John's Confirmation

Today John was confirmed at the 10 AM service at our church. Here he as his sponsor introduces him

While grace through faith is free, John worked hard at his confirmation lessons. He wrote a concise but complete statement of faith that really impressed me. Clearly he has learned the precepts of the Christian faith and can apply them. I am so proud and happy.

Fiber Arts Show

Last Friday night we went to the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts in Shadyside for a fiber arts gallery opening. It was a juried exhibition with over 80 entries but only 29 on exhibit. Our friend Susan created the hand-dyed, individually stitched piece seen her with John and Janine. (We took this photo while no one was looking because while not prohibited, photos were frowned upon.)

It was an interesting show and very crowded. While most of the fiber arts pieces were abstract like this one, a few depicted actual scenes. One of my favorites was the interpretation of Gramps on Vacation. This piece was inspired by a photo of a man in his early '60 standing next to a 1963 Ford Galaxie on the edge of Monument Valley. I liked it because it reminded me of vacationing with my family in Colorado and Wyoming in the 1960s. So much for my artistic taste. After 30 minutes or more, we finally found Susan and showed our support. She was a good teacher about the tools and techniques required to make such pieces.

New American Girl

Here's Janine earlier this week opening her new American Girl doll, Elizabeth. Janine worked hard for this moment. She earned the doll by performing odd jobs around the house.

Young Lizzie is Felicity's friend in Colonial Williamsburg. While Felicity's family are Patriots, Elizabeth's are Loyalists. I am not exactly sure how the story ends, but Janine and her friend Abagail have great fun playing with these dolls.

The American Girl series has been changing lately however. The company's view of history is now foreshortened as Felicity of Colonial Williamsburg are replaced by dolls like Moonbeam of Marin County in the 1960s.

The company was acquired by Mattel recently, who has every right to do what they see as best. However these decisions seem to be eroding the long-term educational value of the brand. There also seems to be some political correctness creeping in as well.

Contrary to some thinking, history did not begin when we Baby Boomers were born. (Pardon my crankiness.)