Milda Bublys

I know I have been a bad, bad blogger, and that the point of this thing is just to keep on writing despite what you have going on in your personal life. However, lately, I’ve been suffering from a case of the Mean Reds.

It’s mainly ‘cuz my fabulous Grand-ma-ma has been sick and I’ve been sad. Coupled with way too many work projects ( i know, I know, I should be rejoicing in times like these), but this girl can’t keep her head straight. So, without further avail, jasmine and nettle tea in hand, I return to you, reader…..and this first re-entry will be a lovely tribute to my grandmother, the lady I call “Mociute Stase”.

The first image above is Stase as a young woman…I think she was married at the time, at this beautiful tree-arched road in Birstonai, Lithuania. Since I was a little girl, this picture hung in her living room and I was forever inspired by this far-away summertime place and her beautiful, crisp white cotton dress. I know the image is a bit unclear, but I’ve always liked its fuzzy, dreamlike quality.

Below is another living room pic- of my Granfather Vladas (who passed some time ago) with his eldest grandchild, my cousin Tauras. I love the tenderness that’s captured in this shot.

This was a painting of my grandmother’s childhood home…a farm in Lithuania. Nothing remains of this home today but a cross marking its spot. I like the soft pastel colors that the artist used… the pinks and blues here are exactly the same colors my grandma favors in her clothing.

Last but not least, my Grandmother is an amazing artist….I guess, growing up, I never thought of her this way. But she really and truly is a cultural artisan, creating these traditional Lithuanian eggs called “marguciai” which are dyed and then carved or etched out in a design with a little knife.

I can’t tell you how I itch to create a collection out of these! And last but not least, here’s the nearly-centegenarian artist with her favorite tool.

And to end, a poem from Maironis, her favorite poet.

Užmigo žemė

Užmigo žemė. Tik dangaus
Negęsta akys sidabrinės,
Ir sparnas miego malonaus
Nemigdo tik jaunos krūtinės.

Neužmigdys naktis žvaigždės,
Nenuramins širdis troškimų;
Dvasia ko ieško, kas atspės,
Kai skęsta ji tarp atminimų!

Aušra saulėtekio nušvis,
Ir užsimerks nakties šviesybės;
Neras tik atilsio širdis:
Viltis nežvelgs į jos gilybes!..

*

THE EARTH IS SLEEPING

The earth is sleeping. Yet the sky
With its bright silver eyes is gleaming.
The wings of slumber rustling by
Can’t lull a youthful heart to dreaming.

The night won’t lull the star to sleep.
The heart won’t cease to crave for blessings.
Who knows for what the soul can seek
When it is lost in reminiscence?

A glowing sunrise golden-dressed
Will dim away the night-time sparklers.
Alas, the heart will never rest,
No ray of hope will pierce its darkness…

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marguciai, Mean Reds, mociute