Some ephemera I thought you might enjoy.
AUGUST 31, 2008
Gramma's Grimoire
In case it's hard to read, here's what Gramma (Cyrena) had to say about vanilla: "We didn't have topping you know but we had cream, we'd whip the real cream. And you put a little vanilla in it, too, when you stirred it up. I was quite a hand to put a little vanilla in things."
AUGUST 24, 2008
Sisterly Art Project
Envelope by Sue; book cover by Sal. Stay tuned and next week I'll post a spread from inside this little tome, even though that means divulging Gramma's magical secrets.
AUGUST 3, 2008
Bar Pictionary
Sometimes, when you're enjoying a margarita on a hot summer afternoon, your brother-in-law might yank the napkin out from beneath your glass to draw rare and fascinating medical conditions. Anyone care to venture a guess as to what this poor fellow has?
JUNE 15, 2008
Bad Dog Beer
A bottle label that Sal made for one of our early batches of homebrew (1995-ish), inspired by the beloved Bronte. Don't be fooled by the halo; she would eat the butter off the counter the minute your back was turned. Bronte, that is; not Sal.
MAY 11, 2008
Cafe Pictionary
This is a napkin that Spencer used to illustrate his point over coffee and a cinnamon roll this week. Anyone who can guess what that point was wins a free hot beverage.
APRIL 27, 2008
Blank Bookmark
This is one of a set of identical blank bookmarks. The Poetry Posse plans to scatter hither and yon this summer, attending writing workshops and generally whooping it up, but each of us will drag one of these around on our excursions and at the end of the summer we'll see what doodles and snippets got scribbled on everyone's bookmarks.
APRIL 20, 2008
When Someones Asks You to Put a Poem in Your Pocket, You Say "Yes!"
Unfolded, this pocket-worn scrap reads, "Western wind, when will thou blow / The small rain down can rain? / Christ, if my love were in my arms / And I in my bed again!" Composed by an anonymous English poet in the 16th century, printed and distributed by the local library.
MARCH 30, 2008
Spring Preview
This little confection arrived in the mail last week from Mary & Chris, art by Mary. It's official now: all you flowers out there can go ahead and bloom.
MARCH 16, 2008
Ancient Enmity
A staredown between The Turkey and Molly the Malamute in 1981. Notice how Julie's eyes are closed against the imminent violence, and how I seem to have a queasy feeling about The Turkey's chances. Just another day on the farm.
MARCH 9, 2008
Did I Kiss All the Cowboys?
The cowboys escaped mostly unkissed, I think, but we had a great time carousing at my favorite bar last night. Good thing the Cowgirl is all the way down in Santa Fe or I would hang out there way too often.
MARCH 2, 2008
Actual Archaeology
Spencer found this little weapon behind the house, not far from the ruins of Otowi Pueblo. If you hold it up to the light the obsidian turns translucent gray, and the lines of every cut leap into relief. The ruler may be a product of the Industrial Age, but I think it's safe to say that the arrowhead was not made in U.S.A.
FEBRURARY 24, 2008
Got My Sisters With Me
Well, two of them anyway. Jane is the tall, omnipotent one, and Sal is #5, watching to see if my head is going to pop off. Circa 1973.
FEBRURARY 17, 2008
Ticket to Paradise
Heard Eamon Grennan read in Santa Fe on Wednesday. It was like listening to an especially literate pub patron in Galway talk about staying alert to the visionary aspect of the world, and how the erotic is the life force of the poem, any poem. Cheers.
FEBRURARY 10, 2008
Hard at Work
This painting arrived in the mail this week reminding me that I have the funniest sisters in the world. It's an illustration by Sal of JoJo's daily labor.
FEBRURARY 3, 2008
Time Travel Turnpike
Found a receipt pressed between two CD cases in the car and was instantly teleported back to last year's road trip across the heartland.
FEBRURARY 3, 2008
May the Force Be With You
Got this get-well card from some of the beloveds on the occasion of breaking a foot. Hallmark, eat your heart out!
Copyright 2008, Joanna Gardner. All rights reserved.