Inside, above the hearth held another treasure - pointy toed shoes, green and white striped pants, red shirt and ears that came together at a 45 degree angle. Taking his legs from his arms, grandma carefully unfolded a note written to my father and aunt many years ago by this elf’s very hand. It was a letter I enjoyed reading and studying the penmanship time and time again. He held more than just his thin, lanky legs- he held a history of the Nell’s that would not be forgotten and would be enjoyed summer upon summer as Grandma and Grandpa carried on the Christmas in July holiday tradition.
The Pennsylvania weather in July is always thick and hot….around 3 o’clock, grandma always new how to cool us off; sitting on the porch swing, a frosted glass of lemonade in hand, not freshly squeezed, but enough to pucker our kissers and take us to a cooler place. My brother would soon be off to help grandpa in the garage with his tractor- have to keep the blades sharp- while in the patio, grandma and I took the parts of the tree out of its worn box…ornaments came next and then for the finale’, a light box that changed colors to highlight the synthetic needles in gold’s, red’s, blues and greens. While we played Scrabble and Yatzee in the evenings at the dining room table, we enjoyed the glow from our efforts.
“No Early Bird’s” the paper read, but when it came to yard sales, my grandparents were determined to be just that…Jason and Emily got a wake up call @ 5:30, breakfast by 6 and down the drive we went to find the best deals. Many of our Friday and Saturday purchases would soon be wrapped and placed under the tree.
As the week neared its close, presents were given and memories were made that still touch my heart and take me to a simpler, more innocent time- childhood summers with grandma and grandpa. Merry Christmas!
Whether you are shopping for Christmas, birthdays or your own special traditions, the Grizzley Claw is the best stop to find smaller, more affordable ledger art as well as the artist’s bold paintings on canvas. We hope to see you tomorrow.
July 17, 10 am- 6 pm
Featured Artist: Black Pinto Horse/ Monte Yellow Bird, Arikara and Hidatsa
@ the Grizzly Claw in Seeley Lake MT
1800's American Indian Ledger Art
Special presentation @ 5 pm
Step back in time with the artist, historian and storyteller as he surveys the assimilation era of the Plains Indian tribes, the beginning of reservation life for indigenous peoples; the birth of Ledger Art, remembering Warriors, traditions, and a ceremonial lifestyle.
The vibrant and charming small town of Seeley Lake lies between the Bob Marshall Wilderness and the Mission Mountain Wilderness. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, it serves as a gateway to these natural wonders and provides the shortest route from Yellowstone to Glacier National Park.
In April we worked in the Seeley Lake schools serving as Artist in Residence- Yes, it is true, our fine art and educational company does allow us to experience the unspoiled beauty of nature within the nation.
If you cannot make it to Seeley there are other locations to purchase Black Pinto Horse Fine Arts originals, Giclee’ Reproductions and T-shirts. We invite you to visit the following locations during your travels:
New York City
Viridian Artists Gallery
530 West 25th St # 407, New York NY 10001
212.414.4040
Blue Star Woman, juried by Elizabeth Susman (curator of the Whitney Museum), will be on exhibit until July 24.
Oklahoma
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
1700 NE 63rd St, Oklahoma City OK 73111
505.478.4714
Montana
C.M. Russell Museum
400 13th Street North, Great Falls, MT 59401
406-727-8787, Donna Camp
North Dakota
North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame
250 Main St, Medora ND 58645
701.623.2000