Second Fiddle

By Belinda

I knew on Friday night at the Studio Tour, that I would go back some time this weekend, and so, on Sunday afternoon after church, I stopped at the bank for some cash, and went back to the Bond Head Community Hall, where I was recognized at every table as the lady who had been there on Friday night with Molson. Eyes softened and brightened at the memory of his friendly visit and gentle inquiries were made as to how he was.

But Christmas shopping was on my mind on this occasion, and I spent a happy and unhurried hour, browsing the tables and chatting with the gifted artisans.

This is George A. Burt of Bond Head. His work is on display in the National Gallery in Ottawa, right next to Group of Seven paintings.

Each piece is uniquely crafted into a work of art and George burns his name and address on the bottom on each one with a wood burning tool, letter by letter.

His work was in demand all over the world a few years ago when it became known widely. He could not keep up with the demand. But to go into mass production was unthinkable. Now he just does what he wants to do and each item is an unhurried labour of love.

It was fascinating to handle the different pieces of wood: Russian olive; buckthorn; apple; beech; maple; manitoba maple; oak; juniper; cherry; and aromatic cedar to name a few.
These ladies, Vicky Gerke & Laura Jennekens, have a business called Echoes in the Attic . Check out their website for details of their passion for rescuing and using throwaway fabric to make things of beauty. I bought two of their cool reversable scarves with removable pins.
Just before going to their table, I visited Vivian Faith Wallace who makes jewelery. Some of her pendants were her own original miniature watercolour paintings, set in glass. They, and the other necklaces, were gorgeous.

Finally I stopped at artist Corrine Donnelly's table. Originally from the east coast, her work is often fanciful and scattered with fairies, hidden or not. Each piece is cherished by Corrine and hard to part with. She cares where they go!

I left for home with a wonderful head start on my Christmas shopping--for once in my life.

As I pulled into my driveway at home, a car I didn't recognize pulled in after me. Susan's sister Brenda, who had been up for the weekend again, stepped out from the passenger door. 

"I just came to say goodbye," she said.

But then the truth came out as she looked searchingly past me into the house, "And can I have ten minutes with Molson?"

Comments

Brenda said…
I wouldn't say you're second fiddle....you two are a package....a whole lot of light and goodness wrapped into one!
6:28 AM
Dave Hingsburger said…
You are NOT second fiddle, in my orchestra you are first violin!
6:47 AM
Belinda said…
Awww. Thank you Dave... :)

And Brenda, thank you too. :)

But...not only do I go places solo and hear, "Where's Paul?" but lately, "Where's Molson?" too! :)
8:31 AM
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