mermaidcamp
Keeping current in wellness, in and out of the water
You can scroll the shelf using ← and → keys
The Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly
December 28, 2016
— 1 Comment
My father used to play this on his guitar, and sing it to me throughout my childhood. Burl Ives made the song popular. I vividly remember both my dad and Burl on television, singing the song. I knew all the words and sang along with gusto. I thought it was funny, but now I know it is also ironic. This is a story about dependent arising. One thing leads to another. It may be a metaphor in a children’s story, but it applies to many circumstances in real life.
Many are suggesting that by unraveling the election and the campaign we will learn something to liberate ourselves. I think not. If we would, however, review the path taken to arrive at this political point in our national life we would have to admit that we, the people, are apathetic. If the population pays no attention, and allows the much despised congress to have its way with us, they will surely continue to serve themselves more than they serve us. There is an established trajectory now of the congressional mission. They are allowed to campaign full time and serve the citizens very little. They have been able to use lobbyists to write the legislation they will pass with little input for constituents at home. Everyone complains about this, but nobody has voted it out of office. How do you think this ends?
The latest warning I have heard about was a big family argument over the holiday at my friend’s dinner table. Her sister-in-law is Venezuelan, which is close to my heart because I lived there in the 60’s. The Venezuelan lady was at odds with her own husband about how dangerous it is to normalize what seems to be extreme fascism. She has lived in Tucson for a long time, but is still connected to her home. My friend said the topic provided grist for the family anger mill all evening. I relate to this because I still know some friends from my youth who are living in Caracas today. Some have moved to the states to live a safe life. What was once a prosperous country is completely out of toilet paper and food. There is little security. The position in which they find themselves now was the result of a series of actions taken in the distant past. I agree with my friend’s sister-in-law, who is much younger than I am, and witnessed the demise of the economy in person. Perhaps Venezuela will swallow a horse and end the madness. It would be very sad. It would also be sad if we learn nothing from their history. We have swallowed a fly…….what shall we do about it, gentle reader?
Venezuela
Venezuela
Listen To Mikhail Baryshnikov
December 26, 2016
— 2 Comments
Bryshnikov speaks
I was at the Metropolitan Opera on the 4th of July, 1986, the day after Misha became an American citizen. He danced in the ballet Giselle, and leapt into the air with what appeared to be the greatest of ease, but was the result of a lifetime of training. He was young and stunningly talented. American Ballet Theater gave the people an outstanding show, starring the rock star, movie star, ballet star who came to us as a gift from Russia “with love”. The crowd went wild and threw hundreds of roses while giving a standing ovation after the performance. The audience showed how deeply his presence, and now his citizenship, was appreciated in New York. It was an exquisite moment in history to witness. He made his stage debut at the Mariinsky Theatre in 1967, featuring in a production of Giselle. He was born in Riga, present day Latvia. He was trained in ballet in Riga and St. Petersburg in his youth. He defected from the Soviet Union in 1974 after a performance of the Kirov Ballet in Toronto. He moved to New York and became the director of American Ballet Theater.
I was also lucky enough to see him on stage in Paris in the 1990’s when he was dancing to his own choreography in the White Oak Project. His leaping had been somewhat subdued, but he chose younger dancers for his company who could still hit the very high leaps. His own style had only mellowed and perfected itself then dancing his own creations. He has performed around the world with many different troupes. His talents and achievements are legendary. His training by and defection from the former Soviet Union made his gift even sweeter. Now his birth land of Latvia is voting to confer Latvian citizenship on their famous son. He has applied for it and the parliament is scheduled to take it under consideration. It would be ironic and odd if he were to need to defect to Latvia once his dual citizenship has been conferred.
Last week it was Prince Charles of the British monarchy warning us that he feels a 1930’s vibe. Now Misha tells us he is feeling a cold war. We should take heed, gentle readers. Experience and history are talking to us.
