Sunday, May 30, 2010

Partying Angels on Rollerskates


I can't remember where I got this one--I think my darling Sissy posted it on her blog awhile back.  I am posting this card in honor of my Friend Louree, who turns a youthful 60 years old today!

I adore these little angel's expressive faces, their roller skates, the tripping angel and the colorful dresses they're wearing.  What a darling card--I LOVE this artist's work!

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Ships Upon Sunrise Sea - Pink Saturday

This is the front of a small folder in which our darling little Grammie kept things she treasured...a rose drawn by my own Mum when she was six, a letter from Sissy to me, a note from her sister, our Aunt Tillie--each of these things were a window into what was precious in her eyes.

A true treasure trove of loving memories.

Does anyone out there know what, if any, significance there is to the emblem on the ship's flag?  Two crossed holly leaves with four dots!  Interesting at any rate.  

For more fabulous pink Saturday surprises be sure to visit Bev!

Friday, May 28, 2010

Fly the Flag and Hug the Cat - Postcard Friendship Friday #13


NOTE to those who are new to PFF:  Postcard Friendship Friday was started by Marie, who because of her loss of sight, handed it over to me. Marie’s idea was for people to post their postcards, then visit each other’s blogs to view them. PFF is NOT a place for people to sell, or advertise ephemera. This is an event where FRIENDS who love postcards interact.  If you are selling or advertising, the link to your blog will be removed.


It is Memorial Day Weekend, a time when many people visit cemeteries and memorials to honor those who have died in the line of duty.  Memorial Day was first observed in Waterloo, New York in 1866.  In 1968 US Congress created a three-day holiday.  In 1971 the law moved Memorial Day to the last Monday in May.

One tradition is to fly the United States flag at half-staff from dawn until noon.  Volunteers often place American flags on each grave site at national cemeteries.  In our little town, American flags bravely bloom all along the sidewalks for the duration of the weekend.

Families often gather for fun, games and picnics.  Barbecued foods are VERY popular on this holiday.  One of the longest standing traditions is the running of the Indianapolis 500, an auto race which has been held during the Memorial Day holiday since 1911.

Today is also Hug Your Cat Day!  There is plenty of documentation that this holiday is celebrated world wide--though some do so on May 28th, others on May 30th. 

No one knows how this holiday originated, but it is a splendid Idea.  It is a proven fact the Friendship of an animal, can actually lower a person's blood pressure.  The holiday is celebrated by spending time with one's cat, giving them extra special attention. Cats and humans have had a long history of Friendship.  In 2004, a grave was excavated in Cyprus which contained the skeletons of a cat and a human being laid close to one another.  The grave is estimated to be 9,500 years old!


Wednesday, May 26, 2010

A Wish Has Been Planted . . .

I thought it was time to share another Valentine card from my collection.  This sweet card was printed in the USA most likely just after World War 2.  The paper is very thin and fragile.  I adore the bright colors and intricate design of this unusual card.  The little boy in those short pants is so cute!

Inside is this pen and ink of a small girl gathering roses.  It is like something I would draw, and the poem is delightful!

Monday, May 24, 2010

The Nicest Things . . .

The nicest things come in small bundles!

This is another baby announcement card from your beloved Grammie's extensive collection.  I love the style of this artist's work, along with the realistic touch of feathered wing and funny look on that stork's face as he holds the cloth where swings yon babe!

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Lily Pond Faeries - Pink Saturday

When we first moved here the back yard sported waist-high grass, piles of debris and five unusable barbecues!  Now it is an oasis of beauty.  Sword fern grow graciously next to a little waterfall which splashes down into a small pond where Lily of the Valley, purple violet and wild bleeding hearts grow.

Years ago, Dad gave me a lily for the pond.  The goldfish love to hide beneath those broad leaves when the sun gets hot.

I think there must be faeries in my back yard.   If there were, I imagine they would look something like this lovely illustration.

For more incredible views of pink, be sure to visit Bev at Pink Saturday.

