Journals can be as sophisticated or as simple as the writer chooses.  In Sophia MacNab's journal she wrote, "I have now finished writing this book through and it has taken me nearly seven months.  I am twenty one.  My dear Momma told me to keep one always and if I keep it until I am twenty one I will have written thirteen volumes.  I only hope that I may have the perseverance to continue it," Sophia wrote on July 8th., 1846.

Some of us may feel like Sophia did on one particular day:

"I think is would do almost as well to write one day and copy all the next from it, there is so little variety....it is useless to give such a long detail of each day, so I am merely going to put that we went through the usual 'routine'."

THE DIARY of SOPHIE MACNAB, written at Dundurn Castle, Hamilton, 1846 age 13.  W.L. Griffi Printing, 1968.

PICTURES IN GLASS by Harold Robertson

When he retired, Harold Robertson took a year and a half to decide what he was going to do with his time.  After working seven days a week, sitting around with his coffee and playing with the cats was not going to do it for him.
The art of stained glass takes skill, an artist's eye for colour and design, definitely patience and perseverance and most important a love of the work.  He has never looked back.
Thank you, Harold for sharing your techniques, your craftsmanship with us today.
Photographs cannot do justice to Harold's stained-glass art;  as the morning sun changes to afternoon and evening a stunning new picture appears.  Depending on glass carefully chosen for its qualities from the wide selection available, an artist's work becomes unique.  To view some of this artist's work visit www.haroldrobertson.blogspot.com 

Harold Robertson PICTURES IN GLASS

Fascinating Personality !

Harold Robertson, Selkirk, ON

After forty-one years at the same company, Harold retired in May, 2004.  By January, 2005, he had begun creating stained-glass artwork.  Now he has achieved a myriad of styles and shapes that require meticulous craftsmanship.  He replaces treasured pieces that have suffered damage.  He sees when someone has a favourite subject or pet and goes to work to create the perfect piece.  Many of his stained-glass artworks go to newly married couples or someone celebrating a special event~ sometimes a memorial in honour of someone.

The Neat Little Bookshop is pleased to host an afternoon with Harold on Thursday, June 20 at 1:00 p.m.  Harold has kindly agreed to bring along some materials, tools and his artist's light to demonstrate how he achieves some of his artwork.

Visit Harold's PICTURES IN GLASS at www.haroldrobertson.blogspot.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 20 at 1:00 p.m.

Informal.  Everyone Welcome.

Photo:  lbw 

Top Secret Bluegrass Band ~

Jerry Taylor, Jackie, Steve, Morgan & Andrew Caswell

Appearing at the Back 40 Bar & Grill last Saturday evening, a top-notch bluegrass band ~ forth generation of a musical family.

Eileen Singing "The Carpenter"

The Caswell Family performance brings back memories of when the well-known Taylor Family played bluegrass.  Today daughter, Jackie, and her husband Steve have become a popular band with two CDs to their credit.
For band history, including the origin of their name, visit their website www.topsecretbluegrassband.com

Appearing Saturday Night ~

At The Back 40 Bar & Restaurant, The Caswells' Top Secret Bluegrass Band.

April 13, 8:00 p.m.

Cayuga Street

 Downtown Cayuga

Jackie and Steve, sons, Morgan and Andrew express a "Special thanks to The Taylor Family" for being their inspiration in bluegrass.  For more information about the band, visit www.topsecretbluegrassband.com

 

1982

1979

1978

Local artist, William Biddle's early career included creating romantic art for use on the covers of various Harlequin series.  Visit the artist's gallery, Hwy. 3 (Talbot St. W.), in Cayuga, Ontario, within a block of The Neat Little Bookshop.  Give your sweetheart a unique gift of art.

(Click on picture for larger image.  Note the artist's signature.)

 Wm. Biddle's Gallery "In-Beween" is located in-between Towpath on the Grand & The Gardner's Blacksmith Shop, Hwy. 3, Cayuga, ON. http://www.towpathonthegrand.com

Harold Robertson PICTURES IN GLASS

I Just Remember Cayuga? ~

"I just remember Brantford as being this peaceful place, with acres of trees and farmland and beautiful scenery.  It was actually very inspiring for me, it's probably why I later went into art."

~ Phil Hartman.  Brantford-born comedian and actor, quoted by Andrew Ryan in TV Guide, 27 June, 1998.  FAMOUS LASTING WORDS Great Canadian Quotations, J. R. Colombo, Douglas & McIntyre Ltd.

View Harold's PICTURES IN GLASS at www.haroldrobertson.blogspot.com

(Beautiful work, Harold. Thanks for sharing. Click on photo for larger image - lbwalker)

Catherine Stidsen ~

Thursday Afternoon

We Diverge ~ After patiently answering all our questions, Catherine admired glass works of art by Harold Robertson.  Thank you Catherine for a wonderful Thursday afternoon. Fascinating lady!

Read "HER STORIES on www.catherineberrystidsen.org   If you missed Catherine today, she will be back later in the fall.  We will post Thursday afternoons with authors and fascinating personalities on our blog.

Below:  l-r Tracey Zamprogna Stirling, Deanna Schaus, John Walker.

View Harold's PICTURES IN GLASS at www.haroldrobertson.blogspot.com

LOOK for William Biddle's Gallery on Talbot Road (Hwy. 3) between The Towpath on The Grand Antiques and The Blacksmith's Garden.

The gallery features the art of William Biddle ~ original and limited prints of "yesterday & today."  Signed and numbered prints, many of which the visitor will recognize.

(Photo is of previous location ~ same sign.)
http://www.towpathonthegrand.com/

Eighteen Days of Steady Craftsmanship

Careful Craftsmanship ~ Royce Emery meticulously creates with attention to authenticity and perfection. His fine work is in demand at shows ~ especially when he is engaged in producing yet another beautiful piece. We hope to soon coax Royce into sharing his hobby with us in the bookshop.