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mermaidcamp

Keeping current in wellness, in and out of the water

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Bourdain Defines Boorish

May 6, 2013 — 6 Comments

Last week I was very excited to have tickets to attend a stage show in Providence called Good and Evil. This two man show stars Anthony Bourdain and another chef, Eric Rippert. Although I had no idea what to expect I thought it would be funny and entertaining. I even convinced a friend to go with me based on my expectations.  The theater itself was completely amazing, and the music played before the show created a great warm up.  I was super pleased to be there in the Providence Performing Arts Center ready to be entertained.

What ensued was anything but entertaining.  These tragic egos insulted each other in turn, and then turned the vitriol on all other celebrity chefs.  It was name dropping in the most useless way, only to insult and criticize.  Bourdain went off insulting vegetarians saying that if you travel to a foreign place being vegetarian is offensive to all natives who do eat meat.  Sorry, Tony, I was living in Venezuela in 1963, flying into Amazonian fishing camps where there were no people except remote native dwellers when you were in diapers.  As an adult I have gone to third world places that you would never attempt without a TV crew and big budget.  Speaking the language or attempting to communicate and be part of the scene is the important link.  I have always been treated really well in the third world, and have never sensed any resentment from locals when I eat no meat.  The Cubans were particularly happy not to have to procure meat for the outrageous dinner they made for me. The view you have created for yourself is false, creepy, and shows your imperialistic roots. Boorish is not endearing to anyone.

Tony, Tony, Tony, your tone is inappropriate, but the subject matter is tasteless.  Without the trappings of the CNN crew and budget your personality is bitter and very tiny.  I may be able to watch you travel and eat now, but I will never be able to respect you.  Name drop and insult people in private.  We, the public ( and former fans) do not need to know just how tragically toxic your liver actually is.  Spew that toxic bile all over somebody in private if you must.  It does not belong in a classy theater.

Living Soul

May 6, 2013

book signing

book signing

Kripalu is a yoga school and retreat center in western MA that is leading the way in yoga instruction in the US. With a long background, checkered, then revised, they had the head start on yoga when it hit the competitive mainstream of American fitness.  I have several friends who are certified by Kripalu in yoga, and they are all very well versed in the whole system and philosophy.  I enjoy yoga practice, but have been out of the habit of taking classes for years.  I like my yoga room at home for the freedom and variety that I practice.

My reason for spending a weekend at Kripalu was to be in a workshop taught by an author I really admire.  Thomas Moore instructed a group of about 40 students the difference between soul and spirit.  This seems like a small technical issue, but it is much more basic.  We had about 8 hours of class with him, and a special evening was offered to all Kripalu guests with his wife and daughter.  The Kundalini yoga session with live band chanting was a perfect counterbalance for the intellectual work we were doing.  They are quite a stunning family, described by Thomas as a kind of monastic group.  Each is a monk in a certain personal way.  The ladies are Sikhs with turbans and sheepskin mats, the distinctive look of the Yogi Bhajan followers. They teach Kundalini yoga.  Tom is an expert in the world of religion who has his own way of practicing reverence.  They radiate the power of individualization.  If nothing else (and there is plenty) they teach the value of following the individual call to a specific path without regard for anything else.

The alchemy of thought, dreams, poetry, and the ritual of Kundalini yoga were all thrown into the still and worked.  The distilled result is wisdom, the kind that sinks in and becomes useful over a long period of time. The time and space expanded to allow a remarkable level of teaching to take place.  An artful, and soulful lesson was delivered as if they were translating directly the language of  the sky.  We now have a lifetime to absorb our new insights.  Although in the last few years I have walked out of a couple of workshops I paid for and attended because I felt the teaching was unethical and possibly harmful, this one made up for all of that.  I notice that the presence matters more than the material to me.

Gurus in Person

May 2, 2013 — 6 Comments

We can become fans of writers, teachers, artists and performers by watching and reading their work. Sometimes the personality is not even important if the subject being covered is of great interest. Teachers can impart wisdom from both a positive and a shadow style lesson. Sometimes they teach us what we want to avoid. This week I have the priviledge of seeing back to back two people I like because of the work they do.  Tonight I will see Anthony Bourdain on stage with another chef, Eric Rippert.  Tomorrow I will go to Kripalu to attend a weekend workshop with Thomas Moore.

