Chihuly glass.  At Franklin Park Conservatory.

That saying that an old dog cant learn a new trick, it isnt true.  

The proof comes when people try something new.  

I was 43 when I tried skiing for the first time and I loved it.  So did my little partner.

For a while I had a new nickname: "Crash".

Fortunately it didnt stick. 

A bit early I know but I thought I'd get a headstart on one of my favorite winter holidays!

30 generations

Dear Sweet: 

This post is for you since I know you have been searching and working on your lineage. 

I have been entrusted for some time with the knowledge our dear Grandmother, Mary Frances found through a distant cousin many years ago regarding our shared heritage. 

The beginning:

Ralph de Buron came from Normandy with William The Conqueror in 1066.  As a result of that conquest he recieved Horsley Castle in England.  (Sadly, the castle is now a pile of rock, you can find a photo of it on the Internet).   He died in 1102.  (The castle is also written as/called Horston castle)

His son, Hugh de Buron inherited Horsley Castle (in Derbyshire, England - I'm not sure).  He died in 1155.  He was married to a woman by the first name of Albreda.

Roger de Buron of Horsley Castle was their son and he was married to Nichola de Verdon. I believe he died in 1199.

He had at least 2 sons:

The one we are related to is:
Geoffrey de Birom et de Glazebroge (notice that sometimes the spellings change here) born circa 1160 died 1230 married to a woman with the first name of Edith.

The other one (worth noting) was Robert de Biron (or Buron).  These were the Byron's of Clayton Lancashire later of Newstead Abbey.  The Lords Byron. (Yes, I believe the family Lord Byron the famous poet was later part of.)

Geoffrey de Birum (listed above) had a son also named Geoffrey de Birum et de Glazebrook who was married to Alice (no last name known).  (circa 1260?)

Richard de Glazebrook circa 1290

Henry de Glazebrook cicra 1305

Henry de Byrom 1st Byrom of Byrom (circa 1355) married Alica de Holland

Simon de Byrom 2nd Byrom of Byrom died 1383 Married Juane (last name?)

Thomas 3rd Byrom of Byrom died circa 1424

Henry de Byrom 4th Byrom of Byrom died 1455 Married to Lucy Parr

John 5th Byrom of Byrom died 1472 Married to Mary Lever

Henry 6th Byrom of Byrom died 1506 Married to Constance Abram

Sir John Byrom 7th Byrom of Byrom died 1524 Married to a woman with the maiden last name of Leyland (although we dont have a first name for her).

They had Thomas 8th Byrom of Byrom who died in circa 1535 (not sure about this death date).

Henry Byrom 9th Byrom of Byrom in Lowton Winwick Parish born 1504 died 1541 in Lancashire England. 
First marriage was to: Elizabeth Landston (who died before 1529) They had a son Thomas 10th Byrom of Byrom who died 1559 (there is a note that says: "No issue").

His second marriage (our relative) was  Elizabeth Bold of Bold (who descended from Edward I King of England through the Stanleys and Butler of Bewry (spelling?))

They (Henry 9th and Elizabeth Bold) had
Sir John Byrom 1530-1595 11th Byrom of Byrom who went on to have Byroms of Byrom until Samuel 17th, the last Byrom of Byrom  1685-1741 (no issue)
Peter Byrom of Westleigh (spelling?) Kenion cicra 1535-1592
Richard Byrom of Middleton died 1590 (no issue)
and our relative:
Henry Byrom of Lowton (one of the younger brothers) who was living in 1590.  He had a son named Peter of Parr and I have his information but since we are not descended from him I wont put it here) but also he had :

Henry Byrom of Parr who was living in 1592 (our relative)

Thomas Byrom of Parr Prescot Parish Lancashire Living in 1636 and married to Ann Byrche

James Byrom 1627-1681 Married to Ellen (?)

James Byrom circa 1649 to 1695 first marriage to Elizabeth Bankes, 2nd marriage to Jane Wright
There were two sons, half brothers William (1676-1724)

and James Byrom 1687-1748 .  We are related to James who was younger half brother, son of  Jane Wright (I believe)  they sailed to America together in October of 1695 and were settled in Essex County VA by 1725. James Byrom married Elizabeth (last name unknown?)

