Dec 30, 2010

New Year . . .New Beginnings


Udine Rising from the Waters - Chauncy Ives 1884

Reflections and Resolutions

 I love museums. My affection hearkens back to my affinity for all things historical. The exhibit offerings are so telling of times past and lives long gone by.

I was visiting the Smithsonian American Art Museum with my son this past year. Museum hopping has become a ritual for us during my visits with him in DC. Although he is patient with me  by most standards, he nevertheless knows all too well that I take-my-time whilst ambling through the museum halls; especially the Smithsonian's.

Thusly, he had momentarily left me to my own devices when I came across this breathtaking sculpture. I had journeyed down one of the long corridors and turned into an exhibit room. The presence of this statue stopped me in my tracks. A spotlight cast a brilliant beam of light upon the figure. I was captivated by the softness of her garment's drape and needed to get as close as possible to see how it was humanly possible to render such an etherealness out of the solidity of marble.

She is Undine Rising from the Waters and was sculpted by Chauncey Ives in 1884. According to mythological lore, Undine is a water spirit who is rendered soulless by the gods until such time as when she marries and gives birth to a child. Chauncey depicts her as she rises from the water to a new life with hope for possession of a soul.

In this time of endings and beginnings, it is fitting to reflect upon Undine's search for her soul and the promise of a fulfilled life. May we all reflect on our past and resolve to bring good fortune and happiness to our future.

Happy New Year to one and all!

Dec 17, 2010

The Stockings were hung. . .












Ah, Christmas time!
It's a time of year like no other.
All senses are on overload as are all of the electrical outlets.
And, yet, it is still by far the best season of them all.

My crafting juices were flowing and I finally determined to repurpose one of my antique cutter quilts. The results may been viewed in the family of stocking ornies above. It truly makes me smile to know that such simple hand crafted ornaments bear such a history of crafting from the original quilter/s to my simple effort to give new life to a wonderful and well used item.

I was checking out at the grocer's the other evening and the cashier was a very personable young man.  We were exchanging pleasantries and he asked me how my holiday preparations were going. I replied that I was heading into the final stretch and asked him the same. He told me that he hadn't even started his Christmas shopping and then he further added that he didn't have the $$$ for gifts for his siblings. Before I could reply he blurted that he would be making the gifts. I asked him if he was crafty and he said yes. I then told him that as one crafter to another, there could be no better gifts than ones that he would make with his hands from his heart. He agreed and we both smiled and wished each other a Merry Christmas.
Ah, Christmas time!

Dec 1, 2010

Tis the Season

December now has made her presence known
For merry children both young and grown
Her mantel of white and glistening snow
Blankets each and all as they to and fro

December, fair maiden princess of the year
Bring forth memories both warm and dear
Let us be reminded of all that is had
Banish the negative, the cruel and the sad

December, herald unto us a newness to keep
Allow us this time to reflect ever so deep
Remind all again of what  are the reasons
We celebrate this happiest of happy seasons