Happy Birthday, sweet Mumsie -Postcard Friendship Friday #506

Happy Birthday, dearest Mumsie! 

May all that cheers

our onward way,

Be yours to make life fair.

Sweet sunlight gladden every day

And banish every care. 

I have the sweetest most precious Mother in the world.  She's my best friend.  So many of my friends don't have that kind of relationship with their Moms.  I know how blessed I am to have her in my life.

Happy Birthday!  Happy Mother's Day!  Happy Postcard Friendship Friday!


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

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

*  REMINDER:  If you post anything other than a postcard to share, your link will be removed.   Postcard Friendship Friday is specifically dedicated to postcards, both modern and vintage.

Happy Birthday, Mumsie!

Happy Birthday to my sweet Mom--she is 80 years old today!  Her life has been an amazing adventure--I love her stories and I'm SO grateful God made me a part of her story. 

Dear, sweet Mumsie--I don't know what I would do without her. We are only 19 years apart in age.  After I became an adult, she and I were often mistaken for sisters--I always found that to be charming.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUMS!

I love you SO much. 

A Mother's Help -Postcard Friendship Friday #454

This is such a lovely piece.  Mothers haven't changed much over the years.  The gentleness and tenderness of this sweet Mother toward her little daughter is beautifully portrayed in this piece.

The older I become, the more appreciative I am of my own dear Mumsie.  I am the eldest of six.  She has been through so much--gave so much of her self--that I am forever grateful for her.  Her love, wisdom and strength means so much to me. 

I am blessed to have a mother such as mine.  SO blessed.

Have a wonderful day, sweet Friends--here in the Willamette Valley the sun is out and spring is busting out everywhere.  I am grateful for the sunshine today! 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 postcards you love and tell us why you like them.

*  REMINDER:  If you post anything other than a postcard to share, your link will be removed.   Postcard Friendship Friday is specifically dedicated to postcards, both modern and vintage.

Blue Ribbons -Postcard Friendship Friday #453

 

When I was  younger, you know, in my teens, I didn't think too highly of my long-suffering Mother.  As the years have gone by and I have become a Mom myself--I realize how incredibly blessed I am. 

Mumsie is my biggest fan and supporter.  She prays for me every day.  Mums loves me and thinks about me.  She loves all of "us kids"and has no favorites among my five younger siblings.  She loves each of us equally and more--each in our own way.  We talk often and I enjoy her stories--she turns 80 this month.

Good Mothers are out there--but these days it seems there aren't as many of them.

I am grateful for my precious Mumsie.  I thank God for her.  Ah, there are some days I truly wouldn't have made it through without her prayers and deep wisdom.

This month I get to celebrate my precious Mom and post some of my wonderful collection of Mother's Day postcards--I hope you enjoy them!  Happy Mother's Day and a joyous week to you!

* 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 postcards you love and tell us why you like them.

*  REMINDER:  If you post anything other than a postcard to share, your link will be removed.   Postcard Friendship Friday is specifically dedicated to postcards, both modern and vintage.

Happy Mother's Day!

God bless our Mothers.  Have a beautiful day everyone.

My Beautiful Baby -Postcard Friendship Friday #407

 

I love this painting from the early 1900's.  I can't imagine having to do daily tasks wearing long skirts such as those pictured here.  I thank God for today's more practical clothing.  In the meantime, this mother's face says it all.  "I love you, my beautiful baby!"  

Have a lovely Mothers' Day, dear friends--treasure your Moms--Life is fragile and beautiful, and we won't have them here forever.

Blessings, and joy to you!  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 postcards you love and tell us why you like them.

*  REMINDER:  If you post anything other than a postcard to share, your link will be removed.   Postcard Friendship Friday is specifically dedicated to postcards, both modern and vintage.  

A Mother's Joy -Postcard Friendship Friday #404

My children are continually a joy to me.  They are grown--and I am incredibly proud of them.  I am SO grateful for the memories I have of our kids when they were little.  Though I remember some of those days were difficult, I miss the time when they were small.

There is nothing to compare with a Mother's love for her children.  I remember what my own sweet Mumsie told me long ago.  She said when she first looked into my face, there was a love born in her heart which was greater and more different than any she'd ever experienced before...and that love was for me.

She had six of us, yet each of us knew we were first in her heart.  There were never any favorites.  She loved us dearly and differently.  Each of us experienced our Mother's love in a way which was all encompassing and all our own.  How blessed I am to have such a wonderful Mom.

I have many friends who do not have that kind of love from their Mothers and others who's Moms are in heaven...Mumsie has taken each of these dear ones to her heart.  They have become my dear sisters...what a blessing!

May God cover your heart with warmth and sunshine, dear Friends.  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 postcards you love and tell us why you like them.

*  REMINDER:  If you post anything other than a postcard to share, your link will be removed.   Postcard Friendship Friday is specifically dedicated to postcards, both modern and vintage.  

