Spring washing on Whirlwind Hill
As spring nudges me with warm breezes and birdsong I feel the urge to clean my own nest. And when the cold of the New England winter abated, my ancestors set about refreshing the rooms of the farmhouse.
My great-grandmother Lydia opened doors, pushed up windows, brought furniture, rugs, and carpets out onto the sidewalks to air. With her broom she swept away the dust and shadows of a long winter. She aired out the quilts and bedding and washed all the curtains. My grandfather whitewashed the kitchen and called on the paperhanger to brighten the chambers. What a good feeling it must have been after months of smoky stove, fireplace, and furnace fires to let the sunshine and fresh air flow through the old house.
Wednesday, March 13, 1912 – “Cloudy and rainy. The meadows full of water. The water rushing down the gutter. Ellsworth and Pauline [hired girl] cleaned the kitchen attic. Looks fine. A good work done, which is very pleasing to me.” – Lydia Jane Hall
Wednesday, April 24, 1912 – “Pauline cleaning and righting the front chamber and Ellen’s room. I washed and ironed the front chamber curtains. The rooms look very nice.” – Lydia Jane Hall
Wednesday, May 1, 1912 – “A nice clear day from morning until night. Done lots of work. Pauline cleaned two rooms upstairs. Her room and Ellsworth’s, and the back hall. Looks fine.” – Lydia Jane Hall
It’s a time of transition, this spring-cleaning time. When I used to have shows of my paintings every year or two, I always cleaned my studio and organized my supplies after the show was hung and the opening over. Cleaning and organizing helped me get started again. It opened a space for whatever new images, projects, and ideas came along.
Next Monday, March 30, will be my last regular entry for “On Whirlwind Hill.” In my first post last year on April 7, I said I would write my stories for a year. The year has passed and I’m ready to let some new ideas visit me. I do have unfinished business on Whirlwind Hill. I haven’t read all the journals and letters yet, I haven’t climbed the Three Notches, and I still haven’t found out why this lovely neighborhood was named Whirlwind Hill. The blog will stay up indefinitely, and I may add a post from time to time. If you’re a subscriber, an email will let you know if I’ve added something. And comments will still reach me. I’ve loved connecting with all of you who have read and commented and shared stories.
“Spring Cleaning,” Carol Crump Bryner, watercolor and gouache, 2015
On Monday: A View of the Farm
It’s been such a treat reading your blog, Carol. Thank you so much for taking it on. You can be sure you’ll have an audience awaiting new discoveries in the diaries. Take care, stay well.
Thanks Janet. Hope to present some discoveries during the next year. And I love that you have the same name as my mom.
Oh no! I’ve been dreading this time–when the blog would end. Such a graceful way you’ve led us into the final post, Carol. Time to clear out and let some new ideas come. I think I’ll take your lead and clear out here a bit too.
Thanks so much for sharing all the stories, photos, drawings, and paintings. I have loved every post.
I’ve been dreading it too. It’s been great to have you following along since our Workroom days together. New ideas, here we come!
Have so enjoyed every post this past year!!! Such memories flowed back…thank you for your time in doing this! Happy Spring!!
Love,
Paul
Happy spring to you too, Paul. We really have to meet up in Connecticut one of these days. Thanks for being a follower!
Thank you for this lovely gift of history, memory, reflection, connection. I have so enjoyed every post, and revisit now and then. I am glad I can continue to do so. Though not a family member, it is a warm and inclusive tone you have set. The art, both yours and your forbearers’, enriched the narratives.
If you get to climbing the Three Notches in the next two years, please get in touch. I would like to join you for the hike. Maybe we can mount an expedition, with loyal followers trooping along together? I’ll make sandwiches!
Oh, what a good idea. And you will only be a train ride away from Wallingford next year! Thanks, Bonny, for all your encouragement and support. xoxoxo
What an excellent year of reflections and observations this has been On Whirlwind Hill. Not only have I been educated on aspects of Patti’s family history, but have had my own memories stirred in sympathy with the stories you told. Bravo, and thanks.
Hi Tom. I’m so glad I could stir up memories for you. It’s been great to have you and Patti along, and I have loved all the stories you’ve shared with me. Thanks!
Carol-
I have so enjoyed reading about the seasons, rituals and daily life on Whirlwind Hill. What a rich legacy of strong, thoughtful women in your family. I was especially touched earlier this week at Lydia Jane’s beautiful writings about her birthday ( one day apart from mine). Her observations about the flow of her life- so calm and graceful- are inspiring. Thanks for sharing your family and its history with us!
Nancy G
Thanks so much, Nancy. I’m so happy that you have enjoyed reading the blog. I think it must take incredible patience to read about a family that is not your own. So glad you were touched by my great-grandmother’s words. I would so have liked to meet her.
Thank you for allowing me into the workings of your family, it has been a wonderful experience . I look forward to your musings.
Thank you so much, Sally.
Hi Carol, thank you for sharing your stories and art with me. I have so enjoyed reading about your relatives and uour special history. You are such a gifted artist adding such depth to your stories. You’ve accomplished so much this past year – wonderful role modeling for me. You’ve a gentle way of saying so long for awhile. If you visit MT – my house is open for you and yours. Happy new endeavors. Best to you, netzy
And it’s been so great sharing these last two and a half years with you, Netzy. You’ve been such a loyal and fun companion. I just might take you up on the Montana offer one of these days. Keep in touch! And keep creating your own art. You too are very talented. xoxo
Carol,
Wow! What an accomplishment! A year of writing. Any plans to Portland again? I’m always up for coffee. It would be great to see you.
I always have plans to come to Portland, and will let you know next time I’m there. We will get together. It’s been a fun few years, ever since our first Workroom days together. Happy spring!