Bicycle Bouquet -Postcard Friendship Friday

This postcard is a part of my cyber collection. I know it is winter and we are set to bring in the New Year, but it seemed somehow appropriate to celebrate the holiday with this whimsical flower arrangement.

May you be blessed with wonderful surprises and laughter over this new year, 2010!

Happy Postcard Friendship Friday!

Thinking of You, my Friend

With the New Year looming closer, I am reminded of the treasure of friendship. True and real friends are VERY hard to find. When one finds such a precious gift--one cultivates it.

This wonderful card is another from our Grammie Jenny's collection. It was sent by her lifetime friend Ruth. Reading the notes and cards Ruth sent, I see the beauty of a loyal friend. A sister who never took her friend for granted, cultivating their friendship like a flower garden.

So dear friends (you know who you are), I am counting YOU as one of the beautiful blessings in my life--you are indeed precious.

Christmas Memories

Though Christmas is now a memory, this beautiful card captured my eyes this morning and I wanted to share it with you--Christmas can be celebrated all year long, right?

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This is one of the cards from Grammie Jenny's collection. The rich, red color of the decorations and the delicate embossed gold snowflakes fill my eyes and please me no end.

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Hahahaha! Merry Christmas!

Angelic Greetings -Postcard Friendship Friday

Here she is, that lovely little girl who has so captured my imagination. This is a postcard from my "cyber" collection. Thank you for sending her to me, Jann!

A Merry Christmas to everyone--this year has been so full. Good things, awful things, miraculous things--all stuffed into a year's time. Wow.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Many of you have walked the tightrope of this past year with my family and me. I do SO appreciate you. May God bless you all and keep you safe in His arms this Christmas Day. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Happy Postcard Friendship Friday!

Christmas Eve in the Snowy Village

Here is another card from my sweet Gramma Gladys, who gave all these wonderful cards to me when she moved to Washington State. And now I get to share them with you!

I especially love this type of card--they are long, slim and cunning to the eye. They are like lovely little jewels. All the activity in this attractive little village feels like the Day before Christmas! Click to enlarge the card--it seems several people and a snowman have a good idea there's someone looking down at them! Hmmmm....

So, for two more days I get to say it again! MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Christmas Greetings!

Years ago my darling Sissy Clytie sent this Christmas card to me when she lived across the country. Ever the sentimental sister, I saved this wonderfully whimsical card--and now I have the joy of sharing it with you!

MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone!

Love your Style, Love Your Smile

This unusual Christmas card is from my darling Gramma Glady's collection. When Gramma moved from our area to Washington State, she left all her wonderful cards behind with me. And now, years later, I get to share her stash with you!

These fun little snow people remind me of Caspar the Friendly Ghost! I like their faces and the added interest of sparkling glitter on the front.

I also adore this card because of the happy words within. I love my own dear Honey. His style and smile do indeed brighten most days. I think back over the years--I am not only lucky, I'm blessed.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Manger Babe and Animal Friends

This is one of Grammie's cards. I just love the variety of animals here--especially those two cats who seem not only interested in the child, but in that bluebird perched up on the manger on the hay near the Babe's glowing halo. (grin)

Merry Christmas! 

SISSY UPDATE: Last Friday morning, Clytie went to see her doctor for a follow-up appointment. Here is the story as she told me.

She and her daughter were in the waiting room. The receptionist came out with a slip of paper, looked around, then went back into her office. A few moments later, she was back, glancing around the waiting room with a puzzled look on her face. She returned to her office. A little while later she was back—looked at the slip of paper in her hands, then at my sister. She said, “Clytie?” My sister picked her things up to go in. As she did so, the receptionist apologized, she said she’d been looking for someone in a wheel chair!
The doctor did a myriad of tests. When she was done, she told Clytie, “You are a walking miracle. You shouldn't be here right now." She said, “I don’t know what it is, but you are here for a reason.” Then with tears in her eyes, the doctor embraced my sister.

So this is our Christmas Miracle. Neither Clytie nor I will ever be the same. This miracle has changed both of us for the rest of our lives. Now is the time for miracles. I wonder what God will do next?

On Angel's Wings

I was going through another box of old cards I've saved over the years. When I pulled out the card illustrated with this little Angel of Hearts, I could not help but think about my sweet Sister Clytie and all of you who prayed for her. The miracle of what God did because of your prayers is such a blessing to the hearts of so many.

This precious piece of artwork is by Donald Zolan. He is an outanding artist, known for his wonderful illustrations of children and is one of my greatest inspirations.