Mother's Little Darling -Postcard Friendship Friday #356

My children are grown and gone.  I remember the sweet days of childhood for my children.  How precious those days were...this wonderful postcard echos my heart.

Have a lovely weekend 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 postcards you love and tell us why you like them.

Mother's Love -Postcard Friendship Friday #310

Although the storm and stress of fate,

The bonds of life may strain, or sever.

The endless chain of Mother-love

Will bind the world forever.

What lovely words.  I have the world's most fantastic Mom.  She is such a lovely, talented, precious Friend.  I wish I would have known her better as a teenager--these days I treasure the beauty and value of my relationship with my Mother.  I am surrounded by her love and wonderful friendship.  I don't know what I would do without my darling Mum.  I am blessed to be her daughter. 

She was one of the speakers at the retreat last weekend.  She is gifted in so many ways, writing, art, and speaking.  I didn't realize it, but one of her books was recently translated into Korean!

As  Mom spoke, I learned a lot I didn't know, and frequently found myself in tears.  So many ladies came up afterward to tell me how blessed they were to have heard her speak.  The entire weekend was incredible! 

And so I say now--a little early--My dearest, darling Mumsie, happy Mother's Day!

Have a lovely day, dear Friends, 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 postcards you love and tell us why you like them! 

*  A REMINDER:  Links which do not have to do with Postcard Friendship  Friday will be removed.  Links which advertise various products will share that same fate.  Any and all suspicious links will be reported to Blogspot then deleted.

Taking a Dip With Mom -Postcard Friendship Friday #273

I remember when my children were young--they had much the same reaction to getting into the water as these youngsters.  I sure do like that vintage suit too--especially now that I'm older!  Too bad they don't make these swimsuits anymore!

We have record breaking heat in our little valley.  I'm so grateful for the river.  It is nice to be close enough to walk to the park and put my feet into the water.  Have a lovely summer, dear Friends.
 
* 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:  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.

A Stitch and a Prayer

I'm SO excited to tell you about Mumsie's most recent book, A Stitch and a Prayer.  It is coming out in the next few weeks.  To order your own copy, visit Abingdon Press. You can also contact Abingdon Press via Facebook!

As I type this, a preview copy rests on my desk beside the keyboard.  I'm so proud of Mom, so honored to have been a part of editing and getting everything ready for the publisher.  My sweet Mumsie is one of my best Friends.  I am so blessed to have her as my Mom.  It is a privilege to share her with you. 

The setting for this book is next door to the farm where Mom was born.  It is a fictional account, but so much of what Mom wrote is based on true life. 

Here is a description from the back of A Stitch and a Prayer:

My darling darling wife, I wanted to wake you and tell you I was leaving.  But I hate goodbyes.  I am trying to keep the promise I made to you. Hold onto this note until you receive a letter.  This is my promise to write as soon as I can.  Your loving husband, Will

It seemed like just yesterday when Will had returned from the Klondike gold rush, when they had celebrated their wedding, and when they began their life together in the Northwest woods.  But now Florence's husband was gone and only this note remained.  Where did Will go?  And why did he leave so abruptly?

As worry and fear threaten to overcome her, Florence is inspired to craft a quilt to grace the bed she knows she will once again share with Will.  The design of the quilt is a labor of love and each stitch is a prayer for her husband's safe return.  But will Florence's prayers be answered?  Will her husband keep his promise and come back to her before their baby arrives?

The Bottom of the Matter - Postcard Friendship Friday #114

I laughed and laughed over this wonderfully politically incorrect postcard.  What I adore about this picture is the loving way this old Mom is holding that squirming young'un and the resolute look on her face which says however reluctant she might feel, what must be done, must be done.

I am grateful to my own precious Mum for her caring discipline of me when I was small.  She taught me right from wrong in no uncertain terms.  Now that I'm grown, with dear children of my own, I have a deep and abiding respect for my Mother.  She is one of my best Friends and I treasure her with all my heart.

It is a privilege to be her daughter.

Have a lovely day everyone!

*  DON'T FORGET:  When you submit a postcard for PFF, 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!

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

*  REMINDER: Comments and links which contain advertising and do not refer to any of the following; Postcard Friendship Friday, mailboxes, the Post office, postcards or the love of postcards, will be deleted.

 

Waiting for DaDa - Postcard Friendship Friday #113

I was intrigued by the caption for this lovely postcard. "Waiting for DaDa."  I wonder what the story is behind this photo.  Both are obviously waiting for the most important person in their lives.  I adore the Mom's pink ruffles and those delicate roses are gorgeous beyond compare.

Mother's Day celebrations in America seem to have begun with Ann Marie Reeves Jarvis, a young Appalachian homemaker.

During the Civil War, Ann organized women to work for better sanitary conditions for both sides.  After the war, when most women devoted their time solely on their family and homes, this spunky lady worked to assist in the healing of a nation.   In 1858, Ann was inspired to start Mother's Friendship Day -- a day for war-torn Americans from both sides to celebrate their mothers and love for their families.

