John Singleton Copley Paints Older Women

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1763 Sarah Tyler (Mrs. Samuel Phillips Savage)
1764 Miriam Kilby (Mrs. Samuel Hill)Whether painting fancy matrons wearing the latest fashions or plainly dressed, more formal religious women, many of John Singleton Copley's paintings of older New England women seem more direct, thoughtful, & stronger than his portraits of younger women.

1764 Mrs. Anna Dummer Powell.Copley lets us know that these are the surviving matriarchs who deserve the best upholstered chair in the candlelit parlor. Old age offers the leisure & independence to read & to reflect.

1766 Sarah Morecock (Mrs. Thomas Boylston).Many are holding books, actively involved in the life of the mind & the world beyond Boston. Copley & his sitters decided to show that continuing to seek knowledge was important in 18th century New England whether for devotion, entertainment, or instruction.

1766 Mrs-Sylvanus-Bourne.

1766 Ann Sargent (Mrs. Nathaniel Ellery).

1767-69 Mary Edwards (Mrs Ebenezer Storer).

1767 Hannah White (Mrs Robert Hooper).

1769 Mrs. Isaac Royall.
1770 Katherine Graves (Mrs James Russell).
1770 Relief Dowse (Mrs Michael Gill).1771 Mary Charnock (Mrs. Humphrey Devereux, Mrs. Samuel Greenwood, Mrs. Joseph Prince)

1771 Mrs. Paul Richard (Elizabeth Garland)
1771 Elizabeth Lewis (Mrs Ezekiel Goldthwait).
1773 Hannah Fayerweather (Mrs John Winthrop)..

Remembering Alex Brown

Last night I watched Extreme Home Makeover as I do most every Sunday night.  I love the show!  It is one of those shows where people do kind things for the less fortunate or hurting and have a chance to pay it forward.  To me....this show is a marvelous act of grace.  Last night however, I really did not want to watch....but as soon as the opening story was told I was hooked.  The family to get the new house had lost their daughter, Alex Brown, in a terrible car accident a year earlier.....and were trying to get states to enact laws to ban texting and driving.  In the process of making people aware....it was costing them their home, their jobs, everything else....but they still trudged on.  Well....I sat there, watching their story and cried.  Texting is something I am totally against.  I have watched people drive down the road and veer into my lane...because they took their eyes off the road and put them on the key pad of a phone.  Is someones latest facebook update....or a text stating IDK worth your life....or the life of someone else?  If you are going to text.....then let someone else drive.  I was so moved by their story that I joined the cause and signed the pledge not to text and drive.  If you would like to read more about this remarkable family then go to their  foundations website Remember Alex Brown and I hope you will sign the pledge too.  I want you to get to know a little bit about the Browns.  I know you will be as touched by them as I was.  "We lost our daughter, Alex Brown, in a single car accident as she drove to what seemed like just another ordinary day of her senior year in high school. Although no other vehicles were involved, Alex was not alone. The cell phone on which she had sent and receive over 10,000 text messages in the weeks preceding her accident was with her. Alex lost her life to texting while driving. Although Alex is no longer with us, her memory lives. We hope you choose to do the same. Through Alex's memory we hope to educate others about the dangers of texting while driving.  To honor Alex's memory we formed The Remember Alex Brown Foundation (RAB). The foundation's website is a place to tell your story, to learn from others and to make a difference. Please share your memories with us or view stories on their site. As you drive today, please put your cell phone away and drive safely. Your messages will be there when you arrive at your destination. Make sure that you arrive safely, too.

Science Boy

He was ignoring me.

He was actually ignoring me.

No matter that I gave him life or that I let him watch the movie Cars more times than I care to remember when he was younger.

He had ducked behind a friend when he had first entered the room, had given me a quick wave and then....nothing.

“Big brother, big brother,” Natalie shouted. “Big brother, it’s me, Natalie!”

Is it wrong that I sort of wanted to shout the same thing? Only my words would have been, “Son, son, it’s me, your mother, the one who was in labor all those hours!”

We were at an awards assembly at Tommy’s school since he brought home a letter saying that he’d be receiving an award. He had handed over the letter and went, “Are you coming then?” I asked if he wanted me to come and he said, “Yes.”

So we came. And now he was ignoring us.

“Big BROTHER!” Natalie will not be ignored. She’s like that crazy chick in Fatal Attraction, only I hope she doesn’t boil any rabbits. (“I won’t be IGNORED, Tommy!”)“BIG BROTHER!”

Tommy turned around and narrowed his eyes at Natalie.

“Big brother, hello!” Natalie said, thrilled that she finally had his attention.

He quickly faced forward.

