Guest Post by David Hoexter
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| Dogozshi |
I tend to ruminate a lot.
Perhaps we all do. At any rate, I
was out walking the dog Christmas morning.
Gorgeous, clear, perhaps 50 degrees (F).
Already around 10:30, yet hardly anyone around. Occasional car passes, another dog walker,
one bike.
I passed two of our neighbor’s houses. Long time friends. Our friends in their 80s and 90s, each couple
with one member in quite poor health.
The other member providing love and care. Pretty much a full-time occupation for all
four.
So, I was ruminating about such things when I saw a car back
out of a blind driveway in front of me, narrowly missing someone “walking”
herself and her little dog. Except that
she wasn’t walking, she was in a wheel chair, propelling herself at quite a
goodly pace with her feet, dog leash in one hand and the other hand occasionally
in use to assist with propulsion or steering.
She looked to be at least 80.
What with our (me and dog) frequent stops to do the things
dogs like to do, especially this one, it was quite awhile before we caught up
to the lady and little dog. Actually,
she crossed the street, purposely I believe, to greet us and exchange Holiday
and New Year greetings. I recognized her
from our previous walks, passing her house, except that on previous occasions
she was not wheel-chair bound.
Wheel chair or not, though, she was just as bright and
cheery as she had been the last time we chatted. I thought of my own mother, 94 and not quite
as spry but always of such good nature, cheer and loving. And so I realized just some of the blessings
of my life.
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| Mary, David, and Dogozshi |
Since this is ostensibly a pottery blog, and I am required
to include at least one image, here are a few of my favorite early 20th
century American calendar plates, advertising items given by merchants at the
end of the year to thank their customers (and of course encourage their
continued patronage). As some of you
know, I am documenting these plates, particularly the year 1910, the peak year
for the practice.
Ringing Out the Old,
Ringing in the New Year. So far,
I’ve documented 1,892 plates from 1910, produced in 232 patterns. Of the total, 197 are this pattern (12%), by
far the most produced example.
Angel Pulled by Moths. Only 17 of this pattern. For the life of me, I cannot fathom the
message (is it some sort of myth?). Maybe
there is no message, just someone’s fantasy.
Any thoughts?
Canoemates. Need I say more?
Some cherubs. Makes
me think of the new year and renewal.
Finally, The Old
Swimming Hole. Yes, I know, Winter
just began.
Happy 2017!
For David's other guest posts, see "Discovering America Through Historic Calendar Plates" and "Pottery in Context: An Unexpected Discovery."
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