See 2010 200th Anniversary Leatherlips post byCLICKING HERE.
It's that time of year again, in my neck of the woods. The Muirfield Village PGA's Memorial Golf Tournament starts June 1st. It's always a big deal, here in town. All the restaurants put up extra outside seating and the grocery stores offer special Memorial catering. There's excitement in the air. But for us, it's always a bit of a pain in the butt, because it often takes ten or fifteen minutes to wait for a break in traffic, just to pull out of our driveway. Wait...this isn't the curse part.
Leatherlips was a member of the Wyandot tribe that once roamed the local area. He was reportedly called "Leatherlips" by white settlers because he never broke a promise; his word was his bond. Sadly, Leatherlips was executed in 1810, along the Scioto River, by his fellow Wyandots, for being friendly with the white settlers. The Wyandots were sent to a reservation in Kansas in the 1840s and were the last Native Americans to leave Ohio.
The Muirfield Golf Course, built by Jack Nicklaus, is known to be over a sacred Wyandot Indian burial ground. It is said that Chief Leatherlips has cursed the tournament and as a result, heavy rains descend on the golfers and crowds of spectators, nearly every year. For this reason, the week of the annual tournament was changed. But, still torrents of rain continue to fall. Could it be that just a lot of rain falls this time of year in central Ohio? Possibly.
I happen to think this strange cairn of large rocks at Willow Manor could very well mark the execution spot of Chief Leatherlips, June 1, 1810, exactly 199 years from the opening day of this year's Muirfield Tournament. So, I think we can count on rain.
photos: (1) Chief Leatherlips sculpture, Scioto Park, Dublin, OH (2) The Execution of Leatherlips by Hal Sherman (3) Flooded Memorial Tournament (3) Cairn at Willow Manor
Did you hear about the fascinating tiny figure, carved by Stone Age tool mammoth tusk that was found recently in Germany? She's just six centimetres (2.5 inches) tall and could be the oldest piece of figurative art in the world. Dubbed the "Venus of the Hohle Fels," after a cave at Schelklingen in the Swabian Jura of southwestern Germany where she was found, the carving is around 32,000 years old, according to carbon-dating measurements.
Like most Venus figurines, she was most likely a fertility fetish, since her body parts are exaggerated and missing a head. Well, if this is what was considered attractive way back when, then I was certainly born in the wrong time period! I think she's fabulous, even if her figure is a tad on the, well, matronly side.
Archeology fascinates me. I wonder if Chief Leatherlips left behind any goodies on the grounds of Willow Manor? If you see me out aimlessly digging with my garden spade, you'll know what I'm up to.
Not only do I like archeology, but miniatures have always captured my magpie eye. There's just something magical about detailed tiny objects. Most of my small collected stuff is in a glass keepsake jar, but I still have quite a few of my minis scattered around the manor. I have to be careful not to let them get out of control. After all, that "doily lady" nick-nack paddy-whack effect is not exactly what I'm striving for.
I wonder what they might think, 35,000 years from now, if they find these little guys buried in the ruins of Willow Manor? Magical cooking talismans, I'm sure.
Hey, I've been awarded "Post of the Day" from Authorblog's David McMahon for my post "Shards"! David is a Melbourne based journalist and internationally published photographer. If you're not familiar with his delightful blog, hop on over at say "hello". Thank you, David. I'm very honored.
You always used the Balm of Gilead to do your dirty work. He that doth not work, shall not eat, a hundred times on paper. No supper.
Fifty dollars, highest bid, to recite His Holy Word. Showmom of biblical proportions.
Your damning notes met me after school. The usual icy clout. Be sure your sin will find you out.
Iniquity, the breach, to fall. High wall, whose breaking comes to crush an unfired soul. Girlish vessel burst to shards,
cast off the poisoned balm. Your rotten paste could not bind the soft green clay or make the wounded whole.
The word of the LORD. Woe to rebellious children. Oh, not your words, of course, but His, still punishing me after all these years.
Willow, 2009
I realize this is rather a dark piece. Most times, I try to steer away from addressing religious issues at Willow Manor. However, events in recent weeks have prompted me to write this poem. I am a devoted, spiritual person who worships God as my higher power. But, I find it completely abhorrent when passages of the Bible are taken out of context and used, for one's own devices, to intimidate, threaten or control another.
