HAPPY NEW YEAR, MATES!

GREETINGS from BEDLAM: The Many Faces of Fox

The Madwoman in the Attic

~Why being crazy is better!

Have fun!  xox

http://collagepirate.blogspot.com/2011/12/madwoman-in-attic-faces-of-fox.html

The annual A PIRATE YULE

" A Pirate Yule"

by Mimi Foxmorton
c. 2006
(with a half hearted apology to Clement C. Moore)

~For me Grandchildren...who can read faster'n I can write.

'Twas the night before Yule

And all through the ship

The storm it were blowin'

The mast it did dip.

The bo'lin's were hung

All in knots and afire

Somethin' had to be done

Or we all would expire.

The Pirates were gathered

All 'round their brave Cap'n

An' wondered out loud

How could this be happ'nin'?

There were pirates with hooks

And pirates in patches

Then from aloft came th' cry

"Batt'n down th' hatches!"

When off t' me larb'ard

There arose such a spout

I knocked back me rum

Tried t' figure it out.

(author note: They're MY grandchildren I can say 'rum' iffen I want.)

Quick up the ratlin's

I climbed a bit rash

But fell t' th' poopdeck

(For I'd tangled me sash.)

Th' moon on th' crest

O' me new fallen booty

Gave me pause t' be frightened

But I knew me duty.

When what t' me wanderin'

One eye should appear?

But Neptune, himself,

He were sheddin' a tear.

"Oh why," he did ask me

"Must this world be so thick

With man against man

Like they don't care a lick?"

More rapid than grapeshot

Our misdeeds he did name

And he cursed and he shouted

As he called them by name:

There's pillagin' & plunderin'

And not mindin' your Mothers.

There be judgin' yer neighbor

I can think of some others!

There be hatred and selfishness

They all are quite crude.

But the worst of them all's

When ye be just plain rude!

It be up to you to do somethin'

Ye be charged wit' th' call!

Now pull up your boot straps

And stand pirate-tall!

As dry-heaves that before

Salmagundi meat pie

When it greets an old pirate

Who's only one eye.

(author note: Oh, deal with it. None of us ever knew what that stanza meant anyway.)

So, up t' th' crow's nest

Like a seagull I flew

Wit' me cutlass pulled out

An' me hat all askew.

(author note: Aye, th' very hat what yer Grandpappy Slappy give t’ me!)

And then in a twinklin'

It came unto me

I knew that I had

To make others see.

That bein' a Pirate's

A most noble call

But there's rules t' be followed

Even in a great squall.

You can't do what ye likes

Wit'out followin' Th' Code

For iffen ye do

Neptune's wrath it will bode.

Wear your Pirate garb proudly

And do all your work

Keep your cabin all tidy

Don't act like a jerk!

Th' Cap'n's th' boss

Misbehave? I don't buy it.

I run a tight ship

Mutiny? Don't ye tries it.

I explained on that night

Pirate mates work together

For sharing yer work

Makes it light as a feather.

You could STILL be a pirate

And ne'er be tame

Play jokes on your Mum

And be not at all lame.

The Pirates they thought

This was a great plan

To help one another

When caught in a jam.

They agreed that they always

Would follow the Code

Be the best Pirates e'er

Help shoulder the load.

For even a Pirate

If he takes a good look

Will see that occasionally

He needs a friend's hook

To help and to guide him

When he's far out t' sea

Or searchin' for treasure

Where e'er that might be.

Then Neptune came forward

His eyes all a twinkle

The sea settled down

There were nary a wrinkle.

I'm proud of ye all

Said the great, huge wet man

Ye'll give it your best

And do what ye can.

Be proud!

Be a Pirate!

An' ne'er take a fall

For bein' a Pirate's the' best thing of all!

The Pirate's rushed forward

To say their farewell

And meeting his eye

I gave out a yell.

"Me thanks for yer honesty

And remindin' the others

To be kind to your family

Yer sisters and brothers."

He gave me a nod

I'll ne'er forget

A changed Pirate I was

On that ye can bet.

For you see 'twas that night

On the Eve of Great Yule

I learned I could be

A Pirate and cool.

Then we heard him exclaim

As he sunk from our sight

Merry Yule to ye Pirates

Have a magical night.

(author note: Now hands me that there tankard an' git t' yer bunks!)