Peter Brown, 9th Great-Grandfather
December 21, 2016
— 4 Comments
My 9th great-grandfather was a baker who arrived in Connecticut in 1638. He was an original settler in that colony. He landed in Massachusetts then moved to New Haven. He signed the New Haven Plantation Covenant on June 4, 1639.
“The Story of the Early Settlers of Stamford, Connecticut, 1641 – 1700” by Jeanne Majdalany (including genealogies comp. with Edith M. Wicks), page 152: “Peter Brown was born 1610, died 1658, married 1 Elizabeth Smith(d1657); m2 1658 Unice/Unica Buxton…Peter Brown was of Concord, MA in 1632 and of New Haven in 1639 where he was a baker. In 1647 he was in Stamford. He probably was a brother of Francis. He lived on the west side of “River Street”.
Brown Coat of Arms
Peter Brown (1610 – 1658)
9th great-grandfather
Deliverance Brown (1656 – 1727)
son of Peter Brown
Rachel Brown (1700 – 1716)
daughter of Deliverance Brown
Mary Mead (1724 – 1787)
daughter of Rachel Brown
Abner Mead (1749 – 1810)
son of Mary Mead
Martha Mead (1784 – 1860)
daughter of Abner Mead
Abner Morse (1808 – 1838)
son of Martha Mead
Daniel Rowland Morse (1838 – 1910)
son of Abner Morse
Jason A Morse (1862 – 1932)
son of Daniel Rowland Morse
Ernest Abner Morse (1890 – 1965)
son of Jason A Morse
Richard Arden Morse (1920 – 2004)
son of Ernest Abner Morse
Pamela Morse
You are the daughter of Richard Arden Morse
Peter Brown was one of the Governor Theophilus Eaton and Rev. John Davenport Company, that made a settlement at New Haven in the spring of 1638. This company was partly from the City of London, where Rev. John Davenport had been a celebrated minister, and partly from the counties of York, Hertford, Kent, Surry and Sussex, and sailed from London, England, in the ship Hector, which arrived at Boston on the twenty-sixth day of June, 1637. Peter Brown signed the compact appertaining to the government of the New Haven Colony, in 1639. He sold out in 1647, and removed to Stamford, Connecticut, where his wife, Elizabeth, died Sept. 21, 1657, and his son, Ebenezer, Aug. 19, 1658. He married again at Stamford, May 25, 1658, Unity, widow of Clement Buxton, and died there Aug. 22, 1658. His widow afterwards married, March 9, 1659, Nicholas Knapp.
From the book One Life at a Time: A New World Narrative by R. Thomas Collins, Joseph Wood
Peter Brown was born 1610 in Hastings, England. A baker, Peter was a member of the immigrant company organized by London merchant Theophilus Eaton and the Puritan divine, Rev. John Davenport. Peter Brown was one of the signatories of the New Haven Plantation Covenant on June 4, 1639.
Peter Brown was one of the many townsmen to seek opportunity elsewhere after the failure of the Great Shippe. In 1647, Peter moved to Stamford. Peter, who died in 1648, and his first wife had at least one son, Hackaliah (#51). Peter’s second wife, Unity, widowed, later married Nicholas Knapp (#2) in Stamford.
Beggars Can’t Be Choosers. Be A Chooser
December 19, 2016
— 2 Comments
choose cash
Many have commented on the year 2016 with great remorse and sorrow. We lost many great lives and some people also lost elections. The situation on the ground is restless and tense. Many are organizing protests and boycotts to show their disdain. Somewhere in excess of 41% of American registered voters did not vote in the presidential election. It is equally tragic to not have the right to vote as it is to not bother to use the right to vote. Our issues are bigger than the trivial excuses given for the status quo. We are on the verge of some political and economic changes of great proportion, in my opinion.