Friday, May 21, 2010

The Power of One Voice - Postcard Friendship Friday #12


This wonderful Christmas postcard was printed in 1909 to commemorate the American Red Cross.  Clara Barton was one of the main founders of the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C.

The American Red Cross was founded today, May 21, in  1881. Inspired by the Red Cross in Switzerland, This one amazing woman campaigned for an American Red Cross society and for ratification of the Geneva Convention protecting the war-injured.

Clara Barton
Clara Barton

Clara headed the Red Cross for 23 years, during which time it conducted its first domestic and overseas disaster relief efforts, aided the United States military during the Spanish-American War and campaigned successfully for the inclusion of peacetime relief work as part of the International Red Cross Movement.

Because of one woman's voice, over 100 years ago, the Red Cross continues to help people in crisis across the entire world.  

Have a wonderful PFF!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

It's Raining, It's POURING!

This postcard from my "cyber" collection, printed in 1942 seemed perfect for today.  We were sopped with rains and high winds all last night and this morning.  The rain came down so hard it woke me in the night.  They say there may be more downpours and possible thunderstorms later on!  Woohoo!

This postcard came from Deb's personal collection.  You can read about the fascinating history of this wonderful postcard here.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Mum's Amazing Birthday


It is our darling Mumsie's birthday today! 
Mum had six children--which meant she endured teenagers in her home for well over 20 years. 
My youngest sister was born when I was 14! 
Now that I'm a Mom, I am SO appreciative of all she did for us
and the sheer magnitude of what it must have taken to take care of all of us. 

I remember for years and years
Mumsie would doodle 41 inside a heart. 
She always said something amazing
was going to happen on her 41st birthday! 

And it did.
Mount St. Helen's blew her top!

It would make her smile
if you'd all pop on over to wish her a
Happy Birthday

Friday, May 14, 2010

Sleeping Beauty in Pink - Postcard Friendship Friday #11



I love the story of Sleeping Beauty.  Even though Valentine's Day is long past, one never gets tired of chocolates, hearts, flowers and fairy tales! 

Though my parents will be watching our home, I will be at the beach this weekend celebrating our 27th Wedding Anniversary!  I am SO sorry, but since I will be not be here, I am posting Pink Saturday and Postcard Friendship Friday together.

Romantic that I am--this postcard seemed to fit both of these lovely  events!  You can visit some wonderful blogs for Pink Saturday on Bev's page.



Thursday, May 13, 2010

Glamorous -- That's You!



This darling birthday card is one of a set of cards given to me by my sweet Sis, Clytie.  The cards are VERY large and came in an elegant cardboard box.  I treasure them, not only because of the wonderful work of this artist, but because they were a gift from my darling Sissy.

Today I am honoring our friend Jann, who is 58 years old.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANN! 

If you get the chance pop on over to wish Forever Jann Happy Birthday, too!

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Faery Sisters

I love faeries--these two are especially charming.  I could see them atop a friendly daisy in my garden!

This is a postcard from my "cyber" collection.  I often wonder about these charming postcards--who were these dear little children--what were their lives like?  These two look like they would have been a bundle of fun!

Monday, May 10, 2010

Daisies and Violets

 
This is another card from Grammie's wonderful collection.  More than likely it was chosen for her best friend Ruth.  Daisies are such cheerful flowers and violets so tender of heart. 

Today I awoke so tired.  Deadly tired--So I'll not write much here today.  Only to say how precious to my heart are those Friends who are such blessings to my soul.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Happy Birthday, Sissy!

It is a lovely day for Mother's Day--but this year there's another special celebration--this is the day my darling Sister Clytie was born. 

I will never forget that mid-December day we almost lost her to a stroke.  The threat of losing Sissy, then her miraculous healing, changed everything.  I will never, EVER take her for granted again.  Every blessed day she is in this world is a treasure.

Clytie is not only my sister, but she one of my very best friends.  This extraordinary woman blesses everyone she meets with her laughter and humor, whimsical personality and her wonderful eye for hearts.  She has a gift of seeing beauty where no one else would.

