Like a box of crayons and a white piece of paper

  is how my longtime friend Kathy Becker described the creative inspiration she felt during the daylong hike, writer's retreat and art reception on May 6, 2018 at Julian's Bower in Shutesbury. Kathy was one of about 12 people from Wendell, Leverett, Amherst and Shutesbury who came for all or part of the Inspired by Nature art and writing retreat  that I organized.

Leslie Bracebridge brought bug spray, maps and newspaper clippings about the land that she had gathered throughout the years she was on the historical commission and worked as Shutesbury town clerk. Thank you Leslie!

We learned the cyclone of the late 19th century was devastating and the land has changed hands very few times since belonging to the Ames family. In the early 20th century the sawmill was left to one of the four daughters, Hattie Ames who ran it until it burned down.
Julian Janowitz, a psychiatrist at UMASS purchased the land in 1974 from Hattie's nephew.
 Susan Loring Wells portrayed Hattie Ames in the Shutesbury 250th anniversary celebration production "The Tavern of Time."


The sparkling splashes of raindrops dancing on the water enhanced rather than dampened the two hour hike around the beaver pond, up to the lookout and back to the house via the magical doorway between fear and bliss.

The lookout is shared with Temenos Retreat Center which was started by Julian's friends Terry and Joe Havens who purchased the adjoining land around the same time he did. Too cloudy to see Mount Greylock to the west today but Kathy Becker had wondrous tales to tell.

 

Art and beauty fill every inch of Julian's home; sculptures, paintings, furniture and doodads he dreamed up, collected on his travels and was given in tribute by admirers. Julian's art is fueled by his lifelong pursuit of understanding the male/female connection.

Surrounded by friends, loved ones, and people who care deeply about the sacred beauty of nature's majesty, Julian was overwhelmed with emotion, exhibiting what he refers to as "labile affect"; tears flowed as he watched the video made by Kestrel Land Trust about the Bower with breathtaking sweeping scenes that only a drone could capture and Julian himself describing his life's work. Knowing his dream is within reach and cared for so sweetly at the end of his life,  he feels deeply grateful.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I first met Julian in 2005 when I was a library trustee and he proposed the town purchase his land for a library and cultural center. I fell under his spell one sparkling green day on his deck in May of 2016 when he offered me his homemade long stem metal pipe and said he was looking for someone with vision and energy to help manifest his dream of leaving his land for continued enjoyment by the public after he is gone. I organized about a dozen friends to brainstorm and eventually helped Julian re-write his will leaving the trails to Kestrel Land Trust and the house to his children.

   

                                 

If you ever get the opportunity to grant someone's final wish just by offering your time and talents, I highly recommend it.

Letter of Agreement

Dear Shutesbury Friends and Neighbors,

In light of the extraordinary course of events surrounding the proposal for a new Shutesbury Library, we- Karen Traub-New Library Enthusiast, and Sharon Raymond-a resident who was opposed to the construction of the proposed library - have met twice with Greenfield mediator Karen Fogliatti as part of our commitment to rebuild connections, to understand each other's perspectives and to try to be the peace we want to see in the world. We agree that our 6 hours of discussion brought us an increase in our understanding and compassion. This letter is a summary of points of agreement and an invitation to others who may also benefit from a mediated discussion.

We agree that:

1.     Both sides experienced passion and intense emotions around the proposed library; we acknowledge the deep feelings of hurt on both sides.

2.     We hold a shared vision of Shutesbury as a “21st century community with some ‘old fashioned small town warmth” and acknowledge a sense of “us vs them” that we would like to see replaced by the kind of cooperation demonstrated during our 250th anniversary celebration.

3.     For the future of our town we share the values of

·       frugality and simplicity

·       concern for the well-being of the environment including making full use of existing resources and using local labor and materials when possible

·       inclusiveness in the decision-making process with continued outreach

·       preservation of our common heritage

·       events that nurture community such as gatherings and celebrations spiritual, intellectual, recreational and educational pursuits

4.     We acknowledge the volunteer hours that went into planning for a new library and we agree that the knowledge gained through the preparation of the grant proposal and the Library Building Program will be a valued contribution to discussions of a future library.

5.     We are willing to work for a shared vision of a future library.

If you are interested in participating in a future mediated discussion or making a donation toward mediation please contact Sharon or Karen. 

Respectfully and with hope,

Karen Traub karentraub@hotmail.com 367-9826

Sharon Raymond- sharon@simpleshoemaking.com 259-1748 

Thanks mom, thanks Stan

My mom, Lois Sylvia Speckter Traub (1931-2000) was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, married my dad and moved to Massachusetts at age nineteen. She said reading the Boston Globe opened her eyes to the world and especially the wrongness of the Vietnam War. She was a politician, a liberal and a feminist when I was growing up in the 1970’s before those became dirty words. She taught me our government depends on our willingness to serve and if we want change we've got to stand up and make change.

