Sow and Piglets under
a Tree 1809 – James Ward (1769-1859) An English painting that perfectly
shows how classic art is often put together in aesthetically pleasing forms Our
minds are trained to think that certain shapes are pleasing. In this painting, how many triangles of color
or light do you see? It is interesting
that even in a rural natural setting an artist would not put the pigs in the
middle of the canvas but in one thirds- the lower third in this case. You might want to look outside or through a
book of art or photographs and see how many times basic shapes appear in nature
and art.
James Ward
(1769-1859)- James was both an engraver and a painter. He was influenced significantly by Rubens,
turning him from horses in nature to large scale landscapes. James often was seeking contracts to paint to
sustain his livelihood. He suffered many
tragedies through his life including the loss of his first wife and
daughter. His losses resulted in him
turning to more religious themes at the end of his life. He died in poverty after his stroke.
Unfortunately, Hamish became so comfortable in his new grass hut that he refused to pull the bakery cart for the many deliveries that had to be made every day. Chop, though the next biggest pig did not want the responsibility to fall to him either so he would wallow in the mud so much as to make it impossible for Mr. Souwee or for Sam to get him clean to take the baked goods to each customer. In the end, old Betsy and Riblet traded off taking the sugar laden cart around town. Niether was well suited to the position due to being the smallest pigs in the yard, but each was happy to serve the baker's family.
Riblet happily took more and more days at the head of the
cart, until the three other pigs realized that if the slept just a bit later
Sam would not fight the pigs and just call for RIblet. The youngest pig loved knowing that he could
help out Sam. The two spent the days
happily delivering orders around the town.
Each home was always excited to see Riblet pulling the cart with Sam helping
to push the heavy load. Mr. Souwee saw
his business grow as the happy pig made each customer smile. Soon each started to order more and more
breads, cakes, and cookies from the family bakery. The whole family felt blessed to have so much
to do because of the pig’s perky personality.
Little Riblet got stronger and stronger
each day, as the cart got heavier from the added weight. While his older brothers squealed at him
daily upon his tired return to the bakery.
They spent their days wallowing in the cool mud. Neither pig even had to lift a snout in their
days, and thought Riblet was crazy to fry in the sun working for the Souwee
family. Riblet simply smiled knowing that he was
helping to create a better life for the bakers and his own family. In fact, he would often skip his cooling mud bath so
that Sam wouldn’t have to clean him before they went out on the route the coming
day.
The boy and his pig worked hard together, knowing when the other was tired or thirsty. They had long talks throughout the day and made great friends of the families in town. Their customers loved seeing the young boy and the handsome pig taking to the streets to help provide for their family. Many enjoyed the company of the pair so much that the duo often got behind in their deliveries as each customer wanted to treat them to a lemonade or a good joke. At the end of each day neither complained from the work of the day, for they were happy serving their new friends.
Muddy Piggy Pudding.
2 Large Pears peeled
and cored sliced in half or quarters depending on thickness
Place pears in greased
8x8 pan and place in 350 degree oven for
10 min- while you mix up the pudding mixture.
½ butter ¾
c all purpose flour ½
tsp baking soda
½ c white sugar 1
tsp ginger ½
tsp salt
¼ c molasses 1
tsp cinnamon 2/3
c hat water
1 egg beaten 1/8
tsp clove
In a medium size bowl combine
first column of ingredinets and ream until smooth. In a separate medium bowl combine all other
ingredients except the water and stir until well combined.
Gently combine half of dry
mixture with wet, stir 5 times then ad the water, stir 5 times, then add the
rest of the flour and stir until just combined- a streak of flour still might
remain. Remove pears from oven. Pour the
whole of the mixture over pears and return pan to the oven for 30-40 min
depending on the type of pan you chose.
Test with a toothpick to ensure that only moist crumbs come out when
tested not wet batter. Allow to cool for
10 min then turn the who pano over onto a serving dish.
Smile and Savour- even when there is work involved.
