300th post and other stuff

Well somehow I have lived through 300 posts to this blog, never thought it woul happen. But than again if I posted every day like a blogger does I would have way more than 300 posts. Maybe that should be one of my goals with in the coming year is to try to get as close to 600 entires by this time next year.

I hope you are enjoying all the posts about my Judy Garland finds, my L. Frank Baum treasures and of course my Oz things as well. What I also hope is that you find reading about me to some degree is also enlightening and we become better friends in the process.

Spring classes at Kent State University (Stark Campus) are not that far away and our books go on sale January 10th with classes starting very shortly after that. I am excited. I am taking Painting 1, 2D Compostion and College Writing 1. For those out of the loop this is my second semester at KSU and I ended up with a 3.3 GPA at the end of my first semester.

I am really looking forward to the writing class as I am hoping it will change I write in this blog, how I write in general and honestly was the biggest reason I felt I wanted to go back to school. I wanted to pursue this feeling I HAD something to say". I still feel that way. Honestly there is this huge part of me that would love to be a writer, like one of my friends John Fricke. Maybe, not write on the same topics John does which is Garland and Oz but something.

I have felt for well over a year now that I have no one who I can talk to, who is honestly listening to "WHAT I AM REALLY SAYING". I think they hear what they want and nothing more, voice an opinion usually very different than what I just said and i am left feeling like G-d almighty himself has spoke. Not a good feeling let me tell you kids. Maybe some of you feel this is to personal to share here but at least I KNOW someone is reading-anyway.

I am still very torn major wise between a Fine Arts& Crafts/Textile's degree, Fine Arts/Drawing Degree or do I pursue a Fashion Design Degree or somehting in a Wrting profession. My heart at times screams "Fashion, nothing else Charlie" but again its one of those topics i have no one to talk to.

My biggest concern right now has been this ung-dly crippling fatigue. All I want to do is sleep and so far all I am doing for the most part is just that. it has me worried some about Spring Classes as two of the 4 days I am on campus it is 1/2 of the day from like 8 am to past 1 or so. I can't be like this attend school they way I have it scheduled right now. But I want this college thing so bad!

I am left many times saying "What would Judy do"? Well in my mind, Judy would fight like hell, find someone not only to talk to but someone who would truly listen. Judy would come out swinging and get what she wanted. Judy is by now as you know what most days keeps me going, keeps me motivated and helps keeping me focused. I know nuts but its like she is my guardian angel.

Well gang justa few hours till the new year and I wanted to take the time and wish every one a very happy, prosperous and joyous New Year.

Aunt Jane's Nieces on Vacation

Well, with Christmas happening and all the work that leads up to it I fell a little behind in the reading department. I am happy to say that I have finished another one of the Aunt Jane's Nieces books. This series has been one of the best non-Oz Baum books I have read. I will admit that right now I believe it is the only whole series of non-Oz books by Baum I have so in time that opinion may change.

Anyway, this charming book was written in 1912 and the girls start a small newspaper while summering in Milville where, in an episode directly from Baum's own experiences as editor and publisher for the Aberdeen Saturday Pioneer, a simple typographical error leads to a pistol duel between the offended party and the hapless editor with comic results. This Baum scene can be viewed in the television movie "Dreamer Of Oz" starring John Ritter which right now is available in the "70th Anniversary Box Set of Wizard Of Oz".

Anyhow this book introduces us to two new character's in the series a Ms. Hetty Hewitt who is a New York City resident and newspaper artist who is brought to Melville by Uncle John's banker to do the art work for the paper. Ms. Hewitt is somewhat of a Bohemian who is sent there in essence "to detox" as we would say today. Also a Mr. Thursday Smith who suffers from amnesia for the last two years after a severe bump on the head and is trying to figure out who he is.

The amnesia theme seems to be a popular one with Baum-- a man not knowing his background, who he was and so on, but there it is fresh and new with a brand new mystery to solve with a very surprising twist ending which I do not want to give away.

