09.30.08
Posted in Uncategorized at 11:36 pm by Administrator
Life is changing all around us. A friend saw the sonogram of her first grandchild … and framed it. The Jerusalem Artichokes showed their first wonderful yellow, composite flowers, two days ago. While every other vegetation in the garden is changing its appearance, the tall stalky plant, a member of the Sunflower family, is blooming. Its edible roots make a lovely Tompinabour Soup that has an earthy taste.
Jim has done away with the vegetable garden and removed the fence around it. Now, the local, feral? cats have found their own personal space to do you know what. It’s a wonder we don’t see more cats decorating the busy road. I believe it is criminal to abuse cats and throw them out like that. Yet, it seems common in our neighborhood.
This week has been another busy one. The page proofs for the January 2009 issue of The Quilter look very colorful.
The leaves are quickly turning and it’s time to take a trip to northern New Hampshire, very shortly. Other friends are heading for the American Quilt Study Group meeting in Ohio. I hope that all have a good time and come away inspired and with new friends.
So, it’s been just another ordinary week, one of a death in the family, politics not quite as usual, some amusing moments with some of the candidates, but mostly somber ones as everyone tries to figure out the financial crisis.
There’s nothing further to report, no more letters from a young man from Italy who would willingly move in with me if I’d pay all his expenses and move to a beach so he could surf all day. Just the usual requests from students who need more information for their projects. I am beginning to think that “the same” is just fine.
Patricia Cummings
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09.28.08
Posted in Announcements, Quilt History at 1:03 pm by Administrator
NEW BOOK
Ellen Emeline (Hardy) Webster, 1867-1950: Her Amazing Quilt “Charts,” Her Writings, and Her Life, by Patricia and James Cummings is a comprehensive profile of a 1930s, New Hampshire, quilt historian. This labor-intensive research project resulted in 355 pages of text and has uncovered many delightful discoveries in the world of quilt history. Some of its 340 photos serve to celebrate New Hampshire, “then and now.” Other photos of Ellen’s family members date to before the Civil War and show hair styles and manner of dress of the day.
The full page photos of Ellen’s quilt “charts” prove how diligently she worked to reconstruct and “save” antique quilt patterns to use in her lectures. Ellen was a multi-talented woman, whether playing the organ at church, hiking Mt. Moosilaukee, serving as president of the Audubon Society and the local Woman’s Club, or teaching Bible Studies at the college level, Mrs. Webster was a true leader, with diverse interests. The reader will follow her activities throughout her life, via her own letters and diaries, and her writings, published and unpublished. Ellen Webster was an extraordinary and beautiful woman who was kind to all. This volume is an enjoyable read for anyone who wants to know more about New Hampshire history, and the details about one pivotal player in the quilt world of the early twentieth century.
A gift of Patricia Cummings, quilt historian, and James Cummings, photographer, all proceeds of CD sales, will benefit the New Hampshire Historical Society, Concord, NH. These CDs are being replicated by the museum. Please be patient, if you order one, now.
The price is $24.95, plus $7.95 shipping & handling ($32.90). Mail orders may be made by credit card, check, or money order in U.S. dollars, payable to the New Hampshire Historical Society and mailed to the New Hampshire Historical Society Museum Store, 6 Eagle Square, Concord, NH 03301. For further information about ordering, contact store@nhhistory.org
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09.27.08
Posted in Anecdotes at 10:13 pm by Administrator
Without 4-H, I would not have had a chance to learn how to sew, how to knit, or how to identify seeds and plants. I would not have waited on a supper with an international theme, to raise money for trips. I would not have played my guitar before an audience, or worn a two piece bathing suit in a fashion show (those were the days), or participated in a Can-Can line, in a rented costume. Without 4-H, I would not have had a senior mentor who taught me all about houseplants and gave me “slips” of plants, whenever I visited her. I was so fond of her, one day I walked 3 miles, to the center of town, where she lived. Fortunately, I got a ride home.
Without 4-H, I would not have had the chance to visit Washington, D.C., racing to the top. I would not have enjoyed the Smithsonian Institution, with all of its dinosaurs and other bony artifacts. I would not have gone to the Washington Zoo, and been able to see Polar Bears, for the first time.
Some people have memories of Girl Scouts. Living in a rural community, I forged my early relationships with other 4-H members. There was a camaraderie among those who were Jr. Leaders. Another fun group was the Horsemanship Club.
My hometown encouraged 4-H activities, and then, there were also County events. I remember the outfit I wore to a County Dress Revue. It consisted of a white blouse with a stand-up collar and bell shaped sleeves with lace trim, worn under a green (was it a light weight wool?) jumper, with a square neck, and two pockets.
None of what I achieved in 4-H would have been possible without adult mentors. Some of the items we made were entered into the local agricultural fair in town. Somewhere in this house, I have a stack of blue ribbons that were won for “most creative floral arrangement,” “horsemanship,” “white bantam chickens,” etc. I have to smile when I recall the fun of my youth, as I was introduced to wholesome activities that have been friends throughout my lifetime. Here’s to 4-H and all that it does for young people, and moreover, here’s to the adults who teach, guide, and oversee, and make it possible to learn lessons whose effect is everlasting.
Patricia Cummings
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