Archive for the ‘Anecdotes’ Category

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Lupine Festival

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

The annual Lupine Festival has started in the north country of New Hampshire. A special treat this year will be a display of 50 family quilts from the Aldrich family, provided by the president of the NH State Quilt Guild, Everett Aldrich. They will be available to see at a museum in Sugar HIll (don’t you love the name?). Sugar Hill is a lovely community with mountain views and yes, fields of flowering Lupines in purple, pink and white.

lupines

Field of Lupines

I am thinking back to another wonderful exhibit of quilts at Sugar Hill, years ago, set up by a collector who has since moved to Montana. The antique quilts were very unique, some humorous, and all a real pleasure to view.

Summer is one of the high seasons for tourism in our beautiful White Mountains; the other peak being Autumn with marvelous leaves. If it weren’t for the area being so removed from civilization (as I know it in the capitol city of NH), I would consider moving there. We are kind of spoiled by the amount of shopping opportunities available in the southern tier.

It is an annual ritual of ours to visit the Sugar Hill Sampler Store and Museum, (the quilts will be shown at another museum), and the antique shops and backroads in the general vicinity. The area reminds me of “The Sound of Music,” if we replace alpine flowers with Lupines. Our own Lupines, planted from seeds bought at Sugar Hill, have been lovely, but with warmer temperatures, have gone by fast. I’m sure at the higher elevation, the Lupines there are just beginning to bloom. Can’t wait until we visit again.

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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Hmmm… Here We Go Again! “Helen” Webster?

Wednesday, May 5th, 2010

As most of my readers know by now, I have been enthralled with the life of Ellen E. Webster (1867-1950) for some time now. I have come away “amazed” at her beauty, inner strength, and the products of her labor. What an industrious soul!

bumper sticker

Equally amazing has been the misinformation I have read about her. Let’s start with her name. She was born “Ellen Emeline Hardy.” Her middle name is her grandmother’s first name. Her girlhood nickname was “Elly,” and that was only for a short time, a tease by school boys.

She liked her name, “Ellen,” and signed some of her published writings, “Ellen E. Webster.” I even have one of her school rank books from 1900, in which she signed her name in pencil, “Ellen E. Webster.” Her letters to others are signed in various ways, but the first name is always “Ellen.”

Bad enough, the whole “Emily Webster” fiasco, with her name appearing in various print venues as that. “Emily,” she was not. Ironically, in discovering the identity of her friend, “Ellen A. Webster,” whom she mentions on her quilt charts as owning old quilts, by way of a genealogical search, I found that Ellen A. Webster’s sister was an “Emily Webster Browne,” both ladies not related to Ellen E. Webster, except through friendship and common ground: quilts.

Now, here’s the kicker. While working on my book, I bought a family history book written by someone who is indirectly related to Ellen E. Webster. He set forth her correct name, but not the correct names her relatives whom he discusses and shows in photos. Ironically, in a 1923 letter, Ellen tells her nephew, Donald, that she has been giving money to the mother of this same man (author) who has recently maligned Ellen, calling her “upity,” (his spelling), among other things. I wonder if he realizes that circumstance.

Initially, I was happy when Jim told me that he found a family story republished that Ellen had saved by writing it down. Unfortunately, a New Hampshire storyteller has listed “Helen,” not “Ellen,” as the source of the charming story about a pine table acquired by Ellen’s mother. The same story is recounted in the 1976 Hebron, NH Bicentennial publication (which I own) which is cited as the author’s source.

Why is it that Ellen Emeline Hardy Webster can never be assigned her correct name in print, (other than my lengthy e-book about her)? Any information anyone writes about her is severely flawed. You’d think people would be willing to grant her her own given name and not keep assigning false names. We have been treated to “Emily” and now, “Helen.” What is next? Misnaming people is how history gets lost, folks, as it almost was in the case of Ellen Webster!

