When the Owls Begin to Hoot -Postcard Friendship Friday #476

This has to be one of my favorite Halloween postcards.  The child in the clown costume, sitting in a pine tree with owls over the full moon...and a stack of Jack o' lanterns to boot.

When the owls begin to hoot!

Quickly don your Mummer's suit,

Steal softly out and don't be late,

For Hallowe'en decides your fate.

I love owls and have often heard them singing softly in harmony in the forests of my childhood.  I know where that term "hootenanny" came from!  Owls really do sing in harmony.

Have a lovely weekend and 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.

A Hearty Thanksgiving Greeting -Postcard Friendship Friday #431

This is another postcard I found online through Card Cow.  For some reason I didn't download the back for you to view.  However I found this postcard so charming I am sharing it with you anyhow!

Notice the strength of this maiden's arms!  She holds a big pumpkin under one arm, while she gracefully grasps the stem of another giant.  Back in those days, women were very strong.  They had a lot more to do to make life work, than most of us do today.

A hearty Thanksgiving greeting to you 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.

*  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.

Peace and Prosperity -Postcard Friendship Friday #380

This beautiful Thanksgiving postcard echoes my thoughts and hopes for our world.  That all people would experience peace and prosperity.  I would add to that joy and love--and the touch of God's hand.

There is SO much for which to be thankful!  Have a great weekend, 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.

May Love Light Your Halloween Lantern! -Postcard Friendship Friday #330

I posted this lovely little postcard in 2010.  I have been so busy this past week that I'm reposting it.  It was is a first to find pumpkins and cherubs together!  I had never seen that before or since.  The idea still hits my funny bone.  These two little fellows look like they are up to something, don't you think?

This weekend will be a poignant time for me.  This coming Sunday will be the two-year anniversary of my Beloved's home-going. Some days it seems as though he left just yesterday, yet other times it is as though he has been gone for the longest time. I miss him.

Grief is like the ocean--there are storms of tears--then moments when the waves sparkle in the sunshine. I will always, always be thankful for the great adventure my husband and I shared. What an unusual life I have led!

That adventure continues...I walk hand in hand with the Creator Who loves me, I walk through the valley of shadows, I drink of cool refreshing waters. I sit with Him in the sunshine, laugh and weep with Him in the rain... I am grateful for His Presence here with me. He is my Friend.

In the meantime, enjoy the harvest, pumpkins and celebration, sweet Friends.  Thank you for your good thoughts and prayers. Have a great week, 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 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.

Pumpkin Queen -Postcard Friendship Friday #329

Isn't this a lovely blast from the past?  I like this lady's dress and the vibrant fall colors in this postcard.  Those pumpkins seem to think she's pretty special, too.

I think I've posted this one before.  I decided to add it in today, because this is a childhood dream of mine.  I loved the idea of living in a pumpkin house--a little place with pretty round windows, all my very own.  As the eldest of six, space of one's own was hard to find sometimes.  Ah, but it was great fun to be a part of such a wonderful big family.

Have a great week, 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 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.

Kiss the Pumpkin, my dear; For pumpkin Pie is on the Menu -Postcard Friendship Friday #247

What a darling little girl.  Her hat and over sized apron are so cute.  I have a feeling she might just give that brave pumpkin face a hug and a kiss!  Perhaps that pumpkin will become a prince?  I would think kissing a pumpkin would be much more pleasant than kissing a frog!  (Actually, I know this from experience as a little girl) (don't ask) (grin)

This is indeed a Halloween card, but it brought back memories of what we did with all those lovely carved pumpkins.  When I was younger and more ambitious, the pumpkins were cut into pieces and cooked down for hours in a large pan until their consistency was perfect for pumpkin pies.  Those pumpkin pies were the very best, especially with whipped Cream.

Happy Postcard Friendship Friday, and Happy Thanksgiving!

* 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.

Peace and Prosperity -Guest Heart Thursday

Today is Thanksgiving.  Here in American we celebrate family and harvest.  It is a time when family and friends gather and share the blessings of our lives.

Many of you do not live in America--therefore on this day of Thanksgiving, it is important for me to tell each of you that I am thankful for you.  I ask our Creator to place upon you a blessing of peace, joy and prosperity.

Have a blessed weekend! 

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

Happy Thanksgiving!

This is by far the strangest Thanksgiving postcard I've come across.  It is beautifully drawn with lovely colors and printing, but oddly enough, these two pioneer children seem to be frightened because of the arrows in those pumpkins.  The poetry doesn't seem go along with the picture either.  Perhaps the children are being protected by the hand of the Almighty?  What do you think?!

Happy Veggie Halloween! -Postcard Friendship Friday #188

I adore this postcard with its bright colors and happy smiles--October is the month of harvest parties and  old traditions.  I love this postcard--it's not like the usual type with ghosts and witches.  I wouldn't mind a troop of these veggies knocking at my door!

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 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.

Pumpkin Power - Postcard Friendship Friday #87

Traditionally glowing jack-o-lanterns, carved from turnips or gourds, are set on porches and in windows, to welcome Trick or Treaters as they canvas neighborhoods for goodies.

In ancient times, it was thought the lighted pumpkin faces acted as protection against evil spirits. Burning lumps of coal were used inside as a source of light, later to be replaced by candles.  

