The River of Life

As I gaze out from this ledge atop the escarpment to the mighty Niagara River below, I am humbled by its majestic presence and alluring history.

As the dark blue water flows North, having carved out the Falls and cascades through the gorge, amidst the shale, slate and limestone it is a window into life on earth.

Today in these troubled and trying times it is also a reflection of our versatility and ability to stay the course. The river demonstrates that no matter how difficult the landscape wrought before us we can carve through a path, endure the challenges and coexist.


We should also observe the opulence that lingers at each and every bend, soak it in and nurture it forever.

A Woman Named Pandora

Pandora was the Greek Eve, the bringer of all sorrows for mankind.

* Illustration by Nick Beale 1995

Over the centuries she evolved and her sealed jar (a gift from the gods) became a box. Even her name mellowed meaning "all gifts"- the good as well as the bad.

She has been portrayed in movies and artists have painted or drawn their interpretation of Pandora a multitude of times.

Just this past weekend I discovered an engraving by Jean Gustave Jacquet of 'Pandora's Box'. Finding it most endearing I purchased it.

* Engraving by Jean Gustave Jaquet

Sometimes I think I live in a Pandora's Box; every time I open a closet I never know what lies behind the door!

A Change Of Wardrobe

Hanging on the wall at the head of my bed is a piece of architectural salvage. Once the top pediment from an antique armoire it has found new life. Fitted with old drawer pulls, it makes a perfect place from which to hang treasured children's dresses from the past.

As the seasons change so do the garments. Like a metamorphosis the white and cream angelic gowns are enhanced with darling girls' frocks from the late 1800's.

The earthy, brown, calico dress with its delicate gathers, perfectly placed piping and tiny crocheted trim on the sleeves and pockets is my favorite.



Though the colours have faded each and every stitch is hand- done. Dating from the 1870's its charm is still endearing. Dancing dresses above my head entice me into gentle slumber and sweet dreams.

Punkin' Patch Protector

My doggie Madelaine has accepted a new position. She is now the Punkin' Patch Protector. She will guard these huge, orange, harvest delights from the sneaky squirrels and prowling neighborhood cats. She'll make sure they will be ready for Halloween grins and pumpkin muffins.

The Ties That Bind...

The ties that bind us to childhood are endless.

They are captured in our hearts and live in our imaginations forever...

Come share them with me through Wealthy's Bonnet.

Fields of Dreams

Lush fields and farmland surround the area in which I dwell. Just before and shortly after the harvest, the crops are at their utmost perfection.



Cornfields with stalks reaching over nine feet will soon be cut to satisfy the hunger of dairy cows and beef cattle throughout the winter.



Straw bales for bedding line up in the valleys, their gentle taupes and burnished hues reflected in the sunlight.



A lone sentry reaches several feet above the rest of the golden faces that droop heavy with seed. The sunflower field meets the horizon off in the distance against the bright blue sky.



Even the bees have come to enjoy the splendor and flight among the fields of dreams.



* Photos taken this past Saturday from the local area landscapes.

Hearts Aflutter

An antique textile appraiser such as myself, has been in a state of bliss over the last few weeks.

We are preparing for a deaccessioning auction for the Jordan Museum on Labor Day.

As one of the privileged personnel for the auctioneer Rick Rittenhouse I was able to view and inspect the treasures coming to the auction floor.

Besides wonderful furniture and primitive tools, it is the costumes, accessories and textiles that set my heart aflutter.There are Victorian and Edwardian garments; walking suits with leg o' mutton sleeves, ostrich feather fans, celluloid hair combs, heavily beaded blouses, punch paper samplers, woven coverlets...



But of all the history and beauty laid before me I would have to admit I fancy the May 1840 sampler wrought by Jane Baillie from Hamilton UC.(the UC stands for Upper Canada, long before this country became a nation)

Embroidered by a young Scottish lass (her family emigrated from Scotland to the Niagara Peninsula and appear in the 1851 census) on loosely woven homespun linen. It has the 'mystery mansion', a meandering floral border and peacocks guarding the door.

The colours are still rich and vibrant and the stitching lovely. Both are a testament to this girl's talent and a statement to this country's history.