Barrel Full of Wishes

This old card from the 1940's and printed in the USA seems to show that some things never change! (grin) I was noticing that barrel is awfully big for that little fellow, the pup is blushing and that pesky bluebird seems to be laughing at him!

Another Christmas card I think is just a hoot. Have a GREAT weekend!

Joyous Tidings to all!

Here is another wonderful postcard which, this morning echoes my own joyous heart.

I believe the angel playing the horn is the little girl who's sweet face has so captured my imagination.

SISSY UPDATE: Clytie is still doing well, getting stronger every single day. In fact, one perk is her eyesight has improved! She tells me she's seeing more clearly than she has in years. A wonderful thing for my talented photographer Sis! Be sure to drop by Clytie's blogs this morning--she has two delightful entries you will want to read. Thank you everyone for your warmth, thoughts and prayers for my darling sister. YOU are an integral part of this miracle.

Here are the links: http://clytie-randomhearts.blogspot.com/ and http://clytie-randomstuff.blogspot.com/ May God bless you all--and a very Merry Christmas to you!

Long-Haired Beauty

I just love these old postcards! Isn't she beautiful?

When I was a little girl, every Sunday Grandma, Grampa, Uncle Dale, Dad, Mom and the rest of us kids would pile into the old car to drive to church. On our way there, I remember seeing a lovely older woman who would regularly walk through the field next to the road with her silver knee-length hair streaming out behind her. I was fascinated--she was so beautiful.

As a small girl, I made up my mind to grow my hair as long as hers, so that someday I could walk through a field in the early morning sunlight, with my glowing hair drifting into the breeze.

My hair is nearly to my waist and the shiny silver is coming in. (grin) Perhaps I'll make it yet!

Thank You for your prayers

There are times when words fail. When miracles thicken the air. That is when one's gratefulness cannot be expressed.

Thank You, dear ones. Thank you to everyone who prayed for my sister Clytie. She's going home today.

And it is a miracle.

Christmas Notes

This is a card which was sent to me in the 1970's. I adore this little elf and his appreciative audience.

A Merry Christmas note to you!

Ah, 'Tis the Harpist!

I adore art Nouveau. This is an illustration I simply could not resist. I love this style--in fact, I yearn to draw this way. There is something so graceful, so lovely about the flowers, hair and women of this period, which fascinates me.

Art Nouveau features "organic, especially floral and other plant-inspired motifs, as well as highly-stylized, flowing curvilinear forms." Ah, inspiration, indeed!

Christmas Kittens in a Basket

Merry Christmas! I love this time of year. There is something so joyous and perky about red and green decorations, the lights and music. Here is another of the wonderful cards from our sweet Grandma Jenny's fabulous collection!

Sweet Grammie flew away to heaven awhile back. Sharing the cards she loves brings her close to my heart.

She Walks with Turkeys

I don't know why, but this wonderful postcard, part of my cyber collection, tickles my funny bone! (grin) These turkeys seem like a couple of lapdogs, with Lady Liberty's right hand resting on the grizzled head of one old turkey, as she gently herds the other proudly strutting bird with the other.

I bet they don't know she's gonna eat 'em!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Good Wishes -Postcard Friendship Friday

This whimsical postcard is a part of my cyber postcard-collection. Many and much thanks to our friend Pearl for her generosity!

I am not sure about cherubs cooking Thanksgiving dinner in the first place--it seems they might trip on those darling chef's gowns and dump that heavy turkey--and what IS that big red thing atop the turkey? Perhaps a rose??? (grin) Your guess is as good as mine!

Happy Postcard Friendship Friday!

Fat-Cheeked Blue Bird

When I was young, money was so tight, we often recycled cards and wrapping paper to use them the following year--in fact, now that I think about it--some of those ancient cards and wrapping paper might still be in use today! Hmmmmm....

This cute little bluebird was an old card Mumsie made into a gift tag using rick-rack scissors. I loved that cheeky little blue bird so much I kept it. 

Daddy Update: Great news! Dad has formally been discharged from the wound specialist. The top of his head is completely healed. He has also been fitted for a more comfortable neck collar to support his still-broken neck.

However, Dad is still having flashbacks to his time in the prison camp--they are even more vivid than before. Yesterday Dad went to the VA Hospital for some tests to find out why. I would appreciate your continued prayers for the healing of Dad's neck and the cessation of those flashbacks. Mom would appreciate your prayers, too. This is all very hard for her.

