Over half of us still have our teddy bears. My sister (painter Barb) and I were given our teddy bears in the early 1950’s, when we were toddlers. From left to right: “Brownie,” Barb’s bear, my “Get Well” bear, who speaks, my childhood bear “Whitey,” and Janet’s “Get Well Bear.” The new bears speak when you press a button on their stomachs, saying in a lithe girl or boy’s voice things like “Laugh, you’ll feel better.” At first I thought this was corny, but then realized how important It could be to one who is bedridden or gravely ill, like I was. Oh Teddy, my two Teddy Bears, I love you both.
Tag: Fredrik Bodin
AGH Lights of Love
The first person I recognized at the Light of Love event at Addison Gilbert Hospital Wednesday was Joanne Gibbs. She put her reassuring hands on my shoulders. From the start of my cancer journey, she was on my side, offering care and information when I was still in a wheelchair. She still is there for me. When you enter the health care world, there are key front line people that help save your life; She is one of them, as is Dr. MacIntyre.
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Bodin Historic Open for Ladies’ Night
We’ll be open for Ladies’ Night (tonight) from 5pm until about 9pm, with apps and refreshments. Also, we’re fully loaded with all sizes of Fish City and In Cod We Trust tee-shirts. Although I ordered 80 pounds (a lot) of shirts, they’ll go fast – so come in soon. Pictured below are gallery artist Laureen Maher, Santa, and Janet at last year’s Ladies’ Night. 82 Main Street.
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Lights of Love at Addison Gilbert Dec. 3rd
Addison Gilbert Hospital’s Seventh annual celebration of life and hope – Lights of Love – will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 3 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the hospital. Lights of Love was co-founded by Sue Kyle, who fought a courageous five-year battle with colon cancer. Together, Sue and her partner Shawn Wilson founded Lights of Love to ensure that Cape Ann residents could benefit from the comprehensive care provided by the cancer care team at AGH. Since 2008, Lights of Love has raised more than $116,000 to ensure access to high-quality cancer care for Cape Ann families and the 2,000 patients served each year at the Gorton’s Specialty and Cancer Care Center. This year’s goal is to raise $25,000 for cancer services, with proceeds supporting Addison Gilbert Hospital’s cancer program, including the provision of special care packages to new cancer patients. This year’s event will be presented in honor of Tina Ketchopulos.
For a chance to win an original 20×24 framed oil painting, “Schooner Races in Gloucester,” by renowned Cape Ann artist Ken Knowles, visit the web site listed below. All event proceeds support cancer care at Addison Gilbert Hospital, including special care packages to patients.
For more information or to make a donation, please visit addisongilbert.org/lightsoflove.
Writer’s Note: This is my special place is for cancer care, which I’ve written about extensively here and for my Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/BodinHistoricPhoto?sk=wall. I look forward to attending and also donating.
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White Friday
White Friday November 28th, 11am on Main Street, Gloucester. By 1pm the sun peeked out, and foot traffic is picking up. BTW, my “Fish City” and “In Cod We Trust” t-shirts are in stock, and color choices are blue or blue.
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My Thanksgiving
After a long solitary walk, I sat in the yard and admired the green leaves above. I’m soaking up the experience of being alive. Life is rich, and I’m doing all I can to follow the prescribed medical and physical therapy regimens. All of this has changed me for the better, and Thanksgiving 2014 is like no other. I hope yours is the same.
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Thanksgiving Figs and Ducks
Gluten free figs dipped in dark chocolate and dusted with toasted almonds. Bound for Thanksgiving dinner near Plum Cove at Judy and Ray’s house. Cooking by Janet and styling by Fred. I wish you all Happy Thanksgiving.
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A Fly on the (Bus) Wall
One thing I like about riding the CATA bus is the Transportation service, of course, but also the conversation among riders and drivers. It’s also interesting to just listen. Bus driver to older woman passenger: “My wife and I had dinner at the Emerson Inn last weekend, and it was fantastic. We started with a Caesar salad and Bruschetta. The croutons were still warm–you just knew they were home made. Then we split a Rack of Lamb, served over vegetables and potatoes. I never knew such a great restaurant was open year round in Rockport.” The older lady replied: “I went there when it was the Hotel Edward (1913-1965). I’ll have to try it.”
I can attest to the high quality of the food, as well as the unequaled view of the Atlantic Ocean. The Emerson is open for lodging all year, and serves dinner Friday, Saturday, and Sundays in the late fall, winter, and early spring. On Thanksgiving, they annually host a Grand Buffet, and I have no doubt it will be a meal you’ll remember. And the fly told me so. http://www.emersoninnbythesea.com/
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Framing up Again
Along with my recovery comes more energy, and I’m able to frame more photos at the gallery. On Saturday, I framed “Brace Cove, Eastern Point” and the map “Pigeon Cove, 1884.” I think we’ll be in pretty good shape for the holiday season, as I continue to deck the walls.
