“There was nothing but land: not a country at all, but the material out of which countries are made.” -Willa Cather The oxen leaned into the yoke, pushing against the wood with their sinewy strength. Under the weight of the covered wagon, the iron rimmed wheels grated against the gravel cutting ruts of legacy. […]
“I always have the most fun on the Fourth of July. You don’t have to exchange any gifts. You just go to the beach and watch fireworks.” -James Lafferty Linda Nelson Johnson- Fourth of July hand dyed fabric with metallic thread Learning How to Celebrate We were just married. Inexperienced. Not thinking things through. My husband […]
think blue line When my daughter, Rene’, married Chris, the wedding proved to be one of the most emotional experiences of my life. The significance of their upcoming vows took a turn when the groomsmen bought the latest bullet proof vest for Chris. As the groomsmen put it, this gift was for Rene’ so Chris […]
“Marriage is like quilting, it takes some work but is worth it.” – jeanequilts The gray clouds shattered the warmth of the sun, leaving the guests with chilly fingers but warm hearts. Shakopee, Minnesota in May should have been warmer, but this Saturday proved to be one of the coldest temperatures for several […]
In most cultures, the older women pass on the skills they have acquired over a lifetime to the next generation like a needle pulling thread in a running stitch. Just as my life as a mother and wife started and my mother’s wealth of knowledge of all things domestic was needed, she passed over Jordan […]
martin luther king jrFifty years have passed quickly. Those of my generation remember what they were doing when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated as they recall the day that President Kennedy also was shot. The 1960’s began a decade of dreams that the future could be different from the past. That mankind could […]
“Whenever you are creating beauty around you, you are restoring your own soul.” – Alice Walker Life on the Florida reservation brought challenges to the women who faced the hardships of Everglade living. Resources were few. The threat of depression hung like the billowy clouds overhead. In the Seminole Indian homes called chickees, the women […]
“You may choose to look the other way but you can never say again that you did not know.” -William Wiberforce Every year, April 12 is a day of remembrance. This date is set aside as the International Day for Street Children. For the two million youngsters who live in the shadows, every […]
Freedmen’s School on Roanoke Island, Virginia The Civil War ended and the Reconstruction of the nation began in 1865. Lincoln hoped to bind the people back together as one, but soon found how challenging a task lay before him. Frayed pieces of blue and gray scraps, some with red stains that refused to wash out, […]
With the perspective of youth, Dennis McCann observed, “Those must have been depressing times, those long ago days of bread and milk, of feedbag clothes, and canned tumbleweed dinners. Of little or nothing.” Jane Tamse countered in her feeble, quivering voice, “Those were frugal days, but they left us with a happy childhood.” Making of […]