Fine. Whatever. So he wanted to pretend like he had no mother. Big deal, right? He’s eight, he’s at that age and....WHY WAS HE IGNORING ME? He’s only 8! I thought that behavior didn’t start until he was a teenager. I make him smiley face pancakes for God’s sake, all I was asking for is a tiny bit of recognition, just a tiny bit.

Oh well. At least I still had one child who liked me. I started rubbing the top of Natalie’s head and she ducked away. “Quit it,” she hissed.

Or maybe not.

The principal started the program, and the kindergarteners got their awards first.

“Mommy, I want to go to Kindergarten now,” Natalie said primly.

“Two more years,” I answered.

“But I want to go to Kindergarten nowwwwww,” she whined.

“Can’t, Veruca Salt, sorry,” I said.

My butt was really starting to hurt since it was sitting on the lunchroom benches. If we could afford private school, I bet THOSE seats had cushions on them.

Tommy’s grade was the last to go and by then my ass had fallen asleep.



Tommy got an Observant Scientist Award. I’m not surprised, because the kid loves science and is obsessed with tornados. And weather. He’ll say things like, “Look at the cumulus clouds!” and go in depth on how a tornado is formed.

The principal also asked him questions. I’m amazed that Tommy doesn’t mind talking in front of people. I hate it. I start to get all red and my tongue feels glued to the top of my mouth. I dreaded giving speeches in front of my class and would speed through it. If we were being graded on public speaking, the teacher’s notes would always say: “Slow down.” No. I cannot slow down.

But Tommy. Tommy proudly went over to the microphone and when the teacher asked how the weather was that day, Tommy went, “Warm.” And this was true, it was actually 50 degrees on Friday. Then she asked if we’d be getting snow and Tommy cocked his head to the side, thought about it for a few seconds and went, “Maybe.”



He’s a man of few words.

When the ceremony was over, the kids were able to quickly greet their parents and hand over their awards. Tommy seriously ran over, tossed the award at my face and returned to his class. It was like he hadn’t been there at all.



“Um,” I said when my mind computed what had just happened.

“Where did Tommy go?” Natalie asked, bewildered.

My sentiments exactly.

I spotted him back in line with his class. I wasn’t about to leave without a hug so I went over and Tommy’s eyes grew wide when he saw me approaching.

I couldn’t embarrass him in front of his friends. That would be mean. So instead I stuck my hand out.

“I wanted to say congrats on getting the scientist award,” I said, all businesslike.

Tommy looked relieved and shook my hand. “You’re welcome,” he replied.

“I will see you when you get home.”

“Okay. I love you,” Tommy said.

Aww! He admitted that he loved me in public. I wanted to throw my arms around his neck but I contained myself.

“I love you, too, my science boy.”

John Singleton Copley Borrows Another Pose

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1755 Mezzotint by English artist James McArdell after Sir Joshua Reynolds Mrs. Bonfoy.This print may be seen at the British Museum in London.
1765 Artist: John Singleton Copley (1738-1815). Subject: Elizabeth Oliver (Mrs. George Watson).

Project 365 - Week 5

Wow it is hard to believe that another week has passed and January has come to an end.  I have made it through a whole month on Project 365.  Thanks Sara for introducing me to this wonderful activity.  I am actually keeping a notebook of pictures I want to take throughout the year so I can hunt for them.  I don't go anywhere without a camera these days and I am always looking for things to express the day.  I am glad you stopped by and hope you enjoy my offerings for the week.

Sunday

Sunday was not as busy as most.  I did not feel spiffy so I took a Sunday nap....not really true...I took a Sunday sleep.  I slept for over 4 hours and woke feeling groggy...but hit the ground running to head back to church for our Revelation study and choir practice.  I love choir practice.  It is so much fun after we practice to just sing.  Beth, our pianist, will ask us if there are any songs we just want to sing and everyone throws out something....and we just sing for the fun of it.  I wanted you to see the inside of our church this week so I kicked off the week with pictures of the front of the church.  I think it is a beautiful, spiritual, and peaceful place.  I love altars.  When I was at the Arbor in Alex City I used to be in charge of creating altars....and now I just enjoy them.

Monday

Monday night we began a new bible study at Betty Vardaman's house.  We are doing Jonah, Navigating a Life Interrupted by Phyllis Shirer.  It is going to be a great bible study.  We all gathered and had some coffee and refreshments before we began the video and discussion.  The girls were all so funny when I pulled out my trusty little Nikon Coolpix.  I am one who hates to be on the lens side of camera so I understand their antics very well.  I love these ladies and they are the kind of friends that if I die...they all know they are to come into my house, find my Beth Moore Breaking Free book, and burn it.  Now that is a friend...risk a Breaking and Entering charge to make sure no one ever sees what I wrote when I was breaking free from past bondage.

