Margery Niblock

It's June in Maine

Old Port Festival

The first Sunday in June is always the day for the Old Port festival, a wonderful downtown tradition.

This year's weather was perfect! The parade by the Shoestring Theater, headed by Nance Parker, was well attended and much enjoyed.

There was also a petting zoo.

A Bit of Country in the City

A neighbor of mine has created a wonderful pond in her backyard. It's deep enough for a frog to hibernate in over the winter.

This bullfrog is quite happy with his new digs.

She also has three chickens, who seem to be quite content in their new urban setting.

House Portraits

I've been doing scratchboard house portraits the past few months. It's a lot of fun doing my artwork, and I really enjoy when the owners pick up the pictures. They've all been quite happy with the representation of their homes, so that pleases me, in turn.

Praying Mantis Babies

The specks in that container are baby praying mantises; they'd hatched two days prior to my taking this shot.

My young friends Andrew and Henry are in charge of this nature experiment. They'd sent away for a praying mantis egg case that had instructions about what to do after the eggs hatched, which was supposed to be in about four to six weeks. Andrew had just about given up hope after eight weeks of waiting, when they hatched the following day.

The egg case is the round brown object on the stick, toward the right. The mantises are eating aphids until they go out into the garden to start working there. Some of them have already been released into the garden at the boys' home and some will go to the community garden they participate in.

I hadn't seen one of these insects since I've been living in Maine. I had been quite excited when one appeared in my Philadelphia garden.

Another City Bird

This pigeon has made a nest in a wonderful spot.

june "art of the month club"

It was exciting to receive my June envelope, with an apology for being late; May never produced an "art of the month" mailing.

As you can see, there was a charming little envelope decorated by hand, which contained flower seeds. I planted them immediately. I'll be checking them often and will take pictures of whatever sprouts in the area I've placed them.

If you click on these two photos to enlarge them, you can read about the guest artist. It's pretty funny.

A Few Odd Things—All of Them Dumb!

Excuse me . . .

These are twin parking meters located on Myrtle Street, right outside City Hall near the entrance to the Merrill Auditorium.

This is a pole that had one of these parking meters attached to its top. The meters are missing.

Police had received a call about two men tampering with those meters. By an odd coincidence, when they were driving around the area in response to that call, they happened upon two 33-year-old Portland men, who had the meters in their possession.

They were strolling down a street a couple of blocks away, with the evidence handily apparent. Since they didn't have a good reason to be carrying these double parking meters at 1:30 in the morning (or any other time), they were arrested for theft, criminal mischief, receiving stolen property, and possession of burglary tools.

Hey, It's Moldy in Here!

Gardening is a wonderful pastime. That's an accepted fact. It isn't too often that it can get someone placed into police custody either.

A 26-year-old whose thinking cap wasn't properly adjusted, called his landlord to complain about mold in the house he was renting. He would later realize the full implications of that phone call.

The landlord showed up at the property with a roofing contractor, in order to find the mold problem's cause. When they reached the basement they came upon the reason: 123 marijuana plants being cultivated with grow lights.

[Example of Indoor Grow]

Police were called and the man was arrested. Two and a quarter pounds of processed marijuana were also found in the dwelling. The indoor farmer was charged with unlawful trafficking in drugs and his indoor grow was confiscated as evidence.

Illiterate Criminal Mischief Maker

The message on the window of my car (the FlameMobile) was discovered upon exiting a restaurant after a delicious Thai dinner. The car had been dubbed with that delightful name by Ed King, the editor of The West End NEWS. There was a period of time when the FlameMobile helped Ed on his newspaper delivery rounds. That was a couple of years ago, before I began writing the "police-beat" articles. So you might say I've worked my way up in the organization.

I sent the photo to a few friends. One wrote back with a possible explanation, which was "Maybe he/she thought you were in HR, and had initiated a round of layoffs." Nice try, Kate!

It was written with some sort of white grease pencil, which comes off very easily. And it reminded me of the first time I'd taken this car to fill up the gas tank. The young man at the service station said "I really like the fire flames on your car." He knew nothing about redundancy, obviously.

And speaking about service stations and filling up . . .