There is also some trouble in Milville over at the new Paper Mill as well and the roughnecks who work there which develop into one of the most "violent" stories I have read by Baum in a long while. Again not wanting to give it away it does involve a gun shot and a drunken hooligan!

The book continues with Uncle John, Beth De Graf, Patsy Doyle Louise Merrick Wheldon and her husband Arthur Wheldon. Charming dialogue, country bumpkins and all kind of fun ensues.

The book as I mentioned was written in 1912 and Baum had originally written the book as "Aunt Jane's Nieces: Journalists" or "Aunt Jane's Nieces in Journalism", and was somewhat chagrined to learn the publisher had instead typeset the book as "on Vacation", a change he felt was not only inane but ungrammatical". The publisher was apologetic but reaffirmed the decision, adding that "the word journalist is a mouthful for a youngster, especially a girl", a contention no doubt further irked Baum, a staunch feminist and an author who made a career not talking down to children.

Published once again by Reilly & Britton Company of Chicago this book was illustrated by E. A. Nelson. Only two illustrations again just like the others, one being the cover the other being the inside illustration. The book measures 7 13/16 x 5 1/2 and is 305 pages in length and originally sold for sixty-five cents! My Edition happens to be a First Edition First printing based on information found in "The Book Collector's Guide to L. Frank Baum and Oz" found on page 323.

Well with two books in this wonderful series left I hope I have encouraged you to look for these non-Oz Baum books of course under the pen name "Edith Van Dyne" and to read them for your self they are a very worthwhile addition to any collection of books! Good luck hunting and enjoy reading!

Aunt Jane's Nieces and Uncle John

Well the next book in the series of Aunt Jane's Nieces is Aunt Jane's Nieces in Society which I previously owned before this particular auction win and i think I have reviewed before if I am mistaken I will go back re-read the book and then blog about that as well.

The book I just finished reading though is "Aunt Jane's Nieces and Uncle John". Originally published in 1911 by Reilly & Britton Company of Chicago is just an absolutely delightful story.

The book measures 7 1/2 by 5 1/4 and is 275 pages in length. My edition from my E-bay win is a First Edition Second Printing, which basically means the only Aunt Jane's books advertised are the current ones published at that time and at the end of the book there is a "small boxed blurb" about the volumes of this delightful series. This book originally sold at sixty cents.

This story deals with Uncle John Patsy and Beth going cross country in a motor car for part of the trip to California--the land of sunshine and roses as it is described in the book. Niece Louise has married her beau from the European vacation and is on her honeymoon so she is absent from this story. Although Van Dyne/Baum includes two brand new characters who are just as intriguing as our main ones we have had all along.
The first is Myrtle Dean who has been shipped damn near penniless by her ruthless Aunt to an Uncle she has never met because the Aunt does not want to deal with her emotionally and primarily financially any more. Well needless to say or Uncle John and girls meet Myrtle thankfully as her Uncle has flown the coop as they say.

Well a train ride ensues to about half way to California and than an automobile trip ensued. 1911 travel is vividly and wonderfully brought to life by Baum and kids let me tell you in a gazzilion years I would never would make a trip like that with the top speed at a mere 50 miles an hour! I did drive from Cleveland to San Fransisco once, took 3 days to do it and the country was beautiful to say the least. But I am sure 1911 is was much more vast nothingness than in 2002 when I did the trip.

Anyway there is a new dog to in the story adopted by Patsy and he is named Mumbles--cute name huh? A kidnapping, cowboys, Indians, a near suicide attempt and slews of page turning events making this book a stand out!

The only illustrations are again the front cover and one inside black and white which are included here.

For some personal news--- I want to thank the few people who have responded to me about this blog and the focus, possible focus and possible changes. I have never been really sure anybody really reads this, I know a few do but I wasn't sure if it made a difference. Well after your responses I feel it does.

The majority of you voiced that you come to this blog because of my posts about Judy and Oz and many of you "may not know me personally" so you felt like you were creeping into private space. I appreciate that. My closest friends though will tell you I am an open book, so don't feel like you don't know me---I want you to, even if we never meet personally. One can never have to many friends

One specific new reader commented "Save your deepest thoughts for those who know and love you the most" I guess my response is that by reading this you may grow to know me and at the least "like me". He also said "Your writings are beautiful and remind me of something I learned in my years of working at Shanti Project in SF. "The broken heart is the heart that has been broken Open- to give and to receive more love."

