Liz Logic

GOLD RING MOMENT

The last 13 days in Maine have spun by as if riding on a merry-go-round.  The ups and downs were mostly provided by the weather - a "bit" of sun UP and rainy drearies DOWN- meeting friends en-route UP and driving in the weather DOWN - walking the coast UP and being caught in a cloudburst DOWN - greeting family UP and leaving family DOWN.

When we were spinning through the capitol of Augusta, I finally grabbed the gold ring.  I have been doing quite a bit of research on the history of northern Maine indians and had heard there was a fairly new exhibit at the state museum. Took time to stop and take a look.  Highly recommend it to anyone traveling in the area even if you are not interested in the tribes.  They always have very interesting historical displays on life in Maine, its products and industries.

When I entered the Native American room I was swept away by the collection of treasures.  Items I had only read about came to life before my eyes (at least as much as inanimate items can come to life).  The quill work and beading is breathtaking.  I especially was hoping to see a birch bark box decorated with the porcupine quills and there it was.  I am veryinterested in the  Micmacs who were called the porcupine people because of the  decorative art they did with the quills.  Once they starting trading with the Europeans they had use of glass beads and metal tools but prior to that all needles were made from bone and thread was of sinew from the muscles of deer.

Now when I "try"any bead crafting I need magnification for the fine needles and threads.  My glasses are varilux which provide many lenses. Bright light is provided by dazor lamps.  The materials are picked up at the craft stores.  No need to chew and form quills and find berries and plants for dyes.  I have always have very patient (sometimes I know I got my husbands share too) but must have missed the line for the patience to do such meticulous decorative work.  The women (of course - remember patience) did all this beautiful work by firelight and sunlight whenever it appeared in the old growth forests.  I have never seen an eyeglass store in any of the wigwams in any drawings of the times.  To me, beyond belief.  But there they were - wraps, leggings, hats, pouches covered with exquisite artwork.  Even the clothing on carved dolls for play. The moccasins (a Micmac word - m'kusin) were made from deer leather, first tanned by the ladies then trimmed with quills prior mid 1600's but also with beads once the French traders came into the Maritimes. 

I have done quite a bit a basket making so understand the techniques but never had to cut and strip my own ash.  And for sure have never attempted a mini basket with sweetgrass or pine needles   Some of these are the size of a quarter but were a good trade for supplies.  These marvels were wonderful "curiosities" for the Europeans. 

 I felt as though I had opened a treasure chest when I went through the doors and will go back to Augusta for a longer museum visit the next time around.

Now I am working on the jigsaw puzzles in the trunk and back seat of the car.  We have finished picking up extraneous "stuff" left behind in Maine and will be heading for PAin a couple days.  Since our little Sentra was near full capacity on the way up my hubby thinks getting it all in will be impossible.  Wanna bet? 

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WHAT'S IN A NAME

I didn't go to church because I need to start packing for Maine.  I haven't started packing because if I shine at anything, it is procrastination.

Suddenly I find myself in need of naming my laptop.  She and I have become very close  and always saying "my laptop" seems very impersonal.  I say she is female as my fingertips are an extension of her keys and my thoughts and opinions are definitely female.  I can't imagine writing from the view of a male - my head would probably explode.

Most of the time we hum along in great harmony.  There are times however, that she drives me nuts when I can't figure out what in the world she is wanting me to do.  One great positive is that if she really gets to me, I can pull her plug, let the two of us cool off and come back when both of us are thinking a bit clearer. She does surprise me at times when she and my fingers put things on the screen that sometimes look like hieroglyphics and at others times reflect thoughts I did not know I had.  I love the later for without her, I would not be able to share my stories.  I know, I know - there are things called paper and pens.  But she along with her cousin the internet, allow me to pester the world in a flash.  (Ask my family - I never do anything in a flash.  My mind is always too busy doing other things.)

She may be having a problem with her innards that will need to be checked.  If that happens I will be most nervous until her problem is solved and I can take her home again.

So you can see, I am quite attached to my laptop.  We travel together, go the the library together, sit on the patio together and even work in bed together.

I really need a name other than "give me a break".

I don't want to use the name of a friend.  Some of my plants have them.  So if you see me talking to the foliage, I AM NOT senile - just speaking to my friends.

I'm looking for something short on the tongue and easy to type.

Any suggestions?

 

Don't remember who wrote this - but it's still good to remember.

DON'T JUST COUNT YOUR YEARS - MAKE YOUR YEARS COUNT.

   

Tweaking Memories

I know we still drive in circles finding our way around our new state, but we did not fall off the face of the earth as might seem evident by the time it has been since I last posted.  Just plain been busy.  So busy that 6 months of my new life have vanished as if by magic.

There are so many things to tell you about but tonight I'd like to write about the activities of our grandson and granddaughter just down the road apiece.

It seems to me as one of the "senior" members of this group (how did that happen), I find their activities evoking personal memories.  I don't remember this happening when our children were going through the same activities.  Perhaps I was just too busy getting them  here and there to have much room in my brain to recall my own experiences.

Our grandson got his driver's license last month, he drove over to our place to share his day.  I remembered taking my license to my grandparents to share on that day and how they were also so happy for me.  That weekend we went over to take pictures before he drove off with his girlfriend to his junior prom. They had taken care to make sure his tie and vest matched her lovely sleek stylish dress.  My mind swished back to leaving for my prom, not matched and hardly sleek.  It was the 50's so my dress was layer upon layer of pink organza.  In retrospect,as a size "chubette", I must have looked like a piece of Double Bubble bubble gum.  But it was my special night to remember just as the 2009 prom goers will.

I watch our 7 year old granddaughter play softball on a wonderful landscaped ball field and my mind wanders back to our little rustic lot behind the grammar school where we played against other grammar schools in town.  My class had 8 students, the school had 4 rooms - 2 classes to a room.  Yes, things have changed yet they remain the same.  I told my granddaughter I use to be be a pitcher.  Her eyes showed the same surprise as when I told her I was a guard on the church basketball team.  We had 6 players on the girls team.  The only ones allowed to shoot were the 3 forwards, the guards were defense and not allowed to go over the center line.  Huh???  I guess that part did change.

I'm sure it was also hard for me to imagine what my grandparents were like when they were young.  But I wonder when they use to watch me at play - did they have sweet memories?