These teacher/gurus influence me in completely different ways.  Bourdain travels and eats on TV.  Thomas Moore is my favorite author and modern philosopher.  They both inspire new thoughts and ideas for me while exposing me to unknown worlds.  They are both very knowledgeable and are recognized by peers as experts in their fields.  They both tweet, but with completely different styles.  Tonight I will sit in the audience for a show that is repeated on a tour of  other cities.  I am not sure if any interaction will take place, but it has to be minimal because of the ratio of audience members to talent.  For the weekend I will study, meditate and absorb the vibe of Thomas Moore in an intimate setting.  They will be distinct and probably incomparable experiences.  I will let you know, gentle reader.

Urban Delight

May 2, 2013 — 5 Comments

Providence, RI is a wonderful city to visit for many reasons. The steeple situation makes it very easy to navigate around the town.  The landmark hills are conveniently located on each side of the river. Downtown is mixed old and new buildings, but College Hill houses Brown University and RISD campuses. The preservation of history is important on both Federal Hill and College Hill, so the architecture is in fine shape.  The trees that are blooming now enhance the beauty of both neighborhoods.  Since I am a fan of both the building shapes and the trees I am very pleased to be here while the blooming is showing off the colorful past of the people who planted them.

Private Museum Tour

May 1, 2013 — 1 Comment

I came to Rhode Island to visit the land of my ancestors.  Today we set out for Newport, where some of mine are buried, but we did not make it.  I wanted to explore Jamestown, a small island between the mainland and Newport.  I knew that Caleb Carr, my ancestor and the first governor of Rhode Island, was buried there with his family.  My friend Deborah from Boston was my companion on this day trip.  We drove through downtown Jamestown and followed the main road north just looking at scenery. We passed  Carr Rd, and I felt a true excitement which I noted to Deborah.  We had entered a designated historic district with beautiful stone walls and working farms.  I was entranced as I am everywhere in New England right now with the flowering trees and the architecture.  When we headed back toward the Newport bridge I turned onto Carr Rd and drove toward the ocean.  On my left I saw Carr homestead circa 1690, and I had a giant chill/thrill/goose bump kind of an experience.  I found a place to make a U turn to take a look.  The narrow road had no real place to park, but the lady in the yard next door saw me and beckoned me to park in her drive.  I felt lucky, but I had no idea how extravagant the jackpot was going to be.

I told her I had come because Caleb Carr is my ancestor.  She welcomed me and said she is a Carr also.  Then she blew my mind completely by asking if I wanted to see the inside of the house.  She and a group of the family still keeps the house in tact by taking care of it, then renting it in the summer months by the week.  The rent paid by these shareholders when they bring their families to visit pays state taxes and upkeep expenses.  It has never left the care and ownership of the family.  She graciously toured us through the house which was THE peak experience of all my museum/travel/adventure life up to this point.  I had an extreme love for all the rooms, and the trees in the yard which were brought from Japan.  I was guided to be there when by botany loving cousin, however many times removed, was outside gardening.  Although the farm had initially been a working dairy farm, at some time two lovely evergreens were imported from Japan to grace the front yard.  I wondered how much plant love we both might have inherited from the Carrs.  She said the land had all been cleared for pasture, but now the 10 acres that remain are wooded.  It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.  We stopped around the corner to see the family graves.  It was all much more than I expected.  Jamestown is a very special place for me.

William Carr, 11th Great-Grandfather

April 30, 2013 — 5 Comments

castle

Ferniehirst castle

I will go grave hunting today on Jamestown Island, RI.  Caleb Carr is buried there, and maybe it is possible to visit the ancestral home!!! He has a fancy Scottish background. His grandfather, William, was baron of a castle in Scotland:

About Ferniehirst Castle

Ferniehirst Castle consists of an extended and altered towerhouse, which incorporates the cellars from the 16th century castle, with larger wings and extentions. A large conical-roofed stairturret is corbelled out above the first floor level, and bartizans, with shot-holes crowning the top of the tower.The original entrance leads to a stair known as the ‘Left-Handed Staircase’, the story being that when Sir Andrew Kerr, who was himself left-handed, returned from Flodden in 1513 he had his followers trained to use their weapons with their left hands. This is said to be the origin of ‘Corrie-fisted’ or ‘Kerr handed’. The basement is vaulted, and the hall has a 16th-century fireplace.Ferniehirst was a property of the Kerrs and first built by Sir Thomas Kerr in 1476 on the remains of an earlier foundation, but was sacked by the English in 1523. It was recaptured with French help in 1549, and the leader of the English garrison was beheaded. Sir Thomas Kerr, protector of Mary, Queen of Scots invaded England in 1570, hoping to have her released, but all that resulted was an raid on Scotland, during which Ferniehirst was damaged. James VI destroyed the castle in 1593 because of help given by the family to the Earl of Bothwell. The castle was rebuilt about 1598. As late as 1767 the house was occupied and used by the Lord Lothian of that day but even then it was showing signs of delapidation. Between 1934 and 1984 it was leased by the Scottish Youth Hostel Association, except for during World War II when it served as a army billet.Purchased recently by Lord Lothian, Ferniehirst Castle has been restored. A bothy wing has been added and built on original foundation stones to serve as the private apartment of Lord Lothian and his Lady. When he is present his personal flag is flown from the flagpole atop the castle. His flag is blue with the resplendant sun in gold in the center.A ‘Green Lady’ is said to haunt the castle in some tales, and unusual occurrences were reported during its time as a youth hostel, although the story is refuted.