Ezekiel Byrom of Essex County, VA born circa 1730 died circa 1800 married to Elizabeth Rodden

Henry Byrom  born:1778, died:1853 It was he who moved to Franklin County, Tennessee from Essex County VA in 1803 via Mechlenburg NC  he was married to Mary S. Cooke 1779-1863 in 1803 (one wonders if he picked up a wife on the way from VA to TN?)

Benjamin Byrom 1813-1849 married to Elizabeth Hays (she may have been a 2nd wife after his first wife died, she is the one we are related to).

Henry Franklin Byrom 1848-1905 married Margaret (Tucker) Jones in 1870.  She lived 1848-1946

Willie Ann Byrom 1879-1949 married to Charles E. Poe.  Wedding date Jan 4, 1912 (not sure).

Mary Frances Poe (Byrom would have been her mother's maiden name) married Jesse Lee Miller October 7, 1939 (not sure about that date)

and you know the rest from there.

Once there was a beautiful dog named Apollo.  He was smarter than his people but patient enough to teach them how to love him. 

Apollo needed many walks, especially when he was a puppy.  He wanted to herd, protect and run.  For the most part he was able to do these things. 

He needed lots of attention and required regular medical care. 

He knew that no dog food would ever be as tasty as people food but he mostly ate his dog food anyhow because he knew that was the people he owned wanted him to do. 

When he became sick and died it was such a sad time that the people he owned weren't sure they would ever be able to have another dog again.  They went on lonely walks without him and thought of him often.

Strangely, after his death the female he owned found that she could still speak dog fairly well although there was no dog she wanted to talk with as much as Apollo.

Still, it was a nice gift, the ability to speak dog (even if her fluency was questionable). 

The other odd thing that happened after Apollo left his earthly body was that he came to visit, once, in a dream.

The person Apollo owned was laying on the bed in her dream (and in real life too) and Apollo came in the room and went over to sniff her head.  Then, satisfied with what he found he left the room. 

There was something so real about it all she was convinced it had really happened, that he had really come to check on her and make sure she was okay. 

It would be so like him to do such a thing.   

Love Milk Glass and anything that looks farmy or vintage.

I'm not selling anything or am I?

This is a photo from the Ohio State Fair a few years ago.  It's nice to think of so many people entering the fair contests.  So inspiring.  Every year I think to myself, "Next year I will do this".  I have yet to but I forgive myself.  Timing is everything. 

No need to kick oneself. 

Just enjoy the fruits of others labor until that day when I can enter something of my own.

So about the title of this post.  I'm not selling anything.  Yet. 

But perhaps I am.  I'm selling an idea of eccentricity and being yourself.  The price is right, I offer plenty of free advice all the time.

Community Theatre Diva

In a past incarnation I was a Community Theatre Diva. 

Can you believe it?

Lest you scoff, let me tell you that there are many wonderful people in the Community Theatre World.  

Plus, it is collaborative, it is creative and sometimes, if things go well, it can be beautiful.  If not, it's just fun.

Theater people are a unique bunch. Mostly, they will allow one to be oneself, which is lovely and virtually unheardof in most parts of our society. 

This was a successful venue for me and I highly reccomend this line of non-work.

After all, must money always be exchanged for one's talents?  Of course not!  Consider your entertaining to be a volunteer job of sorts.  Practice your lines and break a leg dear friends. 

One is never: too old, too fat, too lacking in talent, etc.........never!

Photo curtosy of: www.westportcommunitytheater.com

Coping with Winter Beautifully

So dear readers, blooming plants are one of the ways I survive the winter.  How about you?

Yesterday, one of my best neighbors (ever), Beautiful Marie, commented that I almost always have clothes hanging on the line at Rosebriar Cottage. 

It is true. 

Although I have a perfectly wonderful machine dryer in the dungeon (basement), I much prefer hanging my clothes out.

