How Time Flies

Jane Flory in my college days

48 years ago this month since I walked into 

Jane Flory's Evening Division office as her 

new student helper. 

Part of my student aid package.

Best boss I ever had.

Friend, teacher, mentor followed.

Can't say in what order, evolving and growing

with time.

Some time before Jane revealed her other profession.

Author and Illustrator of over 50 children's books.

An alumna of the College.

As well as raising three lovely, talented 

and mischievous daughters.

Just a few of Jane Flory's wonderful books

Jane was the first to believe I could write as well as illustrate.

Trusted me to illustrate her Ranshackle Roost (HMCo).

Taught me everything she knew about "the ropes"

of writing, book illustrating and publishing and introduced 

me to Houghton Mifflin Co., her publisher.

We did 4 books together.

Ramshackle Roost, We'll Have A Friend For Lunch, The

Unexpected Grandchildren and The Bear On The Doorstep

(all HMCo).

Hard work, much laughter, interesting expeditions.

She listened, sympathized, advised, cheered 

and laughed with every "war story" from books 

that came after.

We shared a love of history, doll houses, handcrafts

and travel. Unabashed Anglophiles.

Remembered anecdotes from shared adventures 

always make me laugh. 

And I miss her.

Jane Flory at the Landis Valley Museum in Lancaster, PA. 

 on a research trip for my book, The Three Brothers, Whitebird/Putnam

One of our memorable"expeditions" over the years.

Brotherly Love

Blogging to you from high above the city of

brotherly love.

Celebrating dear Freddie's 9th birthday!!

Don't know for sure the exact date, but

somewhere within the last week of January

and first week of February.

Tizzy was 3 when Fred arrived and not at all

happy to share his comfortable life.

Fred did little to win him over.

Slept in his beds.

Played with his toys.

Chasing the big guy around and wanting

to play when Tizzy wanted to sleep.

Nothing irritated Tizzy more than the

baby cat licking his face.

It still does. 

Its about who's the boss. Freddie never learns. Nano seconds after

this shot, a feline re-enactment of an Ali/Fraser fight. =^..^=

Spork Maestro

Recently, searched the Net for a combination fork 
and spoon eating utensil. 
Thought it might help my blind Mom eat more
comfortably.
Discovered the spork.
Familiar to kids and campers.
I wanted one that fit in with regular silverware.
Discovered the ETSY shop bosen / handcrafted
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Bosen

Mom's first Bosen made spork, photo ⓒ Bosen 2012, with permission

 Bosen, the shop proprietor and craftsperson, recycles

old worthy teaspoons of "good quality and with character",

painstakingly searched for in thrift stores and garage sales.

Then careful grinding, sanding and filing transforms them into

these useful and unique utensils. Often completing the

transformation by engraving a word like "NOURISH" or 

"Eat" on the stem. 

Bosen credits trying to eat penne pasta at lunch with 

a rounded spoon. Studying bronze casting at a foundry at

the time encouraged the thought of creating tines on the front

edge of the spoon. 

And it works magnificently! 

My Mom started raving immediately!

Amusingly, she was eating a penne pasta dish 

at the time.

I immediately sent for 2 more of Bosen's sporks for Mom.

Now I want some of my own.

These 2 Bosen sporks arrived yesterday, photos ⓒ Bosen 2012, with permission

When not "sporkifying" spoons, Bosen restores older steel 

bicycles and finds them new owners in the small town in

on the North shore of Monterey Bay in Central California

where Bosen lives. 

Bosen writes, "I am passionate about sustainable human 

powered transportation which means keeping every last 

bicycle out of landfills and scrap piles. I make a life of 

turning beat up, neglected old bicycles into smooth running, 

useful machines that will serve their owners for decades to come. 

I suggest you bring along your trusty unique Bosen spork 
for when you stop for lunch and/or dinner. Enjoy your meal.

Thanking its enigmatic, conscientious creator/ recycler.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Bosen

Cat Baby

   My boy Tizzy, 11 years ago
ⓒ carolyn croll 2012

2012 So Far

 ⓒCarolyn Croll 2012/ Silkworm with 
Mulberry (after Maria Sibylla Merian)

Six days in.
So far: 


Discovered my lovely 
blood-red Bokara, scored 
on sale when Wanamakers 
went out of business years ago,
totaled by wool moths.


Imbibing massive amounts 
of chicken soup, tea w/lemon 
and honey. Gargling through
my annual head cold.


Received an email requesting
permission to use "part" of a 
piece of my sample art from 
the internet, after the requester 
had lifted, altered and used 
it twice. 
Permission denied. 
Property of a client.


Another year begins........ ACHOO!
:~)