ankle will be in need of scratching, and you may be sorry you asked.

My rule of thumb:  If you can avoid it, never ask anyone over the age of 45, how they are. They just might tell you. Unless you are a doctor who is being paid to listen, you may be counting the seconds as to when the ailing person will just be silent. Praise God for silence.

Be well.

Patricia Cummings, … Don’t Get Me Started On My List! …
Quilter’s Muse

“The Four Seasons” is the theme of an antique piece of fabric. Living in New Hampshire, I have always loved the four seasons. I believe that people who  live elsewhere get cheated. Of course, if you live in Vermont, you get an extra season:  Mud Season.

Today, we had some errands to run. As we rode along the highways to reach the other side of town, I could not help but notice the purple-topped grass, by the side of the road. It was as though someone had taken a paintbrush and just swiped the top of the grass to color it. However, this is a late summer occurrence. That grass is present, earlier, but stays green until now.

We continue to see a lot of Wild Turkeys. They boldly strut, wherever they want, usually without a male in sight, except for mating season. We did see a lone male turkey, a few weeks ago. During hunting season, they must smell the guns or something, because they all skedaddle to the underbrush.

The Webworms are prevalent at this time of year. I haven’t checked our yard yet. One can always take a broom and dislodge the “web,” after which birds will come along to dismantle the contents, in a feeding frenzy.

This morning, we saw a pair of Goldfinches. They are attracted to the tall, yellow, Evening Primrose plants that have little seeds to eat. Today, we saw the birds in another patch of yellow flowers.

This time of year, the blue of bodies of water looks even more blue. The clouds are fluffy and not ominous like thunder clouds.
We are enjoying good weather, as we sail into another season:  autumn. As usual, I’m looking forward to crisp apples, cool weather, and traveling around a bit to see the foliage. And, of course, I’m anticipating more reading, needlework and quilting.

Patricia Cummings