Two Special Epilogues…

 I.  Serena and Mehitabel
 

Archy and Mehitabel was produced on Broadway in the fifties, starring David Wayne as the narrator and Eddie Bracken and Carol Channing as the principals.  I have owned the original cast album ever since. 

Make no mistake: the comparison between Serena and Mehitabel is clearly on their hardships and perseverance, not their morality!  But recognizing the physical similarities of the two ladies, I did some internet research to refresh my knowledge of its history.  And I came upon a remarkable find.  A Unitarian-Universalist minister in Florida, Kathleen Korb, delivered a sermon in 2003 entitled “Fourth Gospel: Toujours Gai.”  In it, Mehitabel became the ultimate descriptor of Faith. 

This paragraph is my favorite:

“Here’s an image for you.  Imagine that you are walking in a tunnel toward the beautiful light at its end.  Like Mehitabel, you don’t have to believe in the light.  You don’t even have to hope for it, but you continue as if it were there.  It is the “as if” that makes faith, and it includes loyalty to the ideal toward which you move.  But it also includes courage — infinitely greater courage without belief than with it, and greater courage yet to continue without hope.”

I will be glad to share the full inspiring text of Reverend Korb’s message to anyone who requests it.  Just E-mail me at schipperhaven@comcast.net.

II. The Nantucket Lightship Basket

From the Nantucket Inquirer:

 “Nantucket’s most famous item must be the Nantucket Lightship Basket. Once a gift for every senior girl graduating from Nantucket High School, to be cherished – and used – forever, the Nantucket lightship basket is now recognized as a true art form.  The baskets originated over 150 years ago when the crews on the lightships that marked the shoals in Nantucket waters began weaving the baskets to pass the time of day. The craft was passed on to a few on the island who developed a cottage industry weaving the cane baskets.  Exotic woods are sometimes used for the bases, staves and handles. The weavers’ craftsmanship and the time it takes to weave and finish them combine to support the high prices these baskets now fetch. That, and the often exotic ivory or even jade carvings that adorn pocketbook covers, are what make the Nantucket Lightship baskets sought after.  Cheap rattan imitations, woven overseas, are sold as Nantucket Lightships for anywhere from $25-$55. But expect to pay up to several hundred for an authentic Nantucket Lightship basket or a thousand or more for pocketbooks.”

My baskets are authentic.  I was taught by Annapolis artisan Bob Moore, who, in turn, learned the skill on Nantucket from members of the Nantucket Weavers Guild.  I make round baskets in seven sizes, from 3” to 12”, tall and short, with or without handles.  I can inlay any dog breed silhouette, add other decorations or leave them unadorned.  For all baskets sold to dog enthusiasts, I will contribute 15% to the Rescue organization of your choosing.  In addition, I make several different oval baskets and two pocketbooks.  One of the pocketbooks (above) is the “Nantucket-standard” 6 x 9 model with woven lid, leather and cane hinges and clasp, and a bone “marlinspike” to hold it closed.  There are numerous options for adornment. And I make a wonderful two-handled 6 x 12 market basket which can be turned into a pocketbook with a custom ultrasuede zippered insert.  While a small inventory is usually maintained, most baskets are hand-crafted to order.  You have plenty of options to choose from – contact me to discuss how we can fit your specific needs.   And you’ll be pleased with the pricing. If you’re in the neighborhood, please visit – classes can be arranged.

Don Ferris

SCHIPPERHAVEN

Don & Dot Ferris   1134 Venetian Way, Churchton, MD  20733-9719
Phone and Fax:  410.867.8883         e-mail:  schipperhaven@comcast.net

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