Tuesday

Tuesday was a dreary day.  Since the beginning of school they have been working on our boy's gym and I have heard power tools and men yelling outside my window for months now.  We were supposed to get a NEW gym...but the money was not there...so we are getting a remodeled one.  The funny thing...is that our whole school is like that....the original building is 60 years old....and there are just these odd little additions scattered randomly all over it.  The new gym will be no exception.  I just wish they would hurry up and get through...but we have had such lousy weather that I am not looking for that to happen anytime soon.  I did however enjoy the day of no sound....and snapped some pictures to show what a mess it looks like.

Wednesday

Today was my 8th wedding anniversary.  Eight years ago...Frank and I walked to the front of the Arbor at the end of the regular service and were married.  It was the first and only wedding to take place there.  I thought today should be a picture of something that is a reminder of that beautiful day.  One of my favorite pictures in wedding books...is the hands on the bible one....so here is ours....eight years later.

Thursday

Thursday we bowl.  It is poor etiquette to take pictures of people bowling because the flash throws them off....so I did the second best thing....I thought I would show you my pretty purple ball and bag...and cute new pink heart shoe covers.  I am coveting a rolling bowling ball bag at the moment....and a new ball.  I would love a Hammer.  BUT....I also want a new Nikon or Canon camera....decisions decisions...I am thinking the camera will win out.  April is not that far away....one of these would be nice....hint hint!  I also want...just kidding.

Friday

Frank had class in Birmingham this weekend so I was flying solo....sort of.  I invited my friend Mary to come and spend the night with me so we could have some girl time that we so desperately have been missing since I have moved.  My Spanish II classes worked on a Costa Rica project today on the computers in my room.  I have one group of just girls and I was telling them about Project 365 and they just had to have their picture taken for my Friday shot...so here they are.  The bell sounded finally at 3:14 and we finished up at school, went by her house and grabbed her stuff, and headed to Rock Mills.  We stopped and ate supper at Gedneys before we got to the house.  This was the first time Mary had eaten in the Roanoke area...so there were many choices for her....Gedneys, TJ Rockers, Sonny's, or Jon Boys.  We ate and headed to the house and watched....Wizards of Waverly Place...can  you believe that?  A perfect night for a chick flick and we watched Selena Gomez.  Actually...I watch it often....along with the Food channel.  We checked our emails, talked, sat in the recliners side by side and said nothing at times...I love that about my friend....I don't have to entertain her....nor she me....and we don't have ackward silence when we don't talk.  We finally called it a night about 11. 

Saturday

Mary and I got up this morning and went exploring and scouting photo ops.  Mary is a photographer buff too.  We ate breakfast at the Farm House Restaurant in Roanoke, shopped a bit, went to our friend Tammy's house on a chance that she might be at home....no such luck....she is the principal at Randolph County High School...and I am sure there was some athletic event going on.  I showed Mary all my favorite things about Rock Mills and one of them was St Barnabas Church...which is down the road from my house on Hwy 22.  I love red doors.  I have pictures of them from everywhere I have ever been....they fascinate me.  So St. Barnabas, with its bright red door had to be photographed today.  In the yard is a church bell that is interesting too...so I just covered all the bases while we were there.

and of course, as I have done every week since I began this journey I am closing my week out with a church sign.  This week is from the Baptist Church next door to our church.  I love the message of this sign.  I think I fell in love with Frank at first sight.....but how awesome is it to know....that the minute God saw me....He loved me...even though He knew all I would be and do.  It leaves me speechless.  Have a blessed day tomorrow. 

Copley & Greenwood Copy Same Girl, Same Pearls, Same Pose

.1710-30 English artist Isaac Becket after Willem Wissing's portrait of Princess Anne. Mezzotint may be viewed at Henry Francis duPont Winterthur Museum and at the British Museum in London.
1749 Artist: John Greenwood (1727-1792). Subject: Elizabeth Fulford Welshman.1753 Artist: John Singleton Copley (1738-1815) Subject: Bethia Torrey (Mrs. Joseph Mann)..