“Priscilla” Cummings, a.k.a “Patricia”

CD book cover

Cover of e-book

To understand and learn more about Ellen Emeline Hardy Webster’s wonderful life and work, consider acquiring our 355 page book with 340 photos, sold on CD at Quilter’s Muse Publications

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When a Flower Speaks the Language of Love

Wednesday, April 28th, 2010

Anyone who has studied Victorian times would know that each type of flower had an inherent meaning. I am not sure how long this tradition has continued, but one 18th century poet, Robert Burns (1759-1796) certainly had his trials with love, and yet, wrote a poem, “A Red, Red Rose.” The Scotsman wrote, in the first stanza:

Oh, my luve is like a red, red rose,
That’s newly sprung in June.
Oh my luve is like the melodie,
That’s sweetly play’d in tune. …

bonsai

Bonsai plant

My roses are not blooming yet, though they are busy putting on new leaves. However, a little bonsai plant, the gift of a thoughtful niece last Mother’s Day, has buds and has begun to bloom. The blossom almost looks like a miniature Hibiscus. I believe it is really an Azalea. Here is a photo. Isn’t it gorgeous?

close-up

Close-up view of blossom

We followed the directions that came with the plant that said to keep it in a cool place and water it very little during the winter. It seemed to like our closed-in, summer porch, and we could keep a good eye on it, coming and going out the back door.

This spring, it is loaded with blossoms, and as you see, the plant is now rewarding our vigilance with a blossom. Seeing this lovely plant come to life again and sprout new leaves is a reminder of love itself. If carefully nurtured, love endures. If neglected, love dies on the vine. It is a lesson for us all. We should listen to Nature more often!

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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Murders at Smutty-Nose Island, Maine

Friday, April 23rd, 2010

Last year, John Perreault performed “The Ballad of Louis Wagner,” in a musical presentation sponsored by the New Hampshire Humanities Council. I enjoyed his original song very much, and only wished that it were a recording one could purchase. That wish has come true. The song now appears on a CD disc that is for sale; and the lyrics are listed on the following website:
http://seacoastnh.com/smuttynose/ballad.html#lyrics

Yesterday I learned of an article by the famous poet and Isle of Shoals dweller, Celia Thaxter. The article was published in the Atlantic Monthly in May 1875, two years after the murders it describes, in Volume 35, pps. 602-615.

Celia Thaxter has captured the details of the crime: the murder of two peace-loving, happy, Norwegian women by their “friend” Louis Wagner on the night of March 5, 1873. Anethe and Karen Christensen were killed, one with an axe; one strangled, in a premeditated action, while yet another woman, Maren, escaped Louis’ notice where she hid outdoors in the freezing winter weather, and lived to name the killer. Louis was the last man ever to have received capital punishment in the state of Maine. At least one of Louis’ intentions was to steal money.

Thaxter’s article, “A Memorable Murder,” is 23 pages long, printed out, and can be accessed at: http://seacoastnh.com/smuttynose/memo.html I hope that you enjoy Celia Thaxter’s account as much as I do.

An abbreviated version of Celia’s article, “A Memorable Murder,” is published in this volume.

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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Lime Color Trees and Mint Colored Ice Cream

Thursday, April 22nd, 2010

Today, Jim and I escaped the telephone, and the dust, noise, and utter mayhem of street re-construction in front of our usually quiet home. We got up early, had a quick bite to eat, and then headed North, our favorite direction to go. Jim had just read an article about some nice antique shops to visit. We were disappointed in stopping at the first one. The sign outside did say “Antiques” and a sign inside reiterated the idea, but the only “antiques” we saw were some pieces of chinaware. Evidently, there is a space above the breakfast bar that has a lot of antiques, according to the article, but at that moment, it was not open (for whatever reason). We went on our way.

