A Visit from Santa Claws

Being the socially responsible folks we aspire to be, Mr. Ginley and I did the Skype thing, Christmas edition, with our son and (soon to be) daughter-in-law.

It was nice in a way, because no one had to navigate the eight inches of snow dumped on us during what meteorologists like to refer to as a "weather event." 

Earlier in the week, our son picked up our wrapped presents and dropped off theirs so we could have a virtual gift exchange. Admittedly, we did miss seeing them in person, but it was the next best thing.

And let's just say the kids outdid themselves with the gifts.

Mr. Ginley received a book, but the real surprise was the brilliant gift from our son's future bride. 

In 2018, the Caps won the Stanley Cup. Some enterprising soul had the idea to scrape ice from the rink where the Cup was won and put it into a miniature glass facsimile of the Stanley Cup. It came complete with a Certificate of Authenticity and now holds a place of honor on our mantel.

I received a book and a necklace. And a picture of a pair of kitties that got me going.

My son picked up the print at a vintage store in Lakewood. The artwork was sketched and colored, and included the artist's name. I couldn't decipher the signature, but Mr. Ginley, the penultimate researcher, figured out what her name was (Meta Pluckebaum), where she was born (Dortmund, Germany in 1876) and when she died (1945).

Naturally, I had to know more.

Meta studied with Hermann Pohle and was one of the first members of the Düsseldorf Artists' Association. She met and married fellow artist Carl Pluckebaum, settling in Düsseldorf where they shared a studio.  Over time, Meta became famous for her paintings and etchings of cats and dogs, although she also sketched flowers and children's portraits. Over time, she illustrated a number of children's books.

Her most prolific period was the 1920s through the 1930s. From what I gather, the print I have was likely from the 1920s. It has the original Deco frame. Too cool.

But there I went, down the rabbit hole, taking you with me.

Anyhow...

Whether you celebrated Christmas or not, I hope you all had a peaceful, enjoyable day.

Later, I'm going to dig out my car. 

But first, one more cup of java.