Archives | Buy Photos | Subscriptions | Submissions | Advertise | Contact

Thursday, June 20, 2013

By Hermine Hull
Published: July 16, 2009

Homemade blueberry pie for breakfast with coffee in handmade mugs the color of the sky, seated in weathered Adirondack chairs with my friend Leslie Baker in her garden, sun on our faces, a soft breeze blowing, border terriers barking and hopping in and out of our laps - what could be a more perfect morning on a perfect summer day?

After all the rain in June, July has been beautiful. Bright sunshine, pleasantly warm but not too hot, surprisingly not too humid, all with the above-mentioned soft breeze.

While at Leslie's, I saw her copy of "Vineyard Artists in the Kitchen," Nancy Cramer and Kathy Newman's new art/cookbook. I was glad to be able to recommend it later to Laurie Brager, a friend from off-Island, who was looking for a gift for the woman taking care of her cats. Laurie called later to thank me. If you haven't seen it yet, do. It's a perfect gift from the Vineyard, for yourself or a friend.

Laurie's other quest, for a mother/daughter selling goat milk soap, had a familiar ring to it. Christa Fischer and her daughter, Emily, are purveyors of Flat Point Farm Goat's Milk Soap. It is artistically presented, wrapped in printed paper in soft colors, smelling delicious. They are newly at the Farmers Market, also at Alley's. Emily is doubly busy this summer; she and her husband, Doug Brush, are new parents of Milo, their first child.

The Friends of the Library are looking for volunteers to help with their annual book sale. Now, they need help sorting/pricing/organizing books weekday mornings at the West Tisbury School. During the sale at the end of the month, they will need cashiers. If interested, stop by the school between 8:30 am and 12 noon any weekday morning. Donations of books are still being accepted at the school. And paper bags, of course.

Judy Birsh has had her grandnephew, Joshua Engel, visiting. Joshua is an ornithologist who leads birding tours to Madagascar, China, and throughout South America. Needless to say, he enjoyed bird watching while here.

Ted Murphy, Anne DuCharme, and their son, Teddy, have been at the Murphy house on Music Street. They looked tanned and happy by the end of their visit, having spent lots of time at their beloved Hancock Beach. They also all flew over to Nantucket, the first time any of them had been there. I was honored that Teddy, a talented and versatile guitarist, played classical pieces at my opening Sunday. He was wonderful.

It's been a year for 60th birthday celebrations. Three this past week have been for Jack Mayhew, Anna Alley, and Dennis daRosa. Nancy Salon had a birthday this past week, not yet 60, but always a reason to celebrate.

Friday night there was a surprise party for Mike and Karen Colaneri, to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. I join all of their friends wishing them 40 more years together, at least.

West Tisbury poets Fan Ogilvie and Fanny Howe will be reading together tonight, Thursday, July 16, at Featherstone. Fan is our poet laureate and Fanny is this year's winner of the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize. It should be a special night.

I have to give credit to Featherstone and the vision of Virginia Besse and Mary Stevens to create such a rich gift to our Island community. The current director, Francine Kelly, has been tireless in her efforts to bring a wealth of exhibitions, classes, workshops, performances, readings, and lectures for our benefit, as well as provide a welcoming place for artists of every stripe. Featherstone is a treasure.

Featherstone also has a weekly flea market every Tuesday. Among the artists and vendors are two West Tisbury gals, Mona Rosenthal and Madi Coutts, creators of "Vin-Yips all natural treats for dogs." Vin-Yips are also available at Alley's, Fiddlehead Farm, and Conroy's right in town.

There are two author's talks and book signings at the library. Paul Schneider will speak about his book, "Bonnie and Clyde" Thursday, July 16, at 5 pm. Next Thursday, July 23, Sydell Rabin will be the guest author. Her book is "The Complete Mother of the Groom." Both programs are free.

The library's Health and Wellness Series continues Saturday, July 18. Joanne Scott will speak at 4 pm about "Detoxifying Your Home and Yard."

A special program for young adults, Anime Film Festival presentation "Nausicaa" will be shown at the Howes House on Monday, July 20, 7 pm.

Ruth Kirchmeier and I had a grand time at our opening last Sunday at my gallery. Despite the Weather Channel forecasting 70 percent chance of rain, the sun came out, resolving our fear that everyone would be crowded into Mike's workshop for the wine and hors d'oeuvres. It turned out to be a lovely day in all ways. Artists live a rather solitary life, so having people see our work is huge. I thank everyone who came.