I feel so Amish.  I remember some beautiful movie scenes with ladies wearing kerchiefs on their heads doing chores and dancing.  (Was it Fiddler on the Roof, I forget?)

Anyway, when a chore becomes an outdoor activity I am sooooooo much happier. 

What makes you happy? 

Is there some way more of your chores could have an added twist that could make them not so tedious? 

Take a breath.

Then take a moment to think positive thoughts about one thing you could tweak in your life to make it a teensy bit better. 

Now, act on it (otherwise it's just a good thought and while those are nice they don't make as much of an impact as an action).

Gift from the post

My goodness today when Malva checked the post we realized we had forgotten to look at all yesterday and there was the most fabulous gift of a twelve page letter from none other than Ivory Manor which is in a lovely place called Hermitage, Tennessee. Home of a literary genius-in-the-making, for privacy purposes we will call her Miss H.E. 

It was so wonderful I was able to brag about getting an actual letter to at least half a dozen people before the day was through.  I don't normally like to boast so much (it's tacky) but I was simply overwhelmed at my great fortune.

Miss H.E. (a literary genius herself) has recently had the sort of setbacks that anyone reading any great novel will find a heroine has.  Tragedy of more than one kind has befallen her and her family but she has handled it with great courage and grace.  I am practically on the edge of my seat waiting to see what will happen in her life next.

She is not only a spectacular writer (hence my great fortune in such a letter) but she is kindly and good hearted.  I do wish we lived closer and could visit more often.

She has advised me (in a most tactful way) of how I may be a more interesting and technologically up to date person.  For someone who nearly always prefers the old fashioned way this is extremely helpful. 

Since Miss H.E. has such fantastic taste I do hope she will read my blog again in the future. 

For now,  Dear blog readers a mission:  write to someone of indeterminate age (like moi) who will greatly appreciate a true letter in paper form.

 (Malva remind me to do a blog post for all those who have forgotten how to write a real letter).

Darlings, an explanation

To those dear readers who have graciously been following me up to this point let me explain myself. 

A recent foray into ballroom dance has illuminated the fact that I have not been cyberly true to my more flamboyant nature. 

So along with my trusted Social Secretary, Malva, whom I will dictate these posts to as I walk the room in a wildly printed flowing caftan,  I have re-created this blog in it's entirety.

Well perhaps more accurately, it has been taken over by one of my more decorative personalities.

Those who knew me back in my theatre days when I was still known as Mademoiselle G may remember me as the over-the-top diva who with just as many faults as any "normal" person (previous author),  but without any of her overly developed sense of humility and restraint.

In other words, brace yourselves. Escapee from ordinary, that histrionic drama queen alter ego has finally broken the bonds of a proper Southern-style upbringing.

Madame L. will now be running the show or in this case, the blog!

Champagne anyone?

Think of this change in terms of Jekyll and Hyde except with better breath and a much nicer wardrobe.

Peonies from the garden

One aspect of my life as an Over-The-Top Eccentric involves flowers, I practically insist on them. 

In a pinch silk or dried may do but mostly I NEED fresh flowers. 

I am deeply inspired by Peonies. They do not apologize for being rather large and taking up the whole vase and then some.  

One does not trim back peonies but simply cuts the blooms and puts them in one of the many vases one has collected from various travels over the years (notice this lovely sandwich glass green vase).

Do not be alarmed, a love of flowers does not necessarily have to be expensive.  Peonies are an old fashioned flower that are easy to grow. I adore many things that are old fashioned since I am, of course, of an indeterminate age.

These also go beautifully on a hat.  Fresh flowers on a hat are DIVINE.  Do not be scared of this look, simply save the small water holders when you receive your next corsage and use these along with scarves and ribbons to tuck in your fresh flowers.  (Malva, remind me later to do a blog post on this subject).

Don't be bothered by the ants that run around on the buds as they are getting ready to bloom.  They provide a tasty treat for the ants. 

Do take care to shake off the ants should you put these blooms on your hat.  Live ants running around on one's hat is not something, even a Batty Eccentric like myself, can condone.

Last day of School Teacher Gifts

There are times when one must come with a gift. 