MF ‘06

Art work by Jolly Crackers

WEE FOX & GARB

Blog up in SEA GYPSY of me wee garb from Germany!
Enjoy!
:)
http://seagypsytraveler.blogspot.com/2011/12/lets-start-at-ver-ry-be-gin-inga-very.html

PIRATE SANTA.....ARRRRRRR!

Cap'n Slappy and Talderoy have a brand new book out
just in time for your
Yule stripey sock-ing!

Check it out at

http://www.piratesanta.com/



WHO AM I?

Thinking I might finally want to know who I really am.
http://seagypsytraveler.blogspot.com/2011/10/tzigane-tarot-then-some.html

LIZZIE BORDEN TOOK AN AXE.......

In Other News:

I have recently developed a new fascination!

For those of you who know me or follow this blog you know that once I become interested in something I must research it to the fullest!  And so begins my Autumnal journey with Lizzie Borden!  (Yes, THAT Lizzie Borden!)

I've numerous books and such on order.  I've read snippets of the trial which prompted me to read more and more.  Also, and I did not know this, you can spend the night in LIZZIE'S HOUSE!  Really!

And so I shall.  In due time.

But, first.......off to buy some pears...............

Willow Manor Ball 2011

http://willowmanor.blogspot.com/2011/09/cyber-event-of-year.html

Well, THIS sounds like absolutely TOO MUCH FUN!
I can't wait to....attend!
What a lovely and creative idea!
I can't wait!

Oooo!  What will I wear?
:)

A HUMBLE (AND INTERNATIONAL) REQUEST............

Dear Faithful Blog Readers,
I am always amazed each day as I see how many International Readers I have.
It's so humbling to think that a person has the ability to connect to so many far away places.
I thank you all for taking the time to visit my tiny little world.
Which brings me to my (somewhat selfish) request. 
 My CAPRA and the MAGICAL GOAT BLANKET is nearing an 'end' so that I might have it pieced together and sewn by Yule.  If you haven't yet sent me just a wee scrap (envelope size is fine) then I really wish might consider it.  The energy from this blanket project has been simply magical.  Info is below.  The deadline is October 1.
My humble thanks,
~Mimi

DANCING CAPRA for YULE!


Have you sent your piece of fabric for the
 CAPRA AND THE MAGICAL GOAT BLANKET PROJECT yet?

Deadline is October 1st.

I have had SO many fabulous pieces sent from near and far.

To date, the farthest away has been Istanbul! Imagine!

It's truly amazing the energy this project has generated.

I look forward to seeing Darla in this most wondrous of folk blankets.

The link below will get you the project info but all pieces sent in have been photographed and posted on the Goat Borrower blog.

My sincere gratitude to you all........

~Mimi Foxmorton

The Goat Borrower

http://thegoatborrower.blogspot.com/2011/01/capra-and-magical-goat-blanket-broject.html

International Talk Like A Pirate Day 2011 Premiere Video!

The Secret's out!

Yeah......so you guys might want to check out Foxmorton & Crew in the newly released ITLAPD video!

'Cause, we rock!

And so do our ever-lovin' mates! You'll think they're awesome! (Because they ARRRRRRRR!)

http://www.talklikeapirate.com/

 It's right on the front page!


And remember:
Happy Talk Like A Pirate Day-September 19-Please comply.
xoxoxo
~Foxmorton

From Chumbucket:
It's the "International Talk Like a Pirate Day Drunken Sailor Sing-Along a Go Go!" – edited by Mad Sally and featuring more than 30 separate clips of more than 50 pirates, four rubber chickens, Pandaboy, a Pulitzer Prize winning columnist and a beer swillin' pig. They come from all over the U.S. – from the Virgin Islands to Seattle, from Los Angeles to upstate New York, with stops all over the country and more than a few surprises! The entire crew of The Pirate Guys LLC – Ol' Chumbucket and Slappy, Mad Sally and a version of Jezebel the Web Wench are all represented. There are professional singers (thank Neptune!) and enthusiastic amateurs, all havin' grand fun with one of the best-known, best-loved sea songs of all time.

Dancing Bunny Ballerina Pirate Vest...and Nana

I just had occasion to comment on my Facebook:  "Yeah.  Not a lot of call for dancing bunny ballerina pirate vests."  lol

It made me smile.

And I could use a good smile today.  Me Mum, who is 100 (I was adopted late-I'll leave ye to the math) took a turn these past two days and well......you can figure what we thought was coming.  But it didn't.  And she rallied.  And she may be 100 but she's still me Mum.  And losing yer Mum hurts.  No matter.