My mom and I went to peace rallies and we licked a thousand envelopes at campaign headquarters for Eugene McCarthy in 1968 and George McGovern in '72.

In 1976 Lois was campaign manager for Congressman Robert F. Drinan's reelection.
 Father Drinan, a Jesuit priest, was one of the most liberal members of the House of Representatives. According to his obituary in the Boston Globe January 28, 2007, his strong anti-administration stands earned him a place on the Nixon enemies list and conservative columnist William F. Buckley Jr., called Drinan "the greatest threat to orderly thought since Eleanor Roosevelt left this vale of tears."


My mom taught me the government is us. I still associate democracy with the smell of old papers and the curved marble staircase with mahogany banister of my first trip to Framingham Town Hall when I was  five.  One day a few years later when the power of reading was still new to me, our errands included getting some papers notarized. When I saw the sign I had a moment of realization that made me repeat the words over and over. It was "Notary Public," not "Noter Republic". In that moment I decided I wanted to grow up to be one.  (side note: I did serve as a Notary in the 1980’s thanks to a date with a lawyer my mom fixed me up with who, on our very nice but no spark date, told me the process for applying.)


 I was elected Home Room Representative in 6th grade in 1974 by one vote because Scott Zucker was too humble to vote for himself. I offered to share the position with him.


When my mom ran for State Representative for the 57th Middlesex District in 1975, my sisters and I turned ten, fifteen and twenty.
My older sister Laurie, then a sophomore at the University of Massachusetts was mom's campaign manager and Lynda and I were assistants along with our dad who was the photographer and printed flyers.  We ran a good campaign but we lost.

I learned about resilience and recovery from my mom. Our political action group played Monday night softball in the summers during my teen years.  While she still had hope I could learn to love the game as much as she did, when I would swing futilely at a wild pitch, or let a perfect one go by, I was buoyed by her voice from behind home plate or in the outfield, reassuringly coaching "shake it off batter, good eye, good eye".  She said those words off the field many times over the course of my growing up as well.  My mom did not let setbacks keep her down.  She went on to do good work for the New England Board of Higher Education and The Union of Concerned Scientists. In her mid fifties she switched careers to become a financial advisor.




Town meeting 2011 Stan and Noah Labich talk history

Stan Rosenberg was elected to the House of Representatives in 1986, the State Senate in 1991 and served as President of the Massachusetts Senate from 2015 until May of 2018. Stan reminds me of my mom because of his integrity, dedication and resilience. I have followed Stan's votes, met him at events and written him fan letters, delighted by his warm replies. This photo of Stan and Noah Labich discussing the pre-revolutionary days of Shutesbury at town meeting in 2011 is to me the essence of patriotism. Stan's attendance at the Shutesbury 250th Anniversary events in 2011 including the January bonfire on a freezing cold New England Saturday evening and town meeting on a sunny Saturday morning in May made the events extra special and show his commitment above and beyond the business as usual that people complain about when they use the word politician with derision. 

John Bell portrayed Uncle Sam in the Shutesbury 200th anniversary parade in 1961 and again in 2011

Winston Churchill is credited with saying "Democracy is the worst form of government except for all the others".  Public officials are often held to a standard of propriety set by those with mixed motives including people who want to see them out of office. Father Bob Drinan who was pro-choice, was told by no less than Pope John Paul II that he had to choose between the clergy or Congress and in 1980 with "regret and pain" he announced he would not be running for reelection. Stan Rosenberg has represented his constituents honestly with dedication. His Facebook post announcing his resignation has at this writing nearly 700 comments of appreciation and support.  

Thank you Mom! Thank you Stan! 

        
           💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💛💛💚💚💙💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

From: Karen Traub [mailto:karentraub@hotmail.com]

Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 9:39 AM

To: stan roseberg

Subject: Letter of Support

Dear Senator Rosenberg,

  ....Over the years I agreed with your opinions and approved of your work as I read about it in the newspaper. When I attended the Legislative breakfast in Sunderland I was impressed with your humor and heartfelt message.  Then there was the Lake Wyola dam which I know was a fight that you worked hard on for us, not once but twice and we thank you.  But I have to admit that what I appreciate most was how you were the only person willing to dance with me at the Amherst Senior Center 40th anniversary(see attached).

   Being a Library Trustee I am learning a bit about town politics and how the less people know, the more they complain.  I am shocked how often people resort to ridiculous and inappropriate personal attacks.

   The good side of politics is getting things accomplished and working things out with those we disagree with.  I hope that whatever misunderstanding may have brought this on can be worked out and I look forward to talking to you soon about the new library we are planning for the town of Shutesbury.

with respect, appreciation and admiration,

Karen Traub

****

Many thanks for this very kind and generous email. Yes, it was a very tough week, but it comes with the territory! 

