I have two friends who would like to live to be a hundred. We all agree, however, that no one wants to live unless we are lucid and have mobility. That is to say we don't want to linger bedridden in a nursing home or n a fog of dementia or Alzheimers.
So, anyway whenever I see stories about successful centenarians, I tell my friend Dorothy and now I will add my friend Barbara to the list.
Centenarian of the day: Pulitzer Prize Winning Photographer MAX DESFOR - unfortunately I read about him in his obituary in This Week news magazine, but he was born in 1913 and died in 2018 - not a bad run. Deafer was born in the Bronx but travelled the world to every hot spot and every war zone taking photographs, so, he not only somehow avoided old age related disease, but also wasn't shot or blown up. How lucky is that?
"Live Long and Prosper"
Happy Trails
Jo Ann
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Saturday, February 24, 2018
Lines On the Pines 2018
www.linesonthepines.org/linesonthepines.html
13th Annual Lines on the Pines! The "A B C's and D" of the NJ Pine Barrens. The Arts, the Beauty, the Culture, and . . . The DEVIL! Sunday, March 11, 2018. 11: 00AM - 4PM. NOTE NEW LOCATION!!! Stockton University, Campus Center, Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway, NJ 08205. FREE - OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!
Thursday, February 22, 2018
ART Talk
As I may have mentioned before on this blog, I was an Art teacher in public school and at the University of the Arts in the Graduate Education Dept. My major in college (Rutgers) was Printmaking and let me here remember three fabulous teachers that I had a privilege of studying with: John Giannotti who taught some of the most challenging an engaging courses I have ever attended - an truly innovative, warm and brilliant man, Jo Spohn (who has re-married and has a different name now and I can't remember it but she was playful, inventive, and wonderful with people, and last but NOT LEAST the erudite, scholarly and brilliant writer and educator, Wendy Slatkin.
I have loved Art since I was a small child mesmerized by the Norman Rockwell illustrated covers of the Saturday Evening Post, my introduction to illustration, along with the illustrations in the children's classics of literature which my thoughtful and generous mother always provided for me.
So, whenever I can, I go to Art shows, which isn't as often now that I have trouble with a chronic cornea disease which limits my driving, and with faltering knees, which limit my use of steps (as in the speedily and subway). However, fortunately sometimes the wonderful small towns in the midst of which I live, provide me with great shows such as the Stedman Gallery show last summer. This Saturday I will go the Haddonfield "Fortnightly" for a show called "Through a Woman's Eyes" with my friend, Barb Solem. I posted about it in the list printed here. The Haddon Fortnightly is at 301 Kings Hwy and a $10 donation is suggested, though the event is free.
On Facebook, a friend of mine from the University of the Arts has been posting 365 collages, Colleen Hammond. And every three weeks I have been attending and informal gathering of a small group of artists called Art Club, at Main Street Art, Main Street, Maple Shade, NJ. The Gallery/Studio proprietor is Diane Paul, a friend from our college days at Rutgers, and a fine and unique painter. If you are interesting in joining us, you are welcome. We meet at 12:30 every three weeks and our next meeting will be March 13. We talk about recent articles, recent shows, our own work, and we paint. Last month, we also did collage, and one of our temporary attendees worked on a tile piece she had begun and couldn't get finished. Art Club provided the forum and support she needed to finish her work.
March is Women's History Month. There is a GREAT Women's Art Museum in Washington D.C. The last great show I saw there was Georgia O'Keeffe, Emily Carr, and Frida Kahlo - Canada, USA, and Mexico represented by three of my favorite artists, and while on the subject of favorite women artists, I love the work of April Gornik, and Judy Chicago (featured in this past Sunday's New York Times Magazine). My daughter and I saw the permanent installation of The Dinner Party when it was presented at the Brooklyn Museum of Art.
I am still painting and this year I finished two dozen small paintings of local landscapes such as the Pine Barrens, and local parks and some local historic buildings. I was also recently engaged in recreating a series of Time Pieces that were lost in a fire. It all came to feel to me as though it were an autobiography in painting, and I may prepare for an Art Show on an upcoming birthday with that theme!
