...okay, not famous, but everybody wants me.
To sew for them.
I haven't forgotten how to write either. In fact, writing and sewing is about all I have been doing for the past two weeks! Paper writing and Federal period coat sewing. I'm not complaining, I love it, but I feel like I have claw hands. The Claw...THE CLAW!!!
It seems like very recently that summer seemed like forever and a day away, but it has been 70 all week, I bought some seedlings at the stinky hippy market in Kansas City last weekend, and summer is creeping up fast. I've already got archaeology week in June, We Will Rock You in June, the Box Hill Regency Picnic in June, 1812 Independence Day in July, Old Crow Medicine Show in Julyu, AND a trip to CALIFORNIA in July. We're going to go through Albuhkoikey (no wrong turns, though) and end up at Pismo Beach. Totally not shittin' ya. My brother is stationed at Vandenberg, which is near Pismo Beach, so you know I must do homage to Bugs Bunny!
Oh, and I've been watching a lot of Lucy Worsley documentaries. She's cute as a button, in spite of (really, even more so because of) her speech "impediment." Honestly, I didn't even realize that is what it was at first. I thought it was some kind of posh, intellectual British accent that I was previously unaware of. I mean, British officers used to pronounce their "r"s as "w"s, so why not? Hey, I'm 'Murican. What do I know? :)
And that made me giggle again--in a discussion about many Americans refusal to acknowledge the extent of French assistance in the Revolution, someone called that The Derpmerican Revolution. I think I love that person.
So, yeah, like I said as I was getting over my week-long hangover (gah!), neither #Tom Hiddleston or #Benedict Cumberbatch managed to show up to April trade fair. I think they must have gotten lost on the way, that's all. They have less than 2 months to get a better map and get to June Freak Fest...I mean..June fort. I would say, make sure to get accurate clothes, but honestly, June Rendezvous isn't really the most strict in that department. If Jack Sparrow can show up and talk to Abe Lincoln at an 18th century French fort in southern Illinois....welll....
So, generally reading journal articles for research is one of those full-pot-of-coffee ordeals. The journal article I have been reading this week, however, has really been a winner, and helped me put into actual, real, coherent words some of the vague thoughts that have been floating around my mind. It has to do with what the author calls "geographies of encounter." Not just physical boundaries, but metaphorical boundaries (frontier, border, etc) that cause us to think of groups of people on the other sides of those boundaries as "different." This really ties directly into the area I am studying, because it basically was a gigantic border for a number of different groups. Without getting fully into details (I will post my paper when it is done), this is the perfect description for my Creoles, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the journal article (not something you hear every day). It is by Tracy Neal Leavelle, if you care to read it.
Monday, April 28, 2014
Friday, April 11, 2014
"We Have Met the Enemy and He is Us"
Nope, that's wrong. He is cuba libres and shrub.
And us. Us imbibing too many cuba libres.
And shrub.
And Trader Joe's fizzy pink wine.
Ever have a week-long hangover? Yeah, I'm there. And one of my grad students keep sneaking up behind me and saying "Hi Heather" in a real creeper voice, which is hilarious, but I think I'm jumping more than I usually would.
April trade fair? A rousing success. And after such a long winter, it turned into a rampage in the evening. Oh my word. That was the best, awesomest, amazingest, WEIRDEST trade fair...no, any event...that I've been to. Anything that involves an antique prosthetic leg moves to the front of the pack.
So, I'm alive, but barely. My 36 year old body can't take blowouts like that. It was just what I needed to get back in the game, though, and remind me of how much I love that geographic area and that hobby. I've been jonesing for the weekend so I can pick up needle and thread again.
Oh, and Tom Hiddleston and Benedict Cumberbatch did NOT show up to camp with me. Ahem. I forgive them, though.
And that's about all I have of note to mention right now, other than I splurged on some new cowboy boots. Yee haw!
Here, look at Grueze's painting of a French peasant girl c 1770-80. What a sweet way to tie up a lappet cap!
Thursday, April 3, 2014
I will strife your breeches!
This is so funny. But don't let Cuddlebatch or Twhiddles read this, I intended to save the Latin scrap pelting as a surprise.
http://historyofloveblog.wordpress.com/2014/04/02/why-you-shouldnt-marry-a-lady-of-learning-1708/avo
My favorite part:
Therefore let none select a Wife,
For having sundry Speeches;
The more she has, the greater Strife
Will rise about the Breeches.
Unfortunately, educated women still seem to intimidate. Something about having both a brain and a vagina just doesn't seem right to some folks. ;) And there is a joke waiting to be told about man parts and brains, but I'll leave it be.
I finally got to sit and watch 12 Years a Slave today. That was hard to watch. Very hard. And poor Patsy. That movie deserved every award it won, and more besides. I find it interesting that Ben was in it (and was delicious, as usual), with that part of his family history. That is said without a hint of judgement...one half of my family was southern, and used slaves for hemp and tobacco harvest. History is not always a pretty thing. Missouri did not have huge plantations, the Taras and Twelve Oaks that people think of, but it certainly had slavery, and a lot of it. African slavery came to Missouri with the French in the 18th century. Indian slavery was practiced by the Europeans also, but it was practiced within the tribes before the Europeans even arrived. A long, ugly history.