My heart has been been broken wide open and somehow I survived, G-d knows how but I have. It has made me stronger, braver as my friend John Fricke reminds me all the time. My heart for the most part rejoices and celebrates everything that The Wizard Of Oz, L. Frank Baum, Judy Garland has stood for and stands for. It is a HUGE part of my life. It inspires me, motivates me and encourages me!

Judy especially has done so very much for my life by being in my life, molding my life and if asked for the most part Judy is on my mind 24-7-365. Kind of like that new movie Julie/Julia and her fascination with Julia Child, which by the way I HIGHLY recommend. If only my blog was that successful.

Well this book puts us at over the half way point in the Aunt Jane Series, I hope you are enjoying it as much as I am and I hope if nothing else it makes you want to do something I think is sadly dying in America..... and that is READ!

Some Serious Thoughts

Seven years ago tomorrow

the world seemed to be

turned inside out, upside down

I've not been the same since.

I lost my heart

My soul stopped beating

Death snuck in the door

and took him away.

Life moved on

whether I was ready or not

Things changed

Stuff happened

I never forgot.

It doesn't get much better

as time goes by

as they tell you it does

it just gets different.

The pain is still very real

some of the emptiness

has been filled

some never will.

I pray for bitter cold breezes

to know he is near

as he said he would.

I pray for peace of heart,

for happiness beyond measure

to feel fulfilled.

Will he take those requests

to our G-d and make him respond

kindly on this man still in pain?

Does anyone understand what I feel,

does it matter at all, does anybody hear?

Or this journey my own

that should have ended when

my life kept going?

Aunt Jane's Nieces at work

Actually the next book in the Aunt Jane's Nieces series is "Aunt Jane's Nieces at Millville" which I previously owned before this E-bay purchase and I think I spoke about that book already so I am going to skip it. If I find out I did not blog about it than I will go back and read it and blog about it.

The next book I do want to talk about though is "Aunt Jane's Nieces at Work" which would make this the fourth book in the series. Written in 1909 By L. Frank Buam still under the pen name Edith Van Dyne this story is about Louise, Patsy and Beth going to work in politics. There good friend Kenneth Forbes decides to run for Legislature and gets discouraged very early on, so the girls and Uncle John decide for a return visit to Elmhurst to help Ken run his campaign.

There is a dishonest senator, a girl with amnesia and lots of other twists, turns and fun in this story that keeps you turning the pages. As before I don't want to give the story away fully but to get you intrigued to read it for yourself. My edition according to "The book Collector's Guide to L. Frank Baum and Oz" is a First Edition- Second Printing printed in 1910. The book is 299 pages in length, measures 7 7/16 by 5 1/4 and originally sold for sixty cents. This book like the others has only one other illustration besides the cover.

Now unto some personal news of sorts, I have been giving some very personal thought to this blog and what goes into it with nearly 4, 050 hits I feel as if people are reading--hopefully. But I am never sure of it. Is it because I belong about Buam, Judy, Oz or is it about me-- because you know me, want to know me, know me better. So I have been thinking about adding more of my story--what is happening as it happens as this blog use to be. Still include the Baum, Oz, Judy stuff as well.

I would really like your thoughts, your feelings, your input about this before I just do it. My feeling now for a year is that I HAVE something to say but just not sure what and that

something needs a voice. This I think is the place to do it.

Charlie

Aunt Jane's Nieces Abroad

Well "Aunt Jane's Nieces Abroad" is the second book in this wonderfully charming series written by L. Frank Baum under the pen name Edith Van Dyne. This book was written in 1906 but was not published til 1907, published by Reilly & Britton Company and illustrated by E. A. Nelson. It is 347 pages in length, the book measures 715/16 x 5 1/2 and originally sold for $1.25.