The phrase beggars can’t be choosers works for me in our political atmosphere because so many refused to make any choice. I hear a lot of loose talk about civil rights, freedom, and the run of the mill American token slogans about what we the people deserve or need to demand. If we could demand that our fellow citizens participate in our democracy we would be wise. Without participation, without any involvement with the political process the citizenry forfeits any right to equal treatment under the law. Protesting makes some kind of statement, but will not address the ignorance and lack of trust running rampant.
I believe that to improve the lives of Americans across the country we need to involve everyone. Choosers are not beggars, but since we passed up that option we will go around with begging bowls for years. We beg to fill the political party coffers once more to begin this process of electing our leaders. I don’t think this is a positive way to remedy our problems. If we involve and engage with our community right where we live and act with discernment and ethical will we can make positive change. End this begging, whining, complaining, and ragging on “the other side”. Go to work learning what you can to be able to make a real choice. Make choosing a priority to replace judging. Make smart decisions about the food you eat, the entertainment you consume, the content you read, and the contacts with whom you associate. Decide to pay with cash rather than build up interest debt. Free yourself from that burden so many carry. Choose wisely, choose constantly, and choose with care. Exercise your right to choose with discernment, and refine that ability.
choose wisely
Stephen Colbert And Norah Jones Have Written The Worst Christmas Song Ever — Real Stories – UPROXX
December 13, 2016
— 1 Comment
There are many “worst” Christmas songs. Esquire says it’s “Wonderful Christmas Time” by Paul McCartney and Wings, a “song whose awesome black hole of musicality is almost powerful enough to suck the life out of everything McCartney did before,” while Paste and the Daily Dot counter with “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer,” which,…
via Stephen Colbert And Norah Jones Have Written The Worst Christmas Song Ever — Real Stories – UPROXX
Say It in Latin, Qui Bono
December 13, 2016
— 1 Comment
The Borgias
The Latin phrase qui bono means as benefit to whom? In legal cases it is used to determine who might be responsible for criminal acts. I have been watching the series on Showtime, The Borgias, an accurate portrayal of the family and history of Italy. The key figure in the drama is Rodrigo Borgia, who reigned as Pope of Rome Alexander VI. He was Pope from 11 August 1492 until his death on 18 August 1503. He was a highly controversial figure who ruled the Roman Catholic Church with an iron fist and very little respect for church doctrine. His personal excesses were epic, and his bastard children were all lavished with money and power.
The politics of Italy were complex and treacherous, with the Vatican serving as king maker and power broker. Alliances and secret plots were rampant. They Borgias made enemies of many of the families, the most prominent of which was the Sforza clan. First the Pope’s daughter Lucrezia is wed to a Sforza, but obtains annulment from her father a few months into the marriage. Her husband is later murdered by her brother Cesare. Castles are placed under siege and bloody battles are fought between the Sforzas and the papal army. Intrigue inside and outside the Vatican was rampant. The Borgias were known to be masters of the art of lethal poison. A plot nearly succeeds to kill Rodrigo with a glass of wine, but his daughter administers charcoal and saves his life. It was a wild game of liar’s poker.
As I watch the crazy politics unfold in 15th Century Rome and the church I can’t help but be reminded of present day politics. Spies, traitors and terrorists determined the outcome of Borgia power struggles. It appears we are wrapped in a double or triple plot in real time with much subterfuge and mystery clouding our election results. When enemies of enemies betray friends we need to ask a basic question: “Who benefits from this?” This concept was alive in ancient Rome because it points to the cause rather than to the red herrings intended to confuse.
If 400 pound hackers, of Russian or other origin, can change the election results in the United States the question is “Qui bono?” What do you think, gentle reader?
