Angel Snakes

Is Lucinda Getting Old?

The students in Mrs. Pogue's English class are doing dictionary exercises. No one can know every word so we have to know how to look up the ones we don't know. At least, that is what Mrs. Pogue says. That sounded really good until we looked in the dictionary. Have you looked at a dictionary lately? There are all these words and abbreviations and symbols and italics, but that is the easy part. The typeface is extra, extra small so they can cram more words onto one page.

Most of the students were whining, so Lucinda got up off Mrs. Pogue's desk and went over to take a look. Things got really quiet. She looked to the right; then she looked to the left. She looked up at the ceiling and then back at the page. "Someone has smudged all the ink," she stated flatly. "Nobody could read this. Give me a different dictionary."

Mrs. Pogue laughed at her and said, "Lucinda, do you need glasses?"

Lucinda just stared at Mrs. Pogue. I suppose it was because some students were in the room that she remained mute.

"Look, I need to go get my eyes checked," offered Mrs. Pogue. "Why don't I make us both an appointment and we can see if some glasses would help you?" She was only trying to help. Lucinda's stare got even icier. 

Lucinda made her way over to the desk near the file cabinet and started to look at the pictures in her favorite book, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar."

Wings Up!!!

Madilla

 

Debut Smashing Success

The first Angel Snake Exhibit wildly exceeded our expectations! We met new friends. Several of our number found new homes. It was just so wonderful.

Best of all, Gay did not let us down. We knew she would not be able to be with us in Lawrence, but she and Ron did some magic with their computers and there she was on our table. We talked and laughed just like when we are in Galveston. Gay even let Madilla get on camera so I could talk to her while I was looking at her. It has been way too long since I have seen my best friend. Madilla told me that she will be coming with Gay to Lawrence for Thanksgiving. I just cannot wait.

Wings Up!!!

Nuncio

PS  Go to Of Snakes and Art (Gay's blog) to see the story from her end.

Bishop Wolfe Visits the Fabulous Angel Snake Display!!!

We were so honored when Bishop Dean Wolfe of the Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Kansas dropped by Trinity Church in Lawrence to meet us. He is pictured here reading the booklet that Gay prepared to tell people about us. Some of the younger Angel Snakes are frightened about being out in the open on the display and meeting so many people at once. Bishop Wolfe put them at ease and made them feel much more comfortable about the main event tomorrow.

If only our burrows were as nice as the display!!! Pink tulle and silvery cloth make us think we are floating on a cloud. Gay must have spent a fortune on our display. Just look at the picture. It is even more fabulous in person. and we do so wish you were all here in person. There is to be a lovely luncheon. Marty and I had a long talk. She promised the Angel Snakes some salad and several deserts. (I am sure you all know that we do not eat meat, of any kind.)

Wings Up!!!

Nuncio

PS  Yes, dear readers, I did make it to Lawrence just fine, but I must say that traveling in a cardboard box is not as comfortable as a jumbo jet. However, we do understand that Gay needs to save her pennies somewhere.

PPS  This is our 100th post.    

"This isn't Rome."

Marty Smith at Trinity Episcopal Church in Lawrence, Kansas, just sent this email to Gay. 

We had the grand opening for the muses this morning, and I don't want to upset you, but I think Nuncio may be a little homesick.  He was heard to say as he was gently lifted out of the box with loving hands, "This isn't Rome." I don't think he meant to be rude but it was quite a shock for him to be in Kansas since the only other major trip he had taken was to Rome.  The others seem to be curious and willing to give us a chance. 

They are in our beloved library in a very special place. Margaret Bearse set up the display and I think you would be happy with it.  We were all so impressed with your organization and creativity.  I only hope that there will be time for people to learn a little about the lives of these little angels, and their story.  How we all wished that you could have been here this week, it is such a special time for looking at all of our hours of sewing etc. and giving thanks for this wonderful group of women.

I was a little concerned about Nuncio and Mickey making that trip in a box, having to stay in paper-pose all that time, after they had gotten used to the freedom of airplane travel. They seem to be okay. It has been so long since I have seen Nuncio, and he is such a dear, dear friend. I do hope to see him soon. Saturday is the big day. I will put up photos as soon as I get some.

Wings Up!!!

Madilla

PS  Gay just told me she will take me to Kansas when she goes there for Thanksgiving. I am so excited. I have never been in an airplane before.

Mrs. Pogue Throws A Hissy-Fit!!!

Yes, she did. It was actually a bit embarrassing to Chelse who has been hanging around that classroom for some time. Many of Mrs. Pogue's students truly do not know the alphabet very well. The Alphabet!!

Instead of "shoulding" on the students (that's just complaining about what they should know), Mrs. Pogue took matters into her own hands and wrote the alphabet on the board. Then she told them to copy it down so they could learn it. They complained that they did not like being treated like Kindergartners, but there you have it. If the shoe fits . . . .

