The Southern Ukes will be performing at Vogelson Branch of Camden County Library System at 1:00 this Saturday, Dec. 22. As you may recall if you have visited my blog before, I took ukulele lessons at the Collingswood Music Shop for a year some time back. I loved it but really couldn't afford to keep taking the lessons and I wasn't progressing well enough on my own to improve independently. I did due diligence but didn't just pick it up and play for the fun of it as I should have if I were going to get anywhere. I had always wanted to learn to play an instrument but perhaps Art and Writing are all the hobbies in store for me.
Anyhow, I am working on getting over to the library for this event. Hope to get there and to see you there! Uses are not expensive to buy and a lot of fun to play.
Directions:
From Rt. 30/White Horse Pike: Follow Rt. 30 to Somerdale Rd. There is a Taco Bell and a Shell station at this intersection. If traveling from the Camden area, turn left onto Somerdale Rd. If traveling from the Berlin area, turn right onto Somerdale Rd. Follow Somerdale Rd. to the 2nd traffic light and turn right onto Burnt Mill Rd. Follow Burnt Mill Rd. to the 1st traffic light and make a left onto Laurel Rd. The Voorhees Town Center will be on your left and the Camden County Library will be on your right just past the high rise office building. Turn left at the 1st traffic light and park in the Voorhees Town Center parking lot directly across the street from the library.
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Friday, December 14, 2018
Red Mill Antiques, Mullica Hill, NJ 12/14/18
People who collect things understand obsession. Every once in awhile I experience that kind of object obsession, but it is small and it passes in time, so I am not an avid collector, merely a customer.
Because I was invited to a holiday party where each guest was to bring their earliest memory, I delved back again into Christmas past. I don't need and invitation to do that. Every holiday is in a layer of holidays and the older I get the more appeal and call my childhood seems to have.
I wrote a blog post on that topic already so I don't need to detail that 1945 to 1955 Christmas. In preparing for the party, however, I searched out an old photo of my brother and me at Christmas, him in an Indian headdress with a drum and me with a dollar carrier opened to display that Christmas' new doll.
My godfather, Neal Schmidt gave me those beautiful and expensive dolls every year, and I believe I did a post on the one who lives with me to this day. My brunette was apparently given to me a year before or a year after the one in the photograph who is a blonde. My 65 year long friend is an Effanbee walking doll. When she is put to bed, her eyes close and when she is standing, she walks and her head moves side to side. She still works perfectly though her shoulder joints need a new elastic. I replaced it once but no longer have a crochet hook which I needed to pull the elastic from one side to the other.
My Effanbee doll is sitting on the piano as I type this, in her new outfit, purchased from the Little House on the Prairie website. It was the perfect size to fit my doll, who is about 14 inches tall, and for once I was able to get shoes to fit her as well, prairie boots. She looks very nice. Over the years she had lost her hair but decades ago I was able to get her a decent wig which looks perfect.
To get back to the subject, the Red Mill Antiques, my purpose in going there today was to find the cardboard platform houses and some lead skating/skiing figures. I just HAD to have them, and though I unpacked and re-packed my 12 tubs of Christmas stuff diligently, I could NOT find my cardboard houses.
At the Red Mill I found one perfect skiing figure with ski poles intact (rare) which cost $12 because it was perfect - a great feat for someone about 60 years old. I found one acceptable though not ideal house for #4, very reasonable house. The one I had envisioned had cellophane windows and sparkle snow but this one is sans snow and cellophane windows and looks a bit more modern than the ones I remember, nonetheless, it is a bright blue and fits perfectly with the ski girl who is dressed in a jaunty red outfit. It makes a nice little alpine scene.
Mulch Hill, which is where the Red Mill Antiques is located, 1 South Main Street, Mullica Hill, to be exact, was decorated nicely and is a quaint and charming town to visit. I often go there for lunch at the Blue Plate. And you could spend an entire day at the Red Mill Antiques - two stories jammed from floor to ceiling with collectables and collections of every imaginable kind. The Christmas displays up and ready to tempt you to buy are like visiting the most adorable museum. I could get lost in that place and the memories it inspires. And the people there are so chatty and friendly it is delightful to visit.
If you haven't finished your Christmas shopping yet, let me make some suggestions. For people who are paring down, comestibles are always useful: cookies, tea and honey and a nice mug, or, a really good coffee. A gift that was a favorite according to the recipients in the past, was a gift bag with a movie (vcr for some years, then dvd) and Movie pop corn. That is no longer a viable gift since no one plays videos or dads anymore, so stick with the food stuff. And if you know someone had a favorite toy or doll or collection, you can always drop in at the Red Mill and find it, or an item to add to their collection. For example, I had a friend who collected and displayed Santa Clauses - She had well over a hundred, and you could find that rare Santa at the Red Mill. Another friend collected those little cardboard houses, a little harder to find these days, but the Emporium at Burlington had them last year. A fun gift I saw at the Red Mill were antique New Year's Eve noisemakers! I bought half a dozen last year for my daughter. The ones at the Red Mill were a bit older and a bit more expensive - $5 each, but if you bought 2, what a delightful and unusual gift!
Happy Trails, Happy Tales, and Happy Shopping!
Jo Ann
Because I was invited to a holiday party where each guest was to bring their earliest memory, I delved back again into Christmas past. I don't need and invitation to do that. Every holiday is in a layer of holidays and the older I get the more appeal and call my childhood seems to have.
I wrote a blog post on that topic already so I don't need to detail that 1945 to 1955 Christmas. In preparing for the party, however, I searched out an old photo of my brother and me at Christmas, him in an Indian headdress with a drum and me with a dollar carrier opened to display that Christmas' new doll.
My godfather, Neal Schmidt gave me those beautiful and expensive dolls every year, and I believe I did a post on the one who lives with me to this day. My brunette was apparently given to me a year before or a year after the one in the photograph who is a blonde. My 65 year long friend is an Effanbee walking doll. When she is put to bed, her eyes close and when she is standing, she walks and her head moves side to side. She still works perfectly though her shoulder joints need a new elastic. I replaced it once but no longer have a crochet hook which I needed to pull the elastic from one side to the other.
My Effanbee doll is sitting on the piano as I type this, in her new outfit, purchased from the Little House on the Prairie website. It was the perfect size to fit my doll, who is about 14 inches tall, and for once I was able to get shoes to fit her as well, prairie boots. She looks very nice. Over the years she had lost her hair but decades ago I was able to get her a decent wig which looks perfect.
To get back to the subject, the Red Mill Antiques, my purpose in going there today was to find the cardboard platform houses and some lead skating/skiing figures. I just HAD to have them, and though I unpacked and re-packed my 12 tubs of Christmas stuff diligently, I could NOT find my cardboard houses.
At the Red Mill I found one perfect skiing figure with ski poles intact (rare) which cost $12 because it was perfect - a great feat for someone about 60 years old. I found one acceptable though not ideal house for #4, very reasonable house. The one I had envisioned had cellophane windows and sparkle snow but this one is sans snow and cellophane windows and looks a bit more modern than the ones I remember, nonetheless, it is a bright blue and fits perfectly with the ski girl who is dressed in a jaunty red outfit. It makes a nice little alpine scene.
Mulch Hill, which is where the Red Mill Antiques is located, 1 South Main Street, Mullica Hill, to be exact, was decorated nicely and is a quaint and charming town to visit. I often go there for lunch at the Blue Plate. And you could spend an entire day at the Red Mill Antiques - two stories jammed from floor to ceiling with collectables and collections of every imaginable kind. The Christmas displays up and ready to tempt you to buy are like visiting the most adorable museum. I could get lost in that place and the memories it inspires. And the people there are so chatty and friendly it is delightful to visit.
If you haven't finished your Christmas shopping yet, let me make some suggestions. For people who are paring down, comestibles are always useful: cookies, tea and honey and a nice mug, or, a really good coffee. A gift that was a favorite according to the recipients in the past, was a gift bag with a movie (vcr for some years, then dvd) and Movie pop corn. That is no longer a viable gift since no one plays videos or dads anymore, so stick with the food stuff. And if you know someone had a favorite toy or doll or collection, you can always drop in at the Red Mill and find it, or an item to add to their collection. For example, I had a friend who collected and displayed Santa Clauses - She had well over a hundred, and you could find that rare Santa at the Red Mill. Another friend collected those little cardboard houses, a little harder to find these days, but the Emporium at Burlington had them last year. A fun gift I saw at the Red Mill were antique New Year's Eve noisemakers! I bought half a dozen last year for my daughter. The ones at the Red Mill were a bit older and a bit more expensive - $5 each, but if you bought 2, what a delightful and unusual gift!
