The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #13761 Message #115567
Posted By: folk1234
19-Sep-99 - 04:16 PM
Thread Name: Women's Song Circle ??III
Subject: RE: WOMEN'S SONG CIRCLE ??III
Dear MAG: A very happy birthday to you and may your future years be filled with harmony and song. I agree with the fine mudcat ladies above (even though I'm a guy) that the times only get better and better. Let me suggest my favorite Woman's song, Tree of Life by Eric Poltoniemi. There is another "Tree of Life", traditional, I think. Eric's is from the play entitled "Plain Hearts: Songs and Stories of Midwestern Prairie Women" by Lance S. Belville, music and lyrics by Mr. Peltoniemi. The first two verses are comprised entirely of the names quilting patterns, but its the last last verse that delivers the powerful message. It says, "We're only known as someone's mother, someone's daughter, or someone's wife, but with our hands and with our vision, we make the patterns on the Tree of Life". I learned it from Bok, Muir, & Trickett's, "First 15 Years - Vol I" album. I also have a taped version from the original play which is a true treasure. Once again, Happy B'day MAG.