William Carr (1542 – 1655)

is my 11th great grandfather

Benjamin Carr (1592 – 1635)

son of William Carr

Caleb Carr (1623 – 1695)

son of Benjamin Carr

Sarah Carr (1682 – 1765)

daughter of Caleb Carr

John Hammett (1705 – 1752)

son of Sarah Carr

MARGARET HAMMETT (1721 – 1753)

daughter of John Hammett

Benjamin Sweet (1722 – 1789)

son of MARGARET HAMMETT

Paul Sweet (1762 – 1836)

son of Benjamin Sweet

Valentine Sweet (1791 – 1858)

son of Paul Sweet

Sarah LaVina Sweet (1840 – 1923)

daughter of Valentine Sweet

Jason A Morse (1862 – 1932)

son of Sarah LaVina Sweet

Ernest Abner Morse (1890 – 1965)

son of Jason A Morse

Richard Arden Morse (1920 – 2004)

son of Ernest Abner Morse

Pamela Morse

I am the daughter of Richard Arden Morse

Name: William CARRGiven Name: WilliamSurname: CarrNSFX: 10th Baron FennehurstTitle: 10th Baron FennehurstSex: MBirth: 16 MAY 1542 in Fernichrist,ScotlandDeath: in London,EnglandNote: 10th Baron of Fennefurst.Father: Thomas CARR b: ABT 1525 in Ferniehrist Castle,ScotlandMother: Janet KIRKCALDY b: in Grange,ScotlandMarriage 1 Mary Ann CLIFFORD b: ABT 1570 in EnglandMarried: ABT 1591 in London,EnglandChildrenBenjamin CARR b: 18 AUG 1592 in London,EnglandWilliam CARR b: 17 JUN 1597 in London,EnglandGeorge CARR b: 15 AUG 1599 in London,Middlesex,EnglandJames CARR b: 4 OCT 1602 in London,EnglandRichard CARR b: 1606 in London,EnglandOther children may have been born to this couple, but the given names are not known. William Carr became the 10th Baron of Fennehurst, but he lived in London,England. William took his mother’s maiden name to continue the Kirkcaldyline, but his children reverted to Carr when their father failed toinherit the Grange property. (David Carr notes)According to Billy Neil Carr, his uncle Charlie wrote a book on Amasa Carr (1830), showing his descendants and mentioning what he knew of Amasa’s ancestors. Quoting Charlie’s book, the first three generations were based on “the framed ‘Pedigree of Governor Caleb Carr’ that hangs on the wall of the living room in the old Carr Homestead in Jamestown, RI.”Sir William Carr was born in Scotland on 16 May 1542. He married Mary Ann Clifford Carr, sister of Lord Somerset. Sir William changed the name Kerr, first to Kelso then to Carr.Sir William’s father Thomas was the son of Sir John Kerr and Katherine, daughter of Sir Andrew Kerr of Cesford. Sir John reportedly rescued Mary Queen of Scots in the incursion against Scotland. Sir John was born 17 June 1500 and died 1562.Sir John was the son of Lord Andrew Kerr, born in Scotland in 1450. He married Janet, daughter of Lord Patrick Hume.10th Baron of Fennefurst.———According to notes by David Carr, William became the 10th Baron of Ferniehurst, Scotland. However, he lived in London, England, and took his mother’s maiden name to continue the Kirkcaldy line (Why? Possibly because she had no brothers, and with a view to receiving the family inheritance.) However, when William failed to inherit family property in Grange, Scotland, his children reverted to the Carr or Kerr surname.This information, as well as data on the preceding generations, is presented without verification. It may well be fact, but proving it may be difficult since England and Scotland are far away; furthermore, locating old records is often difficult. However, there is a lot of historical information on the internet about this family. [http://www.electricscotland.com/]William’s parents are given as Thomas Kerr (Carr), 9th Baron of Ferniehurst, and Janet Kirkaldy (b. ca.1530 in Grange, Scotland).Summary of online info:Thomas became the 9th Baron of Ferniehurst Castle. He was also noted for his patriotic involvement with Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots (see notes from David Carr). The name of Carr, Kerr, or Karre is as old as the Norman Conquest at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. One of the followers of William the Conqueror, of Normandy, is recorded in the Roll of the Gattle Abbey as having the name Karre. The early descendants of this Norman soldier and succeeding generations spread on both sides of the border between England and Scotland. Direct lines can be traced through various peerage books of England and Scotland (titles and whereabouts? see web site) to Andrew Kerr I, the 6th Baron of Ferniehurst, Scotland. He was born in 1450, created Baron in 1480, and knighted in 1483. He and his son Andrew II, 7th Baron of F., were remarkable men for talent and undaunted courage, conspicuous in the reigns of James IV and James V. Andrew Kerr II died in 1543. His son, Sir John Kerr, 8th Baron of F., did great service for Scotland by rescuing Mary, Queen of Scots from English raiders. Sir Thomas, 9th Baron and son of Sir John, was also a loyal and devoted subject of the Queen.See Watson’s “The House of Carr,” 1926. William’s youngest brother (or half-brother) was Robert “Robin” Carr, b. 1580 in Ferniehurst, Scotland. He is said to have been a favorite of King James VI of Scotland, who became King James I of England after the death of Elizabeth I. It was this king who authorized the King James translation of the Bible in 1611. Robin was: Groom of the Bed Chamber, 1607; Viscount Rochester, 1611; Knight of the Garter, 1613; Earl of Somerset; and Lord High Treasurer of Scotland, 1614. In 1609 he was granted the forfeited estate of Sir Walter Raleigh. As an influential member of the court, he was both feared and respected.