Happy Trails, Happy Tales, and Happy Shopping!
Jo Ann
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Dr. Garry Stone spoke on Battle of Gloucester in Mt. Ephraim
Last night, another history buff and I enjoyed a lively and enthusiastic talk on the Battle of Gloucester Towne, a Revolutionary event in our own backyard!!
I met Dr. Garry Stone when he was doing his work at the Indian King Tavern in Haddonfield, where I was volunteering at that time. His home work site, at Monmouth State Park, was being renovated. He was working on a map of Revolutionary sites in New Jersey, a much needed addition to our information base. We had some lively talks about local history because at the time, I was also volunteering at the James and Ann Whittle House at National Park.
On Tuesday evening, at 7:00, a dozen very interested local history enthusiasts listened as Dr. Stone clearly and concisely described the skirmish that took place in Gloucester Towne in 1776.
AS anyone who has visited or volunteered at any of our many historic sites would know, we had a very active part in the Revolution here in New Jersey, known a the "Crossroads of the Revolution." We had the tea burning in Greenwich, the River Battle on the Delaware between the two forts, on either side of the Delaware, Mercer on our side at National Park, and the meetings held at Indian King Tavern in Haddonfield including the adoption of our state seal.
Whenever I can I like to attend lectures on our local history. It deeply enhances your appreciation of the place where you live to know the history, just as you understand your family better and more deeply when you do family history, another interest of mine.
And often, the two merge, a they did in my case when family history research showed me that I was related to Major Peter Cheesman through the marriage of his daughter Rachel to my ancestor William C. Garwood, a teacher in the Turner School, Turnersville. Through that branch of the family, I also discovered several Revolutionary War veterans in the Chessman family, and a Civil War survivor of Andersonville Prison in the connected Jaggard branch of that family, another marital connection.
Dr. Stone is a well informed history researcher and has written a book, FATAL SUNDAY about Washington at Monmouth. If you ever have a chance to hear one of his lectures, you should take the opportunity, he is a most respected and well informed historian! And a very kind and warm person.
I met Dr. Garry Stone when he was doing his work at the Indian King Tavern in Haddonfield, where I was volunteering at that time. His home work site, at Monmouth State Park, was being renovated. He was working on a map of Revolutionary sites in New Jersey, a much needed addition to our information base. We had some lively talks about local history because at the time, I was also volunteering at the James and Ann Whittle House at National Park.
On Tuesday evening, at 7:00, a dozen very interested local history enthusiasts listened as Dr. Stone clearly and concisely described the skirmish that took place in Gloucester Towne in 1776.
AS anyone who has visited or volunteered at any of our many historic sites would know, we had a very active part in the Revolution here in New Jersey, known a the "Crossroads of the Revolution." We had the tea burning in Greenwich, the River Battle on the Delaware between the two forts, on either side of the Delaware, Mercer on our side at National Park, and the meetings held at Indian King Tavern in Haddonfield including the adoption of our state seal.
Whenever I can I like to attend lectures on our local history. It deeply enhances your appreciation of the place where you live to know the history, just as you understand your family better and more deeply when you do family history, another interest of mine.
And often, the two merge, a they did in my case when family history research showed me that I was related to Major Peter Cheesman through the marriage of his daughter Rachel to my ancestor William C. Garwood, a teacher in the Turner School, Turnersville. Through that branch of the family, I also discovered several Revolutionary War veterans in the Chessman family, and a Civil War survivor of Andersonville Prison in the connected Jaggard branch of that family, another marital connection.
Dr. Stone is a well informed history researcher and has written a book, FATAL SUNDAY about Washington at Monmouth. If you ever have a chance to hear one of his lectures, you should take the opportunity, he is a most respected and well informed historian! And a very kind and warm person.
Monday, December 10, 2018
49th Annual Christmas in Greenwich Historic House Tour
Yesterday, Sunday 9th of December, I was invited to join three friends on a historic house tour in Greenwich. As I have mentioned my car is too old for such long drives, about an hour from my house to Greenwich (the one on the Cohansey River, not Greenwich Twp.) so it was a pure delight to be invited to once again visit my person favorite New Jersey Historic town.
Every historic town that I love in New Jersey has its own special attributes from Bordertown to Smithville, to Rancocas Woods and Woodstown, but Greenwich has The Great Street, with undoubtedly the oldest original and historic street this side of the Delaware River. My favorite house on the29 site tour was the 1690 Dennis house. But having been a lifelong log structure fan, I always love to visit the Granary!
Maybe it was the Lincoln Logs I had as a child, maybe it was the Swedish church I attended (Gloria Dei, Old Swedes Church), maybe it was Little House on the Prairie, but all my life I have been enamored of log houses and buildings. So I like to get to visit the ones not too far from me as often as possible, the Swedish cabin on the grounds of the Swedish Church in Swedesboro, the cabin at the entrance to Salem, the Rink family preserved Finnish Cabin near Gibbstown (the oldest log structure in the WORLD because in Finland, they burn down the old cabins when they built new ones) called the Nothnagle Cabin. Whatever the spark that ignited this flame, I have been in love with log structures for as long as I remember.
Added attractions in the Greenwich tour were the fire hall, the old school where basket makers and spinners ply their ancient arts, the Prehistory Museum with the awe-inspiring collection of projectile points and reconstructed Native American pottery and the Genealogy and History Library. At many locations cider and cookies and tea and cookies were generously provided and it was all around a delightful day and the highlight of my winter holiday season to date. All the tour people are both warm and informed and very generous in sharing their time and their knowledge with us visitors. Also it is notably kind of the home owners to go to the trouble to decorate and open their homes to us.
Lastly, the drive to and from Greenwich is beautiful. Although my own personal preference is for the early evening summer drive, the winter drive is a close competitor, and as is so often the case, the way we take going somehow diverges from the way we take coming home again so we get to see more charming back roads of South Jersey. When my car was young, I used to like to get lost on the back roads and discover new places, which is how I originally found Greenwich. At that time, I was tracking the Underground Railroad and searching for Ambury Civil War cemetery for African American Soldiers near Othello. I had come across a tiny roadside set of grave stones and a sign for Othello and followed that trail. That was my favorite thing to do and perhaps next spring when I get a new car, I will again enjoy following the winding trails of hidden treasures of history in South Jersey.
Every historic town that I love in New Jersey has its own special attributes from Bordertown to Smithville, to Rancocas Woods and Woodstown, but Greenwich has The Great Street, with undoubtedly the oldest original and historic street this side of the Delaware River. My favorite house on the29 site tour was the 1690 Dennis house. But having been a lifelong log structure fan, I always love to visit the Granary!
Maybe it was the Lincoln Logs I had as a child, maybe it was the Swedish church I attended (Gloria Dei, Old Swedes Church), maybe it was Little House on the Prairie, but all my life I have been enamored of log houses and buildings. So I like to get to visit the ones not too far from me as often as possible, the Swedish cabin on the grounds of the Swedish Church in Swedesboro, the cabin at the entrance to Salem, the Rink family preserved Finnish Cabin near Gibbstown (the oldest log structure in the WORLD because in Finland, they burn down the old cabins when they built new ones) called the Nothnagle Cabin. Whatever the spark that ignited this flame, I have been in love with log structures for as long as I remember.
Added attractions in the Greenwich tour were the fire hall, the old school where basket makers and spinners ply their ancient arts, the Prehistory Museum with the awe-inspiring collection of projectile points and reconstructed Native American pottery and the Genealogy and History Library. At many locations cider and cookies and tea and cookies were generously provided and it was all around a delightful day and the highlight of my winter holiday season to date. All the tour people are both warm and informed and very generous in sharing their time and their knowledge with us visitors. Also it is notably kind of the home owners to go to the trouble to decorate and open their homes to us.
Lastly, the drive to and from Greenwich is beautiful. Although my own personal preference is for the early evening summer drive, the winter drive is a close competitor, and as is so often the case, the way we take going somehow diverges from the way we take coming home again so we get to see more charming back roads of South Jersey. When my car was young, I used to like to get lost on the back roads and discover new places, which is how I originally found Greenwich. At that time, I was tracking the Underground Railroad and searching for Ambury Civil War cemetery for African American Soldiers near Othello. I had come across a tiny roadside set of grave stones and a sign for Othello and followed that trail. That was my favorite thing to do and perhaps next spring when I get a new car, I will again enjoy following the winding trails of hidden treasures of history in South Jersey.
