Hats Make a Statement

CAROLYN’S COMPOSITIONS

HATS MAKE A STATEMENT

If hats were bats, her closet would be a cave…

But hats are not bats, so what are the stats? 

A Twitter by Dmitri written for Carolyn

     I reached the intersection at the Greensburg (PA) Courthouse. There was a green light but no traffic. I hesitated, wanting to proceed across the road, but pedestrians can only legally cross the street when the white hand, a “permission to walk” light, was lit. I debated whether I should cross, “against the law.” And I recalled a ticket I received in Washington, D. C. once. It was a street divided by a cement island, and I didn’t realize that if the light changed, the pedestrian was to stop on the island until it turned green again. I hurriedly continued crossing, and was tagged by a police officer.

     I decided to wait for the walk light. Just then, a “young” man in a business suit reached the corner and stopped. He seemed familiar with the intersection. He noted my indecision and laughed before he informed me that he usually crosses Greensburg streets if there is no traffic, even without the walk light, but he waited at this intersection, because it could be hazardous—drivers weren’t considerate with pedestrians.

     Just then, a car rolled up to the corner, the driver’s blinker indicating his intention to turn right. But instead of continuing, he stopped and waved us across. 

     “That never happens,” the young man said, shaking his head in amazement and surprise.

     “But perhaps it’s the magic of a woman wearing

Open Hands Ministries: The Stahlstown Boutique

CAROLYN’S COMPOSITIONS

OPEN HANDS MINISTRIES: THE STAHLSTOWN (PA) BOUTIQUE

Monte Holland

During the holiday season, and at other times for shopping, some of us tend to forget the service stores in our communities. There we can find new or gently used clothing, gift items and furnishings. They accept donations of these items, and operate using volunteer help. Below is a post on one such store: the Stahlstown Boutique in Stahlstown, PA.

     Are you in need of a special Christmas outfit? Are you looking for a special Christmas gift? Or do you have a special outfit you can no longer wear, which needs to find a home elsewhere?

     You might be surprised that the Ligonier (PA) area has a special place to shop and donate—the Stahlstown Boutique, which sells

What is a Mantua Maker?

CAROLYN’S COMPOSITIONS

WHAT IS A MANTUA MAKER

     A newspaper article about skillfully creating imaginative Halloween costumes reminded me of past days when I made our family’s Trick or Treat and Halloween parade outfits. It also reminded me of the hours I spent sewing clothes for my family—I believe the “hat” I wore back then was known as “seamstress.” Tailor might have been an appropriate title also, since I made suits for my husband and son, and coats for myself.

To view a couple of photographs taken at the time I wore the hat “mantua maker,” click on:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/beanerywriters/4118880694/ &  

http://www.flickr.com/photos/beanerywriters/4118106477/in/photostream/

     These memories came to mind when I came across the term “mantuamaker” in the book A Midwife’s Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard Based on Her Diary,  1785-1812*. Just what was a mantuamaker, I wondered, as I moved myself over to the Internet to find out.

     Mantuas, a loose gown worn by women, in the 17^th and 18^th century, were called a mantie or mantua, from the French word manteau.***

     Mantua makers are found on the United States census between 1790 and 1910. However, their history evolves much earlier, according to one web site***. The very last Boston woman to claim the title of mantuamaker

The Red Tuque

CAROLYN’S COMPOSITIONS

THE RED TUQUE

The Rev. Monte W. Holland, Guest Writer

SCRIPTURE: Do your best to improve your faith. You can do this by adding goodness, understanding, self-control, patience, devotion to God, concern for others and love. If you keep growing in this way, it will show that what you know about our Lord Jesus Christ has made your lives useful and meaningful. 2 Peter 1:5-8  (CEV)
DEVOTION: When I wore my red knit tuque (a knit hat—to view photo click http://www.flickr.com/photos/carolyncholland/3378357280/ ) on a visit to Dorothy, a church shut-in, she said it needed a tassel. The next time I stopped she presented me with a

THE OLIVE GREEN DRESS

CAROLYN’S COMPOSITIONS

THE OLIVE GREEN DRESS

     I fingered the olive green dress hanging on the children’s clothing rack. An inappropriate color for a three year old, I thought, too militarish and dull.

As I malingered, my thoughts took me back forty years to a ten year old balking at an ugly olive green dress given to her by her mother.

“I never want to wear it!” I thought. “Why couldn’t my mother have

BRAMBLES (Brief RAMBLES) 1-9 August 15, 2008

CAROLYN’S COMPOSITIONS
BRAMBLES (Brief RAMBLES) 1-9  August 15, 2008

CHILDREN’S SLEAZY BACK TO SCHOOL CLOTHING STYLES
BLAME IT ON FRANCE

CHILDREN’S SLEAZY BACK TO SCHOOL CLOTHING STYLES

It’s back to school for the youth and children in America.

Last year, fashions allowed in the schools were appalling. Young children WERE ALLOWED to