Friday, December 31, 2010

With Best New Year Wishes - Postcard Friendship Friday #44


I thought these three little kittens would be a dandy way to start off a fabulously "Crunchy" New Year!  

The celebration of the new year is the oldest of all holidays. It was first observed in ancient Babylon around 4000 years ago. In 2000 BC, the Babylonian New Year began with the first New Moon after the Vernal Equinox (first day of spring).  The beginning of spring is a logical time to start a new year. After all, it is the season of rebirth, of planting new crops, and of blossoming. 

The Babylonian new year celebration lasted for eleven days. Each day had its own particular mode of celebration, but it is safe to say that modern New Year's Eve festivities pale in comparison. 

The Romans continued to observe the new year in late March, but their calendar was continually tampered with by various emperors so that the calendar soon became out of synchronization with the sun. 

In order to set the calendar right, the Roman senate, in 153 BC, declared January 1 to be the beginning of the new year. However the royal calendar tampering continued until Julius Caesar, in 46 BC, established what has come to be known as the Julian Calendar. This again established January 1 as the new year. But in order to synchronize the calendar with the sun, Caesar had to let the previous year drag on for 445 days. 

Imagine that!  Happy New Year Everyone!

To see more wonderful postal stuff, visit Gemma at Greyscale Territory at Weekend Mailbox!


Saturday, December 25, 2010

A Joyous Noel - Pink Saturday

The First Noel began as a folk song, and is one of our oldest carols.  It dates back at least 500 years, though it was not written down and published until the 1800s.  This wonderful old song was sung at a time in history, when not many people could read and few Bibles were in circulation. Some sources trace “Noel” to a Latin word meaning “birthday," however, most music historians believe the song originated in England--though it has been attributed to both England and France. The word “Noel” fits easily into both languages as a shout of joy at the birth of Christ.

Tradition has it that The First Noel was sung each year by English peasants as they lit their family Yule log. The Yule log was a lovely custom  adopted from the Norse peoples during the middle ages. A huge log was cut, hollowed out and filled with aromatic oils and spices. It was lit on Christmas Eve with the hope it would burn through the 12 days of Christmas ending on January Sixth!

For more precious things in pink, visit Bev at How Sweet The Sound!

Friday, December 24, 2010

The Christmas Story - Postcard Friendship Friday #43

This postcard brought back some sweet Christmas memories.  I wanted to share one of them with you.  The beautiful old Nativity scene from my childhood is still a Christmas tradition at my parent's home.  When I was over to visit recently, I found it nestled beneath the fragrant boughs of the Christmas tree.

When I was small, I loved to sit and look at the figurines of the Nativity--and, with my vivid imagination, I could almost see them moving and talking to one another.

Mom tells a story which happened when I was around four years old.  Dear Mumsie had cleaned the living room in anticipation of guests about to arrive for dinner.  Mom strictly told my little brother and me not to mess up the room, then left to do some last minute things in the kitchen.

We were very quiet.  And you know what that means!  When Mum returned a short time later, she discovered my brother and I had arranged a string of broken toys leading across the floor, up to where Baby Jesus lay.  There was a sheep with a broken leg, a doll without an arm, a statue without a head, a stuffed rabbit without his ears--and much more.  Just about anything cracked or broken--was lined up in front of the Nativity Scene.

Mumsie knew who the ringleader was--with my parade of broken dolls and stuffed animals, I had totally thrashed the living room.  At first Mum was upset, admonishing me to hurry and clean up the mess.  But I wailed, "But Mama, I'm bringing all the broken things to Jesus!" 

Mom says she melted when she heard those words.  She hugged me and left everything just as it was.  What a wise Mom!

I can see this funny scene in my mind's eye--and someday I shall draw it.  Even then, as a small child, I somehow knew Jesus as the healer of broken hearts and lives.

And now my prayer for you, dear friends!  May your Christmas be one of great healing, joy and celebration!  Merry Christmas!

