“You make a good stink,” my mother said as we drove home.
Wait, what? I don’t smell anything. I crack the window, glad it is a warm day.
This time of year we are vulnerable, and buffeted by challenges and changes. Cold snaps descend, illnesses circulate, costs and expectations increase.
Breathe. Wrap the worry in a peaceful hug. Patience is a gift to both of you.
“Mum! I get it. I love your brilliant twists. John Lewis said, “Make good trouble.”
Rebecca Gilbert of Native Earth Teaching Farm, Kathleen Rouleau, and Marcia Conlon host a grief ceremony, “Dancing with Falling Leaves,” Saturday, Nov. 15, noon to 5 pm. Preregistration is required via the farm website, nativeearthteachingfarmmv.org, or call for more info at 508-645-3304.
“Resilient Light,” an exhibition of island paintings by Rebecca Gilbert’s grandfather, James Gilbert (1899-1969) is in the meeting room of the Chilmark library.
Joan LeLacheur and her daughter, Aquinnah Witham, are hosting a show of ocean jewelry and crystals in Kara Taylor’s warm and wonderful gallery, 24 South Road, Chilmark, Sunday, Nov. 16, 11 am to 4 pm. Come see beautiful jewelry and natural crystals, soak up moments with Kara’s art, and engage in conversation.
The world is a better place because you are in it.
Sad news of death comes with fragments of memories and gratitude for the times our paths crossed. We’ve lost two wonderful women.
Betsy (Elizabeth) Fisher, 74, died on Monday morning, Oct. 27, at her home in West Tisbury on Nip n’ Tuck Farm. She was the wife of Fred S. Fisher III.
She was one of the kindest women I’ve known. Deepest sympathies to the family, Nip n’ Tuck, and Ghost Island Farm, her friends, and the West Tisbury community.
Norma Birdwell, a woman who embraced and nurtured her artistic talent while embodying strength, compassion, and generosity, was there for all of us. Holding her daughter Emily Bridwell Merz of Edgartown, her son Tim Bridwell and daughter-in-law Tsuyu Bridwell of Paris, grandchildren Alissa Merz of West Hollywood, Tatsuo Bridwell and Koto Bridwell of Paris, and nephew Bill Bridwell and his wife Betsy Young Buck of Oak Bluffs in the light.
The family held a private service, and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to M.V. Community Services.
We are so blessed to have had Betsy and Norma in our lives.
A glimpse of Bill’s signature cowboy style hat and a nod on the ferry brought light to very dark moments on more than one occasion. William (“Bill”) Turpie’s memorial service will be held at the First Congregational Church of West Tisbury on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 1:30 pm. Send donations to the Minister’s Discretionary Fund at the church to support those in need.
The MVRHS Minnesingers are fundraising for their spring 2026 performance tour of Italy with a party, Saturday, Nov. 15, at the P.A. Club, 6 to 9 pm.