I Want To Sing A Song

Amandas post for Saturday over at  Beth Moore's Living Proof Ministries Blog  was called "Songs in the Car" and it reminded me also of some truly wonderful times in my life when music + car = memories.  I grew up in South Florida and both sets of my grandparents lived in Alabama.  The drive...back before Interstates....took close to fourteen hours.  How do you keep two small children happily occupied in the back seat of a Chevy for that long?  The answer to the bonus round question for today....is SING!  My parents loved to sing.  I could sit and listen to my parents sing for hours.  My mother would start the Song Fest off with something like, "Oh You Can't Get To Heaven In A Rocking Chair" and before the trip was over we would be singing "Bally Hi"  from the South Pacific.  It is no wonder I have a reportoire of thousands of songs.  Just think about it....three minutes per song times 14 hours......do the math...that is a lot of songs...pretty close to 300.  When it was just the three of us, after my brother died, we still sang....there were new show tunes, big band hits, you name it....we sang it.  We would even take the hymnal from the house and sing every song in it.  I thought this was how everyone traveled.  All my mom's family did....they were all musical.  Later in life I discovered that some people actually prefer to travel in silence....what a rude awakening for me....and what a boring trip.  When my children came along....we sang....we have sat in the drive way to finish belting out our favorite line from many Sandi Patti or Larnelle Harris songs.  I was delighted when Kat began to experiment with harmony because that made the music even better......Even now that my nest is empty....Frank and I have sat in our carport....or in a parking lot...so we(mostly I...though he humors me a lot) can hear the last line of something.  I love it that Frank sings too.  It thrills me to hear his rich voice blending with mine.  I have planned trips....where music was a key element....going west....songs had a western flair....or they were about states we were traveling in or through.  Oh yes....music does rock my world.  This past summer I went on a Girls Gone Wild trip to Michigan....Kat and I had loaded our Ipods with much great music....I was driving....and when I drive...I love to bump it up...and get everybody singing....and it was sort of working....until one of the passengers...felt she could not text with the music loud enough to hear.  No problem....I am a team player....and we had just gotten started....so I turned it down low....and bumped the speakers to the front.  It was then requested of me to turn it down even lower....because again it was interfering with texting.  I turned it off....totally.  Excuse me for messing with your fingers with my music.  I was glad when we stopped for gas and I could shake it off....it would have been a long 6 days if I hadn't.  Music returned and things lightened up a bit.  I learned a great deal about sharing space and actually worked on some patience skills....but that is another post.  My fondest memories all revolve around music....so let me ask you....what do some of your fondest memories revolve around?  The kitchen, a fireplace, a repeated trip...would you share it with me?  I'd love to relive a memory with you.  Happy Saturday and be sure to come back tomorrow for my week in pictures.  This has been a fun week.  I can't wait to share them with you.

John Singleton Copley Copies British Print

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1760 English artist James McArdell after Sir Joshua Reynolds Lady Caroline Russell Mezzotint may be viewed at the Yale Center for British Art or at the British Museum in London.

1763 John Singleton Copley (1738-1815). Mrs Jerathmael Bowers..

Top Ten Things That I'll Never Do

There are some things that I know I’ll never do, in no particular order. I decided to make a top ten list of what those things are. Mind you, I’m not poking fun if these are things that YOU do. I’d still most likely be friends with you. I have friends who actually DO the things on this list. Just remember, these are simply things on MY list.



1. Be on Survivor



It’s just, I like to eat. And not stuff like raw snails or bark. Plus, I’d suck at the games, especially the swimming ones. I only know how to dog paddle so there I’d be, dog paddling to the flag while my teammates screamed, “Amber! GO! NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO BE FUNNY!” and I’d yell back, “I’m not trying to be funny, THIS IS HOW I SWIM!” I’d either get kicked out for that, or my temper. I tend to get cranky when I’m hungry, cold, and have gone without my caffeine so I’d eventually start telling people to “Fu*k off, unless they could find me a Diet Coke.”



2. Consider the man the head of the house



It’s hard for me to take someone seriously when they don’t know how to put their dirty socks in the clothes hamper or are thrilled to hold a can of Booty Sweat. My marriage is completely equal although if I’m being honest, I usually get the final say because Tom says I get mean when I don’t.



3. Become a vegan



It’s great for the people who are (Natalie Portman, for one…) But I need my meat. I like a big slab of steak or a Steak Umm sandwich.



4. Wear a cardigan loosely tied around my neck



Come on. Do I LOOK like the type of woman to wear that? No offense to those that do, but because Hollywood has made people like these snobs in movies or television shows, I immediately think of that when a see a person walking around with a cardigan around their neck.


5. Only purchase organic items



I’ll take the regular stuff. I take the regular cakes like the one pictured, too. I once went to the party where the cake was this organic mess with vegetables somehow hidden in it. No. Just no. Birthdays are for frosting and real cake.


6. Speak another language fluently



I know some French since I took it in high school and the first part of college. Though one time during a test I accidentally wrote the word for shit when I meant the word hat. Imagine my teacher’s surprise when she saw “Je voudrais merde, sil vous plait,” scribbled on my paper.



7. Give up reading



I could never give up my books. I love them too much. Even when my children try to take them away from me, I still press on.



8. Become a Twi-hard



I try not to freak out when a grown adult asks me what team I’m on. I have to bite my tongue from saying, “I’m team I’m 28 so I feel I’m past the age to even have a team.” I can understand being a fan of the series but some people take it way too disturbingly far.


9. Like mushrooms



They are fungus. They are not meant to be liked.


10. Be the serious one in the relationship



I’m too hyper. Tom just goes along with it. In this photo it’s like he’s a wax statue and I’m a tourist being totally inappropriate with it.