The second spot, also advertised as a wonderful place had signs that said, “For Lease” on several windows, and no one was in sight. Continuing up the road, in Rumney, we found a small, but eclectic and well-appointed shop that had a variety of neat items. Jim was happy with his “find” of a baggie full of old recipe books. I’m sure he will be sharing that treasure trove with you, on his Vintage Cookery blog, eventually. I found a book about the History of Plymouth that I have read before, but do not own, or did not own until today! Happy to have it in my library. I also found an unusually-made Signature Quilt that is very unique.

All of the dealers we met today in Rumney, Orford and Lyme were very friendly! That is always a good way to be, whether or not you have something for sale. I saw a number of quilts for sale, as well as quilt tops. I am sure someone pays the prices that are asked for some of these items, but I find it difficult to meet most of the prices asked, considering the condition of the pieces. I don’t think that most dealers have caught on to the fact that the market for old quilts right now is “soft.” Of course, the quality of old quilts can vary as much as old cars: we have the jalopies, and we have the Cadillacs. Everything is relative, and I suppose desirability of any item depends on one’s intended use for it.

We ended our trip in Lebanon, NH after driving through some of the ritzy sections of Hanover, past bright white, old Federal style homes, perfectly-manicured lawns, and blooming bushes. Intermittent sightings of the Connecticut River were pleasant today, and of course, just over the river is Vermont! At one road intersection, there must have been about 150 white, orange, and yellow Tulips planted en masse. What a cheerful sight, but of course, there was no way to snap a photo!

The last of the big spenders (not) we stopped at Friendly’s and Jim had a soft serve ice cream, while I chose a one-scoop dish of Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream. We did not want to go inside and wait a long time to be served. Finishing that, we headed back down the highway, discussing how long the U.S. has had highways, and as usual, Jim knew the whole history. There does not seem to be a fact of history that has escaped him. Amazing!

The one memory that stands out from today is the lime-green color of new leaves on the Deciduous trees of the mountains, otherwise covered with Evergreens. I love seeing the mountains, and when I am in that “neck of the woods,” I remember Ellen Webster’s fondness of climbing the nearby Mt. Moosilaukee. What a wonderful day!

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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Novel “Look to the Mountains” Has Not Lost Appeal

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010

When I was in high school, I read the book, Look to the Mountains, and wrote a book report on it. I enjoyed reading the book. A couple of years ago, some forty-three years after the first reading, I read the book a second time. Now, I know of only one person who has read it three times, and that is Ellen E. Webster, New Hampshire’s early quilt historian of the 1930s. In fact, I wanted to read the book again because it seems to have been a favorite of hers. The book centers on a young couple struggling to set up a home in the wilderness, and all of the travails they encounter. It is as inspiring today as when it was first written.

It is no wonder. Ellen was really interested in the early history of Hebron, New Hampshire, the town where she was born. And, her ancestors from England were here, early on. In fact, she has a Revolutionary war hero in her family tree. She could have joined the DAR, and perhaps she did, although there is no record to verify that.

How she loved history! How I love all of the stories she wrote about her community and family! Writing is such a good way to save information that otherwise would be lost. A number of her unpublished manuscripts may be lurking out there, somewhere in the world, unless they were thrown out. There is written evidence that she had some works in progress.

More each day, I love New Hampshire and can’t think of ever living anywhere else. When I did live out west for five years, I really missed the trees and mountain landscapes and even the rugged shoreline. I’m sure that Ellen Webster loved New Hampshire, too. Through her letters, diaries, and more formal writings, one can get a sense of the depth of that love. We are rock solid people here, unshakable even in the face of adversity. We are, after all, the “Granite State.”

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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Everything I Ever Needed to Learn, I Found on Sesame Street

Saturday, April 10th, 2010

Tonight, I am thinking about Sesame Street and what a great show it was when first created, and probably still is. I wouldn’t know. After raising my own child to be “tuned in,” I no longer watch the show. However, if I came across it on PBS, inadvertently, I might hang around awhile.

