tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34747089122670085502024-03-05T02:14:06.586-07:00Vintage Legacy StudioWelcome to a place where you will find all sorts of vintage quotes, creations inspired by vintage ephemera, old lace, and poetry, and a glimpse into the past for building a legacy for the future today. My creative passions include crazy quilting, altered art, embroidery, beadwork, writing, acting, family and friends.Judi Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078186000327079499noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474708912267008550.post-7966512228663385102010-09-18T12:42:00.001-06:002010-09-20T18:22:20.954-06:00What's Most Important?I keep asking myself that question -- "What's most important?" Life is so full of options, and many of them very time consuming. It's easy to get lost in the sea of them, too. Where are you in asking that question (and finding answers)?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbld3kJbtXflQXxFdjPrvKJpc9_12khGEjx_AI6VDl_O1fHuMXUrrvLjAbL13RJOAWRoOgDX3Wa2SxhNQbovD1LIIXwz1ixCVgL7emZLLUJ-7hdup8cwDTeq1HzFJL0TWOImZV02fZxBs/s1600/MP900427670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbld3kJbtXflQXxFdjPrvKJpc9_12khGEjx_AI6VDl_O1fHuMXUrrvLjAbL13RJOAWRoOgDX3Wa2SxhNQbovD1LIIXwz1ixCVgL7emZLLUJ-7hdup8cwDTeq1HzFJL0TWOImZV02fZxBs/s320/MP900427670.jpg" /></a>My husband and I both lost our jobs at the same time (we were laid off) the end of July. What seemed like a fairly straight path we were on is now full of curves, hills and valleys. I don't often share how my faith is currently impacting my life -- but I thought I would take time to give you a little insight into how we are "handling" this difficult time in our lives on the off chance it might encourage you too.<br />
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You may have noticed my last post on this blog was a relatively short time after the death of my father. Right after that, one of my aunts passed away, and within the past month, an uncle also left this earth. Due to the financial difficulties imposed by losing both our jobs on top of the emotional rawness of loss of family members, I have experienced what some call a "dark night." To have so many challenges to one's faith in a row has certainly not been easy! I have a life verse from the Bible that guides me:<br />
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Jeremiah 6:16 says "Look and see, and ask for the Old Paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and you shall find rest for your souls." <br />
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That passage doesn't say the way will be easy. It doesn't promise anything other than "rest for your souls." That, I have discovered, is what is MOST important -- soul rest. Everything else can be in a turmoil, but focusing on God's deep and abiding love for me (those old paths found in scripture), make a huge difference. To give you an example . . . . I was struggling to sleep a few nights ago. I asked the Lord Jesus to help me sleep and words to an old hymn floated across my mind. I couldn't even remember the title nor all the words. There were just enough from those "old paths" to calm my spirit and bring me sleep. In the morning, I hunted up the hymn and here are the precious words that encouraged me:<br />
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"Like a river glorious, is God's perfect peace,<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUF9TMdaaftSLd6QaF6m21Fu1HDLAjrMR9oHXUQ82Y60jY0XoKsUrBZcHGCxPCyLwnAEJpUKeTRp0gBNfuxSFgoIDd5BV8xmZeh82OGi20mdzu88XfdCOD5dvVi1C1h5VGQVklS8QRIjU/s1600/MP900430853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUF9TMdaaftSLd6QaF6m21Fu1HDLAjrMR9oHXUQ82Y60jY0XoKsUrBZcHGCxPCyLwnAEJpUKeTRp0gBNfuxSFgoIDd5BV8xmZeh82OGi20mdzu88XfdCOD5dvVi1C1h5VGQVklS8QRIjU/s320/MP900430853.jpg" /></a>Over all victorious, in its bright increase;<br />
Perfect, yet it floweth, fuller every day,<br />
Perfect, yet it groweth, deeper all the way.<br />
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Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand,<br />
Never foe can follow, never traitor stand;<br />
Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care,<br />
Not a blast of hurry touch the spirit there.<br />
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Every joy or trial falleth from above,<br />
Traced upon our dial by the Sun of Love;<br />
We may trust Him fully all for us to do.<br />
They who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true.<br />
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Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest<br />
Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest."<br />
