Mother's Day in America - Postcard Friendship Friday #9

 

In the United States, Mother's Day experienced a series of false starts. In 1858, Anna Reeves Jarvis was the first woman to hold an official celebration of mothers, when in her home state of West Virginia, she instituted Mothers' Work Day to raise awareness about local sanitation issues. During the Civil War, she expanded the scope of Mothers' Work Day to include sanitary conditions on both sides of the battlefield.

Meanwhile Julia Ward Howe, author of the Battle Hymn of the Republic, attempted to institute a national celebration of mothers which honored women's inclinations toward peace, rather than cleanliness. (grin)  In 1872, she initiated and promoted a Mother's Day.  But it did not become the tradition we know today.

Then in 1905, Anna Jarvis, took up the Mother's Day torch. She swore on her mother's grave site that she would realize her lifelong dream of creating a national day to honor mothers. In 1907,  Anna launched her campaign by giving white carnations to Mothers at her mother's church in Grafton, West Virginia.

In 1908, the church honored her request - Incredibly, the tradition spread the very next year to churches in 46 states. WOW!  The power of one woman's voice was amazing.  In 1909, Anna left her job and dedicated herself to a full-time letter-writing campaign, imploring politicians, clergymen and civic leaders to institute a national day for mothers.

In 1912, Anna's efforts were met with success: Her home state of West Virginia adopted an official Mother's Day; two years later, the U.S. Congress passed a Joint Resolution, signed by President Wilson, establishing a national Mother's Day emphasizing the role of women in their families. Ever since, Mother's Day has been celebrated by Americans on the second Sunday in May.

This extraordinary woman has inspired me.  One woman, with one voice--inspired an entire nation to honor Mothers and their vital role.  WOW!

Mother's Embrace

There is nothing so precious, warm and lovely than a Mother's embrace.  I have vivid memories of my own dear Mumsie's hugs.  I can feel her arms around me--she smells nice and her heart is warm.  Though I was just a little girl then, I will always carry her hugs with me.

And I look forward to her hugs every time I see her!  She is one of my best friends and I love her dearly.

Violin Practice

I played the Viola for almost five years. Today I think I would have chosen the Violin, but in those days, I loved the deeper tones of the cello. When there wasn't a cello available I chose the Viola.

I love the look on that kitten's face--it seems there's a broken string dangling there.  And the dog is howling--obviously enjoying herself.  

Hmmm... the little girl doesn't seem like she's into practicing, does she?  She's holding the bow all wrong, and from the look on her face she'd rather be playing outside in the garden! 

Saturday's Girl Pretty in Pink - Postcard Friendship Friday #8

I am so grateful to those who keep an eye out for my favorite little antique person.  Here she is again--this beautiful little girl with the radiant face and speaking eyes.

To my Pink Saturday friends, it didn't even occur to me that I would not be here tomorrow to put up a picture for you (I'm speaking at a ladies' retreat in the mountains), so I'm combining today's PFF with Pink Saturday. 

So--Happy Postcard Friendship Friday and have a perfectly PINK Saturday!

Itty Bitty Tuxedo Kitten

Here is another of Grammie's wonderful cards.  She loved all kinds of babies and had several versions of this little kitty.  This tiny kitten is full of mischief, as you can see! 

Have a wonderful Thursday!

Coke Bottle on a Cookie Sheet

This postcard is one of my "cyber" collection.  The costumes the wedding party wear here are just fascinating.  The Groom's short pants, shoes and extraordinary head gear truly catch my attention--and why is there an umbrella hanging from his coat pocket?

The bride's dress and lace are exquisite--but that hat!  I am sure it was considered the height of fashion then, but to me it looks like she's wearing a coke bottle on a cookie sheet.  I find myself wondering how she was able to keep it on--perhaps that is why she has such great posture!

I apologize if my observations offend anyone because of traditional dress ideals.  The truth is, the fashion of yesteryear nearly always has something over which to smile.

For my Sister.

If I could, today I would come winging with a lovely rose to delight your morning.  I would bring a hot cup of fragrant honey water to soothe away your stresses.  I would lend a loving ear to your story.  I would give a warmful hug to your heart--and a happy giggle for your ears.  I would share a gleeful hop, skip and jump to lighten your feet.  I would sing the joy of childhood to you.  I would say I love you, my sweet Sis.  I'm praying for you.

And I do send all of these to you--Can you see them?  Do you hear it?  They're yours today, right this minute.

The Emporer's New Clothes

I love this sillhouette illustration from The Emporer's New Clothes which leaves everything to the imagination!  It is another picture from one of  the books in my fairytale book collection! 

When I was a child, I thought this was one of the funniest stories I'd ever heard.  As you can imagine--I was routing for the kid who told the truth in the end of the story--I mean, from my perspective and age, I was convinced that Grown ups were often times just TOO silly . . . 

And now that I'm all grown up?  Well, I still think they are!

Fairy Tales - Pink Saturday

A few years ago I was wandering through one of our town's marvelous antique shops.  I have a small collection of old fairytale books, so when I saw this one, I picked it up to leaf through its pages. 

To my great astonishment I knew every story.  I could trace every single illustration by heart.  As I held the book, I began to remember the beloved fairytale book I'd had as a child.  I had literally worn it's pages into nothingness. 

