Happy Labor Day -Postcard Friendship Friday #235

In the United States, every year just before school starts, there is a three-day weekend which is a celebration of the American labor movement.  We call it Labor Day. It is a national tribute to everyday ordinary American  workers who have contributed to  the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.  Though we have struggled these past years, in my opinion, America is still one of the greatest nations on earth. 

Here is a postcard featuring one of the greatest presidents in American history--Abraham Lincoln.  According to family legend, we are "shirt-tail" relations to this amazing man.  

Have a lovely day and Happy Postcard Friendship Friday! 

* LINKING UP:  You can put your link in any time between now and next Thursday.  Postcard Friendship Friday is open for the entire week! 

* BADGE:  When you submit a postcard, be sure to put a link back to this page.  You can copy and paste the PFF badge, which has the link embedded.  Thank you!

*  THEMES: You don't have to stick to the theme I choose each Friday. Just put up the pieces you love and tell us why you like them.

*  REMINDER: Comments and links which contain advertising will be deleted. Also, any and all suspicious links which do not lead to a correct website will be reported and deleted.

It's a Bull's Eye! -Guest Heart Thursday

I have a wonderful collection of  old Valentine cards.  It all started years ago, when I was in my early 20's.  I went to an estate sale in my town and for $1 bought an entire book of old Valentine cards, which were pasted inside.  What a wonderful find!  I also have a large cyber collection of old cards and postcards, like this one.  It is great to have a place to share them.  

Does anyone know what kind of flowers those are???  Have a lovely weekend all you heart-lovers!

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.

Happy National Tooth Fairy Day! -Postcard Friendship Friday #234

Today is National Tooth Fairy Day.  I love the Tooth Fairy.  While other traditions, such as Santa Clause and the Easter Bunny were not a part of my growing up, we all adored the Tooth Fairy.  How else could one fall asleep with a tooth under one’s pillow, to awaken with a coin left in exchange?  It was magical--she had to be real.  

I grew up, met the man of my dreams and soon had children of my own.  In our home another variation of the story was born.  One night the Tooth Fairy became so busy, she sent Merry, the Berry Fairy in her place.  That berry-loving fairy would leave funny purple footprints and tiny notes, along with a nifty prize in exchange for their teeth.   My children grew so fond of her, they’d leave personal notes and hand made presents along with their baby teeth.  Of course, the Berry Fairy enjoyed this so much, she stowed all those notes and gifts (and baby teeth) in the back of my sock drawer.  (Imagine that!)  

Though the idea of a Tooth Fairy has European roots, I found it interesting to note the Tooth Fairy is one of America's "original" fables.  It is also up for debate as to the actual date of this holiday.  Though no one seems to know how it came into existence, there are those who argue the holiday is actually celebrated on February 28th instead of August 22nd. 

It all began in Europe, where for centuries it was common practice to bury a child’s baby tooth in a garden or field near the child’s home.  The superstition was that when a child’s tooth was buried, a permanent tooth would grow into its place.  Others believed if a witch was able to acquire the baby tooth, the child would be placed under a curse or a spell--giving the witch power to control the child until the tooth was recovered. So the tooth was buried as a way to protect children from a curse.

When people moved to America, they brought their beliefs and superstitions with them.  But as time passed the tradition changed.  Parents began placing baby teeth in small flower pots, or planter boxes. Eventually the tooth came to be placed under a child's pillow.  After which the parents would clandestinely sneak into the child’s room in the middle of the night to exchange it for a treat or money.  When the child would ask who had left the prize behind--it was said the Tooth Fairy had paid them a visit.

Every child I know loves the Tooth Fairy--and the little girl inside my heart does too. Have a lovely weekend everyone, and Happy Postcard Friendship Friday!

* LINKING UP:  You can put your link in any time between now and next Thursday.  Postcard Friendship Friday is open for the entire week! 

* BADGE:  When you submit a postcard, be sure to put a link back to this page.  You can copy and paste the PFF badge, which has the link embedded.  Thank you!

*  THEMES: You don't have to stick to the theme I choose each Friday. Just put up the pieces you love and tell us why you like them.

*  REMINDER: Comments and links which contain advertising will be deleted. Also, any and all suspicious links which do not lead to a correct website will be reported and deleted.

Happy Relaxation Day! -Postcard Friendship Friday #233

The only holiday listed for today is Relaxation Day.  It is a newer holiday, originating in the age of the internet, as an advertisement to entice folks to visit health spas.  Regardless of the origins of the day, it is one we all can celebrate.

Every day it seems, our lives grow ever more complicated.  Stresses and the hustle and bustle of life can take every moment.  When I was a young the weekend, and especially Sunday, was a time of rest.  Back then, there were no smart phones, no internet, no laptops and the only television was black and white with four-six station.  

But this is a different age--every waking moment--even Sundays seem consumed with activities.  These days, there doesn’t seem to be a moment to take ‘er easy. 

I love this postcard.  On the back a boy writes:  Dear Papa, We got your card yesterday.  It found us quite well.  Hope you are well.  Helen, Mama, Ethal and I went to the woods Wed. and Ethel and I waded in the creek.  Love from all, Arthur

When I was a kid, my siblings and I spent many happy hours exploring the forest and wading in the creek at the bottom of the canyon.  

These days , when I am feeling overwhelmed, I often walk to the nearby river.  Even in winter I’ve been known to dip my bare toes into the waters.  Wading in the river, looking for agates and petrified wood has a calming effect on my soul.

SO—find something relaxing and wonderful to do today—take it easy!  Have a lovely Relaxation Day and Happy Postcard Friendship Friday!