I have loved Art since I was a small child mesmerized by the Norman Rockwell illustrated covers of the Saturday Evening Post, my introduction to illustration, along with the illustrations in the children's classics of literature which my thoughtful and generous mother always provided for me.
So, whenever I can, I go to Art shows, which isn't as often now that I have trouble with a chronic cornea disease which limits my driving, and with faltering knees, which limit my use of steps (as in the speedily and subway). However, fortunately sometimes the wonderful small towns in the midst of which I live, provide me with great shows such as the Stedman Gallery show last summer. This Saturday I will go the Haddonfield "Fortnightly" for a show called "Through a Woman's Eyes" with my friend, Barb Solem. I posted about it in the list printed here. The Haddon Fortnightly is at 301 Kings Hwy and a $10 donation is suggested, though the event is free.
On Facebook, a friend of mine from the University of the Arts has been posting 365 collages, Colleen Hammond. And every three weeks I have been attending and informal gathering of a small group of artists called Art Club, at Main Street Art, Main Street, Maple Shade, NJ. The Gallery/Studio proprietor is Diane Paul, a friend from our college days at Rutgers, and a fine and unique painter. If you are interesting in joining us, you are welcome. We meet at 12:30 every three weeks and our next meeting will be March 13. We talk about recent articles, recent shows, our own work, and we paint. Last month, we also did collage, and one of our temporary attendees worked on a tile piece she had begun and couldn't get finished. Art Club provided the forum and support she needed to finish her work.
March is Women's History Month. There is a GREAT Women's Art Museum in Washington D.C. The last great show I saw there was Georgia O'Keeffe, Emily Carr, and Frida Kahlo - Canada, USA, and Mexico represented by three of my favorite artists, and while on the subject of favorite women artists, I love the work of April Gornik, and Judy Chicago (featured in this past Sunday's New York Times Magazine). My daughter and I saw the permanent installation of The Dinner Party when it was presented at the Brooklyn Museum of Art.
I am still painting and this year I finished two dozen small paintings of local landscapes such as the Pine Barrens, and local parks and some local historic buildings. I was also recently engaged in recreating a series of Time Pieces that were lost in a fire. It all came to feel to me as though it were an autobiography in painting, and I may prepare for an Art Show on an upcoming birthday with that theme!
Thursday, February 8, 2018
Events in Burlington County
These just in from e-mail.
Be sure to check the blog entry posted earlier for events in Camden County.
February 15, 6:30-9:00pm – Feminist Film Series (Alice Paul Institute, 128 Hooton Road, Mount Laurel 08054)Join the Alice Paul Institute for a fun and engaging film series exploring the past,present, and future of feminism in America! We will gather at Paulsdale on Thursdaynights from 6:30pm-9:00pm! Pizza and beverages available for purchase.Topic: Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony
Register for one night ($8) or for the whole series ($20)!Tickets and more information available at: www.AlicePaul.org/newsevents
February 17, 1:00pm – The Life and Times of William Still (Friends Meeting House, corner Garden and High Streets, Mount Holly 08060)Join us for a fascinating look at the life and times of William Still who was born in Burlington County in 1821 and is known as the Father of the Underground Railroad for his efforts in moving fugitive enslaved Africans while recording their stories of despair and deep courage. His story will be presented by his great, great, great nephew Sam Still. The presentation is sponsored by the Burlington County Lyceum of History and Natural Sciences Association.
February 18, 11:00am-2:00pm – Blueberry Music Jam (Whitesbog Village, 120 W. Whitesbog Road, Browns Mills 08015)Stop into the historic village of Whitesbog to listen to the tunes of local musicians, the open music jam is acoustic and FREE for musicians and listeners alike to enjoy and join. While you are here, stop in the General Store and support history and local artists and crafters! For more information visit www.whitesbog.org
February 21, 3:00pm – African American Stories (Smithville Mansion Billiard Room, 803 Smithville Road, Eastampton 08060)In celebration of Black History Month, hear stories of the African-American experience inour area, including the Underground Railroad, Martin Luther King Jr., and others. Hear about the courage of individuals and community and the impact it had on our nation.