The school year coming to a close is one of those times so today I thought I'd share a quick and easy gift idea.

Assemble the ingredients: clay pots, wired ribbon, floral picks (sticks with wires), 2 potted plants, 2 baskets, green tissue paper

Make your bow (it's easier with wired ribbon)

Put on the floral pick (available at local craft stores, or simply use a wire)

Pull off the dead buds

Insert the floral pick into the dirt

Add your thank you card into the basket

Finished end of the year gift for the teacher.  I always leave the care tag on the plants so the dear recipients will know how to take care of it.

Vintage tablecloths

  A  vintage souvenir tablecloth is a wonderful way to remember your travels. 

Also younger people who may not be as familiar with the landscape of the world (aka: geography) can benefit from this decorative, functional, stylish tablecloth (think: teaching aid).

Do be careful with this sort of geographic household item,   they hold more power than one may realize. 

A cautionary tale:

My dear Cousin Karen grew up in a home with French Everything on the bathroom wallpaper. 
Was it a subliminal push?  Intentional? -mais non. 

Still,  she ended up being a French Major who spent WAYYYY too much time away from her family maison while enjoying all the reckless sublimeness of France at a rather young age. Many feared she would never get back to the South.  (Personally, I was unconcerned since I love France and was hoping for a chance to visit once she settled there permanently).

She has since recovered from her obsession. Still, she has a precarious interest in overly smelly cheese.  Truth be known, she is a bit of a smelly French cheese pusher (being a Francophile I have succumbed on occasion but don't tell the Southern based relatives, they wouldn't understand).

Garlicy Dog Biscuit recipe

J'adore dogs!

A great pet is such an asset to one's style of living. Walks force us to get outside, meet our neighbors and interact with each other.  Not that I personally have ANY problem with those things, I am simply advising you, my dear readers.  

It seems such a shame that we have to outlive such valuable friends on a regular basis. 

Oh don't get me started, this is one of the things on my list to talk to God about as soon as I sweep through the pearly gates.  How unfair to live through a series of BEST FRIENDS this way!

Should you be lucky enough to have a darling canine in your life let me pass along a favorite recipe.  I made this many times for my dear sweet angel.
Garlicky Dog Biscuits 

Preheat oven to 350 F.

2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup powdered milk
1/2 tsp garlic powder or chopped garlic (not too much of this though, it is just to help repel fleas)
1 Tbs brown sugar
6 Tbs meat drippings (we always save the bacon grease at our house just for this)
1 beaten egg
1/2 cup water or bullion or stock

Blend the wet ingredients in a bowl, in another bowl blend the dry ingredients. Mix well. Combine the two bowls. With your hands make ball shapes (about as big a round as a quarter). Press flat and put onto a lightly greased cookie sheet.  Bake for 25 minutes in a 350 oven (or less as my oven runs hot). Remove from cookie sheet and let cool (put the dog out back so he wont be completely annoying waiting for these to cool).  Store in an airtight container (These also freeze well).

Note: Smart little doggies know exactly once you are up to once you have made these one time for them so don't worry about bone shaped cookie cutters as they pant and beg- just a small ball shape flattened will do fine.

Big Daddy Sushi

Madame L. (moi) can most certainly cook but since her husband is soooooooooooo much better at most things related to daily meals for living,  I frequently let's him take the spotlight in this regard. 

How generous of me, yes, I know.  He has become quite accomplished through the years.

It's a lovely cycle and it works like this:

1. The husband does something lovely, like grilling, for example. 

2. No matter the initial flavor/texture/outcome one MUST compliment the action.

 Example wording:

"Honey, this is the best/excellent/astonishing/restaurant quality __________(insert noun) I've ever tasted, you simply must make this again." (This is not a lie, it is simply encouraging future creativity).

Then, he will politely point out the flaw in whatever he made (because he is normal with a sense of humility not an over-the-top eccentric like yourself).

The next time he will have improved the quality until after something like 10 years of marriage he will be an extraordinarily skilled Master Chef. 

Sadly this can be a bit burdensome. 

