Fly Fly Little One

And so like a mother with her little chicks our congregation is experiencing the joy and bittersweet contentment of knowing that yes it is time...time to...time to...part ways.  As of September 1, 2011 we will be El Paso North Sign Language Congregation and El Paso East Sign Language Congregation.  Our congregation has grown so much in such a short time and we are so thrilled that we've had the opportunity to be right in the middle of all of the zeal and excitement!  However, it is so hard to know that despite the fact that of course it is not goodbye, there will be an inevitable distance that will make it difficult to see each other in our congregations as much as we would like.

Here in El Paso FAMILY is of utmost importance, and the congregation truly becomes your family.  To know that I won't see some of the little ones that have become so dear every meeting breaks my heart in two.  Honestly, how am I ever going to inculcate the correct way to do silly faces, and the manner in which to speak French badly, and how to trace your hands on paper while ending up with more ink on yourself than the actual paper?!  Jajaja... I think I'm ready to be an aunt...ahem...StfBda....oh sorry had to clear my throat there.... just joking.... The little ones here are absolutely precious and I am thrilled that we will still have a number of young ones in our new congregation as well.  They just add so much to the meetings and bring the truth to a level of understanding that keeps us all humble.

I will also dearly miss watching all of our Elders together.  The wonderment of watching such a variety of cultures, personalities, and backgrounds working together in one group has been a joy to behold.  We thank you for all of your hard work!

I have considered it a true privilege to be among such wonderful brothers and sisters and can't wait to watch us continue to grow...May Jehovah bless all of you dear sweet brothers and sisters.

And for all of you with excitement and splitting of congregations, and moving to new areas, we are so proud of you all and can't wait to hear how everything is going!  What an amazing time to live in, to be a part of such growth and what a smile it must bring to all those watching.

Loads of Love,
Meg

Vintage Photos

Ran across an article today that explained a mystery that has left me curious for years now.  I've always loved the following photo, which definitely has a lot more meaning now that we live in the Borderland...although very different from the Italian culture a lot of things here in the Borderland are reminescent of the wonderful Italian culture which surrounded us in Ohio.

American Girl’ photo: American Girl in Italy, 1951 © 1952, 1980 Ruth Orkin

The following info is quoted directly from the article on YahooNews:

A stunning young woman walks down a street in Florence, her head held high. All around, men playfully gawk at her grace and beauty. Just then the camera shutter snaps. "American Girl in Italy" isamong the most popular snapshots of all time, and it's turning 60 years old this month.

The photo, which was shot in 1951, perfectly captures the fun and romance of being abroad. In honor of its birthday, Ninalee Craig, the subject of the photo spoke with the "Today" show about what happened behind the scenes and what the photo really represents.

In her "Today" appearance, Craig spoke about how, despite what some might say, the photo isn't a "symbol of harassment." Craig insists that the image is "a symbol of a woman having an absolutely wonderful time."

Craig should know--when the photo was taken, she was a 23-year-old traveling alone through Europe. While staying at a cheap hotel, Craig met photographer Ruth Orkin, who was also touring the continent solo. The two spoke about the fun and challenges of being alone while on the road in Italy--and went on to hatch a plan to take photos highlighting that experience.

For two hours, the photographer and amateur model walked the streets of Florence. Orkin took photos at markets and in cafes. The street-scene photo came about naturally. According to Craig, Orkin shot only two pictures of her walking down the macho street. One of them turned out to be the iconic image commemorated today.

As for whether or not the photo was staged, Craig says no way. "The big debate about the picture, which everyone always wants to know, is: Was it staged? No! No, no, no! You don't have 15 men in a picture and take just two shots. The men were just there . . . . The only thing that happened was that Ruth Orkin was wise enough to ask me to turn around and go back and repeat" the walk down the street.

In the interview, Craig also remarked that she never felt in danger while walking among the admiring men. "None of those men crossed the line at all," she said.

Craig is now a great-grandmother living in Toronto. Orkin, who passed away in 1985, went on to co-write and co-direct the 1956 Oscar-nominated film "Little Fugitive." Of course, both women will be best remembered for one indelible image that, staged or not, captured the public's imagination and never let go.

Fresh Ideas for Vintage Items

The following images were taken from the Shopruche blog.  

What a fab idea!

Would love to do this in a sewing room or laundry room!

Library ideas!

Hair piece, Pin, Just because?

Fin De Semana

What a lovely weekend....Elvira accompanied us to meeting and joined us at the wedding of a young couple from our congregation.  She was so impressed when she read in her own Bible that Eve was formed from Adam's Rib.  She never read that before and the mouth-gaping look of shock was priceless!  She is doing so well and is such a joy.

Saturday evening Mum & I made Buckeye cookies....yes all you from the North know what these are and that they are a dime a dozen up in Ohio.  Truth be told cause they are so common up North Mum & I have never thought to make them before.  Now in the Southwest where the general population has never even heard let alone seen a Buckeye, it was exciting to make something so unique.  Sunday we had a lovely day in service and then spent the evening at a small Fiesta with friends from the Spanish and Sign Language congregation in the Northeast. Have I mentioned how much I love Mexican food?  And this Comida....WOWSERS!  Super fantastic!

Today it's back to work and this weekend is our convention near Dallas...look out Texas! I'm going to have big enough hair with the humidity there to rival all the Dallas chicas!