This story deals with the adventures of the girls and their beloved Uncle John. It is of note that this story also coincides with a trip Frank and Maude(Baum's wife) made the previous year. The story shares the same ocean liner, the arriving and departing of the same ports, and staying in the same Italian Hotels.

Maude noted in her journals of the trip that Frank was unimpressed by the paintings of the old masters much like the Uncle John character. The statement Uncle John makes while in Florence " All these Ohs and Ahs over the old masters are rank humbug, and I am ashamed of the people that don't know better". Baum was both expressing his own American chauvinism and slyly referencing that now world famous humbug, the wizard of Ahs.

This story primarily deals with the part of the trip that Uncle John, Patsy, Beth and Louise have in Italy, in particularly Sicily. There is a count or so we think, dealing with the Mafia, a kidnapping, a ransom and many twists and turns and a surprise ending that seems to come out of no where. Once again a very charming story that I do not want to give away all the details of but enough to intrigue you to go searching for this book, or get you talking with me to tell you the story.

The copy I have is a sixth printing done around 1911 and holds the name Marie Seelbach written on the end papers of the book. This book also at one point was part of the St. Stephen Martyr School Library in Louisville, Kentucky. It is stamped in the front of the book and also has the card holder in the back of the book. This book like the previous one has only one other illustration, besides the cover art, and is shown at the left.

This incredibly beautiful Youtube post is by a friend of mine Dr. Franky Dolan. I thought it was incredibly fitting since we are just days away from the Christmas season. To all of my Jewish readers-hoping all of you are having a happy Hanukkah

Aunt Jane's Nieces introduction

Edith Van Dyne, beloved and best selling author of girls' series novels, came into being decidedly under modest circumstances. Buried in the October 1905 contract between L. Frank Baum and his publisher was an agreement that Baum would write a book for young girls on the style of Louisa M. Alcott, but not as good. The authorship they advised be given to an "Ida May McFarlamd" or "Ethel Lynne" or some other made up female. How Edith Van Dyne came out of that is not known and the first book in the series was "Aunt Jane's Nieces" published in 1906 by Reilly & Lee. That book became a series of ten books Baum would write. Baum though later admitted he never thought in the beginning that the one book would become a series, and was so popular another author was produced after Baum's death in 1919 to continue the series.

Critics of the time praised the book "One can not make a mistake in getting "Aunt Jane's Nieces" for a young girl. It is an usually good story, finely told and ingenious in plot... You may guess the interest with which this story is followed by the reader, but you can not guess the skill with which it has been worked out by the writer. Not only is there a good moral to the tale but the little book is well written and extremely improbable plot admirably worked out".

The series became very popular to the point where Baum at times was pressured to give priority to the series. The series are sprinkled throughout with episodes from Baum's own experiences as well as subtle and not so subtle hints to Van Dyne's real identity. I do not want to go into full detail of the series as a whole but take it book by book. I was VERY fortunate and bought all 10 books from one seller for one price on E-bay. She is one of my favorite sellers and has exquisite things many of which when I can I buy. The series of 10 is a mix of published dates but the price could not be beat. All ten books for $140.00 which included shipping, a real steal in my opinion.

I want to stay with the first book as I am reading them in order and will post them in order as well as soon as I finish reading them. So I strongly I want to encourage you to stay tuned to this blog for updates about the series, the books I have and hopefully learn about a great series written by Baum himself.

This first book was written originally in 1906, was published by Reilly and Lee from Chicago. It was illustrated by E. A. Nelson, measures 7 3/8 x 5 1/8 and is 325 pages in length. The original price for this book was $1.00. The only illustration other than the cover is the one shown here right before the story actually begins and is just gorgeous to say the least.

My book happens to be a 6th printing done in 1909 has a light tan cloth cover. title is in italic print style an dis slanted. The book doesn't credit Van Dyne on the cover. My book is also marked on the end paper in pencil "To Ruth Genit: From Boby Schumann December 25, 1916". Which makes this owner wonder if it was a gift to a high school sweetheart--romantic thought huh.