History and Record Keeping

April 30, 2013 — 1 Comment

If I learned one thing on my ancestry quest in Massachusetts it is that the record keeper is the author of  history.  I have realized this by finding census and other documents that conflict with each other while studying my ancestors.  Never has it been so clear.  I believed that the tribe would have the information on the tribe in Mashpee, so I went straight to the museum to inquire.  Because they rely on records kept by the Europeans the family trees are reconstructed using English last names.  They use what they have.  The records looked like they started in the 1800’s.

I was unhappy about  the state of affairs.  The tiny tribal museum has little funding, and can open only a few hours, a couple of days a week.  I then traveled to the big well funded museum at Plimouth Plantation.  Wow, what a difference!!!

The museum at Plimouth Plantation is doing some revisionist history in order to correct many of the assumptions and erroneous stories that exist about the Mayflower and the native people. The Pilgrims play characters in period costume, expressing the beliefs of the time and place.  The Pilgrims were religious prudes who considered themselves religiously superior to all other religions.  They also felt entitled to take anything they wanted from the native people because they had permission from the King of England. Their church was fortified on top with cannons in all directions.  I guess they felt that God and the King needed some back up.  Although I had a few Pilgrims and only one ( I think) Wampanoag ancestor, I distinctly disliked the pretend Pilgrims when I met them. I am, however, glad they kept some records at the time.

Federal Hill, Providence, RI

April 29, 2013 — 3 Comments


I am so happy to be moved into my new neighborhood in Providence, Rhode Island. We are on Federal Hill, the oldest part of the city. My ancestors founded this city, but have left long ago. Now it is an historic collection of houses and buildings in glory, faded, glory and total disrepair. The good news is all the Italian groceries and restaurants. The people are ultra friendly ( ready nosey) and wonderfully opinionated. Grocery shopping is like going to heaven.

Magnolia Madness

April 28, 2013 — 5 Comments

I found that no matter how you shoot them, pink magnolias look good.  I am attracted to them like a bee to nectar..just love them.  Hope they will brighten your day as they do mine.

Sandwich, MA

April 28, 2013 — 1 Comment


My visit to Sandwich was a delight. The tiny downtown area was ablaze with spring flowers, fancy architecture, historical sites, and very friendly folks. I went to a great thrift store full of charming antiques, but it was almost all breakable, so I passed on purchasing anything. I really enjoyed meeting the ladies volunteering in the store who were funny and informative. My last stop was the glass museum, which was better than I had expected. A well produced theater piece fills you in on the history of the town since the Euros landed, and the display was both informative and artistically outstanding. Since I love glass art I was happy there for more than an hour taking in the collection. I recommend this town and this museum to anyone who happens to like glass and history. It’s right up my alley.