Joseph and His Bride - Festival of Postcards

This wonderful illustration was done by J. C. Leyendecker. He became well known for his use of light and shadow within shadow. He was the premier cover illustrator for The Saturday Post for much of the first half of the 20th century. Leyendecker was mentor and friend of Norman Rockwell, who was a pallbearer at Leyendecker's funeral in 1951.

This postcard is my submission for the Festival of postcards - White. Here is Leyendecker's fanciful illustration from the ancient story of Joseph found in Jewish history. We do know Joseph married and had children, but nothing is said of his wife--pictured here. Some say she was a high-born Egyptian Princess. I like to think so, and I love this illustration because of its beauty and passion.

Joseph dreamed his brothers and family would bow to him one day. His father clearly doted upon the boy and gave him a beautiful multi-colored coat. Joseph's brothers became so jealous of their younger brother, they sold Joseph into slavery and told their father he had been killed by a wild animal. In Egypt because of his honesty and fairness, he rose to great heights, only to be falsely accused of rape and thrown into prison.

There, despite being a prisoner in that dark place, his intimacy with God put him in direct contact with the Pharaoh. When Joseph correctly interpreted the dreams tormenting the Pharaoh--seven years of plenty to be followed by seven years of famine--the ruler appointed Joseph to a powerful position just below his own. Joseph was put in charge of gathering grains and foods over the seven years of plenty, in order to have enough for the people when the seven years of famine overtook them.

When his brothers came to Egypt seeking grain, they did not recognize their own brother. In time, when Joseph revealed who he was to them, they became afraid. But Joseph told them, "Do not fear. You meant this for harm, but God used it for good."

Cat Hat and the lil' Girl

Here is another card from our Grammie Jenny's collection. This card reflects her great love for small children, animals and flowers.

Grammie's immense flower garden was filled to the brim with lovely flowers of all kinds. There were unexpected little nooks where deer, flamingo (those pink fake ones) and faery folk lived.

I remember helping Grammie in the garden when I was a little girl. She patiently taught me how to dig the soil, add fertilizers--She showed me which plants loved the sun, which ones did not--where to plant them and how much water each needed. She told me stories about the flowers--how their lives were intertwined with our own. She was so wise. I never forgot those lessons--indeed, I passed them on to my own children.

Of Flowers and Butterflies -Postcard Friendship Friday

There is a part of me which constantly seeks beauty in life. This morning with its grey skies and tossings of yellow leaves amidst blowing rain, seemed to need a flower or two--and the butterfly made it perfect.

Happy Postcard Friendship  Friday!

Honor the Brave

Today is Veteran's Day in America. A day when we honor all those dead and living for their sacrifice. I am moved to tears when I see the legend over the entrance to the Veteran's Hospital. "The Price of Freedom is Seen Here."

The lobby of the hospital is filled with brave men and women of all ages, from all walks of life. Some of these old soldiers had no choice in fighting--they were drafted and had to be brave. Others faced the enemy by choice. All are heros in my eyes.

Thank you Grandpa--you served in WW1. Thank you Daddy--you fought in the Battle of the bulge and were imprisoned in Stalag B and Bad Orb during WW2. Thank you Uncle Kelly--you went to war in Korea. Thank you Uncle Jody--you faced the enemy in Vietnam. Thank you Guy--you were at the frontlines of the first Iraq war. Thank you, young nephew David, you are protecting our country today.

Thank you to all the soldiers who fought and sacrificed their strength and youth and to all of you who continue to serve. YOU are my heros.

You Are My Sunshine

Way Back in the mid-1970's I received this delightfully funny card from my younger sister Clytie. It was entitled You Are My Sunshine. I loved it so much I kept it--and I'm glad I did.

The older I get, the more I realize sisters are wonderful gifts which fill one's life with beauty and sunshine.

Without sunshine one could not grow, smile or live. How grateful I am for sisters.

Kewpie Doll and Friends -Postcard Friendship Friday

I love this postcard! It is a part of my cyber card and postcard collection. I love black cats. This little girl reminds me of the old Kewpie dolls.

When I was young I did a lot of house sitting for old Mrs. Hood. She lived in a wonderful old two story house, and was one of the first women to settle in our area back in the "olden times." Oh, the stories she would tell. She often gave my sister and I trinkets and odds and ends she thought we would like.

This is a Kewpie Doll she gave to me. This little hand painted doll is probably over 100 years old. She is made of a bisque-like material and her arms move. She is so old she has a crack down one side and a hairline fracture along the back of one arm.

The story I heard is the doll was bought from a peddler wagon which used to come through town. It is probably one of the very first Kewpie dolls ever made. I have never seen another like it in my research.

Happy Postcard Friendship Friday!