So, that gave me occasion to post on me dear mate Cap'n Slappy's Facebook:  "I can't believe I've got to go to ANOTHER hospital and register as a pirate so they won't give Nana Daisy Rose (me Mum) the old dementia stink eye whence she starts telling the nurses her daughter is a pirate and *&^% you tell me any different."

Of course at the last hospital several years ago no one believed her.

It caused a ruckus.

That's putting it mildly.

You don't know me Mum.

Funny how we judge our elderly, eh?  I happened to come to visit one day while she was in the bathroom with a nurse and the conversation was a riot.  Except it wasn't when I realized that they had her pegged for loony tunes.  Which she can be sometimes....just not about that.

Her daughter IS a pirate.  Pirates DO come to her home.  I DO sail on a real pirate ship.  And she, herself, has dressed as a pirate on more than one occasion.  And she likes it.

 Now this revelation forced me to swagger on down to the nurses station and have them write in red ink-underlined thrice on her chart-Daughter IS a pirate!"

Which I did again today.

The nurse thanked me. Me tattoo (Pirate Girl) eases the way for them a bit.)  ;)

Now, how does this relate to:  Dancing bunny ballerina pirate vest you ask?  Well, I'll tell you.

After I commented to Slappy, he commented to me:  "Aye! And I think to add to the confusion - ye register as a pirate dressed as a ballerina. (But talking like a pirate.) And when they finally recognize yer pirattitude ... twirl, leap and flutter away yelling, "THIS DOESN'T MEAN NOTHIN'! I'M STILL A PIRATE!"

So, yeah.  That's how that happened.  But wait!  There's more!

It just so happens that I own a dancing bunny ballerina pirate vest.

Seriously.

I use it in my Pirates of CHAOS Bookeneer reading program.  You know:  "We've got library carrrrrds and we know how t' use 'em!"  (premise being we don't need to read about pirates-we already know about pirates-but each of us has something secret they want to learn-Cap'n Foxmorton's secret wish is to be a ballerina and the library provides us with the treasure of words.)

And so because, as my lovely daughter points out, everything comes full circle, here it is.

And it was a funny way to get there.

I know not what the next hours, days, weeks, perhaps even months (or years?) will bring but I do know that me Mum ranks right up there with the strongest and bravest of pirates.  Always has.  All her life.  And when the day comes that she decides to weigh anchor and sail on her own to Mingulay I'll stand on the shore with me tankard raised and bid her a hearty Yo-ho!  And, in spite of me tears, I'll smile.

MF
2011

"In a beautiful blue lagoon on a clear day, a fine sailing ship spreads its brilliant white canvas in a fresh morning breeze sails out to the open sea.

We watch her glide away magnificently through the deep blue and gradually see her grow smaller and smaller as she nears the horizon.

Finally, where the sea and sky meet, she slips silently from sight; and someone near me says, 'There, she is gone!'

Gone where? Gone from sight, that is all.

She is still as large in mast and hull and sail, still just as able to bear her load. And we can be sure that, just as we say, 'There, she is gone!' another says, 'There, she comes!!!' "

--- Unknown

Vintage World

This photo called to me at a rogue estate sale this weekend.

$1

Wish I could share more visual detail with you all. Note the lady on the porch and the man with the Mad Hatter black hat and (possibly?) tattered tails holding the white horse.

The pic is age-fused to the mat so I will never know if it was dated.

Also, the pic is not that spectacular and yet someone thought to lovingly frame it.
 
 I long to know more..........
 
But nevertheless, that is the intrigue of treasure hunting and it shall have an honored place in my home.

GOATS & PIRATES & CRYPTS, OH MY!

Here's just a tease of my Beekman 1802 trip this week!

Jolly Crackers, me loyal and devoted swab, (he's only allowed a feather duster since The Incident.  Aye, The Incident-though thankfully not at Beekman....) and Mistress Fortunes (ship's less than accurate fortune teller) and me best mate and galley mistress, Weevils, sailed with me to the FABULOUS land of Goats & Cheese!

For a full account and pics as well sail on over to:
http://thegoatborrower.blogspot.com/2011/08/beekman-1802-and-lots-of-goats.html

And, for the Artsy Version check out:
http://collagepirate.blogspot.com/2011/08/beekman-1802-artsy-side.html


You won't be sorry!
(Sorry, like Jolly Crackers was after The Incident.  Aye, the Incident.  Though thankfully not at Beekman......)

