Marionettes Visit Guatemala 2008



La Pastora (the Shepherdess) was very impressed with the excellent teaching staff at Atitlan Multicultural Academy in Panajachel. Here she extends her hand in greeting to one of the teachers.		Rosebud makes a friend.
		Granny brought a basket of hand dyed and spun yarns to show the children. One of the main industries in Guatemala is the production of beautiful textiles and Granny was thrilled to share some of her personal experiences with weaving fabric on her own four harness looms. Chickens were also a topic of conversation. Practically every one in Pana keeps chickens, some even on the flat rooftops of houses there. Granny talked about her flock of Spitzenhabens and remarked about the quality of fresh eggs available in town, particularly the color of the egg yolks, which are a rich orangey/ochre color; sign of well fed chickens.

Rosebud's dress was much admired, as well as the garland in her hair and the lovely ribbons woven around the handle of her basket. She shared her experiences in August of 2008 at Orchard House (the Louisa May Alcott Museum in Concord, Massachusetts) , where she starred in a play written and produced by students participating in the summer program "Write Stuff". Some of the students in this program were also responsible for designing and making the bows on her dress and her hair garland, as well as decorating the basket's handle. She had such wonderful memories of the experience and was so happy to share them. Rosebud brought her pet sparrow, Thistle, with her to Panajachel. She talked about his rescue from the mouth of a garter snake when just a wee fledgling out of the nest and his subsequent recovery from this harrowing mishap. Rosebud is a kind soul with gentle hands and a sweet nature, so it is not surprising that Thistle survived and became a very friendly little bird predisposed to making the acquaintance of young folks.

		Granny is engaged in conversation with this fine, young student. He had many stories to share about Panajachel, particularly those relating to the history and production of the many beautiful textiles sold on Calle Santandere, one of the two main streets in town.


When assistant, Marjorie, asked for help walking the marionettes around the classroom, she had many volunteers. Rosebud, Granny and the Shepherdess were quite pleased to receive so much attention.		Calisthenics with the children. Granny said she would sleep well that evening after all the exercise and commotion. What a lovely treat to meet so many polite and creative children.