In 1868, to further encourage reconciliation between Union and Confederate neighbors and families, she created Mother's Friendship Clubs where she taught women the basics of nursing and sanitation.  As families and communities healed and knitted back together, thousands of lives were saved through the spread of this life-saving knowledge.  I would have loved to have met this brave, wise, peace-loving woman.

I love spring and Mother's Day.  I get to put Mother's day cards up all month long!  Have a delightful day, my Friends.

*  DON'T FORGET:  When you submit a postcard for PFF, 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!

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

*  REMINDER: Comments and links which contain advertising and do not refer to any of the following; Postcard Friendship Friday, mailboxes, the Post office, postcards or the love of postcards, will be deleted.

 

A Note From Grammie - Sunday Scans

Here is another of Grammie's cards.  She saved it, I am sure, because it was from her beloved daughter--my own sweet Mumsie.  She loved it so much, she dated it 1956 and wrote, "Eva gave me a beautiful fern.  I'll always remember after it dies.  I can see it plainly."

It makes me wonder what story there may be behind this card!

Al over at "Al's Photography Blog" is hosting a wonderful meme. It's called "Sunday Scans" and is a place for all things scanned.  So pick up your old photo albums, ephemera, postcards, artwork, ANYTHING which can be scanned and join in the fun!

Joy and Laughter - Birthday Thoughts

This is one of a collection of wonderful cards given to me by my darling Sissy Clytie.  What a precious gift she is!  She is truly one of my best Friends.  Tch tch tch--she had me in tears this morning, the wench!  I  am so blessed and privileged to have Clytie as MY sweet Sissy!  She and my Sister Leigh are notes of joy intertwining throughout my life--sweet tones of friendship and love.  I think about all my dear brothers and sisters and how each of them in their own way are precious and dear to me.

Today is my birthday.  I am the eldest.   I never thought I would ever get this old.  I still feel quite young on the inside--still in my early 20's.

Fifty-two years ago this moment Mom was, as she says, "working hard."  I was born around 10 p.m. I am very grateful to Mumsie for all the things she instilled into me.  Much of who I am today stems from what she taught me as a small child.

THANK YOU, Mom!  Thank you for all your hard work.  You taught me to see beauty.  Thank you for faithfully loving Dad all these years.  I thank you for your prayer and support throughout my life.  I am truly blessed to have you as my Mom.  Today on my birthday, I think about how wonderful you are--you are God's song of joy and laughter to ME, sweet Mumsie!

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

at Everybody Loves a Story today!

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.

A Basket of Pansies for my Mumsie

Today is my darling Mumsie's birthday. What a wonderful lady she is! Some of you have had the joy of reading her blog. She is a talented writer, an author and a lovely person. Of course, if you'd like to read some of Mumsie's writings, you can find her blog in the sidebar of this blog under "Everybody Loves a Story." When you visit her, be sure to wish Mom a happy birthday!

On this day of Mumsie's birthday--I was remembering back over the years. Growing up, I did not realize the treasure she truly is. It took becoming an adult with children of my own before I understood her beauty and value.

Some of the happiest years of my life were when my family and I lived in Grammie's basement, next door to Dad and Mom. My husband made an office in the back of my parents home, and our two eldest children went to the school I attended as a child. It was a lovely two years. The children played in the canyons and fields where I played as a child. They found snakes beneath old boards. They made forts in the fruit trees. They loved the ponds with their flirty fish and numerous frogs.

Best of all, I got to spend every morning walking with my Mother. We shared daily quiet times, our hurts, joys and dreams. We laughed, prayed and cried together. What a wonderful time that was.

Mums is interesting and a LOT of fun. Her laughter is raucous, and unmistakable. I LOVE to hear her laugh. She is earthy, wise, compassionate and a little wacky. I treasure her insights. I enjoy hearing about her childhood. I deeply admire her ability to paint a story in words.

Though she has faced (and still faces) tremendous and terrible struggles, Mom rises above them with a beauty not often seen in this day and age.

When I was a little girl, Mumsie showed me the whimsical faces worn by pansies. Since then, I've always loved them.

So, here's a basket of happy pansies for my wonderful, wise, whimsical and wacky Mumsie! Happy Birthday Mums!

Mother Dear

Each Winter it is our tradition to spend four days at the beach with our friends, their parents, our parents, and all the children. Last January we were perusing area antique stores, when I found this ancient fragile pillow. I took a picture of it in order to post it on my blog this very day.

And to say to my darling, most treasured Mum,

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

God took the sunshine from the skies,
And made the love light in your eyes;
From honeyed flowers
He took the dew,
And made your tears, unselfish, true.
Upon a rock, your faith He built.
With angel prayers your breath He filled,
And with His love made yours Divine.
But best of all He made you Mine.

I love you, Mumsie.