To see more wonderful postal stuff, visit Gemma at Greyscale Territory at Weekend Mailbox!


Thursday, December 23, 2010

A Really Jolly Christmas - Guest Heart Thursday


I love these jolly Christmas Elves.  I was looking through my collection of cyber postcards and found them--I thought these mischievous elves were especially perfect for Guest Heart Thursday.  (grin)  Can you find the heart???

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

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Wishing You a Joyous Christmas - Pink Saturday


With the Christmas season well upon us, I find myself remembering moments from Christmas past.  This darling little girl in her pink dress reminds me of my eldest when she was tiny.  For me, the treasure of Christmas includes those dear memories of yesterday.  How fortunate I am to hold those moments close to my heart.  How grateful I am for fond memories of the past and the anticipation of wonderful days to come.

Today I have the pleasure of wishing you all a Joyous Christmas!

For more precious things in pink, visit Bev at How Sweet The Sound!

Friday, December 17, 2010

Holly Tree Kitty - Postcard Friendship Friday #42


I especially love this vintage postcard because this sweet Holly Tree Kitty is the spitting image of my good old buddy Sir Brat T. Bone.  He lived with us for nearly 17 years before he flew away to Cat Heaven.  I still miss him.

Though there are many ancient traditions concerning holly trees, early in the first century holly leaves came to symbolize the crown of thorns pressed into the Lord's brow, as He suffered at the hands of Roman soldiers.  The red berries were said to symbolize His blood.  

In Britain, during the time of Oliver Cromwell, Christmas was actually banned by the Puritans!   But Christmas-loving country folk thwarted this ban by tying up rough bunches of  holly boughs with evergreens during the holiday, as a symbol of Christmas.  An ancient "Neener, neener," I think!  Tch tch tch, those naughty country Folk!  This became a tradition which has become the holly bough we know today.

To see more wonderful postal stuff, visit Gemma at Greyscale Territory at Weekend Mailbox!


Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Christmas Angel Kisses


Angels have a special significance in my life.  I have discerned their hand of protection, sensed their presence, and have felt their encouragement throughout my life.  There is no other explanation for some of the things I've seen, other than the supernatural intervention of God's servants, sent to watch over those who love Him.

This beautiful postcard shows a lovely Christmas angel leaning over a small child to kiss her goodnight.  I know Angels exist and that they carefully watch over our little ones.  In the Bible it is written the angels who watch over children see the face of God.  God loves these small ones--they are very close to their heart.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Victorian Christmas Photo Shoot


I love this postcard!  I wonder how many times they had to take this picture--from her facial expression, the Mom here is about to drop from frustration.  Her look seems to say, "Good Lord!  Can't he behave?"  Obviously that little boy didn't want to pose for the camera. It seems he never did.  Meanwhile, his big sister is obviously playing the "angel."  Don't you just love that doll she's holding?

Their clothing is wonderful!  The boy's shoes just crack me up--how did little boys back then play outside wearing shoes like that?  Of course, maybe these are his dress shoes.

I really enjoyed the decorations--that ball of mistletoe draping the chandelier, the elegant rug and flowered background, the carefully placed gifts, the candles on the Christmas tree--so perfectly Victorian.

Merry  Christmas!

Saturday, December 11, 2010

The Babe and His Mother - Pink Saturday


This is another card from my darling Grammie's extensive collection.  I can see why she saved this lovely picture--Both Mary and Baby are so beautifully drawn.

For more precious things in pink, visit Bev at How Sweet The Sound!

Decorating the Christmas Tree - Guest Heart Thursday



I have a feeling you are wondering where the heart is in this darling Christmas Postcard!  I'll give you a little hint, it's red!

I love this postcard--partially because I do not know any Mom who would let their child actually climb the tree in order to decorate it.  It looks like GREAT fun. 

Merry Christmas and happy heart hunting!

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