Books, Bread and Roses

I've bought myself presents for this Christmas. Really, I so deserved them.. Books are written by authors John Cowart and Barbara White. Cowart is writing about almost any theme under the sun, and he does it well. His rock is his Christian belief, not that of a Sunday Christian, but the real thing, that of a whole person devoted to God through sun and rain, mud and silk. I love him.

I've actually set up my own shop this autumn, a Norwegian edition of Etsy, selling old goods,- using the money to buy new old treasures. Like this old bowl hand painted in farmer's rose pattern. They are rare to come by, and I love mine.

The saying "bread and roses" goes way behind. I'm among those women, who buy flowers, when buying groceries.
The Christmas decorations are well tucked away in the attic. Now we are longing for brighter days to come. I need to see spring indoors, even if the storm is howling outside.

I just today found this poem by James Oppenheim. It has kind of a jubilee,being written in 1912. I never knew its origin before I Googled "bread and roses" for this post. A textile strike in Laurence, Massachusetts took place from January till March 1912 with mainly female employees.

As we come marching, marching in the beauty of the day,

A million darkened kitchens, a thousand mill lofts gray,

Are touched with all the radiance that a sudden sun discloses,

For the people hear us singing: "Bread and roses! Bread and roses!"

As we come marching, marching, we battle too for men,

For they are women's children, and we mother them again.

Our lives shall not be sweated from birth until life closes;

Hearts starve as well as bodies; give us bread, but give us roses!

As we come marching, marching, unnumbered women dead

Go crying through our singing their ancient cry for bread.

Small art and love and beauty their drudging spirits knew.

Yes, it is bread we fight for -- but we fight for roses, too!

As we come marching, marching, we bring the greater days.

The rising of the women means the rising of the race.

No more the drudge and idler -- ten that toil where one reposes,

But a sharing of life's glories: Bread and roses! Bread and roses!

Magical Mystery Teacher is hosting Ruby Tuesday 2
You'll be amazed what wonderful ruby themes and writings you'll find there.
She's co-hosted by Gemma Wiseman
a clever wisewoman.



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