". Arranged Words: September 2014

30 Sept 2014

Treasures



About a month ago I wandered through a few old houses in the village. Even though I've visited several times, I always find something "new."  In order to keep a record, I've decided on a random post here and there to document what I have admired.
To begin with, I couldn't resist taking a few pictures of this beauty. The guide said that it was built in Montreal in the 1700s. I wish I could have jumped the rope to inspect it, but even from a distance it's evident it was treasured. And look at the dishes in the cupboard and the bird prints to the left! 
 ( Yes, I did want to straighten the pictures and whip off the tablecloth so that I could see the table.)
 A beautiful old print. I think it's German. The Roman numerals read 77 ~ likely 1877.

I've ironed with old irons like these.  In case you are a youngster, or haven't seen one of these irons, they are heated on a wood stove and before you begin you run the iron over an old cloth to make sure it won't scorch. The lady that I visited tested the iron by wetting her finger on her tongue and then touching it to the iron. Her name was, Annie. She lived to be a 100 years old! I'm so happy I had the opportunity to spend time with her and her husband, Clinton on their farm (without power) in the woods. I learned a lot from her. She made her own lye soap, churned  butter, etc. Their big house was beautiful and filled to the rafters with antiques and treasures. A perfect paradise inside and out for a curious child. The irons Annie owned, and I was lucky enough to use, had interchangeable handles, so I always had several "irons in the fire."
 
 ~ A neat cornucopia pattern and look at those tin items. The candlestick is pewter.
 


And before I exit stage left, on the needles and nearly finished..
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27 Sept 2014

Keep the Oil in the Ground in the Amazon - Amazon Watch

Keep the Oil in the Ground in the Amazon - Amazon Watch

My 100th post...to breath, to life!

 Please take a moment to sign. Click on the above link.
Thank you!


Sadly, our Prime Minster didn't show up for the climate talks. Because of the tar sands there was, no doubt, the possibility of protests, but he should have been there. Maybe his appearance would have been viewed as hypocritical, but problems must be owned before solutions can germinate.  In the interest of our own and future generations, what could be more important?

On the other hand, it is encouraging to note that billions of dollars are being removed from fossil fuel investment, starting with the Rockfellers.

23 Sept 2014

Times Flies


Crisp red, yellow, and orange splashed on the trees... so gorgeous and sudden. I'll admit that Jack Frost's finger painting has squashed some of my best laid summer plans.  But since I can't wave a magic wan, on my next outing, I'll pull on a jacket, kick through the leaves and enjoy the beauty.

To offset an early sunset and to invigorate the * "little grey cells," I've enrolled in a class called Modern and Contemporary American Poetry.  First up, Whitman and Dickinson.

 If you are interested in taking a course this fall or anytime check out Coursera. Taught by dynamic professors via live webcast with interaction from students in the discussion forums, or via ModPo, the classes include students on campus and from all over the world; the atmosphere, despite such a large enrollment, is one of inclusion and best of all the courses are free.

And if you wish, you can knit while you participate.

Enjoy the week and thanks for reading.

* Hercule [ fastidious] Poriot

11 Sept 2014

Serendipity


Sometimes things just work out and it makes you smile ~ okay laugh and this project did just that. After a rocky start--I didn't like the yarn I was using--I changed yarn and started stitching. More than halfway though, I noticed that  my calculations were off, so I had to order more yarn. They didn't have the colour I wanted, so ( to recap for any new readers) I took a chance and ordered a colour close to the one I was knitting with.  Amazing as it sounds it worked. Viola! 


Project notes and more pics here.

I hope you are all having a great week!

7 Sept 2014

Flower Power

Sunflowers teeter near the sky.
Even if I am late, when I see a garden or wildflowers I have to stop, if I can, and sneak a peek. There are not always roses to smell, but even little snatches of time spent looking at striking colours, unusual textures and prolific blossoms can lift the mood and add a splash of dazzle to the day. 
I hope these  pictures add a little dazzle to your day.


Love-lies-bleeding. Talk about a dramatic common name.
Added texture compliments of the bugs.
I love these fresh stripes. I am not sure what they are yet, but you can bet your buttons I will find out.

                                              Pink wildflower ~ Hairy Herb Willow



                     An old Greek Revival house in the village with a formal garden.
Enjoy...