. . . It's My First Time!

I was horrified to see this sign in the station where I normally go to fill up my gas tank. That's because I had never put the gas in myself, nor had I ever planned to. I'd pulled in, seen the sign, and pulled right out. I had to let my mind become accustomed to the idea that this was going to represent a major change in my lifestyle.

I went to the supermarket, which had been my destination, and after purchasing my groceries decided to return to the gas station and attempt to get my own gas.

I read the directions carefully and slowly. Then I thought I'd done what I was told to do. But I hadn't lifted the lever up. So I began pumping "nothing" into my gas tank. I watched the numbers, which did not move. A woman came out of the building and told me what the problem was.

I pumped $15 worth of gas and then made sure I put the pump back the way it was. Whew! I figured it would be easier the next time. Of course anyone reading this has probably been doing this routine since teenage years, so it must seem quite ridiculous. But when you start to do something at age 70, it can be a big deal, especially if you're fearful of the process to begin with.

That evening I was out to dinner with a friend and we were discussing the issue of self-service gas stations. She was not a proponent of the do-it-yourself method either. As we chatted, I said "I wonder if I put the cap back on my gas tank." She thought that I must have, since that would be one of the last things you'd see before replacing the pump. But I just had a feeling that I hadn't.

When I was dropped off a short time later, I headed right for the rear of my car. And this is what I saw.

Thank goodness the cap was attached! Hopefully, I'll remember this final step of replacing the cap and closing the little trap door next time I go for gas.

Clowning Around

A performance artist who had been working in the downtown area called police to say that someone had just stolen his red clown nose and his rainbow-colored socks.

He gave a good description of the would-be clown, and police searched the immediate area looking for a match. They discovered someone walking nearby who fit the suspect's particulars; the man was then stopped and searched.

And guess what they found in his possession?

I don't know which style of rainbow-colored socks they found, but I'm partial to the ones with those wonderful toes. The man had a red clown nose and rainbow-colored socks.

So our street performer was able to get his paraphernalia back, and the wannabe clown was charged with theft.

Spring Things

April "art of the month" Mail

My art of the month arrival was quite exciting. It must have taken a long time to put all of these pages together into this little fold-out book. The drawings were a compilation of the postcards people were asked to send back in March, when we were told to draw something that we loved.

The dinosaur at the end is my favorite thing from the entries that were received. He's quite spectacular!

Birds in Eaves

I discovered where some sparrows are living. They have a nice eave to call home. They don't need much space for getting in and out. I'd be curious to see what the interior looks like, whether they've built an actual nest in there.

I'll never know.

This is another eave where birds can be seen going in and out. This house is on the same street as the previous one.

I hope you're able to see the small sparrow that's nestled into the corner of the eave.

Fiddlers in the Park

The dog in the forefront is being well entertained by these two people. They were terrific! What a pleasure it was to walk into the park and listen to their music.

Here We Go Again!

This was the first time I've seen Woody this season. This will be our third year of "togetherness." He's looking good. The violets are starting to open now. I remember last year he waited until they had all appeared, had gotten nice and large, and then he just ate each and every flower. More power to him! I certainly don't begrudge him his meals of violets, even though they are one of my favorite flowers. He does allow me to enjoy them before he starts munching, however.

St. Lawrence Reduces Its Size

The stained glass is being removed from the historic St. Lawrence Church. Part of the building is in a dangerous condition and must be taken down.

The stones have been numbered so that some time in the future, that portion of the building will be able to get restored to its original beauty. It's quite sad to see part of that important structure removed. It's such an integral part of the neighborhood, something you're used to seeing.

After that portion is all gone, I'll still have my beautiful etching of the church, done by Ron Slater, a most talented man.

Around the Corner

This sweet garden ornament lives around the corner, and this odd monkey sculpture also adorns the same garden.

Otto

I met Otto, the albino ferret, when I was taking an early evening walk. He lives right on my block, although I'd never seen him out. I was told that he's a little depressed lately, since his brother Potto died.

Mother's Day Flowers

Flowers are always such a welcome gift, no matter what the occasion is. These lasted a very long time. Now I have the greens in the same vase, with some fragrant lilacs.