I remember one Christmas in Arizona. One of the toys we bought for my son was a Big Bird stuffed animal. While James was not a particularly destructive child, one of the eyes came off, much to my horror, and there seemed no way to replace the eye. I can’t remember the toy’s ultimate fate. Perhaps we brought it back to the store, perhaps not. But, I digress.

In thinking about Oscar the Grouch, I had a light bulb moment this evening, a real enlightenment. This is the situation. You see, I hold very high standards for myself, and unfortunately, I often hold high standards for other people, too. The first part of the last sentence is fine. The second part makes it difficult to function in groups. Oh sure, I can be a great “presenter”/ “teacher,” but it has always been impossible for me to have a long-term relationship with any group of which I am a member. I resent the “herd mentality” that prevails in groups, and the “chain of command,” especially when those in leadership make one wonder how they got there.

Now, I understand why Oscar is a grouch. I can be very much of a grouch when it comes to intolerance of people’s mistakes, failings, and ineptitude. Oscar lives in a trash can. I suppose it is a good place to escape and not be bothered, unless of course, one wants to pop the lid off and espouse an opinion, every now and then!

When mistakes are created, and later when the truth is revealed, it only seems logical that there should be a rush to correct the record. Perhaps this is easier for an individual to do than institutions. All I can tell you is that honesty is not a vice. I have been very honest, all of my life, and am always eager to correct mistakes, even if I have been the one mistaken.

In the interest of “getting along,” I can see now that it is a wiser course of action to withhold the truth about the errors of others. In my quest to present the whole truth, in any instant, my motivations seem to have been severely misinterpreted at times. That said, I really do have zero tolerance for falsehoods, lies, and fabrications. They are all made of wholecloth.

Sesame Street’s theme is centered on the importance of learning the basics, and the need to cooperate with others in society. Mr. Rogers Neighborhood was a contemporary of Sesame Street in the 1970s. I liked its slow pace, its fantasy components, and Mr. Rogers’ gentle way of making kids (and grownups) feel good about life and themselves. “Won’t you be my neighbor?” Yes, those were all good lessons to learn, and lessons that continue to be taught, even though Jim Henson and Fred Rogers have passed on to the playground in the sky.

I’m off to do some more quilting. At least my needle does not argue with me! Perhaps, tomorrow, I’ll try to tune into Sesame Street to see what other lessons may lurk there.

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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Coincidence or the Work of a Greater Force?

Friday, April 9th, 2010

Yesterday, on the spur of the moment, I decided to travel to another town to a quilt shop that always lifts my spirits. Looking around in the shop, with a vague notion of what I wanted to purchase, first I spotted some fabric that would be perfect for a border print, not a solid, but a tone on tone print that looks elegant… and it was on sale for 40% off the retail price!

Next, I spotted a must-have Chintz print with birds and flowers. I was going to settle for a yard of that, but decided to buy two yards (and will probably wish I’d bought more).

As I passed a bin of thread for hand quilting, I spotted ONE spool only of YLI thread (which I love!). It was in the color needed for my current project, or so I thought. In bringing it home, it is the exact color needed! I could not ask for a better match. The thread find convinced me that a Greater Being was directing my steps, and anticipating my every need.

In addition, I was able to purchase the type of batting I prefer for wall hangings; and I picked up a package of Quilted Treasures transfer paper.

Upon leaving the shop, I knew that I had come to the right place and I did not think that it was a coincidence that I’d found every item I’d desired. Funny how everyday experiences can increase our faith in the Author of the Universe.

Today it is raining. I’ll be quilting.

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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Found Letter Provides Amusement on a Rainy Day

Monday, March 29th, 2010

I printed out and saved the following letter from an Italian gentleman, sent in 2006. If any eligible lady would like to respond to this note, maybe he is still available.