Fair Winds and a followin' sea......
~Cap'n Foxmorton

Grandma's Dishes

In my on-going quest to log a great many of my treasures (ain't bloggin' grand?!) I stumbled upon this delicate china set.

Given to me by my Mom, who has just turned 100 years old, (remember-I'm adopted-so do the math)
I have had them for a good 20 years.  They survive every move by traveling on my lap with the final load.
They belonged to her Mother.  (so do that math!)

Oddly, for all my collections, I don't own a china cabinet.  I suppose I'm going to have to start working on that. 

SERENDIPITOUS BOOTY

Ah, silly Serendipity, how I love thee.

Just days after reading the article about transferware and then discovering I already own a set I, of course, indulged my thrift habit and went in search of more china......because, as we all know, I need more thrift in my house.

Now, this whole transfer thing could be quite like white Volkswagons-you don't notice them until someone mentions them-but I was completely bowled over to find, just sitting there, these amazing pieces.  And (bonus!) two of the pieces had a nautical theme!  Can you say:  pirate?

So, I share with you my Serendipitous Booty of the day!

Platter: (on back)
 FAIR WINDS
 Original copper engravings depicting Historical scenes of Chinese export to America
USS Delaware capturing LeCroyable
Alfred Meakin Staffordshire England

Plate:  (on back)
THE FRIENDSHIP OF SALEM
Original copper engravings depicting Historical scenes of Chinese Export to America
Alfred Meakin Staffordshire England

This piece, although I know is quite worn, presented itself as quite a bit older than the others and I was intrigued by the markings on the back.  In addition to the company there is also a unique potter's mark that looks somewhat like a pressed key indentation.  At any rate, it called to me and so came home to live in my plate rack.  I hope she's happy there.

Plate (on back)
Furnivals
Versailles
R.N.
England 221872
(you can just see the potter's mark to the right)

And last, but not least, the Ever Odd Bit that always manages to find me called out from a dusty bottom shelf.  Who, I mean really, who? throws something like this away?  It was just begging to live with me!  AND to be used quite soon at a fancy summer outing!

Oh, right.  And how could I leave this behind?  I mean, really, could you?

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to pour a cup of tea, grab a plate of cookies, sit in some Battenburg shade and Google the word:  Hoarder.  ;)

UNEXPECTED TREASURE

So, treasures come in the most unexpected places.  Sometimes you have a treasure and you don't even know it.

An article in one of my artsy-fartsy magazines brought my attention to transferware, the art of transfering design by thin copper plate to dishware.  The method made these patterns more affordable to the masses, who couldn't pay the cost of hand painted china.

Cool.

But the pictures posted with the article were of dishes I already owned!

Seriously!

I grew up with these dishes and generally paid them no mind.  I remember my Mom being in her glory when Dad purchased them for her but, quite honestly, never gave them much thought other than to eat from them.

Years and years later, after my Dad's passing, my Mom, in a fit it seemed of discarding everything she ever owned, packed the dishes and sent them to my house.  I was slightly shocked but grateful and used the plates as everyday china for ages.  Again, not much to say about them.  They held food nicely.

I used them up until 2002 when I impulse purchased an inexpensive set of china with a spiral pattern from Pier 1.  I was big on spirals at the time.  I carefully wrapped up my Mom's china and packed it away.

And there it's stayed.

Until this morning when I read the article.

I've always had a soup bowl (the perfect size for a hat pattern tracing) and a platter (great for a matching hat brim) from the set that didn't make it to storage so I popped the bowl out of the cupboard and here's what I found:

The bottom reads:

ROMANTIC ENGLAND

Warwickshire 16th Century

West Gate and Leicester Hospital

~In 1571 the Earl of Leicester endowed as old soldiers home.

English Ironstone

J & G Meakin

England

I was in a rush to snap this to post but a quick peek at the platter appears to

indicate that when I unpack the china I'll find completely different scenes from

different times and areas.  Needless to say, I'm looking forward to the research and discovery.

Unpacking that box has definitely moved to my Top Five Thing To Do This Summer!

Hmm.   Now where can I find a cheap china cabinet?

Magic In The Air.....

COMING SOON!

http://www.yellowdogmagic.blogspot.com/

A FAERIE MAGICAL YELLOW DOG TAIL

~In which Yellow Dog finds a Magical Stick,
falls to Faerie Land,
defeats the Darke Elf
and a Ballad is written in his honor!
Huzzah!
(and Mom & Cat were there, too!)