February 22, 6:30-9:00pm – Feminist Film Series (Alice Paul Institute, 128 Hooton Road, Mount Laurel 08054)Join the Alice Paul Institute for a fun and engaging film series exploring the past,present, and future of feminism in America! We will gather at Paulsdale on Thursdaynights from 6:30pm-9:00pm! Pizza and beverages available for purchase.Topic: Feminist Activism in the 1970sRegister for one night ($8) or for the whole series ($20)!Tickets and more information available at: www.AlicePaul.org/newsevents
February 22, 6:30pm – African American Stories (Smithville Mansion Billiard Room, 803 Smithville Road, Eastampton 08060)In celebration of Black History Month, hear stories of the African-American experience inour area, including the Underground Railroad, Martin Luther King Jr., and others. Hear about the courage of individuals and community and the impact it had on our nation.
February 24, 1:00pm – African and Native American Storytelling and Music Performance (Whitesbog Village, 120 W. Whitesbog Road, Browns Mills 088015)Family friendly event with music, storytelling, sign language and dance, participants will learn about the similarities of both African American and Native American cultures. Using traditional teachings performer George Tooks will share his all ages fun program which has delighted audiences at national museums, libraries, on stage and for local special groups. Mr. Tooks is a long-time performer, singer, actor and author. For more information visit www.whitesbog.org
February 25, 1:00-3:00pm – White Hill Mansion Open House (217 4th Street, Fieldsboro 08505)Over the years plenty of people have lived their lives at the White Hill Mansion. Some ofthem may still be here. Learn about the people who lived and died in the house. We ask for a $10 donation. 100% of all donations go directly to the restoration of White Hill Mansion. For more information visit www.whitehillmansion.com
February 25, 2:00-4:00pm – The Color Line on the Baseball Diamond (Burlington County Historical Society, 457 High Street, Burlington 08016) Join Dr. Lawrence D. Hogan as he discussed the history of African Americans in baseball. What black baseball meant is a multifaceted narrative; the talk will include a discussion of pioneers like Jackie Robinson and the rich relationships in "Blackball" during America's era of segregation, across the nation and in New Jersey, as well as selections from the documentary "Before You Can Say Jackie Robinson." This program is funded by the New Jersey Council for the Humanities and is free to the public! For more information visit www.burlingtonhistorical society.org
February 28, 2018, 5:30-7:30pm – API Connections: Networking Event (Seasons 52 Cherry Hill, 2000 NJ 38 #1145, Cherry Hill 08002)Connect @ Seasons 52 is a networking event brought to you by the Alice Paul Institute.Engage with established local professionals from our strong network. Reserve yourplace and become a part of our network. Unwind after work. Hosted at Seasons 52, thenight is sure to impress with a robust food selection and sparkling conversation.Tickets and more information available at: www.AlicePaul.org/newsevents
Be sure to check the blog entry posted earlier for events in Camden County.
February 15, 6:30-9:00pm – Feminist Film Series (Alice Paul Institute, 128 Hooton Road, Mount Laurel 08054)Join the Alice Paul Institute for a fun and engaging film series exploring the past,present, and future of feminism in America! We will gather at Paulsdale on Thursdaynights from 6:30pm-9:00pm! Pizza and beverages available for purchase.Topic: Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony
Register for one night ($8) or for the whole series ($20)!Tickets and more information available at: www.AlicePaul.org/newsevents
February 17, 1:00pm – The Life and Times of William Still (Friends Meeting House, corner Garden and High Streets, Mount Holly 08060)Join us for a fascinating look at the life and times of William Still who was born in Burlington County in 1821 and is known as the Father of the Underground Railroad for his efforts in moving fugitive enslaved Africans while recording their stories of despair and deep courage. His story will be presented by his great, great, great nephew Sam Still. The presentation is sponsored by the Burlington County Lyceum of History and Natural Sciences Association.