Friends Like You

Here is another card from our Darling Grandma Jenny's collection. This beauty was from her dear friend Ruth.

There is a kind of music to friendship. A cadence, a lovely rich melody which resounds throughout life. The truth is, friendship puts color to the music of our lives.

Indeed--I am so blessed by YOUR friendship. You know who you are, my dears. You put the music into living.

Angelic Face -Postcard Friendship Friday

This young lady was featured in so many Tuck postcards which were published in the late 1800-s, early 1900's. Her face is positively angelic. When I see her face, I suddenly long for my pencils and art paper!

This wonderful postcard is a part of my cyber collection.

Happy Postcard Friendship Friday!

Sparrows Bringing Good Cheer

I love the rhythm and pattern of this delightful get well card. The artist caught the beauty and grace of these birds beautifully.

This card is another from the vast collection of Cards our darling Grandma Jenny left behind. What a wonderful legacy for her children, grandchildren and great grand children!

Charite' - Postcard Friendship Friday

Here is another postcard of the sweet little girl who has so caught my imagination. It was graciously sent to me by Jann. I believe this is one of the earlier photos taken of this beautiful little girl--she looks a lot younger in this postcard than in others.

Happy Friendship Friday!

A Garden Without Flowers

This is one of the wonderful cards our Grandma Jenny's best friend Ruth sent most likely in the late 1950's. This card touches my heart--I have such wonderful friends. Dear precious friends. I am so grateful for the fragrant friendship flowers in the garden of my life.

Life without friends would be like a garden without flowers.

So I have to ask--if you were a plant growing in a garden, what would you be? I'm thinking I might be a purple cauliflower combined with violets and a rose. . .

Hello! I Just Arrived!

This wonderful baby announcement was in my Grandmother's things. She'd saved nearly every announcement sent to her over the years. This darling card was sent to Grammie in the late 1940's. It was from her best friend Ruth. Though the announcement is in pink, it's for a boy! I especially love the, er, unusual "back" view inside.

Ruth writes: Dear Jennie, another little boy. And the Lord was good too. Only four and a half hrs. labor. How good to us He is.   Love Ruth."

Ruth's cards and notes were treasured gifts. I'm so grateful Grammie Jenny saved these wonderful old testimonies of life back then.

Sombrero Kitty!

I love this illustration--what a darling kitty! It fits for this month of ghosts and black cats. I happen to love the way a black cat's eyes glow in their dark furred faces.

Meadowland

This gorgeous postcard by Sulamith Wulfing only recently became a part of my "cyber" collection. I have a weakness for fairies and all things whimsical, so this wonderful drawing with it's beautiful colors and unique style especially caught my imagination.

Thank you, sweet SissyDea!

Fairy Bread -Postcard Friendship Friday

I know this isn't a postcard. Instead I hope you will enjoy this lovely poem with accompanying illustrations from my beloved, but tattered ancient book of Children's verse.

Come up here, O dusty feet!
Here is fairy bread to eat.

Here in my retiring room,

Children you may dine

On the golden smell of broom

And the shade of pine;

And when you have eaten well,
Fairy stories hear and tell.

Happy Postcard Friendship Friday!

Memories

When my darling SissyDea posted this painter's work, I had to keep a copy. I have been working at my parents home for the past month or more. I see vivid ghosts of childhood memories all around me.

It is interesting when one's mind superimposes the past upon the present. This artist (along with my sisters--you know who you are) inspire me to go further. To pursue the dream. To reach for the unattainable. How gracious God has been to give to me these precious sisters.

This picture makes me feel like weeping...so much of life has been lived.  So much yet to live.

With All Good Wishes

This is a postcard from my "cyber" collection. I know--it's a bit early for Christmas, but these kittens are so cute! I know it is a Christmas postcard, but it is also nearing Halloween with all the strange lore of black cats.

I've collected figurines of black cats since I was a little girl. There is something so endearing about those expressive kitty eyes, glowing like amusing jewels, shining from a small black canvas. 

Daddy Update: We were able to tear down the rotten addition to the back of my parent's home. All that is left is the floor--which is rather like a broad deck area. I was SO impressed with what my husband and our friend Gurn accomplished! How these amazing men were able to tear that monstrosity down by themselves, is quite beyond me--they're both heroes in my eyes!

My sister and I worked hard filling the dumpster (The guys helped with the really heavy stuff). We cleaned, bagged all kinds of stuff, sorted good wood from the bad, piled it accordingly. Sissy and I cleaned and swept, carried, lifted and piled stuff...It was a very LONG day.