*this script designed as a sound recording
  (though 'twould make a wondrous animation)

A YELLOW DOG PRODUCTION
c.  2004
All Rights Reserved

SUPER TREASURE

My ultra-serious thrift shop score!


I was completely blown away to find them, just sitting there all together, calling my name: Fox-morton........Fooooox-morton............

They appear to be hand made, glazed...no artist markings to be found.
Not a single chip.
 How could they possibly have survived the trip?

Celtic drinking horns.....?

Turkish tobacco holders....?

Other....?

What say ye?

(Though whate'er they are....they are drinking horns now!) ;)

I am ashamed to say what I paid.

$1.99

Thank you, Universe! I promise to care for them well!

PROFILES IN PIRATTITUDE

Ahoy Mates-

 It ain't often that Foxmorton be humbled to her knees. Get thee to a bookery and get yerself a copy of the latest PIRATES MAGAZINE #14 and read Cap'n Slappy's 'Profiles in Pirattitude' all about yours truly or, better yet, subscribe at http://www.piratesmagazine.com/ so you won't be missin' anything else!  ;)

It's good to be a pirate.

 xoxoxo
~Fox

TOOTING MY OWN HORN......

Just think, you might be missing something really, really cool over at my
COLLAGE PIRATE blog  http://collagepirate.blogspot.com/

Just sayin'.............

;)

RAINY DAY TREASURES

Just popping up a few more treasures that by fortune came my way.
The first is a marvelous old tea pot/cup set for which I paid $1.49
I absolutely love the flowers painted inside the tea cup.

Next is an antique tea strainer that was gifted to me by one of my favorite seniors when I was in my Mad Hatter phase and adorning myself with old tea-like things.

And lastly, gifted some years ago by the same favorite senior (who knows and appreciates my love of old things) is an antique wooden butter stamp.

We had happened to be making lavender shortbread with the embossed stoneware and she thought of this piece she had which was used to stamp the homemade butter.

I love that the Universe sees fit to send so many lovely things my way.

I promise, with my whole heart, to always look after them.

Thanks for letting me share.

~Mimi

I hope Shawna grows up to love old things......

I know Yellow Dog does........!

PIRATES for AUTISM AWARENESS! Plus, we'll probably bring the goat.

GO, TEAM PIRATE for Autism Awareness
Join us and WALK LIKE A PIRATE to raise Autism Awareness!



SATURDAY APRIL 30, 2011

5th ANNUAL AUTISM AWARENESS WALK


sponsored by the Oswego County Autism Task Force

at Leighton School & Wilber Field & Track

Oswego, NY 13126


The event will run from 11am to 2pm


*If you are unable to walk the track please don your FUN & HAPPY pirate garb....bring a deck chair and cheer us on!


*Pirates- We respectfully request that pirate garb be fun, happy & kid-friendly.

ABSOLUTELY NO WEAPONS-NO ALCOHOL

Please, NO doubloons to be given out.

Beads ok.

Thank you.


*Participate in the 3 mile walk on Wilber Track


*Learn more about Autism and resources in and near Oswego County


*Enjoy refreshments


*Let the kids engage in face painting, jump and play in the AIR HOP inflatable house and slide.


*Enjoy balloon animals, dance shows, bubble play and more!


*Win door prizes.




*Show your support for local kids and families affected by the Autism Spectrum Disorder.


Call 349-3510 or email us at oswegoautism@yahoo.com


Any PIRATE ONLY questions contact Foxmorton at cclancy@townofclay.org


Bring a dish to pass pirate family BBQ following.

Alcohol free.

Contact Foxmorton for specific details.

Walkers Only!


Hope to see you there!



PIRATES OF CHAOS:

DOING THEIR PART TO RAISE AWARENESS!

TREASURE YER ENVIRONMENT

YE CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT CLEAN WATER......

THINK ABOUT IT......

PICK UP YER TRASH.....


KEEP THE WATERWAYS CLEAN FOR THE NIPPERKINS.....

YE NEVER KNOW WHAT TREASURE YE'LL FIND....

PICK UP YER TRASH......

IT WON'T KILL YE

OR WE'LL MAKE YE WALK THE PLANK!

HAPPY EARTH DAY

TREASURE YER ENVIRONMENT