I think it would be great fun if everyone hopped on over to her page to wish her a HAPPY BIRTHDAY today!  Let's all surprise her at Random Hearts!

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Rust Proof - Pink Saturday


I was cleaning out my sewing desk and found this wonderful packet of rustproof sewing and darning needles. My darling Nita, left her sewing things to me. It has a few years since she left us, but this was the first time I've really gone through the sewing desk she'd given to me. I found many treasures, but this small packet of rust proof needles was very special.  She must have loved them.

This exquisite needle kit appears to be a promotional gimmick, made in Western Germany, for Stanley Home products, Inc. in Westfield, Massachusetts.

For more wonderful Pink Saturday entries from across the world, be sure to visit How Sweet the Sound.

Friday, May 7, 2010

Mother's Day in Australia - Postcard Friendship Friday #10

I apologize for getting this up so late this morning.  After five days, we finally coaxed our our kitty out of hiding--she kept us up until well after 3 a.m.! 

I have always had a special place in my heart for Australia. Mother's Day is very special to Australians.  They celebrate the day on the second Sunday of May.

Mother's day is dedicated entirely to the leading lady of the family. While Moms get to relax on this particular day, people of all the ages, from preschoolers to adults, contribute to make the day a special one for their mother.

The celebrations in Australia are similar to ours here in the United States--except for the traditional custom of wearing a carnation. In Australia, colored carnations hold different meanings. If a person is wearing a colored carnation, it signifies that his/her mother is living. A white carnation is worn to pay homage, or tribute to a deceased mother.

All across Australia, on Mother's Day, children thank their Mothers for the undying love and care she showers on them. From the morning tea, to the evening party, they share their feelings through a number of small, as well as large gestures.


I think I'd like to move to Australia!  Hats off to this marvelous country and their lovely Mother's Day traditions!  Happy Postcard Friendship Friday!
 
 

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Two Kittens and a Hat

Here is another wonderful card from our Grammie's collection.  Kittens are so dear--these two furry darlings kind of remind me of our "ghost" kitty hiding upstairs.  We still have not seen her, though there is evidence she's been out and about in the night.  (sigh) 

It is SO hard to wait!  But, oh, happy thought, maybe she'll come out today!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Little Buddies

We have missed our Crickette' so much.  Our home has seemed so empty.  So, over the past few months we've visited various places looking for another little buddy, but no one seemed to fit.

Then Sunday afternoon, we came across Tinkerbell, a long-haired, blue-eyed, five-year old Siamese.  When I first saw her in the cage, she rolled onto her back, stuck out a paw and curled her toes around the end of my finger.  Her blue eyes seemed to smile.  We spent time petting her and getting to know her and we both knew she would be coming home with us. 

By late Sunday evening she sat on my lap, purred, loved on my husband and seemed happy to be with us.  BUT, around 10:30, I saw her under the dining room table--then she was gone.  Someone had left the door at the bottom of the stairs open and she vanished.  We haven't seen her since.  The vet and Humane Society say adult cats introduced into a new environment often do this and will come out when they're ready. 

We finally figured out where she's hiding.  There's a hole in the wall next to the tub where my husband had done some plumbing awhile back--it's the only place she could be.  We know she's there because she has been using the cat box and has eaten food and sampled the water we'd put out for her.

I'm just so impatient to see her again.  But I must wait.  (sigh)

Monday, May 3, 2010

You Were Very Kind

Here is another card from Grammie's collection.  I just love the little bluebirds bearing notes of thanks!

This a thank you card for some wee boots our Aunt Barb received at dear cousin Dougie's baby shower.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Happy Family - Happy Pink Saturday

This card was in my darling little Grammie's collection.  She kept every baby card she received--including my brothers, sisters and cousins (1st, 2nd and 3rd cousins).  I believe this one was for one of our cousins. 

Happy Pink Saturday! 

For more of Pink Saturday,  click on the Icon in my sidebar!