Friday, December 7, 2018
Holiday Shopping
Not finished your holiday shopping yet? Looking for that special something - a little different, unique for that special friend? Well, Rancocas Woods is having the holiday market on Saturday, December 8th from 10 to 5 AND Eiland Arts is having a special 8th year Holiday Market at The Station - the train station on Centre and Railroad in Merchantville, NJ tonight, Friday from 6 to 9 (I think) and tomorrow with a special Hot Chocolate Bar! So, have fun and finish your shopping.
I won't be able to join you for either of these because I will be touring historic homes in Greenwich with a couple of friends tomorrow and I am so looking forward to it because I love Greenwich (this is the one - pronounced Green witch! - at the very bottom of New Jersey on the Cohansey River and near the Maurice River, not to be confused with Greenwich township - pronounced Grinch). Greenwich on the Cohansey was the site of a tea burning curing the Revolutionary War and also hosts a wonderful fall festival with crafts and music and a parade which I very much enjoyed visiting in past years when my car was in better shape. Until I get a new car, sometime next year, I have to stay closer to home. Greenwich on the Cohansey is a good hours drive from where I live, but you pass through lovely farmland and some very interesting Southern New Jersey towns.
Hope your weekend is delightful and that these tips give you some good ideas of fun places to go for the holiday spirit!
Happy Holidays!
Jo Ann
I won't be able to join you for either of these because I will be touring historic homes in Greenwich with a couple of friends tomorrow and I am so looking forward to it because I love Greenwich (this is the one - pronounced Green witch! - at the very bottom of New Jersey on the Cohansey River and near the Maurice River, not to be confused with Greenwich township - pronounced Grinch). Greenwich on the Cohansey was the site of a tea burning curing the Revolutionary War and also hosts a wonderful fall festival with crafts and music and a parade which I very much enjoyed visiting in past years when my car was in better shape. Until I get a new car, sometime next year, I have to stay closer to home. Greenwich on the Cohansey is a good hours drive from where I live, but you pass through lovely farmland and some very interesting Southern New Jersey towns.
Hope your weekend is delightful and that these tips give you some good ideas of fun places to go for the holiday spirit!
Happy Holidays!
Jo Ann
Thursday, December 6, 2018
Model train time again - December 2018
1. Holiday Train Show
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays through January 6 | 4 PM – 8 PM
Old City Hall, Downtown Bordentown
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays through January 6 | 4 PM – 8 PM
Old City Hall, Downtown Bordentown
The Old City Hall Restoration Committee presents the Holiday Train Display! Visit every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in December 2018 and on January 4th, 5th, and 6th to see this exciting show! Admission is free.
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Collingswood day fun
On Monday, December 3rd, after I wished my daughter a Happy Birthday, walked the dog and did my minimal workout at Planet Fitness, I met an old friend for lunch in Collingswood. She is a vegan and we like SaladWorks which can provide for ALL eating preferences excluding the hamburger crowd. They do have sandwiches, panini's, and my favorite lunch choice is the 'pick two' which this time included Butternut squash soup (delicious beyond all other soups and places that make soup) and a small side salad of baby spinach, cranberries, feta cheese, black olives, sunflower seeds, and grated carrot.
After lunch we strolled the Haddon Avenue shops, all decorated most beautifully and festively. A few blocks down the avenue, we dropped in at the Collingswood Library to browse the dollar book corner. I bought 4 books: 1. A Rita Mae Brown, Sneaky Pie mystery - Santa Clawed 2. A John Grisham - The missing Christmas 3. A Martha Stewart - Handmade Christmas 4. A vintage (circa 1989) Martha Stewart Christmas. The #4 Martha Stewart I bought for a friend. She loves Martha and I thought it would be fun to put in her mailbox for a cold wintry morning page turner with a cup of coffee. If I had a bigger house, I would put out a Christmas book display each year, but sadly my bungalow is tiny and all surfaces are already claimed.
Our lunch over and our shopping done, we headed home. I had to walk my dog for her 2nd walk of the day. My dog and I have come to an agreement. She won't beg and bark and harass me for a walk if i keep to our minimum of two walks a day, one mile each. It is a fair deal and it is good for me anyhow.
Today, our walks were in, first, a light dusting snow shower, and then, in a flurry with about an inch on the ground and my new snow boots which gave me a blister on the inside ankle. You just never know with snow boots. They can look so innocent and comfortable but give them a mile walk try-out and you find all their hidden flaws.
Now I am having my afternoon cuppa with some Walker's shortbread cookies and the NYT Book Review.
I have decided to put the questions to you that the NYT BKRev. includes in every issue in an interview with a celebrity:
1. What books are on your nightstand?
(On mine are "Old in Art School" and a biography of Emily Dickinson
2. What's the last GREAT book you read?
(I would have to wonder what they mean by 'great' but if they mean literary, then I guess the last novel by Mario Vargas Llosa, which I didn't realize would have so profound an influence on me later as time went by - too much to explain here)
3.What's the last book that made you laugh?
(Cathy Pelletier's "Winter.....?" I forget the whole title. I bought her book in a dollar sale and it was so good I bought more!)
4. The last book that made you cry?
(At some point every book makes me cry)
5. What moves you most when you read?
(evocation of place really engages me)
6. What character from literature would you most like to play?
(One of the "Outdoor Girls on a Hike."
7. What kind of stories are you drawn to? Steer clear of?
(I am drawn to character driven novels with great evocation of location. I HATE horror stories and never read them.)
8. Disappointing, Overrated, Just Not Good, What books did you think you were supposed to like and didn't?
(Bel Canto)
9. Do you Remember the Last Book you put down without finishing?
(Yes, "Old in Art School" I liked it but wasn't compelled and other books elbowed in. I will pick it up again and finish it - it is on my nightstand)
10 You are organizing a literary dinner party which three authors would you invite?
(Germaine Greer, Gloria Steinem, Betty Friedan - their works changed my life and they are all living and we would have no end of conversation.)
After lunch we strolled the Haddon Avenue shops, all decorated most beautifully and festively. A few blocks down the avenue, we dropped in at the Collingswood Library to browse the dollar book corner. I bought 4 books: 1. A Rita Mae Brown, Sneaky Pie mystery - Santa Clawed 2. A John Grisham - The missing Christmas 3. A Martha Stewart - Handmade Christmas 4. A vintage (circa 1989) Martha Stewart Christmas. The #4 Martha Stewart I bought for a friend. She loves Martha and I thought it would be fun to put in her mailbox for a cold wintry morning page turner with a cup of coffee. If I had a bigger house, I would put out a Christmas book display each year, but sadly my bungalow is tiny and all surfaces are already claimed.
Our lunch over and our shopping done, we headed home. I had to walk my dog for her 2nd walk of the day. My dog and I have come to an agreement. She won't beg and bark and harass me for a walk if i keep to our minimum of two walks a day, one mile each. It is a fair deal and it is good for me anyhow.
Today, our walks were in, first, a light dusting snow shower, and then, in a flurry with about an inch on the ground and my new snow boots which gave me a blister on the inside ankle. You just never know with snow boots. They can look so innocent and comfortable but give them a mile walk try-out and you find all their hidden flaws.
Now I am having my afternoon cuppa with some Walker's shortbread cookies and the NYT Book Review.
I have decided to put the questions to you that the NYT BKRev. includes in every issue in an interview with a celebrity:
1. What books are on your nightstand?
(On mine are "Old in Art School" and a biography of Emily Dickinson
2. What's the last GREAT book you read?
(I would have to wonder what they mean by 'great' but if they mean literary, then I guess the last novel by Mario Vargas Llosa, which I didn't realize would have so profound an influence on me later as time went by - too much to explain here)
3.What's the last book that made you laugh?
(Cathy Pelletier's "Winter.....?" I forget the whole title. I bought her book in a dollar sale and it was so good I bought more!)
4. The last book that made you cry?
(At some point every book makes me cry)
5. What moves you most when you read?
(evocation of place really engages me)
6. What character from literature would you most like to play?
(One of the "Outdoor Girls on a Hike."