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Representing on Cozumel
FOBs Lesley Sloane (L) and Sharon St Clair (R), and warrior (M) represent on Cozumel, Mexico.
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Drunken Bench in Fall
I had a nice 1/2 mile walk on Sunday with Janet, her mom Marilyn, and family friend Linda. I just had to do a stress test on the Drunken Bench. Note the absence of my trusted rollator, and presence of a cane. Photo by Janet.
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You are the Balloon
Imagine: You are the Balloon. Going thru your life, you are free and intact, but now you’re about to be squashed by a motor vehicle. I guess you just never know.
Fate has intervened Balloon, and now you think you’ve beaten the odds and are in the clear. You are…until the next car comes along.
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From the Bed? No, from the Head
My earliest photos this year, many published here, were taken from a hospital or nursing home bed. That was about as far as I could go. Last night I planned on photographing the massive Sycamore outside my bedroom window. At dawn, it was enshrouded in fog. I walked downstairs to grab my camera, ran back up and shot the tree from the open window while standing. A goal I’ve had from last summer was to capture the magnificence of this Sycamore. That done, I realized how far I had progressed beyond the “from the bed” photos.
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Gloucester Selfie, circa 1940
Alice Curtis made this selfie in her bedroom mirror about 75 years ago. It probably wasn’t Gloucester’s first selfie, but I’ve never seen an older one. Today’s selfie is defined as taken with the photographer’s arm, and no mirror, tripod, or self timer used. Some say a cell phone camera must be used. I say hogwash, and enjoy the photographer who made 7,000 of my historic negatives. Alice was a pioneer in many ways.
Thirty five and some years later, about 1975, I photographed my maternal grandmother, Jennie Lee (Mitchell) Scales reflected in her bedroom dresser mirror. I think the comparison of the two photos is amazing.
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Vincent Ferrini Mural Unveiling Event
Chalk up another successful Community event in my gallery. In addition to mural artist Tricia O’Neill, mural subject Vincent Ferrini’s nephew Henry Ferrini was there and spoke to the audience of about forty. After the speeches, the group walked down to see Tricia’s mural. I’d say this was a “win-win” for all.
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There are Many Paths, but only One Way
The official unveiling of this mural takes place in my gallery today (11/8/14) from 2pm until 4pm. seArts will host an opening honoring Gloucester artist Tricia O’Neill’s mural, and also honoring the subject, the late famed Gloucester writer Vincent Ferrini. It is painted on the side of Palazola’s sporting goods, facing Porter Street. The public is invited. The gallery is at 82 Main Street, Gloucester. 978-283-2524 or info@BodinHistoricPhoto.com for information. Light snacks and refreshments will be served.
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Gallery as Venue for Community Events
I’ve hosted a few community gallery events over the past 15 years. Political “Meet and Greets” are interesting and fun. The reelection of Bruce Tarr for State Senate was my first such event, then Bob Whitmarsh for City Council, and recently Mike Boucher for State Representative (accompanying photo). There is no charge to the candidate or visitor for the 2 to 4 hour event. The candidates or incumbents bring signs, literature, food and refreshments. And they take it all away when it’s over. My criteria for selection is this: You have only to ask me.
I have also hosted a wedding reception, and the final meeting with the Mass Cultural Council to grant Gloucester’s Harbortown Cultural District. I’ve been told that this community meeting was instrumental in receiving our designation. I’ve invited food and wine vendors share free samples, as well as restaurants. My next public event is seArts holding a mural “unveiling” on Saturday, November 8. The reception runs from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. The mural honors Gloucester artist Tricia O’Neill’s, artwork and honors the subject, famed Gloucester writer Vincent Ferrini. It is on the side of Palazola’s sporting goods facing Porter Street. The public is invited.
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USS AGH Rehab Rebels
True Story: At Addison Gilbert Hospital, dressed as pirate Captain Fred for an injection, I had a little time before the Dial-A Ride bus ride home. The costumed Witch and Thing 1 in Oncology suggested I see the pumpkin carving contest display in the cafeteria. Not having my glasses on, I looked at the entrees. I picked my favorite. It happened to be the AGH Rehab Rebels, where I go for my PT now. I gave them my vote. Today I went to see them, and (brace yourself), free-walked 80 feet. My medical professionals and friends are helping me so much, and I’m trying to do everything right.
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Storm Out to Sea, Rockport
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Just One Look…
Yesterday, as I was doing some framing in the gallery, I saw a great picture across the street. I went outside with my rollator and yelled: “Hey skeleton dog!” Jen Greeke of Gloucester and her dog Mona crossed the street and we took a photo. Jen has started her own fashion design company: harpyfashion.com. Sometimes it only takes one look, and I know there’s a good photo to be captured.
Good Morning Gloucester 