February 18, 11:00am-2:00pm – Blueberry Music Jam (Whitesbog Village, 120 W. Whitesbog Road, Browns Mills 08015)Stop into the historic village of Whitesbog to listen to the tunes of local musicians, the open music jam is acoustic and FREE for musicians and listeners alike to enjoy and join. While you are here, stop in the General Store and support history and local artists and crafters! For more information visit www.whitesbog.org
February 21, 3:00pm – African American Stories (Smithville Mansion Billiard Room, 803 Smithville Road, Eastampton 08060)In celebration of Black History Month, hear stories of the African-American experience inour area, including the Underground Railroad, Martin Luther King Jr., and others. Hear about the courage of individuals and community and the impact it had on our nation.
February 22, 6:30-9:00pm – Feminist Film Series (Alice Paul Institute, 128 Hooton Road, Mount Laurel 08054)Join the Alice Paul Institute for a fun and engaging film series exploring the past,present, and future of feminism in America! We will gather at Paulsdale on Thursdaynights from 6:30pm-9:00pm! Pizza and beverages available for purchase.Topic: Feminist Activism in the 1970sRegister for one night ($8) or for the whole series ($20)!Tickets and more information available at: www.AlicePaul.org/newsevents
February 22, 6:30pm – African American Stories (Smithville Mansion Billiard Room, 803 Smithville Road, Eastampton 08060)In celebration of Black History Month, hear stories of the African-American experience inour area, including the Underground Railroad, Martin Luther King Jr., and others. Hear about the courage of individuals and community and the impact it had on our nation.
February 24, 1:00pm – African and Native American Storytelling and Music Performance (Whitesbog Village, 120 W. Whitesbog Road, Browns Mills 088015)Family friendly event with music, storytelling, sign language and dance, participants will learn about the similarities of both African American and Native American cultures. Using traditional teachings performer George Tooks will share his all ages fun program which has delighted audiences at national museums, libraries, on stage and for local special groups. Mr. Tooks is a long-time performer, singer, actor and author. For more information visit www.whitesbog.org
February 25, 1:00-3:00pm – White Hill Mansion Open House (217 4th Street, Fieldsboro 08505)Over the years plenty of people have lived their lives at the White Hill Mansion. Some ofthem may still be here. Learn about the people who lived and died in the house. We ask for a $10 donation. 100% of all donations go directly to the restoration of White Hill Mansion. For more information visit www.whitehillmansion.com
February 25, 2:00-4:00pm – The Color Line on the Baseball Diamond (Burlington County Historical Society, 457 High Street, Burlington 08016) Join Dr. Lawrence D. Hogan as he discussed the history of African Americans in baseball. What black baseball meant is a multifaceted narrative; the talk will include a discussion of pioneers like Jackie Robinson and the rich relationships in "Blackball" during America's era of segregation, across the nation and in New Jersey, as well as selections from the documentary "Before You Can Say Jackie Robinson." This program is funded by the New Jersey Council for the Humanities and is free to the public! For more information visit www.burlingtonhistorical society.org
February 28, 2018, 5:30-7:30pm – API Connections: Networking Event (Seasons 52 Cherry Hill, 2000 NJ 38 #1145, Cherry Hill 08002)Connect @ Seasons 52 is a networking event brought to you by the Alice Paul Institute.Engage with established local professionals from our strong network. Reserve yourplace and become a part of our network. Unwind after work. Hosted at Seasons 52, thenight is sure to impress with a robust food selection and sparkling conversation.Tickets and more information available at: www.AlicePaul.org/newsevents
African/American History Month 2018
Today, Barb Some (author of Ghosttowns, and of Batsto, Jewel of the Pines, as well as The Forks) and I went to Camden County Historical Society today to see the new exhibit room devoted to local African American History. The first exhibit is the Moore family of Greenland (Magnolia) and it was very interesting. The highlights of the exhibit for me were the medical bag and the story of Dr. Moore. Barb and I both had to observe how difficult it must have been for him to make the long journey to M.D. in that time of segregation and prejudice.