7. What kind of stories are you drawn to? Steer clear of?
(I am drawn to character driven novels with great evocation of location. I HATE horror stories and never read them.)
8. Disappointing, Overrated, Just Not Good, What books did you think you were supposed to like and didn't?
(Bel Canto)
9. Do you Remember the Last Book you put down without finishing?
(Yes, "Old in Art School" I liked it but wasn't compelled and other books elbowed in. I will pick it up again and finish it - it is on my nightstand)
10 You are organizing a literary dinner party which three authors would you invite?
(Germaine Greer, Gloria Steinem, Betty Friedan - their works changed my life and they are all living and we would have no end of conversation.)
Sunday, December 2, 2018
Christmas as we knew it.
I was born in 1945, the year the second World War ended. My parents and their generation were ebullient with the joy of having survived this catastrophe, and all the prosperity offered by the post war period. They were full of energy and hope and optimism after a depression, a World War, and the personal tragedies of their own lives. My mother had lost her parents and my father's father had died leaving his mother with three boys to raise and her own mother in a coma after a stroke.
They married, I was born, my brother was born and the Christmas extravaganza was born! My father, being in construction, built a sturdy platform that filled the living room. Furniture was moved out to make way for the double set of tracks, the tunnels, the bridges, terminals, railway depot and the big trains of the heyday of Lionel. I can almost smell the motor oil and had the whistle.
The platform was curtained by brick printed paper, and clothed in sparkling snow paper. There were villages of sparkling "Occupied Japan" made cardboard bungalows with cellophane windows, a mirror lake with skating lead figures, hills with lead sleds and lead people in brightly colored clothes sitting on benches at the train station and in the park. There were 'to scale' platform trees, fences, animals, and actually lighting street lights. In the back corner of the platform stood the live tree purchased from "Down The Neck" which was the historic place where once reclaimed land held farms that now is the Philadelphia airport and shipyard.
The tree was festooned with many colored large bulb lights, glass Christmas balls, and aluminum tinsel. Much later many people went for spun glass 'angel hair' but we never did.
The whole thing was a grand spectacle, all the wires and controls hidden under the platform which stood about a foot and a half high.
Sometimes my father let me drive the trains, quite an honor. You had to be careful to keep up with the track switching so you didn't make a collision.
That magical and Herculean effort of a platform is the thing I remember best and the thing that no one does anymore. Even the model train store that was on the Black Horse Pike until a couple of years ago is now gone. The proprietor, "Mac" may have passed on.
My grandmother Lyons, we all lived within a block or two of each other in South Philadelphia, always made a big steaming cauldron of sauerkraut and pork, with hot dogs in it, and a heap of rolls and a pt of mashed potatoes - a warming meal for the cold cold winter.
Few people bother with live trees, almost no one puts up a platform, and I think after my generation, all that will be a memory. The other thing that I think will die with my generation, and for most of the people I know, has already stopped, is the tradition of Christmas greeting cards. I still write out about 50 but I only have one or two friends, older than I am, who still do that.
People make new traditions, I suppose, I don't know many young families, so I don't know what they do beyond the heaps of gifts which seem to have taken the place of the shared display of the platform.
Well whatever people do, getting together, and bringing light and celebration to the dark days of winter will probably always be with and so, I hope, will the grace of generosity. The gift giving isn't about 'commercialization' an excuse some people use for not bothering, it is about giving and sharing in the bounty that we are so fortunate to enjoy - AND - it is about GRATITUDE!
Merry Christmas!
Jo Ann
ps. Yesterday I enjoyed the most wonderful party that a couple I know give every year where we eat drink and read A Child's Christmas in Wales around the fireplace.
Today, a friend from college has a photograph show opening at Rutgers in Camden in the Student Center - Sharon Harris' 'pin-hole camera' photographs!
Next Sunday, Dec. 9, I am off to Greenwich for the Historic House tour and Saint Lucia festival. I hope you have wonderful plans for the upcoming holiday weeks too!
Also, I hope you, like me, have your lights up, your tree up and all your work done so you can enjoy!
They married, I was born, my brother was born and the Christmas extravaganza was born! My father, being in construction, built a sturdy platform that filled the living room. Furniture was moved out to make way for the double set of tracks, the tunnels, the bridges, terminals, railway depot and the big trains of the heyday of Lionel. I can almost smell the motor oil and had the whistle.
The platform was curtained by brick printed paper, and clothed in sparkling snow paper. There were villages of sparkling "Occupied Japan" made cardboard bungalows with cellophane windows, a mirror lake with skating lead figures, hills with lead sleds and lead people in brightly colored clothes sitting on benches at the train station and in the park. There were 'to scale' platform trees, fences, animals, and actually lighting street lights. In the back corner of the platform stood the live tree purchased from "Down The Neck" which was the historic place where once reclaimed land held farms that now is the Philadelphia airport and shipyard.
The tree was festooned with many colored large bulb lights, glass Christmas balls, and aluminum tinsel. Much later many people went for spun glass 'angel hair' but we never did.
The whole thing was a grand spectacle, all the wires and controls hidden under the platform which stood about a foot and a half high.
Sometimes my father let me drive the trains, quite an honor. You had to be careful to keep up with the track switching so you didn't make a collision.
That magical and Herculean effort of a platform is the thing I remember best and the thing that no one does anymore. Even the model train store that was on the Black Horse Pike until a couple of years ago is now gone. The proprietor, "Mac" may have passed on.
My grandmother Lyons, we all lived within a block or two of each other in South Philadelphia, always made a big steaming cauldron of sauerkraut and pork, with hot dogs in it, and a heap of rolls and a pt of mashed potatoes - a warming meal for the cold cold winter.
Few people bother with live trees, almost no one puts up a platform, and I think after my generation, all that will be a memory. The other thing that I think will die with my generation, and for most of the people I know, has already stopped, is the tradition of Christmas greeting cards. I still write out about 50 but I only have one or two friends, older than I am, who still do that.
People make new traditions, I suppose, I don't know many young families, so I don't know what they do beyond the heaps of gifts which seem to have taken the place of the shared display of the platform.
Well whatever people do, getting together, and bringing light and celebration to the dark days of winter will probably always be with and so, I hope, will the grace of generosity. The gift giving isn't about 'commercialization' an excuse some people use for not bothering, it is about giving and sharing in the bounty that we are so fortunate to enjoy - AND - it is about GRATITUDE!
Merry Christmas!
Jo Ann
ps. Yesterday I enjoyed the most wonderful party that a couple I know give every year where we eat drink and read A Child's Christmas in Wales around the fireplace.
Today, a friend from college has a photograph show opening at Rutgers in Camden in the Student Center - Sharon Harris' 'pin-hole camera' photographs!
Next Sunday, Dec. 9, I am off to Greenwich for the Historic House tour and Saint Lucia festival. I hope you have wonderful plans for the upcoming holiday weeks too!
Also, I hope you, like me, have your lights up, your tree up and all your work done so you can enjoy!
Friday, November 30, 2018
Camden County History Alliance Events for December 2018
Welcome to the December 2018
Camden County History Alliance E-Newsletter
The Camden County History Alliance wishes all our friends a happy holiday season! Many of our historic sites are festively decorated this month, with holiday house tours and open houses. Find out below about some of the historical programs and tours available at sites all around Camden County during the month of December!
Camden County Heritage Magazine Fall 2018
The Fall 2018 edition of the Camden County Heritage magazine has been distributed throughout the county, with the theme of Industry & Commerce in Camden County! This is the fifth edition of the History Alliance’s biannual publication, filled with articles and historic photos of Camden County’s past. For more information or to receive past editions of the magazine, please call 856-964-3333, email admin@cchsnj.org, or contact your local Camden County History Alliance Partner Organization.
DECEMBER EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Click each link below to open the event flyers, or scroll down to view all events.