Anyway, back to the 21st century. No easy way to transition there.
Storm season is upon us. Tornadoes in St. Louis today, and it's still storming. Of course, that is where I am headed tomorrow. Well, an hour south of St. Louis, to the 18th century and Fort de Chartres in the Pays des Illinois. Honestly...I'd rather not go, I'm not particularly excited. I got a new dress in the mail today (yes, sometimes I buy things instead of make them), and it's gorgeous. I'd rather go shopping for Western boots to go with it. And not spend insane amounts of money on gas. And, you know, I like showering. Sigh. I am crossing my fingers, however, that being there with less access to electronics and surrounded by nature helps my mind calm itself and maybe organize a bit. Buuuut....I'll probably just be waiting to leave the whole time.
But, since we're on the subject of the 18th century...wouldn't Tom and Ben look amazing in 18th century officer's gear? I guess they'd have to be redcoats, but that's alright. Those tight breeches...mmm hmm. And the officer's wigs (yes, they'd be officers. I couldn't bear the thought of them being foot soldiers and having a scratch on those pretty, posh faces) would set off their lovely eyes quite nicely. And they really do look tasty on a horse. :D When is this movie coming out? Or, even better, when will they come play dress up with me?
Speaking of pretty faces, I love this picture of Benedict.
I don't appreciate the photoshop on his eyes, they are pretty without help. But I love that he doesn't have a bunch of makeup on, and I love the pose. It is a pose that says that Ben has had a very long and tiring day doing....whatever it is that actors with production companies do (hey, I'm a historian, I have no idea)...and he wants me to remove all my clothing and make him a gin and tonic. Who am I to argue with that pose?
Oh, and on the subject of posh. Somehow I got sucked into the internet the other day, and ended up on the Chanel site...as one does. No, I had a reason. I wanted to see if a local place still sold the perfume I use, but I managed to find my way to the jewelry area of the site. And there I spotted a beautiful necklace, called the fontaine, in the 1932 collection. You know my fondness for that era's clothing. Soooo....I humored myself by using the little price slider to see how much it cost. Well, when I had gotten the slider up to $3,950.00 and it still hadn't appeared, I gave up. I have expensive tastes...but they have their limit!! It's called a budget. But, if anyone ever has some extra pocket change and wants to gift me with this, I'll be gracious and accept it! :) I'm not even a fan of diamonds, I just love the shape.
My friend sent me an old picture (of me. That's me. With a concertina, but it was apparently cropped out) from 2008 (I believe), in New Orleans. Oh, memories. Again, not helping my travel itch any! Maybe Jazz Fest next year? It's been a while...7 years next year. Yep, it's time!
http://historyofloveblog.wordpress.com/2014/04/02/why-you-shouldnt-marry-a-lady-of-learning-1708/avo
My favorite part:
Therefore let none select a Wife,
For having sundry Speeches;
The more she has, the greater Strife
Will rise about the Breeches.
Unfortunately, educated women still seem to intimidate. Something about having both a brain and a vagina just doesn't seem right to some folks. ;) And there is a joke waiting to be told about man parts and brains, but I'll leave it be.
I finally got to sit and watch 12 Years a Slave today. That was hard to watch. Very hard. And poor Patsy. That movie deserved every award it won, and more besides. I find it interesting that Ben was in it (and was delicious, as usual), with that part of his family history. That is said without a hint of judgement...one half of my family was southern, and used slaves for hemp and tobacco harvest. History is not always a pretty thing. Missouri did not have huge plantations, the Taras and Twelve Oaks that people think of, but it certainly had slavery, and a lot of it. African slavery came to Missouri with the French in the 18th century. Indian slavery was practiced by the Europeans also, but it was practiced within the tribes before the Europeans even arrived. A long, ugly history.
Anyway, back to the 21st century. No easy way to transition there.
Storm season is upon us. Tornadoes in St. Louis today, and it's still storming. Of course, that is where I am headed tomorrow. Well, an hour south of St. Louis, to the 18th century and Fort de Chartres in the Pays des Illinois. Honestly...I'd rather not go, I'm not particularly excited. I got a new dress in the mail today (yes, sometimes I buy things instead of make them), and it's gorgeous. I'd rather go shopping for Western boots to go with it. And not spend insane amounts of money on gas. And, you know, I like showering. Sigh. I am crossing my fingers, however, that being there with less access to electronics and surrounded by nature helps my mind calm itself and maybe organize a bit. Buuuut....I'll probably just be waiting to leave the whole time.
But, since we're on the subject of the 18th century...wouldn't Tom and Ben look amazing in 18th century officer's gear? I guess they'd have to be redcoats, but that's alright. Those tight breeches...mmm hmm. And the officer's wigs (yes, they'd be officers. I couldn't bear the thought of them being foot soldiers and having a scratch on those pretty, posh faces) would set off their lovely eyes quite nicely. And they really do look tasty on a horse. :D When is this movie coming out? Or, even better, when will they come play dress up with me?
Speaking of pretty faces, I love this picture of Benedict.