As written:

Hi:

This is a legitimate appeal for ladies only. If you are interested or if you want to unsubscribe, email me at …

I’m an Italian guy. I live in Italy and my name is Andrea. I live in Padova. I’m sending this message to the people because I’m bored to live in Italy. I’m looking for a lady what could invite me in usa. I seek a millionaires american lady who desires a young guy for marriage. I would love to find a lady who doesn’t work too much and has time for me.

I would love to find a wealthy lady who lives in one of the following places in usa or nearby:

1) “The treasure coast,” I mean north east Broward County or east Palm Beach county (FLORIDA)
2) Honolulu (Hawaii)
3) Reno (Nevada)
4) Las Vegas (Nevada)
5) Atlanta (Georgia)
6) Jupiiter, Stuart, Coral Springs, Jensen Beach, Boynton Beach, Deepwater, Hutchinson Island or Miami (Florida)

Considering that I like the mature women, I’d love to find a lady of 45-60yo age range. I’d love to find a gentle long haired lady who lives in a swimming pool house near the sea ( as I like to swim).
I seek a lady without young or old children, a no smoker lady who could be widowed, separated, single, divorced.
I would need a sugarmamma figure at the beginning.

I seek a bisexual woman that figures out of the years, looks young and feels young: it’s not a problem if she’s not beautiful because she should be beautiful inside and most of all, she should desire a younger soulmate. (She could be overweight too) The thing I desire is to fix a serious stable relationship with a lady who gives me the opportunity to have a better life.

ABOUT ME:

I have long black hair, my weight is 65 kilos (145 lbs) and my height is about 1.80 metres (5.11)…
I’m no smoker/ drinker and I’m good looking.

If you could be the kind of woman I’m looking for, write me soon please!!!!

Thank you very much for reading my letter. I think there must be a woman for me out there.

Cheers!

[Name Withheld to Protect a Youth :-) ]

Any rich, gentle, unattached, long-haired woman out there who has no children and can give this youngster a pampered life, is free to “romp” continually, and lives by the sea or a gambling casino? This was a first when a “personal” ad hit my mailbox in 2006. I hope that by now, this person is less bored and has teamed up with someone who deserves him. :-)

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“Happy As If I Were In My Right Mind”

Sunday, March 28th, 2010

The words, “Happy as if I were in my right mind,” is a favorite expression that makes me smile when I think of it. My late brother, Steve, used to say it all the time. I learned it from him. Well, I am here to tell you that I am happy AND in my right mind, but I have to seriously wonder if many of the people we see on the news are enjoying the same state of being. All I have to do is to turn on the news to come to the conclusion that the world is full of “nuts.” Tough nuts at that. Nuts who mean business, and who seriously want to cause harm to others, and to society, as we know it. When I say that, I am thinking of school shootings, flash mobs, and clips of Osama bin Laden, still shirking in some cave, yet directing others toward evil, ironically in the name of Islam and its promotion. I see reports of bank robberies, muggings, car thefts, stabbings, not to mention white collar crimes and breaches involving identity theft. What is the world coming to?

Amid all of the conflict and confusion, I am so glad that I have a creative outlet called quilting that keeps my mind and hands occupied. Like most folks who have been quilting for awhile, I have projects galore, some already started and some still just in my head. I have stockpiled fabrics that I like, to the point that I no longer must go shopping to buy fabric for any given project, UNLESS I want to enjoy the ambience of a lovely quilt shop such as Keepsake Quilting in Centre Harbor, NH, or Quilted Threads in Henniker, NH, my two favorite destinations within the state. Both places are well-lit and the selection of everything in those two shops is tasteful and displayed nicely. The company of other quilters is always fun.

Yes, for the last several days, I have “lost” myself in a project that is turning out well. My brother died in 1994 but lived long enough to see my studio, my quilts, and I, featured in a short magazine article that year, my first and one that he took to work with him. He was so proud of me. He would be happy that I am “as happy as if I were in my right mind.” What could be more “right” than being engaged in creative enterprises? All is right in my world. Politicians aside, how about you?

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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