November 30-December 2: Holiday House at the Barclay Farmstead
December 2: House Tours at Gabreil Daveis Tavern
December 7: Rich Carty on the Hammered Dulcimer at the Indian King Tavern Museum
December 8: Breakfast with Santa on the Battleship New Jersey
December 9: House Tours at Gabreil Daveis Tavern
December 11: "Ten Crucial Days of the American Revolution" at the American Revolution Round Table of South Jersey
December 13: "Hinsonville’s Heroes: Black Civil War Soldiers of Chester County, Pennsylvania" at the Old Baldy Civil War Round Table
December 14: Ebenezer's Elizir Musical Group at the Indian King Tavern Museum
December 15: Gingerbread Decorating & Storytime at the Indian King Tavern Museum
December 21: Guitarist Nat Wiseley & Friends at the Indian King Tavern Museum
December 31: New Years Eve on the Battleship New Jersey
Monday, November 26, 2018
Windows/Store Window Displays
Macy's in New York, originated the Holiday Window Display in 1874. I just read this in the Sunday New York Times Styles section under the caption "Holiday Store Window Displays Still Matter."
As I have mentioned often, I grew up in Philadelphia an one of the great holiday joys for me was to visit Market Street in the greatest days of the holiday displays, the 1950's. Actually, an aunt of mine was married to a window 'dresser' and when I worked at the Gloucester City Library and at Mary Ethel Costello School, I took great creative joy in decorating the entry-way windows for the seasons, holidays, or special events.
All decorating is a creative act, and a generous act as it costs a great deal in time, effort, and often in money, an it is done for the pleasure of strangers, passers-by. Except of course store displays which are done to delight and attract customers.
Do you remember the scene in A Christmas Story, when Ralph first lays eyes on the Red Ryder Beebee Gun in the store window? My favorite was always the holiday train display. I love trains large and small, and I am especially entranced by village and city train lay-outs. This stems from the platform my ironworker father put up every year at Christmas with a very impressive system of tunnels, track changes, and elevated tracks. We had the "made in occupied Japan" post World War II cardboard houses with cellophane windows and glittery snow, and the lead figures skating on a mirror pond. The magic will be in me for life.
The store windows in the city at Christmas in the old days, up until the 1970's were a child's wonderland of toys, Charles Dicken's Christmas Village, animatronic Santa Claus and Elves in North Pole sets, and glittering arrays of colorful items in glorious gift wrap.
When I again lived in the city in the 1980s the magic was GONE in a big way. I even cut up my Gimbals charge card and sent it to them with a complaint letter because the window where I stood to catch the bus was festooned with black leather bikini clad mannequins in deep sea masks which generated leers and rude comments from passers-by on the street. What kind of display was that for Christmas? That window dresser must have been deranged.
Well, I don't live in the city anymore and I don't go to Philadelphia or New York, they are too busy and too crowded and hectic for my autumnal years. Instead I enjoy the window decorations in nearby small towns which are often charming and bring that long ago delight back to me. Collingswood is a good example. So is Pitman. Soon the small towns will all be lit up, sporting their parades and Main Street decorations and the windows will be dressed for company.
Let me know your favorites! wrightj45@yahoo.com
I have two wonderful Christmas events coming up in the first part of December and I will let you know what I hear about as December draws closer. One event is the annual "Child's Christmas in Wales" party given by a friend with whom I taught before we retired, and her husband. We enjoy delicious food and drink, and gather around the fireplace to read the wonderful children's story aloud. The week after, on December 9th, a friend will drive two other friends, plus me, to Greenwich for the historic house holiday tour and the Lucia Fest at the local church. We have gone many times and love it more each year. I like to go to all the Main Street events that I can make over the holidays, and share in the cheer that brightens the dark time of the year!
Happy Holidays and always - Happy Trails!
Jo Ann
As I have mentioned often, I grew up in Philadelphia an one of the great holiday joys for me was to visit Market Street in the greatest days of the holiday displays, the 1950's. Actually, an aunt of mine was married to a window 'dresser' and when I worked at the Gloucester City Library and at Mary Ethel Costello School, I took great creative joy in decorating the entry-way windows for the seasons, holidays, or special events.
All decorating is a creative act, and a generous act as it costs a great deal in time, effort, and often in money, an it is done for the pleasure of strangers, passers-by. Except of course store displays which are done to delight and attract customers.
Do you remember the scene in A Christmas Story, when Ralph first lays eyes on the Red Ryder Beebee Gun in the store window? My favorite was always the holiday train display. I love trains large and small, and I am especially entranced by village and city train lay-outs. This stems from the platform my ironworker father put up every year at Christmas with a very impressive system of tunnels, track changes, and elevated tracks. We had the "made in occupied Japan" post World War II cardboard houses with cellophane windows and glittery snow, and the lead figures skating on a mirror pond. The magic will be in me for life.
The store windows in the city at Christmas in the old days, up until the 1970's were a child's wonderland of toys, Charles Dicken's Christmas Village, animatronic Santa Claus and Elves in North Pole sets, and glittering arrays of colorful items in glorious gift wrap.
When I again lived in the city in the 1980s the magic was GONE in a big way. I even cut up my Gimbals charge card and sent it to them with a complaint letter because the window where I stood to catch the bus was festooned with black leather bikini clad mannequins in deep sea masks which generated leers and rude comments from passers-by on the street. What kind of display was that for Christmas? That window dresser must have been deranged.
Well, I don't live in the city anymore and I don't go to Philadelphia or New York, they are too busy and too crowded and hectic for my autumnal years. Instead I enjoy the window decorations in nearby small towns which are often charming and bring that long ago delight back to me. Collingswood is a good example. So is Pitman. Soon the small towns will all be lit up, sporting their parades and Main Street decorations and the windows will be dressed for company.
Let me know your favorites! wrightj45@yahoo.com
I have two wonderful Christmas events coming up in the first part of December and I will let you know what I hear about as December draws closer. One event is the annual "Child's Christmas in Wales" party given by a friend with whom I taught before we retired, and her husband. We enjoy delicious food and drink, and gather around the fireplace to read the wonderful children's story aloud. The week after, on December 9th, a friend will drive two other friends, plus me, to Greenwich for the historic house holiday tour and the Lucia Fest at the local church. We have gone many times and love it more each year. I like to go to all the Main Street events that I can make over the holidays, and share in the cheer that brightens the dark time of the year!
Happy Holidays and always - Happy Trails!
Jo Ann
Monday, November 19, 2018
Rancocas Woods
I can't think of a more jolly, festive, or holiday spirited place to be than Rancocas Woods, Creek Road shops, this time of year, so for my birthday my daughter drove me there and we shopped.
Fortunately, I had sole four paintings so we had a little shopping money. I bought a primitive carved small reindeer, a lap desk and I bought my daughter three small RED bottle brush Christmas trees.
My favorite things were a battered white trunk, and a chair with a set woven of old leather belts. My daughter's favorite things were a turquoise footstool with fancy feet and the RED bottle brush trees that I bought her
We had so much fun.
There are two events still coming up if you are doing Christmas shopping for yourself, your house, or for gifts:
MADE & FOUND Outdoor Antiques Market
November 24th and December 8th from 10 am to 4 pm
118 Creek Rd., Mt. Laurel
And if you are an artist or crafter and would like to sell your work
Contact Michael madeandfoundmkt@gmail.com (for vending opportunities)
There is a delightful coffee shop and also a good place to eat lunch although we went to my perennial favorite Maritsa's for lunch yesterday when we shopped at Rancocas!
Happy Hunting!
Jo Ann
Fortunately, I had sole four paintings so we had a little shopping money. I bought a primitive carved small reindeer, a lap desk and I bought my daughter three small RED bottle brush Christmas trees.
My favorite things were a battered white trunk, and a chair with a set woven of old leather belts. My daughter's favorite things were a turquoise footstool with fancy feet and the RED bottle brush trees that I bought her
We had so much fun.
There are two events still coming up if you are doing Christmas shopping for yourself, your house, or for gifts:
MADE & FOUND Outdoor Antiques Market
November 24th and December 8th from 10 am to 4 pm
118 Creek Rd., Mt. Laurel
And if you are an artist or crafter and would like to sell your work
Contact Michael madeandfoundmkt@gmail.com (for vending opportunities)
There is a delightful coffee shop and also a good place to eat lunch although we went to my perennial favorite Maritsa's for lunch yesterday when we shopped at Rancocas!
Happy Hunting!
Jo Ann
Friday, November 9, 2018
Holiday Gathering - Pomona Hall
A Flyer from Camden County Historical Society came with the latest issue of their historical Camden periodical.
🎶🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻
"Enjoy old time music and refreshments in decorated Historic Pomona Hall and a living history presentation of Lucretia Mott, Women's Rights Activist, Abolitionist and Social Reformer performed by Kim Hanley of American Historical Theater -
Thursday November 29th, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Refreshments will be served.