This is not a new issue to mankind. Sadly, millions of innocent people over the centuries have suffered in the name of God. But, since I have unfortunately experienced this pain first hand, I feel compelled to share. Recently, an extended family member sent me a note, in which she states it to be a "warning" to me. It included this cursing biblical passage, each verse hand written:
Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel not of Me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my Spirit...
Therefore, this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking comes suddenly at an instant.
And He shall break it as the breaking of the potter's vessel that is broken in pieces; He shall not spare: so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a shard to take fire from the hearth, or to take water out of the pit.
Like crunch? I made these amazing tortilla chicken drumsticks this afternoon at the manor. They are quick and easy to make, as well as economical. I served them with homemade fries, sprinkled with cumin and oregano, and a wonderful cilantro-lime mayo sauce. I promise, you will love them, too. You can also find the recipe in the May issue of Gourmet magazine.
Tortilla Chicken Drumsticks
8 oz lightly salted corn tortilla chips 4 tsp chili powder, divided 1 tsp ground cumin 1 or 2 large eggs 3 lbs chicken drumsticks (about 15)
Preheat oven to 450. Oil a large 4 sided sheet pan. Pulse chips, 2 tsp chili powder, cumin and 1/4 tsp salt in food processor until coarsely ground, then transfer to a shallow dish.
Whisk egg and remaining 2 tsp chili powder in a bowl.
Season chicken with 1/2 tsp salt. Dip drumsticks in egg, letting excess drip off, then coat with crumbs. Transfer to sheet pan and bake without turning, until cooked through, about 45 min. Let stand 20 min. or so after removing from oven.
Cilantro-Lime Mayo
1/2 cup mayo 1/4 cup sour cream 2 Tbsp finely chopped cilantro 2 tsp grated lime zest 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
(My secret tip to fabulous homemade fries is to raise the basket out of the oil half way through. Let fries rest for five minutes, then return them to the oil and fry until lightly browned and crisp. This method gives you a soft, flaky inside and crunchy out.)
I watched David Lean's classic The Bridge on the River Kwai, 1957 this evening on TCM. I couldn't help but wonder about that great familiar theme song; the one that makes you want to whistle along.
The version I remember from grade school was known as "Comet". The silly lyrics went something like this: Comet, it makes your teeth turn green; Comet, it tastes like Listerine; Comet, will make you vomit; So get some Comet and vomit today.
The "Colonel Bogey March" is a popular march that was written in 1914 by Lieutenant F. J. Ricketts (1881-1945), a British military bandmaster who was director of music for the Royal Marines at Plymouth.
Supposedly, the tune was inspired by a military man and golfer who whistled a characteristic two-note phrase (a descending minor third interval) instead of shouting "Fore!". It is this descending interval which begins each line of the melody. Bogey is a golfing term meaning one over par. Edwardian golfers in North America often played matches against "Colonel Bogey".
The sheet music was a million-seller, and the march was recorded many times. Many popular lyrics circulated and the best known, which originated in England at the outset of World War II, goes by the title "Hitler Has Only Got One Ball". Hitler has only one left ball Göring has two but they are small. Himmler was somewhat similar And poor old Goebbels has no balls at all
The English composer Malcolm Arnold added a counter-march for use in The Bridge on the River Kwai, which was set during World War II. Although the vulgar lyrics were not used in the film, British audiences of the time fully understood the subtextual humor of "Hitler Has Only Got One Ball" being sung by prisoners of war. Because the tune is so identified with the film, many people now incorrectly refer to the "Colonel Bogey March" as "The River Kwai March".
Katherine Stone was kind enough to ask to publish my poem "Emma" on Postpartum Progress, the most widely read blog on postpartum depression in the United States. I am so very honored! Thank you, Katherine!
Capt. Robert "Robin" Hanna, my sixth Great-Grandfather, defended our country in the American Revolution. Born in Prince Edward Co., Virginia, December 10, 1744, he attended William and Mary College and had a close and enduring friendship with Thomas Jefferson. Capt. Hanna represented Little River District, South Carolina in the Fifth General Assembly (1783-1784). He was also a deputy for the surveyor general and surveyed a great deal of acreage on the North and South Carolina border.
