Aboard a Boat in the Sea

I've been going through some of the old books I have, and this illustration came from a very battered old book of Children's poetry.

This faded picture reminds me of when my siblings and I would pretend that my garden (in the middle of the blueberry patch) was an Island. Mom would pack a lunch, a storm would rise in the blueberry patch and we would suddenly become marooned. What adventures we had! Climbing the oak tree to see an approaching sail, fighting off imaginary pirates and building forts from abandoned "planking."

Sometimes I wish I could go back there.

Get Well Wishes

This is another card from Gramma Gladys. What a beautiful card it is, delicately embossed with lovely details of hand-drawn gold and sparkling glitter. They just don't make 'em like they used to!

This card is particularly appropriate today, as our world faces a terrible pandemic. I've heard of such things happening in the past, but I have never personally observed it.

My heart goes out to all those who are ill and to their families. How frightening this must be for them. I am praying for those of you who have lost loved ones. I pray this terrible illness will be stopped before it can hurt anyone else. God bless you dear folks.

Forget Me Nots

This is a page from a wonderful little book given to me by my precious friend Marian, who flew away to heaven some time back. The book is called Friendship's Token.

She writes, Beth, I do hope you enjoy the little book. It was given to my mother long before I arrived on the scene, so it is very old, but it had the sentiment I wanted to share with you. Oh, yes. I agree with you on telling people you love them. When my grandfather died my grandmother said, "Oh, I hope he knew I loved him." So sad. But you do know my love. We are the kind of friends who, at any time or place can say, "and" and go on.

Marian's beautiful book on Friendship was printed by Cupples Lamp; Leon, located in New York. There is no publish date, but the inside is signed, To Maria from Aunty Ford. Marian included an old photograph of her Mother. On the back there is a quaint note, "We have one like it, so thee may keep it."

I often think of Marian and of the tremendous influence she had in my life when who I am now was still forming. What a wonderful woman she was. I will never forget her. I am looking forward to meeting up with my friend in heaven to say, "and" and go on.

Feast Your Eyes On Me

I had to laugh at this one. She seems a little whiny, don't you think? Looking at his face, I'm thinking I might be feeling the same way if I were in her furry little feet. Remember that old cliche, the way to a man's heart is through his stomach? It seems some things never change. (grin)
.

This card was printed in the USA, sometime in the mid-late 1940's.

A Glad New Year

I was routing around in the attic day before yesterday, going through old papers and whatnot, when I found a precious letter from my beloved Grammie. She has been gone a few years now, and I miss her so. Imagine my joy at finding an entire bundle of notes and cards from her!

.

I was astonished when I opened the envelope to find this wonderful postcard and accompanying note she'd sent to me in the early 1980's. It was like a big hug from my darling little Grammie. You may not be able to tell from this scanned copy, but the poem is printed on some kind of lovely satin material which has been pressed into an embossed imprint on the postcard.

.

The card originally belonged to my grandfather's young cousin Milly. They were very close, and my Grandpa loved her. She died under tragic circumstances many many years ago. I am honored that my sweet Grandmother would give me such a wonderful treasure. What joy to find it years later at this moment.

.

As days unfold like opening flowers,

Throughout the coming year,

May each one bring its golden hours,

And joy fair and dear.

My Kitchen...

My kitchen looks nothing like this kitchen of old--although long ago I'm sure it did. The green swirly-topped table, where the lady of the house rolled out her bread dough and tipped open the tin-lined drawers, rotted away long ago. I found it in the back of the old garage. It fell to pieces there, leaving only the tilted drawers and the heavy marble-like surface. It is now the top of the desk in my office, which must have been her fancy parlor room.

The old wood stove sits in our glass-enclosed entryway just outside the kitchen. It has all the working parts inside--someday it is my dream to incorporate that old stove into our kitchen. It is a large open room. Ancient glassed doors still hang over the old cupboards, and there is an air of the past which sometimes wafts through. 
.
I have a photo of our house when it was first built by a steam-boat captain. The lady who once lived here stands beside our house in her elegant dark dress. I wonder a lot about her. The woman who once rolled bread dough upon this lovely leaf-green, marble-like substance would be amazed by my world. But the truth is, I would be equally astonished by hers.