Bzzzz

I noticed this bumblebee resting on a daylily leaf when I went to put something into the compost bin. I went in to get my camera, thinking it would probably be gone by the time I got back. He must have been very tired from all his pollen gathering, because he was still in the same spot, waiting to have his portrait taken.

Welcome Visitor

I don't know bird calls, but when I heard a sound that was not the usual bird, that much I was aware of. I ran to the window and saw this cardinal walking around on the bricks in the patio.

For about ten days, at differing times, I'd hear him and go to the window to watch him. He hasn't been here for the past several days and I do wish he'd return.

Tragedy for Portland Police Department

The mood was somber as Chief Tim Burton and Westbrook’s Chief William Baker conducted a joint press conference at 11 AM, May 6, at Police Headquarters to announce that Sergeant Robert Johnsey, 37, a member of the Portland Police Department since August 1999, died last night at Maine Medical Center, as the result of an "accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound" to the leg. The gun involved was the officer’s Smith & Wesson semiautomatic service weapon. Baker called this type of event "the ultimate tragedy."

Burton said there is "extended trauma at the Portland Police Department. We all share a common bond and a common goal. When struck by these tragedies, we all feel it." He praised Johnsey as being a "kindhearted, solid family man who took his job seriously. He was a good man." Burton stated "On a personal note, this is a very tragic moment for us. We have lost a valued colleague and a good friend."

Johnsey was deployed to the Middle East in 1990 with the 143rd Military Police Company as part of his Army National Guard service, returning from active duty in April of 1991. He had extensive employment in the field of law enforcement before joining the Portland Police Department, having worked for the Connecticut Department of Corrections, the United States Department of Corrections, and as a Deputy with the Collier County Sheriff's Office in Florida.

Johnsey received numerous commendations, recognition, and letters of appreciation from the public during his service in Portland. He was an Honor Guard member, a Crisis Intervention Specialist, and a certified K-9 handler, named as supervisor of the K-9 Unit in December 2007. He was assigned to the Evening Directed Patrol Unit.

Detective Sergeant Robert Martin worked closely with Johnsey and mentioned his affinity for military history and battlefields, stating, "If they went to Pennsylvania for a vacation, they went to Gettysburg." Martin said "He was a good guy."

The officer’s wife Carol called 911 and officers from Westbrook’s police department responded to the crisis at the family's home. Chief Baker stated "The impact is significant for officers in Westbrook." Those officers "made a valiant effort" to save Johnsey by applying a tourniquet.

Johnsey had two children, a daughter, Rachel, who is twelve and an eleven-year-old son. It was reported that after learning of his dad’s death, his son Alexander Joseph, said "I guess I’m the man of the house now."

The flag at Police Headquarters has been lowered to half-mast and will remain that way until the day after Sergeant Johnsey's funeral.

Olio

Hannaford Origami

While writing a check for my supermarket purchases, I noticed that the young woman who was waiting for my check to be processed was putting those few moments to very good use. She was deftly creating tiny origami birds.

Then I noticed that she had about seven of them near the register. When I asked what she was planning to do with them, she said she was going to place one at each cash register. At that point I asked if I could possibly have one, and she cheerfully obliged.

Now I have this lovely little origami bird sitting right by my computer.

Thanks, Whitney! And keep up the good work. It's nice to discover something "different" during a trip to buy groceries.

Mr. TinyToes

Here he is! My favorite skunk in the entire world, who is also my neighbor. I just completed his portrait, which will soon be available at the eBay store.

I'm anxiously awaiting my first glimpse of him this spring. I know he's out and about because my neighbors saw him around dawn several weeks ago. It's still a bit to cool for me to be camping out in the garden at dusk, so I must be patient.

Emily's Favorite Shirt

Emily (a dancer) and James lived on the third floor of the building where I reside. You couldn't ask for nicer neighbors.

The other day we were all in the first-floor hallway at the same time, and Emily was wearing the T-shirt pictured above. I'd never seen her in anything that approximated the look of this particular top, so I said "Emily, you're dressed in rags! What's going on?"

That's when she said "This is my favorite shirt." And James's statement explained it all, when he remarked: "She danced her heart out in it."