Many of the students do not know cursive writing either. Not only can they not write it, but they insist they cannot even read it. Okay, you ask, why is that so important? The students are not even capitalizing the first letters of a sentence or proper nouns. Then smack in the middle of a word of lower case letters, here is an upper case letter. Some of the papers she is handed look more like a string of computer passwords than essays. As you can imagine, that old English teacher was just pushed to the limit so we are studying the alphabet.

We all had to sing the song. Then there was some discussion about what the correct ending is. "Tell me what you think of me." or "Won't you come and play with me?" or "Won't you come and sing with me?" No resolution. 

Until tomorrow,

Wings Up!!!

Madilla

PS  Please keep her students in your prayers and pray that she does not start in on penmanship.

Student Angel Snakes Gather Before Leaving

Pictured here are the student Angel Snakes as they were getting their name tags and traveling papers right before they left for Lawrence. I was in charge of all those arrangements. Gay helped me some, but frankly she kept getting sidetracked by things and did not get things together as quickly as I would have liked. Humans spend way too much time playing on their computers. They say it is work, but none of us believe it. Then she said she had to grade HER students' papers. She gives too much homework anyway.

The name tags are nice though, a pretty blue. I hope everyone in Lawrence enjoys them.

Wings Up!!!

Madilla

PS  All student Angel Snakes are required to wear stripes on the upper portions of their bodies. They are free to choose the colors. Some headmaster years ago decided we should mimic the human practice of school sweaters.

PPS  I know that the youngsters are already in Lawrence, but I wanted to share this picture. We had so much trouble getting them all to stand still for the shot.

And They Accuse Us of Having Strange Bodies?

We do occasionally get comments about our strange bodies. Since ground snakes always lie flat on the ground, folks expect us to do the same. Angel Snakes prefer to undulate above the ground. Such a stance shows our body paint to better advantage.

Several things bothered us about this sculpture. First of all, it seems to mimic our body shape in its general form but is disconnected. Secondly, the head is all wrong, sticking up like that. Finally, no body paint. Can you imagine having yourself totally naked out there in front of everyone? Shameful.

Wings Up!!!

Nuncio

PS  Remember! With Angel Snakes, it is all about the body paint.

First Angel Snake Exhibit and Sale

Sixty-one Angel Snakes arrived at Trinity Episcopal Church in Lawrence, Kansas on Friday to help out with the event this coming Saturday. There was much discussion among members of the community but finally we decided to "sell" ourselves to help raise funds for the charities that are listed below. This is the first time we are having a public exhibit and sale. Wish us luck. We hope we can make an important contribution to this effort.

Trinity Treasure's Vintage Sale, Bake Sale, and Ploughman's Lunch.  On Saturday, November 7th, at 10:00 a.m., the red doors will be opened for all to enjoy shopping for handmade sweaters, dresses and hats for children, nightgowns, dolls and Christmas items (and many more gift selections).  In the Kemper Room will be vintage items for sale.  A delicious array of home-baked goodies will be for sale in the Parish Hall.  From 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Ploughman's Lunch will be served ($7/person).  We hope all will plan to spend part of your day with us at the church and bring your friends with you.  It is a wonderful opportunity to welcome the community to Trinity, and to spend time with fellow parishioners!  Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit Habitat for Humanity, KU Canterbury House, Health Care Access, and C.A.S.A.

We will let you know more as the week progresses.

Wings Up!!!

Madilla

PS  Nuncio went straight from Arlington, Texas, to Lawrence to report on the event from that location.

At "THE" Coliseum

Here we are at THE Coliseum. Can you believe it? We were so high up. Lynn and Delores climbed the stairs, but we could not wait; we flew directly to the top. What a view. Once, when I was staying with a friend, his human was watching a movie where chariot races were happening in this very Coliseum. It is just too amazing to actually be here.

We have seen no other Angel Snakes here. We met one yesterday who looked down his nose at us because we wanted to do all the "tourist" things. Well, we are tourists so we have to do this.

Wings Up!!!

Nuncio

PS  Keep checking back. We have lots of photos. 

Happy Halloween!!!

As you all know, Ms. Pogue teaches English at Texas City High School. She lets some of us go to school with her if we will promise to wear our name tags. Frankly, we hate wearing the name tags. The string scratches our neck, and when we try to fly the tag gets in the way of our flapping. And, they make it harder for us to hide and get away with things. We completely understand the students' attitude toward them.

Anyway, back to the topic at hand--Halloween. Some of Ms. Pogue's students, especially those with an artistic bent, have adopted members of our group. Katelyn loves us and often helps us with new body paint. Frank was hanging out with her in art class and asked if she would create a Halloween design for him. She obliged.

We all love it and thought we would share the result with you. Let us know what you think.

Wing Up!!!

Madilla

PS  TCHS is always ready for Halloween since their school colors are orange and black.