Happy Thanksgiving to ALL

Image is from the Library of Congress


Puck Thanksgiving 1904. Illustration by Louis M. Glackens. http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/ppmsca.25905

Artist Louis M. Glackens captures the resolute huntress after she bagged her own turkey with shotgun still in hand and a look in her eye much as a modern woman who makes the bacon as well as bring’n home the bacon.

As Jerry Garcia said;

Let us put men and women together
See which one is smarter
Some say men, but I say no
Women run the men like a puppet show

It ain't me
It's the people that say
Men are leading the women astray
But I say, it's the women today
Smarter than the man in every way


This image is from a well-known 1904 satirical magazine’s cover known by the moniker of “PUCK”. I found the image at the Library of Congress site and couldn’t resist, it is in the public domain.

Pilgrim Edward Winslow described the Pilgrims’ Thanksgiving in these words:

“Our harvest being gotten in, our Governor sent four men on fowling [bird hunting] so that we might, after a special manner, rejoice together after we had gathered the fruit of our labors. They four in one day killed as much fowl as… served the company almost a week… Many of the Indians [came] amongst us and… their greatest King, Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted; and they went out and killed five deer, which they brought… And although it be not always so plentiful as it was at this time with us, yet BY THE GOODNESS OF GOD WE ARE… FAR FROM WANT.”

In 1789, under a proclamation by George Washington, first President of the United States, America observed its initial Day of Thanksgiving to God under its new-fangled constitution.

Image from the Library of Congress

HAPPY THANKSGIVING Remember the Troops

As part of a group of artists we received a copy of the here in mentioned email from another artist friend. I researched and found the original article from David Evans published at http://likethedew.com/2011/11/06/christmas-2011-birth-of-a-new-tradition/

Christmas 2011 — Birth of a New Tradition
by David Evans | 11, Add your Comment | Nov 6, 2011
141

Ebeenzer Scrooge In A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens confronts a terror- stricken Scrooge with a vision of a dark future of gloom, alienation, and a lonely death that no one grieves:

”Ghost of the Future!” he exclaimed, ”I fear you more than any spectre I have seen. But as I know your purpose is to do me good, and as I hope to live to be another man from what I was, I am prepared to bear you company, and do it with a thankful heart.”

And as we all know, Dickens allows Scrooge to recognize his evil ways and to exchange his miserly and miserable life for one of love and care for his family and fellow men.

In thinking of the upcoming holiday season–and we already see the commercialization and it’s not even Thanksgiving–we are reminded daily that far too many men and women are not going to work, families are losing their homes, children are going hungry, and the elderly have to decide whether to eat or pay for their expensive medicine.

In our own period of uncertainty, need, and anxiety, how will we “celebrate” the season that is supposed to be one of love and peace. No matter what your religious belief, the Christmas season has always been one of celebration, good cheer, and gift giving.

But with wallets thin and paychecks slim, perhaps we can find a new way this year to extend our hands to one another in practical and giving ways.

In our own small manner, perhaps we can start by avoiding some of the tinsel that comes out of those giant factories in Asia that have already kicked into high gear to provide us with ever more merchandise we don’t really need to live a meaningful life. And as we know, this merchandise is being produced at the expense of American labor.

This year can indeed be different. This year Americans can give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans.

Before we start handing over our already burdened credit cards for toys and more bling, maybe those limited bucks would bring more joy and satisfaction if they were spent feeding and clothing needy folk in homeless shelters. If you’re short on cash, give some of your time. Collect groceries for the many food banks and visit the “No Kid Hungry” pledge page to ease hunger a bit in our own country. Help those hard-working and much maligned teachers by clicking on the “Donors Choose” program, the on-line charity allowing one to donate dollars for many classroom essentials that teachers dip into their own pockets to pay for themselves. So many good causes out there that are doing so much good but are also so underfunded.

A friend of mine recently sent me an e-mail with many good suggestions which I am happy to share with you.

Before we start, though, we first have to get over the nonsense that nothing of worth can be found that is produced by American hands. I think we all know that myth is simply not true. It’s time to think outside the proverbial gift box. Besides, who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, tucked in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Some suggestions:

Everyone — yes everyone–gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It’s appropriate for all ages who are thinking about general fitness and overall health.

Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who thinks nothing of plunking down the big bucks on a Chinese-made flat-screen? Instead, how about something different. Perhaps that grateful person on your list would like his driveway sealed or plowed all winter. How about a cord of wood for a shut-it or lawn service for the summer. How about some outings at the local golf course. Besides, what’s the point of getting the latest HD TV with 300 cable TV channels when most of the programming is mindless drivel. Let’s get off our duffs which is good for the body and spirit and quit sitting around watching soaps and talking heads.

And who doesn’t like to go out to eat once in a while. There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants — all offering gift certificates. And, if your main squeeze isn’t the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen early morning treats at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks, this isn’t about big National chains — this is about supporting your home-town American neighbors who have their financial lives on the line. You’ll be helping them keep their doors open.

How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? I’m sure that special woman would love the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

Shop at your local thrift stores where the money they make is given to worthy local causes.

In writing this, I’m reminded that my computer could use a tune-up, and I know I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated places of entertainment and restaurants. And be sure to leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre. We musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

And don’t forget to leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice big tip.

Christmas can be an opportunity to encourage American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we can’t imagine.

This can be the new American Christmas tradition. Put it on your Facebook page, forward it to everyone on your mailing list, post it to discussion groups, create a blog, and send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other.

Ebenezer Scrooge saw the light and did something about it. The rest of us can, too!

Quanah Parker

Howdy Folks!

Things have been busy here at the blog. I was supposed to have cataract surgery today but it was cancelled due to a glitch at the Martinsburg VA Hospital! That is why there hasn't been a new posts but here is a quick one on a favorite subject of mine .

Enjoy and I will be posting some new input on the newly forming Storm Haven Studios both here and at our new blog for Storm Haven Studios


PLEASE make plans to visit Storm Have for the Grand Opening December 2,3,4 2011 from 10-4 with longer hours on Friday.

Thank you and Happy trails.

I hope you all enjoy the input on Quanah Parker!

When we gaze into the history of Quanah Parker, a look at his mother and father must be brought into the scene. His mother Cynthia Ann Parker was captured when she was eight years old during a Comanche massacre on her family at Fort Parker in 1836. His father was Chief Peta Nocona of the Quahada Comanche. Quanah was born in1852 and while growing up under the tutelage of his father became a brave and skilled warrior. After Nocona’s passing young Quanah became a leader to the Comanche

Quanah was not only shown to be brave but very intelligent as well, in 1867 when the government was trying to negotiate a peace treaty among the various bands that dwelled in the land known as Comancheria. Many of the tribes that were present at Medicine Lodge Creek, Kansas signed the treaty but Quanah choose not to sign the treaty and his Quahadi band would do battle with the government forces until 1875 when
Quanah’s band, which were the last free Comanche’s were subjugated to a reservation in Southwestern Oklahoma.

At this point Quanah Parker was appointed the Chief of the all the Comanche that dwelled on the reservation. The intelligent and resourceful leader embraced much of white culture and even became friends with Teddy Roosevelt. Quanah was respected by white culture even though he rejected monogamy; Parker had five wives and twenty-five children. He also rejected protestant Christian beliefs and formed the Native American Church, which followed the belief in Peyotism and is the most widespread religion in the indigenous cultures. The last Comanche Chief passed over on February 23, 1911. His epitaph reads, “Resting Here Until Day Breaks, And Shadows Fall and Darkness Disappears is Quanah Parker Last Chief of the Comanche.