Emily's a beauty, even in rags! Don't you agree? But these "rags" have a story to accompany the look.

My Favorite Kind of Maine Day

This is the view I had from the top of the hill the other day. It's what I call a blue-water/blue-sky day. That makes it a perfect day. I've been here almost 19 years and I still get a thrill when I walk out the door and see that magnificent water down the hill. I never tire of that sight.

Dead Tranny

It's been quite a while since I've seen an interesting note while walking, but this one certainly falls into that category. And I like the fact that it's so very polite.

Hola!

This hat looked as though it were in perfect condition. I don't know whether it was accidentally dropped or if it is meant as a gift for someone who might be looking for a south-of-the-border sombero.

Forty years ago I might have picked it up and stuck it on my head, but today—not a chance.

Be an Angel . . .

Angels in My Home

These are my favorite cherubs, from a painting by Raphael. The small images are from a tote bag hanging on a doorknob in my living room.

I also have little magnets of these babies on my kitchen stove. Angels and cherubs are the children and adult versions of the same celestial beings; I think of cherubs as baby angels. They all have wings.

I have several more of these charming creatures in my home. This wooden angel is on the wall next to my bed. And this saxophone-playing angel hangs from the reading lamp above my bed. He's about four inches long and he has the greatest pair of sneakers. I also am fond of his gold-colored patina.

Standing on the floor below the bedroom window is this stone cherub. It's very heavy. And very cute! He'd actually be suitable for a garden ornament, but I like having him close by.

Strolling through the dining room, I have a wonderful triptych that I bought eons ago at an auction in Philadelphia at Freeman's. These are adult angels, Gabriel and an unnamed woman.

They're special because they have gold wings.

The Birthday Angel

One evening eleven years ago I took a friend to dinner to celebrate her fiftieth birthday, and an angel became a focal point of the celebration. We went to the Eastland Hotel here in Portland, which has a dining room on the first floor.

Shortly after we were seated, an agitated man burst into the dining room, carrying a gigantic bunch of beautiful flowers in a vase.

He hurried to the banquette next to us, placed the flowers in the middle of the table, and then approached us, saying: "I'm having dinner with a very special friend tonight—Angela." The man in the black leather coat, with a long scarf dramatically thrown across one shoulder then announced: "She's in the car, and I'm going to get her now. I'll be right back and then you can see for yourself. Don't go away."

I was thinking "You go away! And leave us alone, dammit!" He rushed out and within a couple of minutes was back, carrying a large angel doll, which he plopped down at the banquette. It was quite similar to this one, from the Franklin Mint.

He said "This is Angela. Isn't she gorgeous?" Yes, she was beautiful, we had to agree. He then pulled out a camera and stuck it into my friend Deb's hand, telling her he'd like her to take some pictures of him with Angela, how this was his birthday, and that he'd spent his birthday last year in Los Angeles. He said "I'd like you to take a picture of me with my dinner companion." She complied with his wishes, snapping a few photos of the "odd couple."

He finally left us alone and went to sit down with his angel for his birthday dinner. There's nothing that I enjoy more than finding out people's "stories." Most have fascinating ones, even if they may not realize it. I love getting to know people. But this guy had crossed some sort of line in my psyche, where I just wanted him to get far away from me. I would like to know his story, but I didn't want to hear it from him. There was something about him that made me think he could drag us across an invisible marker and we'd wind up in The Twilight Zone, of the old Rod Serling TV series.

We managed to have our dinner without any other interruptions, and to commemorate the event Deb gave me this tiny book a couple of weeks later. Whenever I see it on my shelf I remember that bizarre man, who was touched—and with an angel.

Emerson's Angels

Doug Emerson, a talented photographer, is someone I was introduced to by this same friend. I didn't realize I'd known Doug for such a long time until I typed this in. Time does fly, doesn't it?

Doug is also an angel aficionado, and has taken many beautiful photos of angel statues.

Here are three of his delightful angel photographs.

I'm always drawn to black and white photography. I'm having a difficult time trying to decide which of Doug's angels to bring home. And then it will be exciting deciding in which room the angel should live. I think I feel a need coming on to have an angel residing in my living room.

