The Stopping Place: A Journey Through Gypsy Britain

 The Stopping Place: A Journey Through Gypsy Britain by Damian Le Bas
2018
Weight: 1.02 lbs
Method of Disposal: Giving Away

I bought this book on my last trip to England, along with too many others.  I am just trying to collect all the information I can about all the things I do not know and, of course, read anything that brings me closer to Harriet.  Not that her upbringing has much to do with Gypsy Britain.  It has very little, though people identifying themselves as Romani did stay on her grandparent's land periodically, there were horse sales, and sometimes caravans of people passing through in the North.

I have occasionally heard about gypsies.  In Russia, in England, in Ireland, in Victor Hugo.  It is not uncommon to hear a sneer along with the word.  When pressed, people will tell me about theft and people who leave trash in their wake, but these same people seem to know very little about where the people they label "gypsies" come from, what motivates them, what they find important, how they identify.  Now, clearly not all gypsies are the same or come from the same bloodlines or even countries, so why all the generalizations.  Like all other groups of people, there is so much more than the stereotypes  you were raised with.  Look around you, take a peek into history.  All I know for sure is that, if anyone claims to be able to sum up a group of people in a few sentences, you should not trust them.

I have so many questions.  This book is just a scratch on the surface, but it is a start. More to come!  I will leave this book in a lending library because you never know who might pick it up without a care or a thought and then learn something new.

The Russian Icon

 The Russian Icon by Irina Solovyova, Vera Laurina, Irina Rodnikova
2007
Weight: 1 lbs
Method of Disposal: Donating

I used to dream of visiting Russia.  I feel like I have let that dream go.  It is a little sad and a little okay.  I am still in awe of the strength, writing, and art that has come out of that country, but I am also horrified by the human rights violations, death, and lies.  All countries have their crimes, but Russia seems to have more than their fair share.  And yet, so many courageous people persevere.  

How To Talk to a Liberal (If You Must)

 How To Talk to a Liberal (If You Must): The World According to Ann Coulter
2004
Weight: 1.4 lbs
Method of Disposal: Recycling

Every now and then I feel like I should read something abhorrent just to see what people who are nothing like me are reading and taking in.  I do not know why I would have chosen Ann Coulter of all authors, but the Laura of 2004 had her reasons, I am sure. 

Let's see if I can highlight some of the golden tidbits so that you can spare yourself.

"Want to make liberals angry? Defend the United States."

"My position hasn't changed since the column I wrote the night of 09/11.  For reasons I cannot understand, I am often asked if I still think we should invade their countries, kill their leaders, and convert them to Christianity.  The answer is: Now more than ever!"

"The invasion of Iraq has gone fabulously well, exceeding everyone's expectations--certainly exceeding the doomsday scenarios of liberals."

The title of chapter 3 is "A Muslim by Any Other Name Blows Up Just the Same."

"I tuned in late and consequently can speak only to the last three hours of Halle Berry's acceptance speech at the Academy Awards last Sunday. But inasmuch as she engaged in wild race-baiting to get her Oscar, Berry's expressions of shock were not very believable.  She has spent weeks complaining about one time she did not get a role because of her color.  It was the part of a forest ranger.  Arnold Scwarzenegger probably has trouble getting roles as a ballet dancer, too.  And yet, still, somehow white guilt worked on Hollywood liberals!  Berry had successfully mau-maued her way to a Best Actress award--and then acted surprised.

It's interesting that Berry makes such a big deal about being black.  She was raised by her white mother who was beaten by her black father.  But clearly, Berry has calculated that it is more advantageous for her acting career to identify with the man that abandoned her rather than the woman who raised her."  

In case, at this point, you are wondering.  Ann Coulter is a racist and also a shitty human being.  I could keep going, but I am not sure it is worth the extra pain and toxicity it would add to the interwebs.

Tomorrow is Inauguration Day.  Let's just hope no one dies.  There are some seriously angry, unhinged, and brainwashed people out there right now.  Ann Coulter would not think it possible, but I hope we are able to preserve the beautiful things about the United States, protect our democracy, and make the world a safer/kinder place.

The Lure of the Lancashire Witches

 The Lure of the Lancashire Witches by Jennie Lee Cobban
2011
Weight: 12 oz
Method of Disposal: Donating

I read a book by Jeanette Winterson about the Lancashire Witches right when Harriet and I started dating.  At this time, Harriet had moved back to England, and we were long distance.  We spent a lot of the time on Skype, learning about each other, our families, our past, where we grew up.  As it turns out, the "witches" were in Harriet's hometown, over 400 years ago.  Her mom, who is a most excellent gift giver, bought me this book so I would be able to read the history alongside the fiction.  

In the 1600's, Lancashire was seen as a place on the outskirts, known for its crime and sexual deviance.  It makes total sense then that, over 400 years later, I would find the love of my life there, right?  6 of the 12 accused came from two families.  There was Elizabeth Southerns (Demdike), and her lineage, and there was Anne Whittle (Chattox) and her family.  It is thought that these two families slung accusations at each other, which was clearly a terrible idea for everyone involved.

This dark and sinister history can be tracked down by interested folks in modern times, and it is. Anything terrible, after so many years, can become a tourist attraction, but "witches" seem to hold a special lure.

The Art and Craft of Papier Mache

 The Art and Craft of Papier Mache by Juliet Bawden
1990
Weight: 2 lbs
Method of Disposal: Donating

I remember discovering and falling in love with Papier Mache as a child.  I made masks, pigs out of soda bottles, animals, all sorts.  I dreamt of making a papier mache Noah's Ark, which turned into me making an ark out of popsicles sticks, which turned into an utter disaster.  The wet scraps of paper, the paste, the fun of creating something new--I loved it all.  

This is a book seemingly more geared towards adults that still hold that sense of fun and creativity in their hearts.  There are boxes, bowls, frames, hats, masks, dolls.  I have not done papier mache in ages, and I am not sure if the luster is still there for me to start again.  I am passing this book on, hoping it is there for someone else, and that this book encourages and inspires them.