As you are possibly aware, if you visit here from time to time, I am a big fan of the 'local' in history, the lives of ordinary people which seem always to be lived in extraordinary times. The other thing I enjoyed about the Moores of Greenland, was the sense I got of a community sticking together and supporting one another against hard times.
The next exhibit I would love to experience is the opening this Sunday, 2/11 of A Cast of Blues, with resin cast masks of 15 famous Blues musicians and live music FREE at 12 noon, 2 pm and 4 pm.
for more information call 856-964-3333.
Although my interests run more toward history, literature, and art, I also enjoy music, however, the cover of Out and About has this information for those of you interested in theater:
Haddon Heights - Playbox Play BORN YESTERDAY, Fri. 2/16 Sat. 2/17 at First Presbyterian Curch, 28 Seventh Ave., Haddon Heights, tickets $13
For March Women's History Month -
Celebrating Female Artists - Through a Woman's Eyes, Feb. 24, from 11 to 5 at Haddon Fortnightly, 301 Kings Hwy East (at Grove St.) Admission free but $10 donation suggested.
You should really try to grab a copy of Out & About. It is free and filled with interesting events, most of which I don't list because there are too many. There were many garden listings for example and food events!
Music:
Steve hackett at the Scottish Rite Auditorium 2/16 and 2/17.
Scott Joplin Music Award Winner Sue Keller, Tri-State-Jazz ociety concert, Sun. 2/11 from 2 to 4 Haddonfield United Methodist Church 29 Warwick Rd. Tickets $20
Songs of Love and Madness Sat. 2/10 at 8 p.m.Grace Episcopal Church 10 Kings Hwy., Haddonfield (next to PATCO train Sta.) $25 at the door.
History and Food:
Hercules, George Washington's chef and enslaved man will be performed by Keith Henley of American Historical Theater on Sat. 2/17 at 2 pm - free program, first in a series, Culinary Experiences of the Revolution sponsored by Frieds of the Tavern. 233 Kings why. E. free (not ADA-acessible.)
indiankingfriends.org
As you are possibly aware, if you visit here from time to time, I am a big fan of the 'local' in history, the lives of ordinary people which seem always to be lived in extraordinary times. The other thing I enjoyed about the Moores of Greenland, was the sense I got of a community sticking together and supporting one another against hard times.
The next exhibit I would love to experience is the opening this Sunday, 2/11 of A Cast of Blues, with resin cast masks of 15 famous Blues musicians and live music FREE at 12 noon, 2 pm and 4 pm.
for more information call 856-964-3333.
Although my interests run more toward history, literature, and art, I also enjoy music, however, the cover of Out and About has this information for those of you interested in theater:
Haddon Heights - Playbox Play BORN YESTERDAY, Fri. 2/16 Sat. 2/17 at First Presbyterian Curch, 28 Seventh Ave., Haddon Heights, tickets $13
For March Women's History Month -
Celebrating Female Artists - Through a Woman's Eyes, Feb. 24, from 11 to 5 at Haddon Fortnightly, 301 Kings Hwy East (at Grove St.) Admission free but $10 donation suggested.
You should really try to grab a copy of Out & About. It is free and filled with interesting events, most of which I don't list because there are too many. There were many garden listings for example and food events!
Music:
Steve hackett at the Scottish Rite Auditorium 2/16 and 2/17.
Scott Joplin Music Award Winner Sue Keller, Tri-State-Jazz ociety concert, Sun. 2/11 from 2 to 4 Haddonfield United Methodist Church 29 Warwick Rd. Tickets $20
Songs of Love and Madness Sat. 2/10 at 8 p.m.Grace Episcopal Church 10 Kings Hwy., Haddonfield (next to PATCO train Sta.) $25 at the door.