RSVP by November 28th please - 856-964-3333 or admin@cchsnj.org
Historic Pomona Hall is adjacent to and connected to Camden County Historical Society 1900 Park Boulevard, Camden, NJ (right behind Lady of Lourdes Hospital and next door to Haleigh Cemetery)
🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
🎶🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻
"Enjoy old time music and refreshments in decorated Historic Pomona Hall and a living history presentation of Lucretia Mott, Women's Rights Activist, Abolitionist and Social Reformer performed by Kim Hanley of American Historical Theater -
Thursday November 29th, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Refreshments will be served.
RSVP by November 28th please - 856-964-3333 or admin@cchsnj.org
Historic Pomona Hall is adjacent to and connected to Camden County Historical Society 1900 Park Boulevard, Camden, NJ (right behind Lady of Lourdes Hospital and next door to Haleigh Cemetery)
🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
Saturday, November 3, 2018
Textile Art and Historical Connection: SHEEP TO SHAWL
at the Burlington County Historical Society
November 11 at 2:00 p.m.
$5
454 Lawrence Street, Burlington City, NJ
856-386-4773
Throughout my several years of experience with historical programs as a volunteer, docent, and tour guide, I have been fascinated with the place of fabric in Colonial lives and indeed, in modern lives as well.
I have actually tried several kinds of fiber arts, I have knitted, and woven, and at one point in my life, I made all my own clothes, and all my daughter's clothes. Learning how to sew in high school was a great benefit to my future.
My grandmother was a quilter which added to my interest. When you think of flax farming, harvest, preparing the plant to remove the fiber, spinning the flax into yarn and weaving it into linen, you see the arduous process it took to make the most stable fiber product of the 1700's. Right next to it of course was wool production, especially for winter use, in blankets, cloaks, shawls, mittens heavy stockings and other essentials.
I hope I can get to this event and I hope you can too!
Happy Trails,
Jo Ann
November 11 at 2:00 p.m.
$5
454 Lawrence Street, Burlington City, NJ
856-386-4773
Throughout my several years of experience with historical programs as a volunteer, docent, and tour guide, I have been fascinated with the place of fabric in Colonial lives and indeed, in modern lives as well.
I have actually tried several kinds of fiber arts, I have knitted, and woven, and at one point in my life, I made all my own clothes, and all my daughter's clothes. Learning how to sew in high school was a great benefit to my future.
My grandmother was a quilter which added to my interest. When you think of flax farming, harvest, preparing the plant to remove the fiber, spinning the flax into yarn and weaving it into linen, you see the arduous process it took to make the most stable fiber product of the 1700's. Right next to it of course was wool production, especially for winter use, in blankets, cloaks, shawls, mittens heavy stockings and other essentials.
I hope I can get to this event and I hope you can too!
Happy Trails,
Jo Ann
Monday, October 29, 2018
Talking about Art!
An acquaintance of mine, Al Horner is a brilliant Pinelands photographer and through his book and cd, he has opened my eyes to beauty I had never seen in the Pinebarrens despite my lifelong love affair with hiking in the woods.
You may think you know something, but art can show it to you in a new way. If you love the Pinebarrens and you enjoy photography, you may want to attend:
Please join us for the opening of a stunning photography exhibit celebrating the New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve that is on display in the renovated historic barn at our offices.
Browse the new exhibit, enjoy wine, beer, light appetizers and acoustic music by The Pitch Pines. Awards for the winning photographs in each category will be presented during the reception.
Free, no RSVP required. We are located at 17 Pemberton Rd. (CR 616) in Southampton, NJ. Directions to our offices.
Also if you are an artist and wish to join in with the sharing of art, you may wish to participate in the ALEXANDRIA QUARTERLY UPCOMING CONTEST: (I plant to!) you confined the Alexandria Quarterly on the internet at www.alexandriaquarterly.com
CONTESTS & CALLS
WE TALKED WITH EACH OTHER ABOUT EACH OTHER: ART INSPIRED BY THE POETRY OF EMILY DICKINSON
AQP is working on a collection of artworks inspired by the poems of Emily Dickinson. We are looking for art in all mediums except video. Please send up to five high resolution (300 dpi or higher) images and identify the poem/line(s) the piece is drawn from in your cover letter.
Any form/style is welcome.
Submissions close December 1, 2018. Submit here.
All artist who submit will receive a complimentary copy of the book. Artists selected to contribute will receive 3 copies of the book and discounts on aditional copies.
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Developing an idea
Often people I have known since we all retired have said to me that they have no interests, no hobbies, no inspiration and they don't know how to get any.
"Interest" like "Willpower" or "Changing a Mind" are the great unsolved mysteries of our social world. Where is the generator that allows someone to become interested and even passionate about doing something, or that allows someone to make a decision to change as in for example, to stop smoking, or take up exercise or meditation; where does willpower come from?
I have read a lot of books on it but I can only speak from own experience which is that some things that captured my interest when I was a child, I nurtured throughout my life, and they blossomed like the branches of a tree into lifelong passions: Reading, Art. My mother sowed the seeds with books she got at the supermarket with green stamps and by reading to me at night and at other times. My grandmother nurtured the garden indirectly by giving me access to the book in her basement, her old family books, European classics, and girls books like Outdoor Girls On A Hike from the 1920's. It must be admitted that I was the kind of a child to venture to the basement and FIND those books and ask, so perhaps some of it is inborn.
My mother also subscribed to many magazine in my childhood, Life, Look, The Saturday Evening Post, National Geographic and my father was a reader. The Saturday Evening Post was my introduction to Art, an art style that I still practice, representative genre painting, which means pictures from real life, in a realistic style. However whereas Norman Rockwell, my great childhood inspiration, may have practiced a very effective and beautiful Narrative art, pictures that told a story, mine tend to be more poetic, as in they are created from a feeling that something I saw inspired in me, and I try to recapture that feeling in the painting and hopefully the viewer will feel it too.
Just at this moment the amazon delivery man rang the bell and handed me two packages, new books. I read every day for many hours, magazines and books and the books inspire new interests and expand one that have already existed.
An interest that I developed from my father is for trains and train stations. He built a platform every Christmas with an elaborate train set-up - the real deal - Lionel trains with smoke and the smell of motor oil, track transfers, tunnels, and glorious snow covered villages of small European style bungalows with cellophane windows "Made in Japan." And many family vacations took in old time steam trains that would chug us up a mountain or through fields of corn like the Strasbourg train, the Jim Thorpe train, or the ones in West Virginia.
In fact, one of my father's great job accomplishments for Hake Rigging company was to move a train into the Smithsonian, which we went to see on family trips.
So, one summer when I was driving along the railroad that runs through a old hometown of mine, Maple Shade, and the town where I went to high school, Merchantville, taking photographs of the train stations, I noticed that the one in Merchantville was also a coffee shop to I stopped in. It turns out it was also an Art Gallery and Literary Center - Eiland Arts Center! I took an advertising postcard and blogged about it, then found out two of my old friends from my Art School days showed their work there. I went to an opening, and I decided to show my work there as well.
This Saturday, the 20th of Oct. I dropped off 3 paintings for the Winter Group Show running through November! I hope you will visit The Station and see the work, in the upstairs gallery, and perhaps buy a cup of coffee and a pastry and sit down and enjoy a peaceful afternoon. Who doesn't love a coffee house?
Eiland Arts also has a literary component called AlexandriaQuarterly, which you can find online And there, I saw a posting for an upcoming art project where you could submit 5 works of art based on 5 poems by Emily Dickinson. Since I believe, (along with many Dickinson scholars) that she was a groundbreaking poetry genius, I was excited by the idea. I found some documentaries on amazon (one was deadly dull because the actors adopted a stilted speech pattern I have heard in other period documentaries that I sincerely doubt people used in ordinary life in the past) and one that was exciting and enriching, which included observations by Dickinson scholars about her life and work. I heard recitations of at least 5 poems that I loved and found my inspiration to do 5 works based on them.
I have finished one already "Look back on time with kindly eyes - he doubtless did his best...." and a photo a friend gave me recently from our college days provided the image to go with the poem.
So that's how it happens, from the past to the present, from experience to endeavor, idea to inspiration. I stopped in Merchantville Library and found a collection of Dickinson's poems and plan to read 20 a day. I will let you know how it goes!