Oh, yes! I know the exact spot where it will go. It will be fun waiting for my new addition to arrive and become part of the household.

Out and About Once Again

New Family Members

This magnificent chickadee was created by Sue Talbot, who carves all sorts of birds out of wood. When I saw her work I had to get one of her creations.

Sue informed me that the bird was carved from tupelo wood and painted with many layers of thin acrylic washes. The legs and toes are brass rods that have been shaped, soldered, and covered with epoxy putty. The base and cone were carved from one piece of cedar.

The chickadee was shipped down to Portland from Camden, Maine, in a well-packed cardboard container. He seems to have acclimated very well to his new home, and I've told Sue that she has "visitation rights." It's also very special, since the chickadee is Maine's state bird.

Toni Wolf, a wonderful artist, sent me this little paper frog that she made. Toni knows I have a long-standing relationship with frogs and she thought that sending this little fellow my way might make spring seem a bit closer.

It's a welcome addition to my eclectic collection of artwork. Thank you, Toni!

March "art of the month club"

My envelope for March arrived from the art of the month club. As you can see, for this month's activity I was asked to draw something that I love on the other side of this prestamped, self-addressed postcard. I didn't exactly follow the instructions to the letter.

I cut out my skunk from one of my prints, and pasted it on to the card. Then I did do some drawing of grass and I signed my name to it. I hope those folks won't be too upset with my interpretation of the rules.

Snow and Hydrants

This is a creative way to draw attention to a lost glove. For those of you who don't live in snowy climes, the reason that metal rod is attached to the fire hydrant is so firefighters will know where those very important pieces of equipment are if they happen to get buried under the snow.

During the winter, you'll see firefighters driving around to make certain that all of the hydrants are exposed and available for use, if need be.

Huh? What Is It?

I got quite excited when I saw this "thing" lying on the bricks. I had no idea what it might be. It's a little dog toy that squeaks when pressed. I pressed it and it squeaked, so I'm able to report that with authority. Some poor pooch is without its little leopard toy.

Bacon Lovers' Delight

My agent Kevin, who handles my artwork at the eBay store, sent me this photo. I thought that he'd done something new and different with a package of bacon and wanted to share it with me.

I'd never seen a bacon pot holder before—nor had I ever hoped to see one. It's very similar to that purple-cow syndrome from our childhoods. But that was not the case at all. This isn't something Kevin made. He'd found the photo on the Internet while searching for something. You know how that goes, don't you?

I wouldn't be surprised if he does make one of these at some point. I've had bacon at his house and he does wonders with it, so I hope I get invited if he ever decides to make one of these.

Oops! Spring Snow

I'm so anxious to see "my" skunk again that when I saw these footprints in the snow, I thought that's who made them. I was quite disappointed after sending them to a friend, when she sent back a drawing of skunk footprints and told me these were made by a cat. A cat! Of course I should have known. That's what wishful thinking can do, it can turn one into a fool.

This is what my garden looked like on March 29! We had more snow, a spring snowstorm. Well, at least it helped us break the 100-inch mark. That's special.

The Latest Addiction: Cell-Phone Mania

Officer Kent Porter received a call last fall, late in the afternoon, about two teenagers who had stolen DVDs at Guitar Grave, in Portland's downtown area. Porter was met by the store’s owner who said he’d chased one of the thieves down Elm Street and then lost him near Portland High School.

During the chase the youth dropped his cell phone, which was turned over to the officer.

After Porter saw a number for "Mom," he dialed it, got her name and address, and was told her son wasn’t home yet. Now that's making good use of a cell phone. I approve of that!

Police were waiting to arrest the teenage thief upon his arrival. And speaking of Officer Kent Porter, what a name! Whenever I hear it, I always think he should go to Hollywood with that moniker.

What! You Don't Have a Cell Phone?

And now to get back to cell phones, lest I get too distracted. I may be the only person in Portland without a cell phone, and that would include most high school students. I don't need one! I don't have to be available to people every minute of the day. That's the purpose of an answering machine, which I do have.

