Such a great day. The weather is "to die for." It was in the low 70s this afternoon which is really easy to take in October. The Sheboygan County Writers Club sponsered a Poetry Reading at the John Michael Kohler Art Center this afternoon from 1:00 to 3:00PM. We did not have a BIG crowd, but we had a wonderful crowd. Five people from the club and as many readers from the community. We may have gained two more members for the club or more. Such talent.

I read several poems as we did a round robin. Some, I have featured on this site, some not. But they were well received. I ended with the poem that I printed for my kids at Christmas. Not mine, but I found it - attributed to an "anonomous Norwegian." I will repeat it for those who might not have heard it.

May you always find light on a cloudy day.
When you need to be home may you find the way.
May you always have courage to take a chance.
And never find frogs in your underpants.

Slainte


Mary

I had my annual mammogram last week and was called back today to check an irregularity in one area. I was not happy about that at all. They are all so cheerful and very solicitous and reassuring and after an hour and a half, two mammograms and a sonogram, decided that it is nothing to worry about but they want to recheck in 6 months instead of the usual year. Now, how is that supposed to read.

As I said, for all the discomfort, they are really very kind and generous in that area of the clinic.

But I am still nervious.

Here is a funny quote, I read by ANON. (he really wrote a lot, didn't he?)

"If Jesus was Jewish, how come he has a Mexican name?"

Mary

I neglected to mention yesterday, that Britt said the Quilters of Gee's Bend came to the opening in Milwaukee and only had three requests.

1. They wanted their quilts treated like Art.
2. They wanted to tour the City of Milwaukee.
and
3. They wanted to sing at the opening.

They did all three. I purchased a copy of their CD which is a two disk of gospel music. I listened to the first disc today. It is very nice. All a capella and very low key. They JUST sing.

I will share if anyone wishes to hear it.

Love

Mary

I would recommend the current exhibit of the Quilts of Gee's Bend that is the main exhibit at the Milwaukee Art Museum to ANYONE who can go. I went today with my Mother and had the extra icing on the cake of being able to lunch and be guided to the Georgia O'Keefe section and through part of the Gee's Bend exhibit with my niece Britt Salvesen and her husband Brian , who are employees of the museum. Britt is the Assistant Curator of Prints and Brian works in the Graphic Arts Department. We had SUCH a perfect day. Mother and I really got into the quilts and enjoyed the accompanying video immensly. I was so impressed with the women and what they had to say. One of them said that when she were growing up they had nothing and were really poor but were happy. Now people have everything and are not happy. And what a wonderful laugh she gave after her statement.

I was sorry that I could not have been there for the opening. The ladies were there and even sang. I did buy their CD so we will be able to enjoy their music.

Love

Mary

I guess yesterday's post didn't POST. I told you all about going shooting with Jim and Bobbie and sighting in my shotgun and letting Bobbie and Jim shoot my 243 Page rifle. Did I tell you about that rifle? It was a gift from my first husband before Bret was even born. Before Bret was born, I did go deer hunting a couple of times with him.

The gun was made for me by our friend Ralph Winchester. He hand carved the stock out of a piece of black walnut he had brought back from his Grandfather's farm in Arkansas. Then he fiberglassed it so it doesn't scratch easily. He put in a 240 Page action. It is an easy gun to shoot. Hardly any kick at all.

Today I went to Writer's Club and learned a new kind of poetry called Pantoum. It is kind of complicated. But this is the example that we did as a group.

Autumn in Wisconsin

The leaves of color
Yellow birch leaves glistening
Cover the forest floor
Eludes Jack Frost's bite

Yellow birch leaves glistening
Musty smell under the trees
Eludes Jack Frost's bite
Children hide in the leaves.

Musty smell under the trees
A carpet fro God's creatures
Children hide in the leaves
Squirrels scurry with acorns.

A carpet for God's creatures
Covers the forest floor
Squirrels scurry with acorns
The leaves of color.


Interesting isn't it. I'm going to try my own.

Mary