Qui bono
El Tiradito, Tucson’s Sinner Shrine
December 12, 2016
— 1 Comment
We had a houseguest over the weekend who was starting a long car journey to Michigan. I took her on a miniature guided tour of Tucson Saturday afternoon. We stopped at the venerable Arizona Inn, near home, to visit the Christmas tree, the croquet court, and the elegance that is the Inn. Next stop was the U of A Poetry Center. My guest was delighted at the chance to read for about 45 minutes in our fabulous environment dedicated strictly to poetry. She found some great poets, and so did I. From there we travelled to my favorite, often overlooked, art in the city, some forged metal window guards by Tom Bredlow , a Tucson blacksmith of great skill and artistry, that depict the desert animals. Bredlow is now a total recluse who continued a legacy of Raul Vasquez. Tom even purchased some of his tools when Raul passed away. He continued to hammer out super fine metal art that graces the city. These window guards are in the Barrio Viejo de Tucson, looking right at home.
forged metal by Tom Bredlow
forged metal by Tom Bredlow
forged metal by Tom Bredlow
Our final destination on the tour was El Tiradito. I had given her a couple of milagros carved from jet to make offering/wishes along her route. The tradition of wishing on this spot is deeply rooted in the history of Tucson. This popular shrine is in use since the 1870s. It stands on what was once part of El Camino Real, or royal road to Mexico City. Padre Kino himself was once walking on this exact location, giving it a connection to the Spanish conquest in the 1600’s. The legend surrounding the shrine is a story of a doomed love triangle and murdered lover who could not be buried in the Catholic cemetery due to his sinful final state. The murdered man was supposedly buried under the stoop of his lover’s house, where she built a shrine. Juan Oliveras is the only sinner to have his own place on the National Historical Register.
El Tiradito
El Tiradito
El Tiradito
Today is Virgin of Guadalupe Day, 12 December, the day Mexico celebrates the day of its patron saint. Before the Spanish conquest Mexico had a female deity protecting it. Tonantzin was on the job since prehistory as an Aztec goddess. Her history and tradition is preColombian. She is, and has been, the local female deity for centuries. Our friend went to Mesilla, New Mexico on her first stopover after leaving us. The nearby village of Tortugas is the site of one of the oldest Virgin of Guadalupe celebrations in this country. She is being fully initiated by our local Enchantment before heading north into the snow. Her mystical as well as her physical journey is now blessed by both Tonantzin and Juan Oliveras. Nice benediction.
It’s a distracted Taurus Moon today 12-11-2016 — Libra Seeking Balance
December 11, 2016
— 3 Comments
The day starts off on a productive note for the Taurus Moon as she enjoys a trine to Pluto in Capricorn. However by midday she has to put up with distractions from Jupiter in Libra and then the Sun-Saturn conjunction in Sagittarius. What sounds like fun to those boisterous planets may cause the home loving […]
via It’s a distracted Taurus Moon today 12-11-2016 — Libra Seeking Balance
The First One Hundred Years Of Kirk Douglas
December 9, 2016
— 1 Comment
Kirk Douglas
Kirk Douglas celebrates his 100th birthday today. He is not only a piece of cinema history, but has portrayed historical roles, the most famous of which was Spartacus. He wrote a warning recently to the American people. He shared the wisdom of his perspective as a boy who joined the navy after Pearl Harbor to fight. He is married to a woman who was born in Belgium. They have both been shocked by the rhetoric of the recent election and the resulting prevailing unrest and distrust. They have direct experience with the dangers of extremism and hate based politics. He opposed the Hollywood blacklists, and lived to tell about it.
I urge you to read his entire statement. Here is an excerpt to tempt you to do so:
“Until now, I believed I had finally seen everything under the sun. But this was the kind of fear-mongering I have never before witnessed from a major U.S. presidential candidate in my lifetime.
I have lived a long, good life. I will not be here to see the consequences if this evil takes root in our country. But your children and mine will be. And their children. And their children’s children.
All of us still yearn to remain free. It is what we stand for as a country. I have always been deeply proud to be an American. In the time I have left, I pray that will never change. In our democracy, the decision to remain free is ours to make.
My 100th birthday is exactly one month and one day after the next presidential election. I’d like to celebrate it by blowing out the candles on my cake, then whistling “Happy Days Are Here Again.”