History and Food:
Hercules, George Washington's chef and enslaved man will be performed by Keith Henley of American Historical Theater on Sat. 2/17 at 2 pm - free program, first in a series, Culinary Experiences of the Revolution sponsored by Frieds of the Tavern. 233 Kings why. E. free (not ADA-acessible.)
indiankingfriends.org
Monday, February 5, 2018
Whitall House, Red Bank Battlefield, National Park, NJ
For a few years after I retired, I was a docent at the James and Anne Whitall House, Red Bank Battlefield, National Park, NJ. It was a richly rewarding experience in many ways, not least of which was the excellent group of volunteers I came to know there. We took many history trips together over the years and became good friends at the house dinners, that fallowed the hearth cooking exhibitions on open house days.
Sadly my bad knees and bad back made standing for tour days too demanding for me and I had to give up most of my volunteer jobs including working on the computer at the Gloucester County Historical Society.
Anyhow, the new season is set to begin at Whitall House in April and new volunteers are being invited for training during March. I believe the first training session is March 3. The second ma be March 31st.
Also, the following is worth noting:
"Sunday, April 15 is our military living history encampment (this date got moved from June)"
So if you don't necessarily want to volunteer but would like to know more about this local historic treasure, attend the living history encampment and check it out! There are several big events during the year, a gardening event, and the biggest event of all, the battle re-enacment in October.
I will def. be at the April 15 event. I miss the park, the people, the beautiful view of the river and the history!
Happy Trails!
Jo Ann
For further information on the volunteer opportunity or anything related to Whitall House, contact:
Sadly my bad knees and bad back made standing for tour days too demanding for me and I had to give up most of my volunteer jobs including working on the computer at the Gloucester County Historical Society.
Anyhow, the new season is set to begin at Whitall House in April and new volunteers are being invited for training during March. I believe the first training session is March 3. The second ma be March 31st.
Also, the following is worth noting:
"Sunday, April 15 is our military living history encampment (this date got moved from June)"
So if you don't necessarily want to volunteer but would like to know more about this local historic treasure, attend the living history encampment and check it out! There are several big events during the year, a gardening event, and the biggest event of all, the battle re-enacment in October.
I will def. be at the April 15 event. I miss the park, the people, the beautiful view of the river and the history!
Happy Trails!
Jo Ann
For further information on the volunteer opportunity or anything related to Whitall House, contact:
Jennifer Janofsky, Ph.D.
Curator, The Whitall House at Red Bank Battlefield
Giordano Fellow in Public History, Rowan University
100 Hessian Avenue, National Park, New Jersey 08063
Whitall House: (856)853-5120
Parks Office: (856)251-6710
Friday, February 2, 2018
Rancocas Woods Craft Co-op & Antique Attic - Back Again!
Again today, Friday, Feb. 2, I found myself on the Marne Hwy. headed to Rancocas Woods after a delicious lunch at Maritza's on Main Street in Maple Shade.
I was with a different friend and I was on a mission. Last year, or the year before, I had found the cleverest and most reasonably priced Valentine cards at a little shop in Rancocas Woods and I was determined to find that shop again and get more of those cards. I wanted one for my daughter in particular.
When we went to Rancocas yesterday, I had been to an Antique Co-op but it wasn't the same one. This time through the vagaries of the gps, we were taken down Creek Road from the opposite direction and we found the lost co-op of a year ago and next door to it, the little card shop. Again, they had the cards, called "Papyris" and again they were on sale for $2 a card, very reasonable for cards of such detail and clever construction.
At the Antique Co-op I found another bargain - 'Upcycled' mittens made from old sweaters. Lined in a soft warm flannel, they are the warmest things ever and I like them for walking the dog when you really need something warm on your hands. They were only $10 - also a very reasonable price for something so clever and so useful.
I find the Antique Co-ops inspiring and almost like a spa for the senses - the smell of the aromatic soaps and the candles, the beautiful arrangements of lovingly restored and updated furnishings, the hand-crafted objects, and the re-visiting of objects loved in the past and forgotten.
