The mifflettes got into the Japanese puppets.
Here's the full set of them, off of the mifflettes heads.
This is the entrance to a favorite annual event in Wayne. The old building is filled with an enormous personal collection amassed by a deceased world-wide collector of seemingly everything vintage. She had enough money to never say NO to anything that interested her and owned two local buildings chock full of what-not. I have been at the door at opening time for four years now, and plan my weekend around attendance.
These lovely people drive all the way from California to put on this event. Sorry you can't see her hat well enough to see that it is adorned with magnificent, authentic, Native American turquoise pins around the entire circumference.
I was somewhat restrained this year and only half filled one Bean bag. It's mainly filled with VERY musty smelling fabrics for mifflette making. Right now they're in the washer for the second washing. It may take three to exhume the smell. But can you also see the spectacular Japanese puppets, once available in dime stores? They're AWESOME and may require a close up in a forthcoming post. There is also a fisher-price clown pull toy as the grandchildren enjoy them a lot at this age. and a fabulous anniversary gift for T that I hope he can't see too well. and a dress for me, in citron...and you can't see two fifties table lamps that will go to Pretty Marsh. It's amazing the adrenaline that is stimulated in a sale of this sort.
That is, Impromptu Cook Out... at the yacht club with friends tonight
Roberto got me. He told me his headlight was to "keep the bugs away," AND I believed him! (It's actually to help guide him and his dad on the boat as they head back to their island after dark.)
A perfect summer day in Wayne Maine looks like this: 1)bicycle ride to the library's used book sale, where $5 is spent purchasing 20 children's books and repartee exchanged with the sharp-witted cashier, retired criminal lawyer, 2)uphill-downhill long walk on a dirt road with two other women in their sixties with discussions on mortality, relationships with our children in their thirties, 3)annual grilled cheese and tomato sandwich at the famed Tubby's of Wayne Maine 4)afternoon gardening among the 6' neon phlox , 5)o'clock vodka, lime and tonic cocktail, and 6)dinner on the screen porch consisting of homemade-by-my-husband tomato sauce and pasta, garlic bread, edamame ( his) and fresh garden (his) salad, with T's son in attendance. HEAVEN.
My only Boston purchases were books. In fact, three (#2,3 and 6) came from Marden's sale lot from a fire at A Bunch Of Grapes on Martha's Vineyard.
Too often I rush home from Boston as if it matters at all. Boston is truly my home and I know the MFA better than any museum in the U.S. I decided to linger there alone today, contemplatively. It was vastly satisfying.
This is the same figure you can just about make out at the top of the last photo.
BronzeVenus by Fernando Botero
Painting Installation by Cara Walker, The Rich Soil Down There
The MFA renovation is underway and there were no major exhibits going on. That was a good thing as I caught up with more of the permanent collection pieces that are currently on view. and Yes, I upped my membership once again, family style.
August 19, on Cape Cod - Between new radiation treatments and intensive chemo, Mag is much improved and now able to HUG AGAIN!! YAY!!
August 18 - Can you see my beloved fujifilm finepix camera in the wine glass reflection? Well, can you see me? B and B called with a spontaneous invitation to a patio dinner at their house. Such are the joys of life in the country.
As the little family was leaving, I requested a photo of the kids with me, and one of the family. The family one went fine. But the Gramily and her Two East Coast Kiddies one did not. Too much going on, too much transition, too much for Sophia to handle. NEXT TIME, we'll take a photo as she arrives when she is bright eyed and bushy tailed and just landing.
S and Z did get a good morning yoga session in.
Now the house is quiet and calm...and a bit sad.
Sophia follows Zadie everywhere. What he plays with her: Ghost, Tent, Splash, Rock Throw, Scream, Yoga and the real game of Tag.
Dylan has wonderful focus and works very hard with this antique stacking toy. If someone tries to help him, he cries as he wants to do it himself.
Sophia asks to eat every meal at "little table," which was mine. Her chair was her great-great- grandfather Woodbury's and her great-grandfather Woodbury's . She has eaten beside us and very daintily. She loves the two handled Bunnykins cup and plate that both Syl and Eth used. And her utensils were her great-grandmother Lawrence's.
Dylan is such a good eater! He ate all of his hot and spicy enchiladas and then gnawed on some corn on the cob. He looks just like Cindy's father, very Ukrainian!
We've had so much fun with them, but shared them tonight with one of Ethan's childhood friends who is here with his wife and FOUR kids!
It's true that I have a back-up camera in the closet. I've been too stubborn to use it, believing my replacement fujifilm finepix would arrive any day. On the phone with thecameraprofessionals yesterday I persisted for exact information, and was told the camera is actually on back order. Would they refund the $19.95 for three day shipping? NO, they will upgrade to overnight delivery when it comes in, but there will be no refund. I want the camera too much to make a stink. Can you get blood from a stone?
Friday:
It's been quite a while since I made a mifflette family. One was requested by a friend, so I think I'll make several and let her choose. I'm fond of this just completed rabbit-ish one. Faces and paws are made from a recycled extra fine merino wool sweater.
I think s/he could be either a mama or a papa. What do you think? T thinks she looks like s/he is wearing pajamas, a comfy look. Note the Rosa Pomar waistband! It's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the most beautiful jacquard ribbon around. You can order it at Retrosaria.
And this is definitely a big sister and little brother. I keep DOING that combo! Little brother is made from a vintage corduroy shirt and so are big sister's ears. Her body is Kaffe Fassett cotton and some of my grandmother's lace. She was born in 1861 and I never met her, but I inherited a suitcase full of her lace.
T's cousins annually spend a week together at the ocean. That's one family of five brothers and one sister and all their spouses and kids. They come from MA (2), CA (1), NH (1), ME (1) and Cambodia. Since T spent summers with these cousins, he is always invited too. Yesterday was our day with them.
Shimon is a fabulous twelve year old who has lived all over the world, currently in Cambodia. He is relaxed with adults, quick witted, funny, entertaining, self-contained, patient with his six year old sister. He tried to teach me some contortionist skills.
Ruby is his younger sister who deserves rave reviews as well. She is the six year old version of her brother, able to spend all day with grown-ups without whining. She's gregarious and engaging and one hundred percent six year old with no pretentions. WHAT GREAT PARENTS THESE TWO HAVE!
