Just What I needed ....... times 2

Just What I Needed - Part I

I could never begin to tell you how much all your advice, support, concern and prayers have helped me find a bit of peace again in my soul. I know there is a lot wrong with our society and that sometimes sucks me down into a very sad and dark place, but through all of you I have begun again to focus on the good in life. I can't thank you enough for that. I will continue to investigate what can be done to prevent (and punish) the bullying and harassment that is prevelant in our schools. But for right now, I need to re-group, take a deep breath and separate some of the high emotion that I am feeling, so I can approach the issue in a logical, professional way.

Just What I Needed - Part II

I get this email on Wednesday from my local historical society letting me know of a lecture being held (somewhat impromtu) on Thursday at 2 p.m. The topic? Tuscarora Raised Beadwork! What? Really? I was dancing in my chair - as many of you probably know, nothing sets my heart beating faster than beads! Especially Tuscarora bead art!!

The speaker was Grant Jonathan, a member of the Tuscarora Nation Bear Clan who is on a mission to preserve these cultural treasures and educate the public on his ancestors' role in the creation and sale of these extraordinary works of art. Adding to my delight, was seeing Rosemary Rickard Hill - the bead artist from whom I have taken many many lessons! Come to find out, they are cousins, and this was the man she always talked about in our classes who would get her the most wonderful velvets from NYC for us. What a treat!

Here is Grant and Rosie (sporting a hat made by Grant)

Well, needless to say I took a million pictures and learned a lot - so rather than cramming everything into one post, I came up with "Tuscarora Tuesday." Each Tuesday I will post about Tuscarora Beadwork and we can all drool over them together!

But until then, here's a little sample:

There were 3 or 4 (can't remember) tables just loaded with vintage 'souvenir art' most of which were made by the Tuscarora Nation (some they think were made by the Mohawk, which I'll explain why at a later post) and sold along the edge of Niagara Falls in the mid 1800s up through the 1950s or so. I literally had to pull myself away to leave, I could have studied each individual piece for hours. They fascinate me.

I hope your day is filled with beauty and laughter and love - take care of each other!

Bead Happy and Often!