Stan

**************************************************

Re: Greetings from Shutesbury

RC

Rosenberg, Stan C (SEN)

Reply|

Thu 1/26/2012, 8:09 AM

You

Thanks for your email and kind words. I have been following the roller coaster ride that Shutesbury has been on with the library debate and votes. Hang in there . Other communities have gone through this kind of turmoil, eventually winning the support they need to move forward with major capital projects.
Stan
 

From: Karen Traub [mailto:karentraub@hotmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2012 07:58 AM
To: Rosenberg, Stan C (SEN)
Subject: Greetings from Shutesbury 

Hi Stan,

I just want to say I have a deepened respect for your perseverance and all the good work you do.  It is disheartening to know that years of volunteer effort can be voted down by uninformed, nonparticipants in the process.  For a minute I feel like giving up but then I think about you and the many others who keep the faith in spite of the frustration and realize we have to keep going.

Thank you!

Karen Traub

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Rosenberg, Stan C (SEN) <Stan.Rosenberg@masenate.gov>
Date: Tue, Jun 6, 2017 at 2:38 PM
Subject: Re: Thank you from Shutesbury
To: Karen Lynne Traub <happydancermom@gmail.com>

*Hand claps*

Stan 

_____________________________
From: Karen Lynne Traub <happydancermom@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 6, 2017 9:16 AM
Subject: Thank you from Shutesbury
To: Rosenberg, Stan C (SEN) <stan.rosenberg@masenate.gov>, <info@stevekulik.org>

Dear Stan and Steve,

Just wanted to share these photos of you presenting the town of Shutesbury this treasured gift in 2011 and the place of honor where it was finally hung in town hall above the Shutesbury 250th anniversary cabinet.

Thank you again for good work for our communities and beyond.

Best,
Karen

I wish my mom were alive to disapprove of my tattoo

Maybe she would understand my need to fly
she taught me to use my wings
Pushed me from the nest
the moment I was ready
time and time again
from the beginning of my life to the end of hers
the more I needed her, the more she was there





I came into the world reluctant
three weeks late
tripping on drugs they gave women back then
"Such an ugly baby needs extra love" thought dad
at my forceps-smooshed face.
Love feeds a child courage 
confidence to try and try again



She passed through me on her way out
just as surely as I passed  through her on my way into this world
While cancer claimed final victory,
we boldly deprived it sadistic corporeal indignities by hastening the end

Make my day, tell me I remind you of Lois
Whether you ever met her or not


I cried every day for five years after she died
One day I heard her voice as clear as a bell tell me it was time to stop crying
"C'mon Kar, let's build a library"
I could only say "ok"

She was with me on the way up and even more on the way down, saying "Chin up, take a break then get back in there"
When I know better, I do better

If I knew it would fail in a tie vote, I would have spent less time in meetings and more time reading to my son


Don't tell a friend they'll get another dog
Don't tell me a new library will be built someday


I need to make my mark
leave the world a little more beautiful
not waste any more time
Midlife crisis? 
Hell yes!





My mom hated tattoos but she never judged never told me what to do.
"It's your life" was the worst she would say
and she did
So I waited
She was right

Quick Change Belly Dance Movie

 Sheherazade is the thread that connects stories collected from Africa, China, the Middle East and India in the 19th century by explorer, translator and Orientalist Sir Richard Burton and known in the West as the tales of 1001 Arabian Nights.

Sheherazade saved the world by civilizing a cruel tyrant with the power of stories which included fantastical tales of heroism, murder, trickery and magic carpets.

I combine a little storytelling and a little Las Vegas style costumes and props including optional live snake when I dance in libraries, talk about the cultures and history of the middle east and get people of all ages up for a dance lesson- no experience required.

Sometimes I'm the Lady, Sometimes I'm her Dragon

Seshat was the Ancient Egyptian Goddess of Libraries. Who knew there was an Ancient Egyptian Goddess of Libraries??!

Yep. It hurt like hell but Jeremy McIntosh of Pygmalian Tattoo in Greenfield was as gentle as he could be in each of the 3 hours sittings December '16 and May '17.

Julian's son David asked me not to share this photo on the Friends of the Bower website.  My mom always said I was a trouble-maker so it's here on my blog. Julian approved it.  Join us this Sunday from 10am-6pm at Julian's Bower.

Hike, Writer's Retreat and Art Reception

Inspired by Nature Writing Mini-retreat and Art Reception

Sunday May 6, 2018 10-6pm

Julian's Bower in Shutesbury, MA

10-2pm stroll, write and share 

10am Leslie Bracebridge will lead a 1-2 hour hike

12pm bring a picnic lunch to the rock on the dam

12-2  quiet enjoyment of the bower

2 pm  Gather and share on Julian’s deck share, music, poetry,writing, art. Show video

3pm – 6pm cookies and lemonade, continuous Tours of Julian’s art

Ask me about my book 

 Whisky the Library and Me; The Library Misadventures of Belly dancing Bibliophile