As is often the case, I found some American Girl Dolls, all dressed up in adorable winter outfits. AS I have no doubt mentioned before, I am the affectionate owner of an Effanbee doll from the very early 1940's and my daughter has a few dolls from the American Girl Doll period. Her dolls are packed away, my doll sits in my bedroom dressed in a new outfit as of Christmas, a 'prairie girl' set I bought after reading the new and highly praised biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder.
There was a set of book ends fashioned from old classroom style pencil sharpeners that I would have liked to own. I could have used them to make a display of the Little House books, the Wilder biography, and my Effanbee doll in her "prairie girl" attire! I do so admire the displays in these shops and never seem to pull them off at home.
Very cold today, a penetrating and biting kind of cold. It was nice to spend the day in the warmth of such pretty surroundings, and to drive through Rancocas Woods and admire the log cabins.
If you are looking for a fun day trip, you might want to try this one. Put 208 Creek Road in your gps. Although it is Rancocas Woods, the gps needs Mt. Laurel for the town.
Happy Trails!
ps. You might want to soup up at Maritza's before you head out into the cold! And pick up a pair of those up cycled mittens for yourself and loved ones, you'll be glad you did. Also, don't forget, Valentines Day is just around the corner. Maybe you could get that loved one something a little different this year. Enjoy!
Jo Ann
I was with a different friend and I was on a mission. Last year, or the year before, I had found the cleverest and most reasonably priced Valentine cards at a little shop in Rancocas Woods and I was determined to find that shop again and get more of those cards. I wanted one for my daughter in particular.
When we went to Rancocas yesterday, I had been to an Antique Co-op but it wasn't the same one. This time through the vagaries of the gps, we were taken down Creek Road from the opposite direction and we found the lost co-op of a year ago and next door to it, the little card shop. Again, they had the cards, called "Papyris" and again they were on sale for $2 a card, very reasonable for cards of such detail and clever construction.
At the Antique Co-op I found another bargain - 'Upcycled' mittens made from old sweaters. Lined in a soft warm flannel, they are the warmest things ever and I like them for walking the dog when you really need something warm on your hands. They were only $10 - also a very reasonable price for something so clever and so useful.
I find the Antique Co-ops inspiring and almost like a spa for the senses - the smell of the aromatic soaps and the candles, the beautiful arrangements of lovingly restored and updated furnishings, the hand-crafted objects, and the re-visiting of objects loved in the past and forgotten.
As is often the case, I found some American Girl Dolls, all dressed up in adorable winter outfits. AS I have no doubt mentioned before, I am the affectionate owner of an Effanbee doll from the very early 1940's and my daughter has a few dolls from the American Girl Doll period. Her dolls are packed away, my doll sits in my bedroom dressed in a new outfit as of Christmas, a 'prairie girl' set I bought after reading the new and highly praised biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder.
There was a set of book ends fashioned from old classroom style pencil sharpeners that I would have liked to own. I could have used them to make a display of the Little House books, the Wilder biography, and my Effanbee doll in her "prairie girl" attire! I do so admire the displays in these shops and never seem to pull them off at home.
Very cold today, a penetrating and biting kind of cold. It was nice to spend the day in the warmth of such pretty surroundings, and to drive through Rancocas Woods and admire the log cabins.
If you are looking for a fun day trip, you might want to try this one. Put 208 Creek Road in your gps. Although it is Rancocas Woods, the gps needs Mt. Laurel for the town.
Happy Trails!
ps. You might want to soup up at Maritza's before you head out into the cold! And pick up a pair of those up cycled mittens for yourself and loved ones, you'll be glad you did. Also, don't forget, Valentines Day is just around the corner. Maybe you could get that loved one something a little different this year. Enjoy!
Jo Ann
Thursday, February 1, 2018
Rancocas Woods and More
Today, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018, a friend, Dorothy, and I went to Maple Shade for lunch at Maritza's, which I cannot praise highly enough. The food is good quality ingredients and delicious, always, and the prices are very reasonable. My favorite is the eggplant parmesan sandwich, which I ONLY every get at Maritza's because I like the eggplant sliced thin and fried crispy and I hate it when it is thick and not cooked and fibrous! Maritsa's eggplant is PERFECT - cooked exactly as I like it, seasoned perfectly and a very nice toasted roll.