This book deals with Aunt Jane who on her death bed summons to meet for the very time here three teen age nieces Beth, Patsy and Louise. She is determined which of her three nieces is worthy to inherit everything she has including her home Elmhurst Mansion. There are twists turns, a mystery boy, a mystery little ole man and a surprise ending as well which leave you t he reader stunned to say the least. If you want to know how it all ends e-mail me and I will let you in on the story.

Life and Adventures of Santa Claus- L. Frank Baum

Every now and then you run across a gem that can not be denied. A gem that the minute you see it, than handle it you have to buy it. Such is the case when I ran across "The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus". I found this great gem of a book at the Medina Antique Mall and for what I thought was a very fair price, $100.00. My copy according to the "The Book Collector's guide to L. Frank Baum and Oz" says it is a first edition copy. Sadly my copy is missing only two illustrations one on page 141 and the other on page 201. All the other illustrations are there and none of the pages are written on, colored in or ripped. There are a few lose pages but nothing horrible.

The book was written in 1902 and was produced by The Bowen-Merrill Company of Indianapolis, Indiana. It is beautifully illustrated by Mary Cowles Clark, measures 9 1/4 by 7, has 206 pages and originally sold for $1.00. The cover is is in red cloth. The illustration and lettering on the cover is in black, green, white and beige. The spine lettering is in black and an off-white outlining: "SANTA CLAUS" printed along the length of the spine with no author or publisher identification.

The endpapers are illustrated in in red, green and black. The plates number 20 in total, six of which are in full color including the title page. Plates are as follows: 2, 10, 14, 24, 28, 38, 48, 52, 60, 68, 76, 84, 92, 116, 128, 140, 168, 188 and 204. There are believed to be six other printing of this book between 1902- 1920's including a British edition.

Now for a little background about the book. Baum published and astounding eight different titles in the period of 1900- 1901. In contrast, with his attention turned to the stage, he produced only a single book for 1902--"The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus". January of that year the publishing firm George M. Hill started advertising saying "We believe (it) will make the biggest sensation known to the juvenile book world since the publication of 'Alice in Wonderland". With fierce promises for advertising and marketing the company folded only two short months later with the book than going to Bowen-Merrill which previously produced the "Master Key".

Mary Cowles Clark, a 31 year-old Syracuse artist, likely cam to Baum's attention through her acquaintance with Baum's brother Dr, Henry Clay Baum. She apparently had been tapped by the Hill Company to illustrate Santa Claus and completed the drawings after the project had moved to Bowen-Merrill.

Without boring you with more wonderful background on this book I want to state you can found so much more in the "The Book Collector's guide to L. Frank Baum and Oz" available through Hungry Tiger Press. Information can be located on pages 198 and 199.

The story tells how Santa Claus came to be found, adopted by immortal fairies, came to live in the Laughing Valley, how the first tree came to be. Also included are how he got the reindeer's, the bells for them and the story behind the stockings. It was one of those books I just could not put down. I bought as I have never seen this book any where. Not on E-bay, not at festivals not anywhere and of course being the Baum book lover I am I had to have it.

Take the time, find this book and buy it, you will just love it. for anyone with this book in possession already if you have my missing illustrations pages 141 and 201 i would be very happy to reimburse you for full color photocopies of those pages to add to my book. Thanks in advance.

OK, Holiday pop quiz-----Can you name the first two reindeer's Santa had according to L. Frank Baum? If you can or think you can e-mail me and there will be a very nice nice surprise coming your way in the mail.

Toto In Candy Land of Oz

Well today I wanted to briefly talk about a book I have just finished that was bought back in Chesterton during the Oz Festival, "Toto In Candy Land of Oz" by Roger S. Baum. As I said before I had the great pleasure of meeting Roger and his lovely wife during the festival and he was just a doll signing all of my books that I brought, and boy did I have a stack.

This book is geared towards children and I thnk would work wonderfully as a bedtime story. It is twenty nine pages in lenght with many full color full page illustrations. The illustrations are by Ronit Berkovitz and are just in themselves gorgeous beyond words. The story mainly is Toto's adventure with Dorothy in Candy Land and his helping the Royal Giant Marshmellow. I don't want to give the whole story away but it is just a clever and entertaining story.