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The four of us accomplished more than we ever hoped for, or dreamed! Thank you for your good thoughts and prayers. It's miraculous to behold.

Friends Together in Sunshine and in Shade

"We have been friends together in sunshine and in shade." -- Caroline Norton

I love the youthful elegance and antique fashion which are combined here with such delightful appeal.

This sweet card also reminds me of something that happened years ago. My younger sister Clytie and I went out one night to Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour.  Since we were truly Gibson girls--we each ordered a Gibson Girl ice cream.

To our horror, suddenly bells, whistles and sirens went off. We gasped as two GIANT bowls, each about the size of a volleyball--full of every flavor ice cream, complete with toppings, bananas, whipped cream and topped with a red cherry, were trundling toward our table.

We couldn't believe our eyes. I remember we didn't finish our fine LARGE Gibson Girls--and for years afterward we would giggle over our "Gibson Girl" treat.


Daddy Update: Dad is a miracle kid! The surgeons gave the wound on his head (which exposed quite a bit of bone) a one percent chance of healing without surgery. At present, the bone is completely covered and the skin around the wound only has about one and a half inches to go--if that! Dad is a walking miracle! Early next month, Dad will be going in for a neck check up--we are praying for the same miraculous healing in his broken neck bones.

My siblings and I cleared and cleaned our parents home and property enough that they were able to return home last Sunday morning! They seem so happy. Next weekend we are tearing down a rotten section of their home--down to the floorboards, so I would appreciate your good thoughts and prayers for safety for everyone who will be coming over to help.

THANK YOU for your thoughts and prayers--they have meant more to me and my family than you will ever know.

Love Now

This is a card from the 1970's once sent to me by my best friend Eric. It is an enigmatic sort of saying, but today it makes sense and fits with my mood.

I will try to be consistent with you

So that you will understand

The core of my personality

And from that understanding

You can gain strength and security

That  I am acting as me.

I may falter with my moods . . . 

But because people are never constant

And are as changeable as the seasons,

I will try to build up within you

A faith in my fundamental attitude

And show you that my inconsistency

Is only for the moment

And not a lasting part of me.

I will show you love now.

~Walter Rinder

I Couldn't Bear It

This darling Valentine is one of my favorites. I love the way these old cards expand. This card was probably printed in the USA in the late 1930's. Below you can see what the card looks like expanded.

Daddy Update: What a wonderful thing! The top of Dad's head has NO bone showing! The two surgeons who looked at it a little over a month ago said there was a one percent chance that terrible wound would heal over. Thank you for your prayers! It is truly a miracle!

Please continue to pray that Dad's neck bones will knit together. There's quite a gap between the bones--and Mom says, looking at the cat scan, that it looks impossible. But we've already seen one miracle! Let's pray for another.

We hope to have Dad and Mom's home ready for them by the 20th. Still so much yet to be done.

Bunny Watchman

Here is another Valentine Card from my collection. This card was probably printed in the USA in the late 1930's. There is a small metal rivet in the top of his arm, which allows this darling little bunny watchman to swing his lamp.

The look on this hunky bunny is rather funny. I believe he LIKES what he sees!



Daddy Update: Last Sunday morning Dad walked my youngest sister down the aisle, and there wasn't a dry eye in the house. He walked around quite a bit that day--and seemed the better for it.

The neck doctor had some discouraging news. According to the cat scan, there is a cyst which is lodged where the break in Dad's neck is. The Doc thinks Dad was probably born with it--but it seems to be impeding the bones from healing. But there was some good news, too--We saw the wound specialist on Wednesday. She was amazed at how quickly the top of Dad's head is knitting. Indeed--when I change his wound each day, I am amazed to see visible progress--It is a miracle to watch how quickly the flesh is covering over the bone, when the doctors said it never would.

Please pray for safety for all the family members and volunteers who will be at my parents' home this weekend. We have a LOT to do, including some serious work on the roof. It is my hope and prayer that we will accomplish more than we ever thought possible. Dad and Mom need to be in their own home. I would appreciate your good thoughts and prayers this Labor Day Weekend.

A Good Life

Today my youngest Sister is getting married. She is marrying a wonderful man who loves her very much. May God bless their lives with hope, love, strength and winsome love. But not just that, may God bless my sister and my new brother each, with the ability to go more than half way toward eachother in the hard times.

Dad is well enough that he'll be able to walk her down the aisle using his cane. The oxygen and wheel chair won't be far. Thank you for your prayers. Dad has had a few bad days recently. He's felt so discouraged with the length of this healing process. Please pray that Dad will be encouraged and feel God's blessing on his life.