His tombstone, Sims Cemetery, Franklin Co, IN, inscription reads:
In Memory of ROBERT HANNA Was born Decr 10th 1744 And departed this life The 24th of January 1821 He was A brave defender Of his Country's Rights And lived and died an honest Man
Each man must for himself alone decide what is right and what is wrong, which course is patriotic and which isn't. You cannot shirk this and be a man. To decide against your conviction is to be an unqualified and excusable traitor, both to yourself and to your country, let men label you as they may. ~Mark Twain
Have a safe and happy holiday weekend, dear bloggy friends~x~
Heavens to murgatroyd! I just finished the sweaty job of weeding the front flower beds at Willow Manor. Gardening is a perfect time for contemplation; in tune with Mother Earth, the scent of moist soil and foliage. Don't you think a life of learning and creating are much like gardening, always in a beautiful process of growth, death and renewal?
My friend, Bill Stankus, blogged this week on some particular college classes he had taken and subjects that interested him. We all wonder at times what might have been, had we chosen a different college major or career path. It's often difficult at age 18 to know yourself well enough to choose an occupation for life. But, I'm curious to know how many of us are actually still pursuing that original career we embarked on, as idealistic young freshmen. This transformation of learning and evolving as a person, in my opinion, should be a lifelong process.
I was offended recently, when someone mentioned that I had "laid aside" my college education to raise my children. I had the good fortune of a liberal arts education, with a major in fine arts and a minor in psychology. The wealth of knowledge I gained in school was just the catalyst of a lifelong metamorphosis into the person I am today. I'm proud to say, I certainly didn't lay aside, or hide my mind and creativity on the proverbial dusty shelf, to enjoy the benefits of raising my family. What a repugnant thought.
Could it be, like in Frost's poem, we "take the road less traveled by", by observing and absorbing the experiences along the path of life, regardless of the choice? Choice is inevitable, but you never know what your choice will mean until you have lived it to its fullest.
The Road Not Taken Robert Frost, 1920
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.
There's got to be a way to get more exercise and not give up any of my blog time. I think I'm going to have to break down and invest in one of these nifty workout desks. Whad'ya think? (I kinda look like this in the morning with my glasses, anyway.)
I know this isn't in English, but it's better this way.
I'm having a nice quiet day at the manor, after the bustle of a house full of weekend guests. One of the things I like best about having visitors, is the spirited evening conversation over a nice glass of wine on the patio. The subject of one particular discussion this past weekend, was the intriguing topic of psychological projection.
Most of us have likely experienced the unpleasant effects of this kind of neurotic behavior. Projection is a psychological defense mechanism whereby someone "projects" his or her own undesirable or unacceptable actions, thoughts, motivations, desires, or feelings onto someone else.
For instance, if someone is a pathological liar, they might continually accuse others of not being honest, therefore transferring the unacceptable trait away from themselves. Another example of psychological projection is someone who feels a compulsion to steal things and then projects those feelings onto others. She might begin to fear that her purse is going to be stolen, that she is going to be shortchanged, or the worst case scenario, actually falsely accuses an innocent person of stealing.
In doing so, this projection reduces anxiety by allowing the expression of the unwanted unconscious impulses or desires without letting the conscious mind recognize these feelings, that would otherwise be repulsive. Projection is a common attribute of paranoia, where people project dislike of themselves onto others, believing most other people dislike them. .
So, in a practical sense, how can we deal with this sort of thing? To
work authentically with other people, avoid projecting your woes onto
others. When you see others in a negative light, think: are you
projecting?
.
Also, understand that when others criticize you, they may well be
criticizing a projection of themselves. When others are using
projection, you can hold up a mirror to show them what they are
doing. As usual, unfortunately, this may well be met with other forms
of resistance, since they often feel they are the victims of an other's
thoughts or actions. Ultimately, it is the person who projects that
loses, because they never really come to grips with their own
disorders and continue to suffer socially.
.