How about those folks at the supermarket gabbing on their cells? What are they talking about? Whether to purchase Wonder Bread or focaccia?

And then there are all of those people supposedly walking along together; but in so many instances, one of them is blabbing into a mouthpiece.

 

I see people on cell phones walking with their children; people on cell phones walking dogs;   people on cell phones walking alone; people supposedly driving cars who are yakking on cell phones.

I do understand that cell phones have an important function today. They are certainly necessary for people who have professions where they may be called for emergencies. But I've also read that some women carrying cell phones will place themselves into potentially risky situations because they believe the phone carries such an element of safety. That isn't a good thing.

A Carnegie Mellon University study just released has shown that merely listening to a cell phone while driving impairs drivers. The study will be appear in an upcoming edition of Brain Research.

Cell phones are just everywhere. You can't escape them. There are too many cell-phone users who are also inconsiderate of everyone else around them. Restaurants are not places where you should hear ringtones going off every few minutes. There are probably a million different ringtones available, so that everyone with a cell phone can be truly unique. There should be a ban on their use in these establishments.

I'm sure you've come across people who have their hands free while walking down the street and talking on a phone. When you first approach them you get the impression that they're talking to themselves. But they aren't. They're probably speaking to some other nincompoop who's walking down another street spouting gibberish into a phone.

Perhaps cell phones will be given to children at birth. Then they can fit into our manic telephone society as soon as they begin walking and talking.

"Hello Nana!"

Cell Phones and the Hereafter

And would you believe that some people are desirous of being buried with their cell phones?

I'm not really interested in putting profanity on this site, but when someone sent me this road sign, how could I resist? It just sums it all up so well, and so succinctly.

Amen!

Winter Events

The Portland Police Department held its third annual Recognition Ceremony at a breakfast event held at the Holiday Inn by the Bay.

Officer of the Year

Officer Robert Bickford was proclaimed Officer of the Year. Bob has been a member of the force since 1987. He's assigned to the Traffic Unit and has received numerous commendations during his years of service. He's also a very nice guy, and a credit to this community.

Congratulations, Bob!

Citizen Award

The young man in the center is John Lough, a nineteen-year-old Portland resident, who was given a citizen award for coming to the aid of a man who had been stabbed.

Tom Kane, (a former Mayor of our fair city) along with his wife Maureen and son Jimmy, were also in attendance, since John Lough is their neighbor. That's Jimmy seated to the left of John Lough.

Commissioned Painting Unveiled

Detective Sergeant Bruce Coffin unveiled a large painting he was commissioned to do by the Police Unions, depicting a roll call from the 1940s. It will be installed at Headquarters on Middle Street.

That's Chief Tim Burton on the left and Bruce Coffin on the right. If you'd like to see more of Bruce's paintings, read my article "Bruce Coffin: No Shortage of Talent."

Snow, Snow, and Yet More Snow

It seems as though it has snowed every second or third day this winter. It's quite beautiful, although it does make getting around somewhat difficult. We've already used up the money allotted for snow removal this year, as have most of the other Maine communities.

Beautiful Winter Sunset

A phone call from my friend (and neighbor) Dave Brackett, alerted me to the lovely color of the sunset behind the snowy treetops.

It's great to have people that are willing to take the time to let you know that something special is happening outside. Dave was also the person who alerted me to the presence of the barred owl around the corner.

An Odd Coincidence

[David Howe's roof creations]

My friend David Howe lent me this book, which he highly recommended. Titled American Ground: Unbuilding the World Trade Center, by William Langewiesche, it describes the daunting task of removing the 1.5 million tons of ruins from an incredibly dangerous site. And the author was there for six months, usually seven days a week; traversing the site day and night with those in charge of the massive cleanup (he refers to it as the "deconstruction"); attending meetings with the engineers. He became, in effect, part of the crew, and was privy to all of the problem solving that went on, and the many disagreements that came into play during the process.

Langewiesche states in the afterword that his aim was "to maintain the narrative's detachment," which he has done admirably well.

As an artist, I was very drawn to the cover illustration by Lynn Buckley. I kept looking at it from differing points of view; its vantage point and perspective; the drawn shapes; and the eeriness of the color. I found it fascinating.