The book is produced by "The Overmountian Press" and was written in 2002.

I want to ask my readers to keep me in your proyers as I went to the doctors today and found out I have an inner ear infection that has been causing some ballance issues. I am on medication for it and had my ears flushed but hopefully the worst of it is behind me.

Death Penalty for Gays?

Uganda debates proposal

KAMPALA, UGANDA
(article from today's Canton Repository----CantonRep.com/world)

Proposed legislation would impose the death penalty for some Ugandans, and their family and friends could face up to seven years in jail if they fail to report them to authorities. Even landlords could be imprisoned for renting to homosexuals.

Gay rights activists say the bill, which has prompted growing international opposition, promotes hatred and could set back efforts to combat HIV/AIDS. They believe the bill is part of a continent wide backlash because Africa's gay community is becoming more vocal.

It is a question of visibility," said David Cato, who became an activist after he was beaten up four times, arrested twice, fired from his teaching job and outed in the press because he is gay. "when we come out and ask for our rights, they pass laws against us."

The legislation has drawn global attention from activists across the spectrum of views on gay issues. The measure was proposed in Uganda following a visit by leaders of U.S. Conservative Christian Ministries that promote therapy for gays to become heterosexual. However, at least one of those leaders has denounced the bill, as have some other conservative and liberal Christians in the United States.

Gay rights activists say the legislation is likely to pass. But the bill is still being debated and could undergo changes before a vote, which has not yet been set.

Gay rights activists abroad are focusing on the legislation. A protest against the bill is planned for Thursday in London; protests were held last month in New York and Washington.

Uganda is not the only country considering anti-gay laws. Nigeria, where homosexuality is already punishable by imprisonment or death, is considering strengthening penalties for activities deemed to promote it. Burundi just banned same sex and Rwanda is considering it. Homophobia is rife even in more tolerant African countries.

What this legislation could mean

• DEATH SENTENCE: for active homosexuals living with HIV or in cases of same sex rape.


• SEVEN YEARS: in prison for anyone who "aids, abiets, counsels or procures another to engage in acts of homosexuality", or for landlords who rent rooms or homes to homosexuals.


• THREE Years: for anyone with "religious, political, economic or social authority" who fails to report anyone violating these acts.

Well after reading that article I was just enraged to say the least. What ever to the idea of "Never Again"? What happened to the right to the pursuit of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? What the heck did those right wing conservatives tell the people in Uganda and why couldn't they mind there own business? It sounds very Holocaust in feel all over again if you ask me. I ask all of you do take a stand and DO SOMETHING! Write letters to congressmen, your senators even the President of the United States. Something needs to be done and done now! Get involved--my final thought is this poem-----

When the Nazis came for the communists,
I remained silent;
I was not a communist.
When they locked up the social democrats,
I remained silent;
I was not a social democrat.
When they came for the trade unionists,
I did not speak out;
I was not a trade unionist.
When they came for the Jews,
I remained silent;
I was not a Jew.
When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out.

Hard Road by Barbara D'Amato

I just finished reading one of the best Oz books I have read in a while. It is "Hard Road" by Barbara D'Amato and is basically a murder mystery style story taking place at an Oz festival in Chicago. Now kids don't worry the story takes place not in our beloved Chesterton but in Grant Park (which of course is made up) and involves our main charactor Cat Marsala a reporter. Other charcators of course include the two people killed in the story, Cat's nephew Jeremy and Cat's brother Barry who of course is one of the prime suspects.

I don't want to give the story away but it will keep you riveted to your seat like it did me and for those of us who are DIE HARD Oz fans there are many tips to Oz trivia. One example is that the first person killed carries the last name Plumly. Which of course is a salute to Oz author Ruth Plumly Thompson, but I didn't need to tell you that, huh?

I found my copy at my local second book shop Our Novel Idea which I have written about before and if I remember it right I got this very cheaply. If you have attended a festival, a fan of Oz and a lover of mystery this will be right up your alley. So go looking for it and let me know what you think once you have finished.