The wonderful thing about this book is I can see from the illustrations how my own style as an artist was forged.  I loved each and every one of those pictures and their beauty imprinted itself upon my mind, even before I could read the stories themselves.  It was as though I journeyed back in time for a moment and saw my world through a child's eyes once more.

Happy Pink Saturday!

Going A-Mothering - Postcard Friendship Friday #7

I've always wondered about the history of Mother's Day. I came across this rather sad, yet charming explanation.

Back in the Middle Ages in Europe, children as young as eight or nine would leave home to learn their trade as an apprentice or to become servants in the homes of wealthy people. These children usually were in neighboring towns, but transportation was hard to come by and expensive.

For most of the year the kids did not get to see their families. During Lent, before preparations for the Easter feasts required them to be busy and back at work, the young people would be allowed to return to their homes and families for a weekend. This became known as "going a-Mothering." In the United Kingdom this is known as Mothering Sunday!

Above is the back of this beautiful Mother's Day Post Card. Happy PFF!!



DADDY UPDATE: Dad's appointment with the neck brace folks was disappointing. The brace they had did not fit. There's another they want to try. If that doesn't work, the VA will make another appointment to fit a custom brace. After that, the only option is a risky surgery. Without surgery the muscles in his neck will continue to weaken which, because of broken bones in his neck, is extremely dangerous. Eventually except for the brace, his head would flop to one side. This is a very scary time for my family. We would appreciate your prayers for Dad and for our family.

Those Who Bring Sunshine...

This is another of Grandma Jenny's cards. This lovely card was from Grammie's best friend Ruth. They had a wonderful loving relationship which I'm sure transcends time itself! I love the little kittens. They so delightfully Roley poly! Another odd thing--I have an ink bottle which looks exactly like the one in the card.

Those who bring Sunshine to the lives of others

Cannot keep it from themselves.

It's a Pink Train - Happy Pink Saturday!

When my sweet Gramma Gladys moved to Washington, she left boxes of her old cards with me. This is one of the most intriguing and so perfect for Pink Saturday--I have to admit, I've never seen a pink train before--and this one is just delightful! Happy Pink Saturday!

If you'd like to see what Pink Saturday is all about, click on the icon in my sidebar to visit Beverly's page. You'll be glad you did!

Angels - Postcard Friendship Friday #6

This is another postcard of the lovely little girl who so intrigues my heart. Here she is with another child about the same age. I think those wings and draperies are charming.

I wonder about her life and who she might have been. If anyone out there knows, I'd love to hear her story.

Masked Bandit in the Tree

Here is another of Grammie Jenny's cards. I was thinking of my friend Abe Lincoln, who isn't feeling so good this morning. Abe enjoyed a unique, precious friendship with a raccoon Mama

who came to live in his yard with her kits.

This one's for you, Abe. I sure hope you will be feeling better soon.

Happy Easter!

I love this card--the beauty of the flowers and then there's that egg. If you look closely you can see there's a little chick's beak cracking the shell.

New life, new growth, new beginnings. There is always hope!

HAPPY EASTER!

Springtime Blossoms - Pink Saturday

Here is another of our darling Grammie Jenny's cards. She loved Springtime with it's bevy of flowers. When we were small, my siblings and I liked to walk the well-worn path, across the field to Grandma's house. We would play for hours in her spacious yard. She sometimes let us help plant flowers and she told us stories about them.

I love this card. There are clouds of pink blossoms adorning the trees along the streets in my town. Spring is here! And alas, so is the rain. They seem to walk hand in hand, those two! Have a perfectly marvelous Pink Saturday

Legend of the Dogwood Tree -Postcard Friendship Friday #5

I looked everywhere for a postcard with dogwood blossoms for today. But alas, I did not find any, This will have to do. Though this is not a dogwood tree, it is very close to what the pink dogwood looks like. Dogwood trees only have four petals. I also adore these charming children, feeding those very hungry lambs.

Here is another lovely story of Easter -- The Legend of the Dogwood Tree.
Long, long ago, the dogwood tree was tall and proud. Its trunk was as large around as an oak tree and its wood was hard and strong.

Near the city of Jerusalem grew an especially lovely dogwood tree. When the Savior was to be crucified, the Roman soldiers looked at the tree and decided it would be just the right kind of wood they needed. They cut down the tree and made a cross for Him.

The dogwood tree was sad and ashamed to be put to such a terrible use. Now the Lord knew the tree was very unhappy and he felt sorry for it. So He promised the dogwood it would never again grow large enough to be used as a cross. And then, to give the world a reminder of the tree's history, He gave it a very special blossom. This blossom would be a sign of His death.

That is why the dogwood's four petals form the shape of a cross. On the outer edge of each petal there is a dark red stain, as a reminder that He was offered on the cross for forgiveness of sins. And in the center of each bloom is a tiny crown of thorns.
 
On the back of this Easter Postcard, it says, "Wouldn't it be fun if I were there, or you were here?" Your cousin Dorothy

All Joy to You This Easter

This wonderful old postcard has some fascinating elements to it. I wonder what the story might be behind these beautiful costumes, the children and lovely young ladies! Care to take a wild guess?

Above is the back of this most intriguing postcard. I could not make out what was written here. Perhaps someone else out there is a little better at deciphering than I am.

Have a joyous Thursday!