I don't appreciate the photoshop on his eyes, they are pretty without help. But I love that he doesn't have a bunch of makeup on, and I love the pose. It is a pose that says that Ben has had a very long and tiring day doing....whatever it is that actors with production companies do (hey, I'm a historian, I have no idea)...and he wants me to remove all my clothing and make him a gin and tonic. Who am I to argue with that pose?
Oh, and on the subject of posh. Somehow I got sucked into the internet the other day, and ended up on the Chanel site...as one does. No, I had a reason. I wanted to see if a local place still sold the perfume I use, but I managed to find my way to the jewelry area of the site. And there I spotted a beautiful necklace, called the fontaine, in the 1932 collection. You know my fondness for that era's clothing. Soooo....I humored myself by using the little price slider to see how much it cost. Well, when I had gotten the slider up to $3,950.00 and it still hadn't appeared, I gave up. I have expensive tastes...but they have their limit!! It's called a budget. But, if anyone ever has some extra pocket change and wants to gift me with this, I'll be gracious and accept it! :) I'm not even a fan of diamonds, I just love the shape.
I'd wear it with this:
Soooo, I can't decide if Mr. Greene here is wearing a snuggie, or is dressed as a tamale?
My friend sent me an old picture (of me. That's me. With a concertina, but it was apparently cropped out) from 2008 (I believe), in New Orleans. Oh, memories. Again, not helping my travel itch any! Maybe Jazz Fest next year? It's been a while...7 years next year. Yep, it's time!
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Just a quickie
This was on NPR this morning. This is my current field of study. This gets me all squiggy! Pretty sure I know some of these state of MO diggers, too.
http://www.npr.org/2014/04/02/298159486/st-louis-unearths-some-surprises?sc=17&f
Scientists Discover Remnants of St. Louis' French Colonial Past
On a side note, I *FINALLY* got to use my new London Fog umbrella today. The storms came complete with a power outage, but no biggie, it was nice to lay in bed and listen to the rain for a while. Too bad it wasn't in the middle of a Ben and Tom sandwich.
Twitter must know I am camping this weekend, which means the portajohn experience. They have sponsored Poo-pourri posts on my page.
And oh my. Oh my my my. This is a Callot Sœurs from 1930, and it. is. GORGEOUS. So glamorous. I love these dresses, they were created for a dancer's body, I want to wear them all over. Can I grocery shop in these? And again, standing next to someone tall and lean, like Benedict or Thomas, they'd just look that much better. Do you think I can call them up and ask if they'd go out and about with me so I can look fab? I think that's reasonable. :) And I don't necessarily need the scarf part, that is just a recipe for decapitation.
http://www.npr.org/2014/04/02/298159486/st-louis-unearths-some-surprises?sc=17&f
Scientists Discover Remnants of St. Louis' French Colonial Past
On a side note, I *FINALLY* got to use my new London Fog umbrella today. The storms came complete with a power outage, but no biggie, it was nice to lay in bed and listen to the rain for a while. Too bad it wasn't in the middle of a Ben and Tom sandwich.
Twitter must know I am camping this weekend, which means the portajohn experience. They have sponsored Poo-pourri posts on my page.
And oh my. Oh my my my. This is a Callot Sœurs from 1930, and it. is. GORGEOUS. So glamorous. I love these dresses, they were created for a dancer's body, I want to wear them all over. Can I grocery shop in these? And again, standing next to someone tall and lean, like Benedict or Thomas, they'd just look that much better. Do you think I can call them up and ask if they'd go out and about with me so I can look fab? I think that's reasonable. :) And I don't necessarily need the scarf part, that is just a recipe for decapitation.
Much to do today, before camping time. Suppose I should quit procrastinating, and get to it. But, before I go...
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Myne Favoured Thynges
In Honour of Whan that Aprille Day
Twenty of Myne Favoured Thynges
(In VERY Pidgin Middle English)
1. Reyn droppes on roses
2. Wiskeres on kitouns
3. Benedictus Cumber Batche (gentleman, player) clad in noght but mittyns
4. Thomas Hiddlestone (gentleman, player) clad in noght but streng...
...do yow fynde it hot in heere?....
5. A goode lay.
Be yow not vile, this kynde of lay:
6. Sir Mumford and his gentil sones
7. Oteres, that I myghte boop hir noses.
8. Sloth. Be yow nat idel, I mente the animale.
9. Tacoes. Crunchye!
10. Tales of vertuous men and wommen who, thogh they were nat engeles, koude flye, and koude shoote laseres from their eyes, and koude defeate vileynye.
11. Wolvyrene.
12. Bookes.
13. Shakespeare. Yow shal meet hym in aboute 250 yeres.
14. Opera. Yow shal meet it in aboute 350 yeres. If yow be gentrye or noble.
15. Cosmoes. Sir Neil deGrasse Tyson (a man of wysdam and science from the Kyngdome of France).
16. The philosophie of histoire.
17. Fyne garments and clooth, noon of polyestere.
18. To wereth the clooth of the past, with verray freendes, and acte oute momentes of olde.
19. The blisse of an hotte chai.
20. Twittere, social media, for gathering loveres of historie.
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