I have re-learned a bit about handling these smooth purls, by practicing. And I have found that Sulky is not good with goldwork. It was very difficult to remove the Sulky, and even as slowly and carefully as I did it, some of the edges of the purls caught on the paper and were snagged out of shape as a result. For this motif, I will go back to my usual method of transferring a design to fabric, using transfer paper.
It’s not as though I haven’t done this work before, even though it’s been a few years since I stitched tiny purls over padding. Why I’m having so much trouble with this S is a mystery to me.
Yesterday I took the day off and just read ALL DAY–a most interesting book by Philip Gura, American Transcendentalism. Ah, that period of the mid-19th century is so evocative of the 1960s and 70s when some of us were going to transform America. We saw the Age of Aquarius approaching and knew that a new day was coming–the New Age. So did Emerson, Thoreau, Alcott, Hawthorne, Fuller, the members of the commune Brook Farm, and all the rest. Nineteenth century hippies. Even then, they were studying Eastern religions and philosophy. Women’s rights was a big issue. Equality of the sexes and changing marriage to be more liberating and especially less confining for women were major topics. Fascinating people. And what a pleasure to just immerse myself in a book all day long.
After the swimming event yesterday, there was an awards ceremony and eats (as always at Charlestown events). As you can see, we’re not just old people here. There are 2500 residents and 1300 staff of all ages, starting at age 16. Staff and visitors bring their kids. So we are a community of all generations.
I am amazed at your tenacity to get those gold purls just exactly right!
What a wonderful way to spend the day, in such good company as the Transcendentalists. They were radical like hippies, true, but not compromised by all the drug use…
Thanks for the window into your vibrant community, too….
As a drug-using hippie myself, I’ll just introduce a little controversy to this lovely blog, Allison. I think it was a very small minority of people who were compromised. If you look at the age of our congresspeople and senators, I think most of them did some drugs. Well, when I look at it that way……….maybe you are right.:-0
But I do remember it as a joyful, hopeful, time — full of energy and idealism.
I can’t resist saying hello to Nina, a fellow (isn’t there a feminine term here?) drug-using hippie who also feels she wasn’t compromised by the use of drugs. Some of us were careful — making sure of our sources, not taking too much, etc. This pot-smoking, acid-taking hippie went on to become a law professor and dean of students. My memories of the late 60’s are almost all positive. We were politically and spiritually engaged. We thought we could make the world a better place and in some ways we did (helping to end an unfortunate war, setting the stage for the influx of eastern spiritual practices that are so prevalent today). I’m feeling the same energy coming from young people today who are actively engaging in the political process to choose the next President.
Great discussion, ladies!
There were such good times back then, no argument there. The jury is still out, in my mind, on the cultural advances resulting from those times, however.
And naturally I am speaking for myself…as a daily pot-smoker for 6 years (and occasional acid tripper) I feel, in retrospect, that my emotional development was totally on hold during that time. I have gone on to a happy life too, but still…
Much more important to me is the fact that drug highs can be confused with spiritual highs, especially LSD’s….sorting that out has been such a compromising diversion on my own spiritual path.
Do I think Eastern thought came to the West via drug use? Interesting question, as I have heard some say that. But the Transcendentalists’ interest in Vedic thought was not spurred by it…at least, I don’t think so!
I think it was George Harrison’s sitar playing that opened so many of our minds to India and Her gifts….and the way the Beatles brought meditation to the attention of a generation.
Well, my friend………look what your reading and sharing of the transcendentalists has sparked! And it’s a testament to the people you attract that this discussion has been spirited, but not harsh.
My best to Allison, Toni and always to you, JW.