* LINKING UP:  You can put your link in any time between now and next Thursday.  Postcard Friendship Friday is open for the entire week! 

* BADGE:  When you submit a postcard, be sure to put a link back to this page.  You can copy and paste the PFF badge, which has the link embedded.  Thank you!

*  THEMES: You don't have to stick to the theme I choose each Friday. Just put up the pieces you love and tell us why you like them.

*  REMINDER: Comments and links which contain advertising will be deleted. Also, any and all suspicious links which do not lead to a correct website will be reported and deleted.

Dover Daisy Heart -Guest Heart Thursday

Here is another offering from Dover Publication.  Every few weeks they send a sampling of the things they offer.  I love their publications and have been a fan of Dover for many years.  

This beautiful heart with daisies in such detail is a delight to the eye, just perfect for Guest Heart Thursday.

Have a joyous sunny day, and Guest Heart Thursday!

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.

Snowball Bushes

When I was a small child, my siblings and I loved the snowball bush in the corner of the lawn.  It grew like an umbrella, covering all sides with beautiful white snowball flowers, whilst beneath was a fragrant cave where we hid and played. 

As I grew into a teenager, the snowballs served another purpose--I used them to pelt my brothers, sisters and cousins in great snowball fights.  And always the bush grew and thrived. 

I was over to visit Mumsie awhile back...and the bush is still there.  Though a bit smaller than I remember.  Have a lovely day friends.  Enjoy the summer whilst it lasts!

World Cat Day

A friend of mine pointed out that I missed World Cat Day, which was Friday.  So--in honor of this holiday, I am posting this darling card with its soft eyed kittens.

Have a lovely day, and Happy World Cat Day!

The Heart of a King -Postcard Friendship Friday #232

I found this wonderful postcard online.  I usually post the back, but I couldn't find one with this postcard.  It was very hard to procure something to fit today's post, which commemorates a Queen with the heart of a King.

In England, the first week of August,in  the year 1588, there fell a great fear across the land.  It was believed the dreaded Spanish Armada would enter via the River Thames to attack and ravage the English people, their lands, freedom and beliefs.  Both sides of the Thames River were quickly fortified against the possible attack, especially at the towns of Tilbury and Gravesend. 

After perusing her troops in London, Queen Elizabeth I, made the journey to Tilbury where the soldiers were encamped.  She wanted to encourage the soldiers herself. 

Though the postcard does not show it, this brave woman rode into the camp on a war charger, wearing armor and holding a marshal's truncheon in her hand.  (A truncheon is a short thick club or cudgel.) I can't even begin to imagine the stir that spread across the camp, as she rode amongst her men "thus garbed."

Her inspiring speech has survived the ages.  "I have come amongst you not for my recreation and sport, but being resolved in the heat of the battle to live or die amongst you all--to lay down for my God, for my kingdom and for my people, my honor and my blood, even in the dust.  I know that I have but the body of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart of a king!"  (Book of Days, 1864, W. & R. Chambers)

The first Queen Elizabeth has always fascinated me.  I admire this amazing woman who became ruler over England at a time when women did not have a great many rights.  England thrived under her rule.  She lived until she was in her early 90's.

Have a lovely day, and Happy Postcard Friendship Friday!

* LINKING UP:  You can put your link in any time between now and next Thursday.  Postcard Friendship Friday is open for the entire week! 

* BADGE:  When you submit a postcard, be sure to put a link back to this page.  You can copy and paste the PFF badge, which has the link embedded.  Thank you!

*  THEMES: You don't have to stick to the theme I choose each Friday. Just put up the pieces you love and tell us why you like them.

*  REMINDER: Comments and links which contain advertising will be deleted. Also, any and all suspicious links which do not lead to a correct website will be reported and deleted.

Hearts and Butterflies -Guest Heart Thursday

Every week or so Dover Publishers sends me samples of the fabulous artwork and books they offer.  This illustration is a sample from one of their publications.  I have been a fan of Dover for almost 40 years.

This pen and ink has hearts hidden all throughout--just perfect for Guest Heart Thursday!

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.

Run Like Winkin' -Postcard Friendship Friday #231

This lady would be arrested for battery today!  Apparently this solid looking soul took exception to her husband winking at another woman!  But what is really funny are the words someone penciled on the back of this postcard.  "Beware of the old woman."  One wonders what the story was behind that interesting statement.

Run like winkin' is an old expression my grannie used to use.  Some people say the phrase refers to how quickly a "welkin," or cloud moves across the skies.  Most people believe it means the time it takes to wink an eye.  So it would have meant, run as fast as the twinkle of an eye.

Doing something in the wink of an eye seems to be a universal expression.  The English word wink was actually an abbreviation of the word twinkle--meaning the opening and shutting of one's eye.  The French say clin d'oeil, and the German word augenblick conveys the same idea.

I think I'll go in the kitchen, make some breakfast and wink at my astonished husband!  Happy Postcard Friendship Friday, dear friends--and have a lovely day!

* LINKING UP:  You can put your link in any time between now and next Thursday.  Postcard Friendship Friday is open for the entire week! 

* BADGE:  When you submit a postcard, be sure to put a link back to this page.  You can copy and paste the PFF badge, which has the link embedded.  Thank you!

*  THEMES: You don't have to stick to the theme I choose each Friday. Just put up the pieces you love and tell us why you like them.

*  REMINDER: Comments and links which contain advertising will be deleted. Also, any and all suspicious links which do not lead to a correct website will be reported and deleted.