"Interest" like "Willpower" or "Changing a Mind" are the great unsolved mysteries of our social world. Where is the generator that allows someone to become interested and even passionate about doing something, or that allows someone to make a decision to change as in for example, to stop smoking, or take up exercise or meditation; where does willpower come from?
I have read a lot of books on it but I can only speak from own experience which is that some things that captured my interest when I was a child, I nurtured throughout my life, and they blossomed like the branches of a tree into lifelong passions: Reading, Art. My mother sowed the seeds with books she got at the supermarket with green stamps and by reading to me at night and at other times. My grandmother nurtured the garden indirectly by giving me access to the book in her basement, her old family books, European classics, and girls books like Outdoor Girls On A Hike from the 1920's. It must be admitted that I was the kind of a child to venture to the basement and FIND those books and ask, so perhaps some of it is inborn.
My mother also subscribed to many magazine in my childhood, Life, Look, The Saturday Evening Post, National Geographic and my father was a reader. The Saturday Evening Post was my introduction to Art, an art style that I still practice, representative genre painting, which means pictures from real life, in a realistic style. However whereas Norman Rockwell, my great childhood inspiration, may have practiced a very effective and beautiful Narrative art, pictures that told a story, mine tend to be more poetic, as in they are created from a feeling that something I saw inspired in me, and I try to recapture that feeling in the painting and hopefully the viewer will feel it too.
Just at this moment the amazon delivery man rang the bell and handed me two packages, new books. I read every day for many hours, magazines and books and the books inspire new interests and expand one that have already existed.
An interest that I developed from my father is for trains and train stations. He built a platform every Christmas with an elaborate train set-up - the real deal - Lionel trains with smoke and the smell of motor oil, track transfers, tunnels, and glorious snow covered villages of small European style bungalows with cellophane windows "Made in Japan." And many family vacations took in old time steam trains that would chug us up a mountain or through fields of corn like the Strasbourg train, the Jim Thorpe train, or the ones in West Virginia.
In fact, one of my father's great job accomplishments for Hake Rigging company was to move a train into the Smithsonian, which we went to see on family trips.
So, one summer when I was driving along the railroad that runs through a old hometown of mine, Maple Shade, and the town where I went to high school, Merchantville, taking photographs of the train stations, I noticed that the one in Merchantville was also a coffee shop to I stopped in. It turns out it was also an Art Gallery and Literary Center - Eiland Arts Center! I took an advertising postcard and blogged about it, then found out two of my old friends from my Art School days showed their work there. I went to an opening, and I decided to show my work there as well.
This Saturday, the 20th of Oct. I dropped off 3 paintings for the Winter Group Show running through November! I hope you will visit The Station and see the work, in the upstairs gallery, and perhaps buy a cup of coffee and a pastry and sit down and enjoy a peaceful afternoon. Who doesn't love a coffee house?
Eiland Arts also has a literary component called AlexandriaQuarterly, which you can find online And there, I saw a posting for an upcoming art project where you could submit 5 works of art based on 5 poems by Emily Dickinson. Since I believe, (along with many Dickinson scholars) that she was a groundbreaking poetry genius, I was excited by the idea. I found some documentaries on amazon (one was deadly dull because the actors adopted a stilted speech pattern I have heard in other period documentaries that I sincerely doubt people used in ordinary life in the past) and one that was exciting and enriching, which included observations by Dickinson scholars about her life and work. I heard recitations of at least 5 poems that I loved and found my inspiration to do 5 works based on them.
I have finished one already "Look back on time with kindly eyes - he doubtless did his best...." and a photo a friend gave me recently from our college days provided the image to go with the poem.
So that's how it happens, from the past to the present, from experience to endeavor, idea to inspiration. I stopped in Merchantville Library and found a collection of Dickinson's poems and plan to read 20 a day. I will let you know how it goes!
Friday, October 26, 2018
Halloween and More
Hello! Halloween is one of my favorite holidays though, to be honest, I love ALL the holidays! I love to decorate and see decorated houses. And most of all, I celebrate the seasons since I am lucky enough to have been born and raised in a state that HAS seasons.
The trees are finally beginning to turn this third week of October. Took long enough!
The things I like about Halloween are that it is a celebration of the space between the living and the dead, the old year of abundance in summer and fall harvest, and the coming months of what appears to be death but is actually only a long winter's rest - the dark and bare trees, the frosted yards, the barren bushes and shrubs (except of course for New Jersey's famous thriving holly - green all year and ripe with red berries in the winter!)
Another thing I like is the harkening back to the old European Pagan traditions. And the opportunity to wear a costume! And the chance to re-visit the old movies of my childhood like Frankenstein, Dracula, Wolfman, and Arsenic and Old Lace.
I adore the pumpkins and black cats, the ghosts and witches hats, and the brief chance to encounter and enjoy magic and mystery. I DO NOT enjoy horror movies of the modern bloody variety or extreme scary stuff.
Anyhow I discovered that when I copied and posted 'visit New Jersey' emails, the html erased my older posts, so I am trying to just pick a few here and there that I like and not post the whole shebang. My posts are apparently archived, so they weren't lost, just not appearing on my blog.
Here is one from visit New Jersey - I really think Woodstown is a charming small New Jersey historic town:
The trees are finally beginning to turn this third week of October. Took long enough!
The things I like about Halloween are that it is a celebration of the space between the living and the dead, the old year of abundance in summer and fall harvest, and the coming months of what appears to be death but is actually only a long winter's rest - the dark and bare trees, the frosted yards, the barren bushes and shrubs (except of course for New Jersey's famous thriving holly - green all year and ripe with red berries in the winter!)
Another thing I like is the harkening back to the old European Pagan traditions. And the opportunity to wear a costume! And the chance to re-visit the old movies of my childhood like Frankenstein, Dracula, Wolfman, and Arsenic and Old Lace.
I adore the pumpkins and black cats, the ghosts and witches hats, and the brief chance to encounter and enjoy magic and mystery. I DO NOT enjoy horror movies of the modern bloody variety or extreme scary stuff.
Anyhow I discovered that when I copied and posted 'visit New Jersey' emails, the html erased my older posts, so I am trying to just pick a few here and there that I like and not post the whole shebang. My posts are apparently archived, so they weren't lost, just not appearing on my blog.
Here is one from visit New Jersey - I really think Woodstown is a charming small New Jersey historic town:
Woodstown Fourth Friday
Friday, October 26 | 5 PM - 9 PM
Historic Downtown Woodstown
Historic Downtown Woodstown
Join Historic Woodstown for Fourth Friday along Main Street sponsored by the Woodstown-Pilesgrove Business Association. Every fourth Friday of the month, guests can enjoy extended store hours, food trucks, and live music! There are plenty of children's activities including face painting, balloon animals, and so much more! Make sure you come dressed up in your best Halloween attire to be entered into the costume contest! This is the last Fourth Friday of the season.
Ghost Tours
Friday, October 26 | 6 PM - 7:30 PM
Downtown Woodbury
Take a walking tour of Woodbury's historic buildings and encounter the ghosts that haunt them! Make sure you bring a flashlight because you never know what might pop out! Guided tours last about one hour and will begin at 6 PM and the last one will start at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Participating eateries will give you 10% off dinner when you present your ticket.
I have fun trick or treats all ready for my excited and adorable neighborhood kids - I am giving out parachute men, rubber snakes and assorted toys for Oriental Trading Company!
Happy Halloween!
Jo Ann
|
Friday, October 19, 2018
From the Crossroads of the Revolution e-mail - October Halloween Events
"Halloween chills and thrills combine with Revolutionary fun this October in the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area! Many of our Heritage Partners are hosting ghost walks, haunted hayrides and other eerie events for the adventurous. There's plenty of fun for those looking for a non-spooky experience, too."
Below are some of the many events scheduled for the second half of the month. Consult our online calendar and Facebook page to explore the rest, and plan your visit to Revolutionary New Jersey!
Some events may require reservations - please contact the event site as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Multiple dates
Downtown Bordentown Association Haunted History Tour. City Ghost Walk Tours. Take a guided stroll to explore the mysteries of this historic community. Multiple evening times. More information and tickets.
October 18, 19, 20, 21
Haunted Seaport in Tuckerton. Take a fright-tastic adventure at Tuckerton Seaport with pirates and sea captains of the past, meet the Jersey Devil, plus (non-scary) kid-friendly activities for the little ones. 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. More information.
