Research and Stories
This is a place where I can share some of my research pertaining to early settlement and family histories intertwined with the story of Lanark County, Ontario, Canada. I’ve been researching and writing for many years and want to make some of my work more widely available.
This blog was originally designed to share my artwork and creative activities during the years when I was exhibiting widely. My art has now taken second place to refining and publishing some of my research, but I have left the art posts available for perusal.
Whatever your interest might be, enjoy, and provide feedback if you can.
Diane
Posted by Diane Miller Duncan on November 25, 2014 in Featured Flag, This And that! | 0 comments
I believe that if a four year old can spend most of a day working on a project and still be anxious to do more I can count the project a success. Look at what she produced – gifts that will soon be mailed to special people in her life! The results of the day were quite attractive and putting the last few ‘sparkles’ in place was a great way to delay bedtime! And Grandma found time to make a tutu for a little girl who loves to dance to the music of the movie ‘Frozen’. There will be lots of things under the...
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Posted by Diane Miller Duncan on November 21, 2014 in Featured Flag, Mixed Media, This And that! | 0 comments
I’m learning to work with a short production week! I’ve got a four year old in my life who ‘loves’ doing crafts with Grandma. As she visits often, the weekend is often focused on our joint efforts. This is ‘work in progress’ of the start of our Christmas crafts. These Christmas ornaments are now dry and waiting for their hangers.
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Posted by Diane Miller Duncan on October 20, 2014 in Featured Flag, Fibre Art & Quilts, This And that! | 1 comment
Last night I sat and stitched! I love hand stitching! Stitching is reflection time. Mind journaling time. Sorting out time. Recognition time. This summer I crossed another milestone, the unanticipated loss of a cherished sibling. I live at a distance, plans unfolded quickly and I missed the celebration of his life. Then the revelation that yet another sibling suffers from heart ailments. It’s time to take stock and to examine priorities. The clock is ticking, my health has hiccups but nothing serious. What do I want to focus on in the...
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Posted by Diane Miller Duncan on September 2, 2014 in Featured Flag, Recycle and upcycle | 0 comments
Spring and summer 2014 have been a time of extremes. Emotions have run the gambit – from high to low. Happy times mingled with sad, joy with sadness. It was a time of renewal and of letting go. Since April I have said goodbye to a much loved younger brother who left us suddenly without warning. A warm and caring man, highly regarded by family, friends and neighbours; his death has left a hole in many lives. The shock and sadness left me reeling. On the other hand, this summer we traveled to Ontario where we renewed friendships that span...
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Posted by Diane Miller Duncan on April 28, 2014 in Featured Flag, This And that! | 1 comment
The last couple of weeks have been difficult. Not only have I been dealing with my reactions to the ‘tempest in a teapot’ but I have been doing a lot of hand stitching and, for me, stitching time is introspection time. Throughout my life, I’ve been fortunate, or not, in that I have not had a lot of conflict in my life. Perhaps it is because I was well schooled in the art of ‘avoidance’, perhaps it is because I have enjoyed the exchange of ideas with people who didn’t always agree with me but respected...
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Posted by Diane Miller Duncan on April 16, 2014 in Featured Flag, This And that! | 8 comments
A Bully has crossed my path! With the recently increased profile of bullying in our society, I want to make a comment. It doesn’t stop with childhood. It’s not always physical. It can be disguised in many ways. As a person of certain years, I have not had a lot of experience with bullies for many years. I am a straight speaking person who calls it as she sees it and people usually know where I stand on an issue. People usually respect that. In fact I’ve been told that my directness can be intimidating at time. So be it! I’ve thought long...
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