Texans still speculating on their Yellow Rose

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Talk about your tough Texans. “Women and the Texas Revolution” shares stories of history makers who stood by their state. Mary L. Scheer edited this University of North Texas Press release with stories from around the Lone Star. Jeffery D. Dunn includes theories of The Yellow Rose of Texas, a woman who could have been with Santa Anna at The Battle of San Jacinto. This chapter is called “To the Devil with Your Glorious History,” a quote from a woman who wanted the losers bodies collected from her property, pronto.

A gem of an evening

Brian R. Alter of Alter’s Gem Jewelry gave a fascinating talk at the McFaddin-Ward Home regarding the myths and lore of gems. My mother and I had a memorable time learning tidbits how ancient cultures used gems for healing. Ground turquoise was ingested to calm the stomach, because of its mineral makeup. Gems pressed to the eye area were used to heal, as the stones were cold. Alter shared how jewelers date jewelry with clues from the clasps, settings, etc. He also had one of those great anecdotes about a woman who brought an old ring in to clean before she gave it to her housekeeper. An appraisal made her look for the matching pieces, which all sold for a huge amount.

I’m heading back to the McFaddin to see “The Birds,” 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25.

ddoiron@panews.com