Saturday, August 05, 2006

Gertrude


This weekend is the Art Fair Weekend in Minneapolis - three art fairs. all in the heart of the city, each with something for everyone. Alas, I happen to live in the middle of one of them (and there is no "disrupting my tranquility" discount.
I went to all three, walked a total of 19,000 steps, thought I could tolerate a bag of caramel corn with all that activity, but had a nasty spike of 340.
I bought this tiny cloth figure, a "wildwoman doll". She looks sturdy, determined, and well-grounded. I told the artist that I was going to have to thinkf of a name for her, and she replied, "no need - her name is Gertrude". The only Gertrudes I know are a friend of my grandma's and my neighbor Charlie's Saint Bernard.
When I got home I looked up the meaning of the name, and it is Germanic for spear-throwing strength. (Gulp.) Oh my.
I'm going to have to think about that one. I'll let you know if anything comes to me.
But for now, I have fastened her to my bathroom mirror, to remind me that I can go forward each day, strong, competent, and willing to try something new

2 comments:

Lori Rode said...

I love Gertrude! I hope she helps you as you continue to go through this. She looks strong and wise.

Minnesota Nice said...

Thank you.
(She scares me.)