Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Ramble

Holy smoke, I look like Old Mother Hubbard, but I love this picture because of the fire. Look at those sparks flying up the chimney. What does Job say - "As sparks fly upward, so is man born unto trouble..." Anyway, there is a much younger looking woman under those five layers of 18th century garb (ha ha, vain, I know). I do love wearing this clothing, right down to the shift and stays. These clothes have a particular weight that feels heavy yet quite comfortable. Sometimes I wish I could be like Tasha Tudor and dress like this all the time. However, I don't live on a private acreage farm somewhere in Vermont where I can't be seen - I already get enough quizzical looks and hard stares from neighbors as I walk to my car on work days. Once I was in a minor fender-bender on my way home from work. It wasn't the accident, but what the police officer would think, that concerned me ("OK, Martha Washington, outta the car...let's see you walk the line..."). But I suppose they've seen it all because he didn't flinch.

Here's the makings of a colonial cake. That day I was setting up to teach a class from the inner city. They are my favorite students to work with. They are so attentive and have so many questions; for many of them it is the first time they have actually been to the "country". Just seeing birds in a tree excites them, let alone the other farm animals. It makes me grateful for what I have.

7 comments:

Jodi said...

I love you, Niamh. :)

Anonymous said...

You do look authentic in those clothes, Lenz.
Authentically 18th century- great colors and yummy textures.
I must say, the clothes capture the Miss Tiggy Winkle- cupboard stocked with endless possibilities- character which is authentically you(don't you love it when people tell you what you're like?)
They even rival your rather hip (hippy, that is)ordinary wardrobe (anything but!)

The fact that you're near a hearth, ready to put out wonders from simple ingredients made on the simplest equipment also bespeaks your
nature. Making. Reaching back to the inconvenient, messy, heavy, smoky, essence of things.
For the love of it!
Thanks for feeding the imagination of inner city kids and all of us!
Joan

Bronwyn said...

Indeed, Niamh--indeed!

Ms. Fowler

Anonymous said...

I must say, Mrs. Jodi,
YOU are QUITE the photographer!
Tasha Tudor! Oh joy! I LOVE her... she seems like a magic fairy godmother somehow. We have a book about her and her guardens and there seemed something quite remarkable about the way she loved her guarden, as though it was her child.
The way the author described her was one of such admiration and awe. How can anyone not be in awe of such a spirit?
Mrs. Jodi, you look simply,(but not simple ly) DEVINE! (as always!) Isn't there something about how costumes make you feel? I don't see why dressing up has to end with child-hood and 'growing up'. Who says grown ups can't have their fun? When I'm one I shall atleast take every oppotunity to PLAY. Not to gab,shop, or talk... but PLAY with my friends!!! My sister and I were joking about how after a certain age you don't call it a play date or playing with a person, but hanging out and chilling... :> It's really quite funny! DUDE! ;) How can one cease to PLAY??? It is one of life's greatest blisses!
Anyways, I for one would absolutely LOVE to dress old style everyday. Yes I admit it would be quite the embarresment, especially around the grocery store. ("I shudder to think, I really do!") Sometimes I wish I could live back then... It would certainly take away the embarresment if nothing else. BUT then I think... "Ah! but WHICH 'back then' ?" See, there lies the problem. So I content myself to writing about and reading about those times... Thank God for the convinience of modern technology... it spares many burdens... how easy is it to look up 'life back "then"'? Some day, I suppose, I will be a fine enough writer to earn me the money to buy fabric to make into 'magic transportation machines'. Ah! but then you see, I'd have to be a fine enough seamstress, and as of now, I am not. So I too must be content to dream...
BUT! Don't be surprised if someday you see a maiden in the wood with a autum red gown and a green cloak. All I can say is, I'll see you then!

Yours Truly,

-The Annoymous Commentor (AC)
Or Phyllis if you must!

Joy said...

You are right; she does look like Mrs. Tiggy Winkle! She does a good job of hiding her quills too. Just beware of giving her a hug ;)

Jodi said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jodi said...

Ouch! *In the voice of Lucy Van Pelt*: I know when I've been insulted! I know when I've been insulted!

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