We decided to go for a drive, and as I had found some unique and charming Valentines in a little shop in Rancocas Woods last year, I decided to take a drive out there and see if I could find more.
I didn't locate the little card shop but Dorothy and I spent quite a lot of time in the Antiques and Hand-crafted objects store MADE & FOUND, 118 Creek Road, Rancocas Woods. The ladies who were there were warm and charming and we had a nice talk about Michael Gabrielle, the author of New Jersey's Diners, and New Jersey Music History, whom I had just heard speak at Burlington County Historical Society last Sunday.
Unusual for me, I didn't buy anything this time as I am trying to hold on to my money a little at present, but I did see things I wanted - stained glass hearts for Valentine's Day for one thing, and I LOVED the bookends made with old pencil sharpeners! We talked about how it is clever of men to try to find different things to give their beloveds for Valentines' Day, though girlfriends, wives, mothers, and others, always love the red hearts of candy, and flowers, it is nice to be creative and think, bracelet, or necklace from MADE & FOUND, or from MAIN STREET ART, in Maple Shade, where we stopped in briefly to look around. In fact, ART makes a lovely and unusual gift as well!
Right now I have 4 small paintings on display at Main Street Art, 1.The One Room School, 2.The Railroad Station, 3.Collins Lane Stone Silo, 4.the Historic Dairy Queen Drive-in. The paintings are 10X12, framed, and ready to hang for $100, so if you are a Maple Shader, or a fan of railroads, or one-room schools, give it a thought!
I will be back in touch with you before Valentine's Day!
Happy Trails,
Jo Ann
ps. I am CRAZY about log cabins, so you can be sure we drove around and picked the ones we liked best while in Rancocas! And by the way, I took a photo of a mystery object at the shop. Do you know what it is? We couldn't figure it out although Dorothy is a gourmet cook, and I am a big fan of early 20th century kitchen gizmos.
We decided to go for a drive, and as I had found some unique and charming Valentines in a little shop in Rancocas Woods last year, I decided to take a drive out there and see if I could find more.
I didn't locate the little card shop but Dorothy and I spent quite a lot of time in the Antiques and Hand-crafted objects store MADE & FOUND, 118 Creek Road, Rancocas Woods. The ladies who were there were warm and charming and we had a nice talk about Michael Gabrielle, the author of New Jersey's Diners, and New Jersey Music History, whom I had just heard speak at Burlington County Historical Society last Sunday.
Unusual for me, I didn't buy anything this time as I am trying to hold on to my money a little at present, but I did see things I wanted - stained glass hearts for Valentine's Day for one thing, and I LOVED the bookends made with old pencil sharpeners! We talked about how it is clever of men to try to find different things to give their beloveds for Valentines' Day, though girlfriends, wives, mothers, and others, always love the red hearts of candy, and flowers, it is nice to be creative and think, bracelet, or necklace from MADE & FOUND, or from MAIN STREET ART, in Maple Shade, where we stopped in briefly to look around. In fact, ART makes a lovely and unusual gift as well!
Right now I have 4 small paintings on display at Main Street Art, 1.The One Room School, 2.The Railroad Station, 3.Collins Lane Stone Silo, 4.the Historic Dairy Queen Drive-in. The paintings are 10X12, framed, and ready to hang for $100, so if you are a Maple Shader, or a fan of railroads, or one-room schools, give it a thought!
I will be back in touch with you before Valentine's Day!
Happy Trails,
Jo Ann
ps. I am CRAZY about log cabins, so you can be sure we drove around and picked the ones we liked best while in Rancocas! And by the way, I took a photo of a mystery object at the shop. Do you know what it is? We couldn't figure it out although Dorothy is a gourmet cook, and I am a big fan of early 20th century kitchen gizmos.
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