As my beloved friend Lauren Bacall once said, “You know how to whistle don’t you? You just put your lips together and blow.”
I wish Kirk and his friends a very festive day. His doctor promised him a shot of vodka if he made it to 100 years. He plans to take the offer at an afternoon party for 150 or so of his closest friends. Cheers to a happy birthday! Twitter is all a twee with #IamSpartacus today in tribute.
movie star
Godfrey Ragsdale Jr. And The Jamestown Massacre
December 6, 2016
— 30 Comments
memorial
My 8th great-grandfather was born in Virginia Colony in 1643. His parents were both killed in the Jamestown Massacre when he was an infant.
Godfrey Ragsdale I was the first generation emigrant to America. He came sometime before 1641. He and his wife were killed in an Indian massacre on April 18, 1644. Their baby, Godfrey II, was spared. He evidently came at his own expense with intent to inhabit the land, for no grant has been found to him, but there is a record of a purchase of 300 acres of land by deed from John Butler, 25 Feb 1642. This land lay on the north side of the Appomatox River in Henrico Co. Virginia. Source: “Godfrey Ragsdale From England to Henrico Co. Virginia” by Caroline Nabors Skelton; 1969; and Henrico Co. Records; Bk. 6; p. 21.
Godfrey Ragsdale II (1643 – 1703)
8th great-grandfather
Ann Wragsdale (1659 – 1724)
daughter of Godfrey Ragsdale II
Benjamin Abraham Vesser (1740 – 1779)
son of Ann Wragsdale
Samuel Harris Vassar (1757 – 1846)
son of Benjamin Abraham Vesser
Mary Vessor (1801 – 1836)
daughter of Samuel Harris Vassar
Margaret Mathews (1831 – 1867)
daughter of Mary Vessor
Julia McConnell (1854 – 1879)
daughter of Margaret Mathews
Minnie M Smith (1872 – 1893)
daughter of Julia McConnell
Ernest Abner Morse (1890 – 1965)
son of Minnie M Smith
Richard Arden Morse (1920 – 2004)
son of Ernest Abner Morse
Pamela Morse
I am the daughter of Richard Arden Morse
The Ragsdale family name is said to come from Ragdale, England, meaning either “valley at the pass” or “dweller in the valley where the lichen grows.” Henry Ragsdale was born in Leicestershire, England about 1450, his son Robert was born about 1485 in Ragsdale, Leicestershire, England. He died about 1559 and some of his children were Henry, Thomas R. and John R. Henry was born about 1510; he married Elizabeth Oglethorpe about 1532 , and their children were William, Dorothy, Elizabeth, Margaret, Owen and Catherine. Henry died in 1559. William was born in 1575; he married a woman named Heathcote, about 1615; they had a son, Godfrey I, who married Lady Mary Cookney and they both came to America.
Godfrey Ragsdale I and his wife, Lady Mary Cookney arrived in Virginia some time late in the summer of 1638. They were some of the first Ragsdales to come to America. Godfrey Ragsdale I ands his wife, Lady Mary Cookney lived in Henrico County Virginia on a 300 acre plantation on February 25, 1642, upon the north side of the Appomattox River.
On April 18, 1644 afterwards known as “Opechancanough Day” the Pamunkee Indians and several tribes in the Indian Federation went on a rampage. There was a carnage that was greater than the one in the Norfolk area in 1622. The Indians slaughtered no less than 500 Englishman. This massacre fell almost entirely upon the frontier Counties at the head of the great rivers, and upon the plantations on the south side of the James River. Both Godfrey I and his wife Lady Mary were killed and scalped.
From documents we know that Godfrey and Lady Mary had a son named Godfrey Ragsdale II, who was born in 1644. Because his mother and father had been killed in the “Jamestown Massacre”, Godfrey II’s next door neighbors raised him and later became his in-laws. Historians say that most Ragsdales in America came from Godfrey II.
Ragsdales in Virginia