That afternoon I received a handwritten card from Annette Dragon, a dear friend and talented photographer, who moved from Maine to Rochester several years ago. Her card had a reproduction of a Grant Wood painting on its cover.

I was startled when I saw the color of the fields in this painting. They were the same as those on the cover of the book I'd just gotten a few hours earlier. I placed the two objects side by side and just kept looking at them. These aren't colors that you'd normally run into placed next to one another, and especially in one day's time.

I e-mailed the two photos to my friend Kate O'Halloran, associated with the WMPG Thursday evening show "Big Talk," and this was her comment: "Interesting, too, how they're similar in color and tone, but different in texture—one all smooth and sinuous, the other uneven and crystalline."

Kate definitely has a way with words. I had been so focused on the color similarity that I hadn't even looked further.

House Portraits

My friend Nini, who lives around the corner, commissioned me to do a scratchboard portrait of her home. I had a great time working on this project and I hope to do more of them.

She got the original scratchboard and plans to have note cards done with this image. She said she may also want to use it on letterheads.

What's New? Snow!

Those tracks were not made by a cat. I think Mr. TinyToes (the skunk) has been venturing out in the snow. Poor thing! What's out there to eat these days? I wish I could help him get some nutrients. I'm quite fond of him and I miss seeing him, and those wonderful photo sessions we had last summer.

I'm starting a new scratchboard of him and I'll show you the finished product when I'm done.

art of the month club: A Mystery

I received an envelope last week, and here's what it looks like.

Very artistic: lots of stamps; pale, lowercase typed lettering; and that hand-drawn circle around the typed date saying "art of the month club." The return address has the same title, with a post office box number. It was intriguing.

When I opened the envelope there were two lovely, small wash drawings, but no word of explanation as to why I had received this, and no name to attach to its source. I like mysteries; maybe that's why I do the police reporting for The West End NEWS.

These drawings are well done, and each was on a piece of heavy watercolor paper. I'm assuming the person who did the artwork found these items on the street. Two street names are listed next to the dates, which are the same, "1.18."

On February 13 another envelope arrived. The date typed into this one was "feb 08," within the red circles drawn on the envelope.

Inside this envelope were four pieces of fuzzy cloth, cut out to resemble mustaches (I'm using the Webster's preferred spelling). There was a card enclosed with an explanation regarding what to do with these mustaches.

Also contained in February's envelope was this charming pin. How curious this all is.

I picked up my camera, looking for likely suspects to place the mustaches on. I didn't want to go around knocking on friends' doors or just carry the mustaches with me, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting people I might run across during my daily travels.

When it comes to something like this, I want to do it now. I decided to find things in my home to place the mustaches on, and then photograph the results, which I'll now share with you.

Here's my favorite: the Doughboy. I've been very fond of him since he made his appearance many years ago.

The mustache makes him seem a lot older, and not quite as adorable as he actually is. But he was a good sport, and he didn't mind posing for this photo.

This is my chainsaw bear, wearing sunglasses found in the ocean during a sea-glass collecting expedition, and wearing his FBI hat that he's quite attached to. He is not an FBI agent, in case you might be wondering. I prefer the way he looks without this mustache, but he's not going to keep it on forever.

I tacked mustaches on to this redheaded boy doll and this bear from a sign that had great meaning to me in my childhood.

I followed the instructions on the announcement and sent the four pictures to the e-mail address listed. I was hoping I might get some sort of acknowledgment but that didn't happen.

The drawing of this little bird was done by Susan Winn, whose beautiful fabric/bead art is astounding in its delicacy and complexity. I would have bet money that she'd sent the two envelopes. She has the time, the whimsical nature, and the talent to have imagined this "art of the month club."

I called her and asked her if this was something she was involved with and she gave me a hearty "No!" She claimed that if it were her idea, she would admit it.

So I'm back to square one; no idea who is responsible for this; no clues; the trail is dead. I'll just have to wait and see if any other envelopes arrive in the coming months.

I'll certainly let you know if there's an ending to this tale. Perhaps I'll have to ask some of Portland's detectives for their help in solving this mystery. They might be able to give me some tips.