I've been on the receiving end of this behavior. Someone has
projected their vices on to me. It has been very difficult, but I am
strong enough to know I do not deserve their judgement. But, it is
still very hurtful to see this happen. Any good advice out there in the
bloggyhood? Is there a kind and benevolent way to cope?
At the manor this weekend, we were talking about some funny stories
relating to store logos. My personal favorite is the time my youngest
son, at about four years of age, saying,
"Eew! I just hate that 'chicken guy'!"
"But, why, honey?"
"Because he has such a BIG head and such a LITTLE body!"
My sister says since she was a little girl, she always thought
the Sherwin Williams paint logo looked like a turkey! (Maybe wearing
a paint can on his head?) I'll have to admit, it is an odd logo. To me,
the red paint congers an image of blood pouring over and dripping
from the earth. And why does it look like Africa and Europe are at the
bottom of the globe?
My youngest son's girlfriend, soon after she learned to read,
thought this grocery store chain was called "Kay-Roger". Isn't that
the cutest? (She still is, by the way.)
So, bloggies, do you have silly takes or thoughts on famous logos?
At lunchtime I bought a huge orange The size of it made us all laugh. I peeled it and shared it with Robert and Dave— They got quarters and I had a half.
And that orange it made me so happy, As ordinary things often do Just lately. The shopping. A walk in the park This is peace and contentment. It’s new.
The rest of the day was quite easy. I did all my jobs on my list And enjoyed them and had some time over. I love you. I’m glad I exist.
Wendy Cope
Don't you relish the times when you feel peace and contentment in
the simplicity of eating an orange or feeling the breeze in your hair?
Isn't that what life is composed of, anyway, hundreds and hundreds
of simple things? Bask in those lovely simple things this weekend,
dear bloggy friends. Seize that day! ~x~
.
(Okay, I know, that's a clementine in the picture. I didn't have any oranges.)
A few years ago, WT, my aunt, her husband, my uncle and myself were all on a road trip to the east coast to see an opera performance of my daughter's. On the return trip home, we somehow got off the main highway on one of WT's famous "scenic short cuts" and were deep in rural West Virginia.
Nearly out of gas, all of us were ready for a rest stop break, so we pulled into a little gas station with several trucks, just like the one pictured above, with a shotgun or two, parked out front. You know the kind of rural station I mean. They used to call them filling stations, remember? You have to ask for the key to the restrooms, usually chained to a cruddy block of wood, which are located to the side of the station.
We were all a tad leery of this run down, "jeepers creepers" kind of place and it was just beginning to get dark. WT, always the kidder, and feeling a bit tired and silly from the long drive, walked up to the men's room on the side of the station thinking he would give my mild mannered uncle a little scare. He banged on the door with his fist, and in his deepest, burliest voice hollered, "I know you're in there! I want to come in and watch!" Just as he finished this odd performance, he noticed my uncle was NOT in the men's room, but walking from the front of the station back to the car.
By this time the rest of us were all in the car ready to go. I had never seen WT move so fast in my entire life. He flew to the car, crouched down, with the most frightened look on his red face, and literally dove in, head first.
Just in case you were wondering about that coconut pie I made last week...it is really a simple and elegant dessert. I like to make this one for guests because you can throw it together so quickly and it is still very impressive. If you're a fan of coconut, you are going to love this rich, old fashioned pie. It tastes just like something your great grandmother might have made.
I'm baaaack! I've missed visiting all my bloggy friends and will slowly start catching up with all of your blogs over the next few days. I had a lovely visit with family in Kansas City, which included some wonderful art at the Nelson-Adkins Museum and a scrumptious lunch in the Country Club Plaza.
Persephone, 1938-39, Thomas Hart Benton
Of course I couldn't visit Kansas City, without seeing some of the fabulous artwork of one of my favorite artists, Thomas Hart Benton. (click on his name for a previous post) Nelson-Adkins is home to his famous masterpiece, Persephone, 1938-39, his recast of the Greek myth in a rural setting, where a farm girl, representing Persephone, is caught sunbathing by a lustful aging farmer, depicting Hades. The funny thing is, although it is said Benton used a model, the farmer
looks strikingly like Benton, himself. The pose of the farm girl evokes the pin-up girls of the time period. I snapped the above pic of my daughter with the painting when we visited the museum last Friday.