In One A-Chord

I know this is not a postcard, but it is definitely vintage. I just couldn't find anything that fit. 

.

The reason I'm posting a card, rather than a postcard today, is it is my husband's birthday. The poem within this lovely little card is very appropriate--over the past 27 years our love is still strong and it perfectly fits how I will always feel about him.

.

What moonlight means to lovers,

What roses mean to June

What birds mean to the Springtime

What words mean to a tune..

That's what YOU mean to me, dear,

And that's a perfect sign,

Your heart beats to a rhythm,

that's in A-CHORD with mine!

.

Happy Birthday, Honey! I love you so very much--and I always will.

.

This vintage card was recently given to me by my sister Clytie. (Thank you, Sissy!) On the front, there is a disc inscribed with musical notes which can be moved at the notch.

Snow White and Rose Red

I love the rich colors of this wonderful postcard. It is a reproduction of of an antique postcard, printed in the USA on 100% recycled paper, by the Evergreen Press in Walnut Creek, California.

.

The postcard reminds me of the old fairytale about Snow White and Rose Red. The two lovely sisters, one blonde, one brunette, live in a cottage in the forest. Going about their daily activities, they keep rescuing an ungrateful old dwarf from certain death and danger. They also befriend a rather large and hairy bear, feeding and sheltering him through the winter. Turns out the bear is not a bear at all. He is a handsome prince who has been put under a terrible spell by the same dastardly dwarf.

.

At the end of the tale, the bear pounces upon the grizzled little enchanter and eats him up! The spell is broken, the bear skin falls away, and of course, the just-released prince marries Snow White. He introduces Rose Red to his younger brother--and they all live happily ever after. (grin)

Fruit of the Vine

This is a very old card, heavily embossed, with an elegant metal finish. I do not know when or where it was published, but it is one which pleases my eyes with its rich, rhythmically balanced composition.

Birthday Celebration

This wonderful card had me giggling. If you enlarge the card you will see the folks in the carriage are having a wonderful time. The interesting thing is if you look closely, you will notice no one holds the reins on the horse. The horse is just blythly trotting along wherever he wills. No telling where this merry crowd will end up! Hmmmm....pretty funny if you ask me!

The inside appropriately reads "And this wish is pulling in late, it couldn't be warmer or truer--but sorry, it missed the TIME and the DATE! Happy Birthday!"

This card was printed in the United States, by one of my favorite card publishers, A Sunshine Card.

An Easter Wish

How lovely to send an Easter Blessing to my dear friends. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13) God bless you all.

I'm Thinking of You

My Darling Mumsie, I am thinking of you today. You are one of the bravest most lovely people I know. You are not alone, my sweet little Mums. I love you more than words can say--and I know there are a lot of people out there who love you, who value you, and who care about you.

I am so grateful I have you for my Mother. You are wise and winsome. Even when you are sad you express yourself with elegance. You are wonderful. I love your heart.

You can read my Mom's fascinating blog, Everybody Loves a Story, at http://evagibson.blogspot.com/!

You Can't Fool With Me

Goodness! She looks pretty serious, doesn't she? I especially love her lip and the way her bare toes look upon the grass. Made in Canada, I believe this card, with its thick cardboard, was probably published sometime in the early 1940's.

The Latest Styles

This card was added to my collection just recently. (Thank you, Sissy!) I LOVE these outfits! I am assuming this card was printed in the late 1950's to early 1960's. I especially enjoy the class and style of the first girl. Her blouse is sprinkled with coarse red glitter, and she has a certain sassy attitude which I find amusing.

Crazy Aboucha

I love the freckles sprinkled across that adorable little nose. Printed on very thin paper, this card was probably published in the mid-late 1940's.

A Wish

This lovely little Valentine Card was hand-cut from very thin paper. It was printed in the United States, but I do not know what year. I am guessing may be the early 1940's. If anyone out there has an educated guess, or knows, I'd love to hear from you.

A Happy Easter

Most Easter cards are elegant flowery pastel affairs which delight the eye. Here you see an Easter card with a different air. I am not sure what these boldly colored and cheerful critters are singing, but it must be something fun.

I believe this card was printed sometime in the early 1940's.