Frequently you may be dining at a finer establishment when the head chef will run out with sweat dripping from his brow begging your husband to come and fix the absolute mess that has been made in the kitchen by some newbie fresh out of cooking school.

Your husband, who trained privately at the Chatham Institute (so prestigious and exclusive that not many have actually ever heard of it) will politely excuse himself and help the poor desperate head chef not lose his job.

This scenario has happened more times then one cares to think of.

Medicine

Recently, I was cleaning out my medicine cabinet when I realized that many of the items in it are, well, ahem, vintage. 

Malva said antique might be a more appropriate word which, at that point I sent her out to the store for more fresh flowers, which I need the same way I need more flair and flamboyance in my life.  Ha!

As she pulled out of the drive on her little pink scooter she could tell I was miffed. My favorite floral muumuu lightly blowing in the wind I shooed her toward the nearest florist.  

One never wants one's Social Secretary pointing out even the slightest age difference once one has reached an indeterminate age.

Still, I thought I would share this photo with my dear readers in order to remind everyone- yes, all things do get to the point where they are so graphically out of date they are unusable in their original form. 

At which point they have actually transcended the fickle world of practicality or fashion and have become, if not valuable works of art, then at least objects of interest.

In case you hadn't already realized this is a metaphor for yours truly. Moi.

Aunt Shelba's iced tea recipe

Aunt Shelba is a wonderful lady who lives in the South.  She is warm, loving and kindly with the best southern accent I've ever heard.  She is also an excellent hostess and wonderful mother and grandmother. 

As well as being an expert in the area of child development, she is a skilled  cook with a large repertoire of all the southern staples that most southern families have enjoyed for well over a hundred fifty years now.

On a side note, when I first saw Paula Deen on television I instantly liked her because she reminded me so much of my sweet Auntie.

She also makes the best iced tea you could ever have.

Just like when you see the recipe for pie crust and it looks like it would be easy but the truth is it's all about the technique as to whether it turns out right.  Well, iced tea is similar (but not quite as difficult to master as pie crust in my opinion).

Here is Aunt Shelba's recipe with plenty of notes along the way to help with technique.

Put 4 cups of water in a 2 qt saucepan and bring to a boil.  When the water boils turn it off and put in 8 small tea bags (I use 10 because I make mine with decaf tea bags).

Let this sit for about 4 hours. You can let it go longer but I have found at some point it starts to get cloudy so I like about 4 hours.

Put 1 1/2 cups of sugar in a 1 gallon container (I like to reuse the cleaned out glass jugs from wine or apple cider for this purpose).  Add the steeped tea water and shake together until mixed well.

The run cold water over the tea bags (still in the pan) over and over until the gallon contained is almost filled to the top (leave the neck empty).  Then put in 1/3 cup lemon juice. The best is either fresh squeezed or the thawed frozen lemon juice (Minute Maid) from the freezer section of the grocery store. 

Refrigerate and enjoy.

Diversity (Rainbow) Jello recipe

In an effort to promote understanding of differences I often make this recipe which I call DIVERSITY JELLO and take it to picnics and other events where I need to bring a dish. 

Especially when I know there will be people with closed minds that possibly need to open them. 

This recipe is actually quite time consuming but I like to think of it as educating others as to the place we all have in the world.

Diversity Jello recipe


2 small jello packages of the following flavors:

Cherry

Orange

Lemon

Lime

Blue (?)

Grape



2 cartons of sour cream



Directions:



You might want to layer in the order of a real rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple



First I put the cherry jello powder in a liquid measuring cup and then add boling water until it’s just a hair (literally) above the 1 cup mark. Stir until completely dissolved then pour into a 9x 13 inch pan.



Put in the fridge and chill until set (20-30 minutes).



For the next layer of cherry jello do the same thing but after dissolving the jello in boiling water then add 1/3 cup of sour cream. Chill in the fridge again until set.



Keep doing this until you have finished all the layers.



Note: For the last layer of purple I didn’t have time to do the sour cream layer so I ended with just the plain purple layer and I think it may look better that way.