Pumpkins are only found in the western hemisphere so they were completely unknown in Europe before the time of Columbus!  Just think, no one had ever tasted Pumpkin Pie back then!  In 1584, the French explorer Jacques Cartier reported from the St. Lawrence region that he had found "gros melons", which was translated into English as "ponpions," or pumpkins.  In fact, pumpkins have been grown in America for over 5,000 years. Native Americans called pumpkins "isquotersquash."

Did you know pumpkins are not a vegetable - they are a fruit! Pumpkins, like gourds and other varieties of squash are all members of the Cucurbitacae family (just try to pronounce that), which also includes cucumbers, gherkins, and melons.

*  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.

*  Don't forget to visit Gemma at Greyscale Territory for Weekend Mailbox.

*  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.

Stingy Jack - Postcard Friendship Friday #84

I posted the story of Stingy Jack last year during Halloween--I loved this unusual story so much, I decided to post it again!  Happy Halloween!

The term "jack-o-lantern" came from the fae Irish in the form of a mythical story about a character named Stingy Jack. Jack was a drunkard who, having invited the Devil for a drink, requested the Devil transform himself into money to pay for the drinks. When the Devil did so, Jack took the money and put it in his pocket next to a silver cross. The Devil, unable to transform himself into his original form because of the cross, was trapped.

So Jack made a deal with the Devil--he would not bother Jack and would leave him alone for a year if he was allowed to change back. The Devil, agreeable to this, came back to Jack in a year. However, a year later when confronted by the Devil, Jack tricked the Devil into climbing a tree to pick a piece of fruit. Once the Devil was in the tree, Jack carved a cross in the trunk of the tree, preventing the Devil from descending, until he agreed once again not to bother Jack for another ten years.

When poor Stingy Jack died a short time later, neither God nor the Devil would accept him into their kingdom. But the Devil sent Jack away into the night with only a hot coal to light his way, which Jack put into a hollowed out turnip. Thus began the tradition of jack-o-lanterns.

For many years jack-o-lanterns were carved from large turnips.  However, in the 1800s, Irish immigrants discovered America's native orange pumpkin, which lent itself even better to the tradition of carving out lanterns.  Thus our tradition of carving pumpkins for Hallows Eve.

*  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.

*  Don't forget to visit Gemma at Greyscale Territory for Weekend Mailbox.

*  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 Merry Halloween - Guest Heart Thursday

This little fellow is ready to party!  And if you notice, the pumpkin's eyes are hearts--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!

Gift of Pumpkin - Pink Saturday

I love this artist's work.  The children seem so alive--how their eyes sparkle!  This little girl with her perky pink ribbons seems quite delighted at the boy's offering.

Happy Pink Saturday--For more wonderful things in pink, visit Bev at How Sweet The Sound!

The Great Pumpkin - Postcard Friendship Friday #34

This wonderful postcard reminds me of our brother Dow.  He was only 14 months younger than me.  This young boy's mischievous twinkle is so like the one I remember.

When we were kids, we would prepare for weeks for a Halloween party we'd put on for the rest of our siblings.  We would sweep the dirt beneath the big fir tree, and hang ghosts made of toilet paper from its branches.  Dow was a wonderful story teller, holding us spellbound, often telling tales which scared us so badly we could hardly go to sleep!

It has been seven years since Dow lost his battle against cancer--sometimes it seems just yesterday I was warmed by that special twinkle crinkling around his eyes.  The thought of that grin of his, makes me smile.  Ah I do miss him so.

To see more mailboxes and all things postal, visit Gemma at Greyscale Territory for Weekend Mailbox.

The Myth of Stingy Jack - Postcard Friendship Friday #32

This postcard is from my Cyber Collection--I don't remember where I found it, but I thought it perfect for this month's holiday.  If this wonderful postcard came from your site, please let me know and I will put in a link to your blog. 

In my research about how pumpkin carving got started, I found a fun story--The Myth of Stingy Jack.

The term "jack-o-lantern" came from the fae Irish in the form of a mythical story about a character named Stingy Jack. Jack was a drunkard who, having invited the Devil for a drink, requested the Devil transform himself into money to pay for the drinks. When the Devil did so, Jack took the money and put it in his pocket next to a silver cross. The Devil, unable to transform himself into his original form because of the cross, was trapped.

So Jack made a deal with the Devil--he would not bother Jack and would leave him alone for a year if he was allowed to change back. The Devil, agreeable to this, came back to Jack in a year. However, a year later when confronted by the Devil, Jack tricked the Devil into climbing a tree to pick a piece of fruit. Once the Devil was in the tree, Jack carved a cross in the trunk of the tree, preventing the Devil from descending, until he agreed once again not to bother Jack for another ten years.

When poor Stingy Jack died a short time later, neither God nor the Devil would accept him into their kingdom. But the Devil sent Jack away into the night with only a hot coal to light his way, which Jack put into a hollowed out turnip. Thus began the tradition of jack-o-lanterns.

In the 1800s, Irish immigrants discovered America's native orange pumpkin, which lent itself even better to the tradition of carving out lanterns.

To see more mailboxes and all things postal, visit Gemma at Greyscale Territory for Weekend Mailbox.