"I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day" is a poem that was written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, born in the early 1800's in Portland, Maine. On my next visit to my home state, I hope to visit his home which is open to the public.
Longfellow wrote this poem while grieving for his wife who died of burns suffered when her dress caught fire while waxing an envelope. Longfellow went to her aid and was severely burned about the face as well and thus, legend tells that is why pictures of him show him sporting a beard.
Longfellow often went to Portland Head Light to write his poems....one of my favorite places to go and knit, cross-stitch, etc. The park is huge with grounds for kite flying, picnicking with an old abandoned fort for kids to explore. I never get tired of taking pictures of this lighthouse.
Portland Head Light was commissioned by President George Washington.
Below is a view from the ocean. $15 will get you a 2-hr. boat cruise on Casco Bay on a beautiful double-decker boat affording sunshine and/or shelter. Again, one of my favorite things to do.
It's ironic that there was a shipwreck on the shores of this lighthouse on Christmas Eve.
"The Life of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow"
"I Heard The Bells" with Johnny and June Cash
"I Heard The Bells" Lyrics
I wish I were cooling off by this ocean scene this week. It's another very hot day in Vermont, the only land-locked New England state.
Happy Knitting!
The mitten is beautiful; the photos of the lighthouse are gorgeous; there is nothing else to say. Hope it cools down soon. The weatherman says we should have cooler weather by Monday. I hope it is the same for you.
ReplyDeleteI love that carol. Thanks for the history lesson on it. If you need someone to gift those mittens to..... ;-}
ReplyDeleteWow! You've made a lot of progress! Just beautiful. I can see why this style of knitting might be difficult to put down. The more you knit, the more of the design you see.
ReplyDeleteThis has always been one of my favorite Christmas carols, too.
I've never been to a lighthouse. I sounds like you have such a nice area to sit, knit & relax.
You're making amazing progress on those gorgeous mittens! I, meanwhile, am working on many different things and can't seem to finish any of them. One of these days...
ReplyDeleteThose are beautiful photos of Portland Head Light, I would love to take that 2 hour boat ride---oh how relaxing and photographic that would be!! =)
ReplyDeleteI adore that lighthouse! I've been reading about lighthouse B&Bs and would love to stay in one.
ReplyDeleteYour mitten looks great!
This was such a fascinating post, Joansie. I never knew that about Longfellow (his wife dying). I read the lyrics to which you linked, and also watched the video with Johnny Cash & June Carter. It gave whole new meaning to it, knowing that story. What faith he had!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story, sad but good. I love lighthouses as well, not many around here where I livet though.the mittenpattern is cute.
ReplyDeleteI will now have that song in my head all day. "Then pealed the bells more loud and deep, God is not dead nor doth He sleep."
ReplyDeletePeace. And wow, such knitting!
I can see how it would be hard to stop knitting that mitten! "Just one more row" would keep repeating in my head...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the additional info. about "I Heard the Bells." It was all so interesting. I knew about his wife dying tragically because I usually teach "The Cross of Snow," another one of my favorite Longfellow poems. Someday I just have visit Vermont. That park sounds amazing!
ReplyDeleteThe mitten look awesome, the new blog look is great too. One of these days I hope to come our direction, the view...........breath taking.
ReplyDeletePopping in to say hi to all Bridge and Beyond Members, to remind them we do collect knitted and crocheted items all summer. AND to be sure every knew about the fun contest associated with a milestone we’re soon to hit.
Hope to see you on the blog. Details Here
http://homelessbridge.blogspot.com/2010/07/life-gives-us-bits-of-this-and-that.html
hello joansie,
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your informative post. I love the Song and it has aaaalways been one of my favorite ones.
hope all is going well with you.how's your Mom ?
They look wonderful! I wish I could come out there to visit the area. Looks like such a nice place to be.
ReplyDelete