I don't know about you, but I love the music of Cole Porter. Delovely, was, of course, full of his wonderful music, but I felt the brutal honesty of the film made it a bit depressing. Night and Day, 1946, was on TCM the other night, and believe it or not, it was completely new to me. How could there possibly be an undiscovered Cary Grant movie out there? Paired with the Cole Porter, it was a big hit in my book.
Now, understand that most of this film is a fictional account, rather than biographical. But, with that in mind, kick back and enjoy the show. The debonair Grant is a wonderful Cole Porter and surprisingly does a fine job singing many of the songs himself. Several stars actually do play themselves, like Mary Martin and the charming Monty Woolley (you remember him as the darling Professor Wutheridge in The Bishop's Wife).
One interesting bit of trivia is that this is the first time Cary Grant appears in full Technicolor. ((sigh)) So, put on the popcorn. This one is elegant and entertaining!
Is it cheating to use ready made pie crust? Shh!! Don't tell. Of course it's not. You can throw together a scrumptious homemade pie in minutes and no one will know you didn't spend all day in the kitchen. Heavens to murgatroyd it's good! And so easy peasy.
Mixed Berry Glazed Pie
1 box of Pillsbury ready made roll out pie crusts 3 16 oz. bags frozen mixed berries 1 cup sugar 1 cup flour 2 Tbsp butter 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 Tbsp cream or orange juice
Line a 10 inch pie plate with the bottom crust. Mix sugar and flour together and pour over berries. Add to pie crust. Dot with butter. Add top crust and crimp edges. Bake one hour at 350 until bubbly in center.
Mix powdered sugar and cream or juice and glaze hot pie.
(I cover the edges, before baking, with aluminum foil.)
Last night I watched Bernardo Bertolucci's The Conformist, 1970, based on the acclaimed novel by Alberto Moravia, and was completely blown away by his photographic genius and brilliant performances throughout. The main star is the handsome Jean-Louis Trintignant, (remember him from A Man and a Woman? You know...dabadabada- dabadabada.) who plays an Italian Fascist, traveling from Rome to Paris, in 1938, with an assignment to assassinate his former professor.
This is a very complex film, woven with surreal flashback scenes, as Trintignant, in the character of Marcello Clerici, struggles to find himself, as well as complete the mission. It's an intelligent film full of glamour, intrigue, sex and betrayal. The low lighting, oblique angels and ominous soundtrack are icing on the cake.
One interesting bit of trivia is the Latin phrase recited by Clerici on his way to kill Professor Quadris "Animula, vagula, blandula, hospes comesque corporis", is the first line of a poem attributed to the Roman emperor Hadrian. It translates loosely as "Little soul wandering and charming thing. Where now will you dwell, guest and companion of my body?"
There are several languages offered in which to view this film. I recommend Italian, with the English subtitles. But, only if you need them, like I did, of course.
Taurus, April 21-May 21, is the second sign of the zodiac, originating from the constellation of Taurus, and the Egyptian Horus, the Bull of Heaven. It's symbol, the bull, is known for it's strength and reliability. Taurus is an earth sign, which means Taurans are practical and have an earthy sensibility. They also are not afraid to get their hands dirty and work in the soil, often having a "green thumb".
People with this sign have their feet planted firmly on the ground. They do not like to be hurried and may be thought of as obstinate. Taurans are slow workers, who enjoy the process as much as the finished product. Most have a strong appreciation for beauty and enjoy collecting beautiful objects. Material security is very important and they feel most secure when surrounded by their possessions. There are usually some fixations in the Taurus personality, which may perplex other signs. They tend to stick with patterns and experiences they know, which make them feel secure and comfortable.
The body part associated with Taurus is the throat and neck. They often have lovely speaking and singing voices. Their color is pink. The gemstone is emerald and the mineral copper. The flowers are rose, poppy, foxglove, daisy, violet and columbine. Countries associated with this sign are Ireland, Switzerland, Iran, Cyprus, the Greek Islands, Parma, and Capri.
Happy Birthday to all my lovely Taurus bloggy friends!
