Following is the letter I sent along with Abelard:

Oregon, WI       10/30/02

 To All Whom it May Concern:

Abelard the Bard is the progeny of Floraidh Fionnlagh (alias Gretchen Nutt).  As she writes this introduction to his character, she also awaits the imminent birth of her first Grandbaby………. Hence, she is fairly distracted………….

Abelard was a thoughtful  and curious child, with a “nose for news” and  an enormous capacity for listening. …J. He has always been the philosopher and  storyteller in the crowd, and he loves nothing more than traveling and learning about the people and the world around him.  He has already had many adventures in his young life, but the most important of them all is about to begin.  

Over the course of the next year, he will apprentice with the EIGHT MUSES. These women are highly regarded for their ability to see to the core of  one’s soul,  to divine one’s  true purpose,   and to provide whatever support may be required to assure fulfillment.  As a mother, I am extraordinarily grateful to each of them for agreeing to take Abelard into their hearts and homes.

Abelard embarks on this adventure with  a few necessities in hand: i.e. warm underwear, a hat and cloak against the elements,  a bag for collecting specimens, a stout walking stick,  his Bardic Banner (in process….) , and an open mind.  Please tell him your stories. They will be his most precious mementos of this incredible journey. 

With warm and Heartfelt Regard,

 Floraidh

PS: it is essential to mention a kind and talented Friend, Mort Perlmutter, who carved Abelard’s head for me many years ago, before I knew of the Eight Muses.  So you see, Abelard was a collaboration even before his birth.

              (All photos are thumbnails. Just CLICK on picture for better detail.)

Abelard the Bard as he was accepted by the first Muse,  Kathy Pickett

11/30/02