October 19
Punch and Pie at Mrs. Kearney's Tavern in Closter. Enjoy refreshments, entertainment and tall tales at this centuries-old, riverside historic site. 8:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. More information.
Oct 19 and 20
Ghostly Gatherings at the Hancock House in Hancock's Bridge. Take a candlelight tour of the site of the 1778 Hancock's Bridge massacre. Tours at 7:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. More information and reservations.
Oct 19, 20 and 26
Halloween Ghost Walking Tour in Greenwich. Join the Cumberland County Historical Society on a spooky stroll through a historic 18th century community. More information and reservations.
October 19, 20, 26 and 27
Ghost Tours in Moorestown. Experience Moorestown's haunted history, starting at the Smith-Cadbury Mansion. Visit two graveyards and the old town jail on this spooky walking tour. 7:30 p.m. More information.
October 19 and 26
Candlelight Ghost Tours at Liberty Hall Museum in Union. Hear about spooky encounters as you tour the home of New Jersey's first elected governor. Tours at 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. More information and reservations.
Oct 19, 20, 26 and 27
Haunted Hayrides and Haunted Village at Historic Allaire in Farmingdale. This historic community takes on a spooky air as twilight turns to night! 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. More information and reservations.
October 20
Harvest Homecoming Festival at the Frazee House in Scotch Plains. Enjoy a farm-to-table demonstration, kids' crafts, live music and more at this historic homestead and former farm. 12:00 noon to 4:30 p.m. More information.
Hearth and Home at the Union Forge Heritage Museum in Hampton. Colonial cooking demonstrations are part of the fun at this 1760 home. 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. More information.
Paranormal Evenings at the Kingsland Manor in Nutley. Meet up with fellow ghost hunters to discover whether spirits inhabit this 18th century dwelling. More information.
Fireside Chat: Tea Leaf Reading and Afternoon Tea at the Hageman House in Somerset. Enjoy a traditional tea, then have the tea leaves read by psychic Dawn Strouse. 2:00 p.m. More information and reservations.
October 20 and 21
Four Centuries in a Weekend in Union County. More than 20 Revolutionary-era sites are included in this two-day open-house of historic places, offering Crossroads stamps to holders of the Passport to Your National Parks. 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. More information.
Lighthouse Challenge - statewide. The 1764 Sandy Hook Lighthouse and Tuckerton Seaport are among more than a dozen stops on this road rally of New Jersey's nautical heritage. 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. More information.
October 21
The Annual Country Living Fair at Batsto Village in Hammonton. Soak in the beauty of the Pinelands at this annual celebration of country life. 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. More information.
Revolutionary War Day at Washington Crossing State Park in Titusville. Meet General Washington, watch troops prepare for the march to Trenton, learn about Colonial ferries, find out about the Ten Crucial Days, and more! 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. More information.
Lambertville Autumn House Tour in Lambertville. Take a self-guided tour of this historic Delaware River community. 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. More information.
Jonas Cattell Run and 18th Century Field Day at Red Bank Battlefield in National Park. Mark the anniversary of the Battle of Red Bank with reenactments, colonial demonstrations, food and fun! 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. More information.
Presidential Pets at the Van Horne House in Bridgewater. Kids of all ages will discover the fun and unusual animals who've lived with our Commanders in Chief. 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. More information.
October 22
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, in Woodbridge. Alisa Dupuy dramatizes this classic Halloween tale at a meeting of the Historical Association of Woodbridge Township. 7:00 p.m. More information.
October 25
Adult Pumpkin Carving Party at Liberty Hall Museum in Union. It's a Halloween happy hour for grownups, complete with pumpkins to decorate, plus wine, beer and snacks. 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. More information and reservations.
October 26 and 27
Haunted Lantern Walk at the Proprietary House in Perth Amboy. Spooky stories and history mix on this walk from the former Royal Governor's home to St. Peter's graveyard. 7:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Reservations and more information.
October 26, 27, 29 and 30
Ghost Tours at The Hermitage in Ho-Ho-Kus. Psychic medium Craig McManus shares his perspectives on ghost hunting through the home of Revolutionary Neighbor Theodosia Prevost. 7:00 p.m. More information and reservations.
October 27
Halloween on the Hill at the Cornelius Low Mansion in Piscataway. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, magic lanterns, kids' crafts and more await in this family-friendly evening event. 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. More information.
Discover the Ford Mansion's Ghosts in Morristown. Investigator Gordon Thomas Ward shares spooky evidence from paranormal data collected at Washington's Morristown headquarters. 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. More information and reservations.
Pumpkin Patch Day at Liberty Hall in Union. Family fun includes pumpkin picking and carving, hayrides, crafts and more. 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. More information and reservations.
Halloween Walking Tour of Lambertville. What goes bump in the night in this scenic Delaware River town? Find out during this daytime tour! 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. More information.
Ringwood Manor Cemetery Tour in Ringwood. Visit graves of notables including Washington's mapmaker, Robert Erskine, and learn about gravestone symbolism on this walking tour. 1:30 p.m. Registration and more information.
NJ Paranormal at the Abraham Staats House in South Bound Brook. What have ghost hunters found at this Patriot home? Find out, then seek out spirits yourself! 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Registration and more information.
October 27 and 28
Revolution along the Raritan Encampment at East Jersey Old Town Village in Piscataway. Continental and Crown Forces take over with camp life, crafts, demonstrations and a fashion show. Sat. 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. , Sun. 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. More information.
October 28
Halloween at Batsto: Haunting the Pines in Hammonton. Kids ages 12 and younger can enjoy trick-or-treating in a non-scary Halloween environment. 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. More information.
Legends of Sleepy Hollow at the Drake House Museum in Plainfield. Storyteller and reenactor Alisa Dupuy relates the classic Halloween season tale. 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. More information.
Halloween Hocus Pocus at the Miller Cory House Museum in Westfield.
Kids from age 3 through elementary school are invited to wear their costumes to this afternoon of crafts, storytelling, facepainting, snacks and more. 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. More information.
Mount Holly History, Pumpkins, and More bus trip from Hunterdon County Arboretum. Visit sites including the state's oldest school house and the Burlington County Prison Museum (which may be haunted!). 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. More information.
The Real Music of Alexander Hamilton at Historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge. Anne and Ridley Enslow tell the story of Hamilton's life, along with period music relevant to his experiences. 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tickets and more information.
|
|
Recurring events and site tours*
Tuesdays
Tours of the Smith Cadbury House Museum in Moorestown. Built in the mid-18th century, this home is said to have hosted both Hessians and allies of the Patriots. 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. More information.
Wednesdays
Tea and Tour at Historic Morven in Princeton. Enjoy a cultured afternoon at the home of Declaration of Independence signer Richard Stockton and his wife, poet Annis Boudinot Stockton. 1:00 p.m. More information.
Tours and Tea at the Proprietary House in Perth Amboy. Following teas and homemade desserts, discover the only Royal Governor's house still standing in the United States. 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. More information.
Saturday and Sunday
Tours of the John Abbott II House in Hamilton. Find out how the Abbott family hid valuables and public funds from ransacking British soldiers enroute to Trenton in late 1776. 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. More information.
Historic Somers Mansion Open House in Somers Point. Visit the oldest house in Atlantic County and the home of Patriot Colonel Richard Somers. 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. More information.
Corn into Cornmeal at Historic Walnford in Upper Freehold. Watch as an authentic gristmill crushes dried corn into cornmeal! 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. More information.
Sundays
Tour the Proprietary House in Perth Amboy. Discover the diverse 250 year history of the nation's last remaining original Royal Governor's mansion. 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. More information.
Step back in time at the Hamilton-Van Wagoner Museum in Clifton. Tour this 18th century Dutch homestead and hear stories of a once-rural community that's existed since 1679. 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. More information.
Open House at the Wortendyke Barn Museum in Park Ridge. A 1760 New World Dutch barn reveals Bergen County's agricultural past. 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. More information.
Historic Princeton Walking Tour from Bainbridge House in Princeton. The American Revolution made an indelible mark on this college town. Find out how in this two-mile walking tour of downtown and the campus. 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. More information.
*Please contact site to confirm dates and times before visiting.
Discover Revolutionary New Jersey all year long. Watch your inbox for our eNewsletter for November events.
Crossroads Heritage Partners are eligible to list events on our website. Contact Kate Brindle by email or at 609-341-3246 for details.
From the Crossroads o
|
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)