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What sustains you in difficult times? What's MOST important then? I can't answer for you, but I hope my own struggle and story might encourage you that you don't walk alone.Judi Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078186000327079499noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474708912267008550.post-24097024803123316522010-04-24T12:08:00.000-06:002010-04-24T12:08:27.216-06:00Reminders -- Savor Every Moment!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>You may be wondering why you have not seen any new posts? I've been taking a little time to prioritize. As you can see, my last post was on February 1st -- with all the best intention of regular blogging throughout Valentines Day. On February 2nd, my father went into the ER and that began a spiraling journey of daily treks to the hospital and supporting my mother through surgeries and his eventual passing away on February 20th.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNqlAr0b7WrxBJTWrVj6FBM6oKuYXWqEky5SqS3oyzhxtFQIHo5cEllWhjFnfO5c4wyGLpon-KE_cvveTkOXhomD0ABM3dzDWMrdxWmAXmWRVwVjD9Tq9ad4SEG9fB__bEdFaxptsWCQ/s1600/Daddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNqlAr0b7WrxBJTWrVj6FBM6oKuYXWqEky5SqS3oyzhxtFQIHo5cEllWhjFnfO5c4wyGLpon-KE_cvveTkOXhomD0ABM3dzDWMrdxWmAXmWRVwVjD9Tq9ad4SEG9fB__bEdFaxptsWCQ/s200/Daddy.jpg" width="167" /></a></div>While going through all the funeral arrangements with family, I realized just how unprepared I was for that monumental task, let alone my Mom's readiness. My parents had a pre-paid funeral plan which most definitely helped -- but there were still so many decisions to be made.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnnTd6P0U9VstwwVe-dswoM9oSR_gpni7I_WCT8-gLA1JMXcboBJ2rusF4lFifoI4WPZpCQqbRLoHRPgStlE9r-2mEns-7JtQwIqjiA3o2W3EdxV9o66Q40_dMGg4wo0LqyC2b6SlYWxs/s1600/j0406669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnnTd6P0U9VstwwVe-dswoM9oSR_gpni7I_WCT8-gLA1JMXcboBJ2rusF4lFifoI4WPZpCQqbRLoHRPgStlE9r-2mEns-7JtQwIqjiA3o2W3EdxV9o66Q40_dMGg4wo0LqyC2b6SlYWxs/s200/j0406669.jpg" width="160" /></a>While all this has been difficult -- especially the aftermath of the grieving that catches you unaware at the strangest moments, it has also been a great reminder! Savor every moment of every day -- even the difficult ones. I am so glad I was able to take almost a month and a half to fully be there -- first with my Dad, and the family, and then in supporting my Mom. I still call her every day -- I don't want to miss out on a single precious moment of chatting about the little blessings. My Dad learned that lesson well and I know that is what he would tell me now if he could.<br />
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I read something today that really struck me -- in fact, I have made a copy of it to post on the wall by my desk: <i>"Beware of spending too much time on matters of too little importance!"</i> Time just flits by all too quickly on butterfly wings!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTuWqCXHsTpzPwvzn4LpCQm4oaT_tYkvAVlGh3zjyecfeCzekzlk3kFcNwdjxezcPBKx-hR5QWzjt4PkXZ2_0NCUpgiqYL2A9NlLOWAGAOe9Xy-9UCHL9tME_3sI8GhSkMetcZTK4qvBI/s1600/Etsy+Pics+3.25.10+020-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTuWqCXHsTpzPwvzn4LpCQm4oaT_tYkvAVlGh3zjyecfeCzekzlk3kFcNwdjxezcPBKx-hR5QWzjt4PkXZ2_0NCUpgiqYL2A9NlLOWAGAOe9Xy-9UCHL9tME_3sI8GhSkMetcZTK4qvBI/s200/Etsy+Pics+3.25.10+020-1.jpg" width="139" /></a></div>So, I have been making time to create jewelry and have tea parties with my 6 year old granddaughter. My fingers have gotten dirty while digging in the dirt planting vegetables for my kitchen garden. I've been visiting with my elderly neighbors, and walking with a friend. I've been clipping a few grape hyacinths for a tiny crystal vase to encourage my delight in the outdoors even when I cannot get there. I have been really listening when someone talks to me -- trying to hear their heart, not just their words. <br />
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I will be sharing more of the ways I am working on savoring moments in the days to come -- including sharing a project step-by-step to inspire your own creativity and savoring moments. Hope you will follow along on this journey with me!Judi Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078186000327079499noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474708912267008550.post-21966339957403349172010-02-01T16:18:00.000-07:002010-02-01T16:18:30.045-07:00Valentine, Won't You Be Mine?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVnf3NxSDMLV61Ff59l0qaA6oYRUG-L7J7NiXAelwThy7CaxTL0jo-ozfFCOT13-SZhmyaiflmOFIlWMEoXe5k9km8s68a_fTGFWmqx8Dx13xj0mwtOZiFP5mzStVWhCacJh-k396peM/s1600-h/Love's+Gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVnf3NxSDMLV61Ff59l0qaA6oYRUG-L7J7NiXAelwThy7CaxTL0jo-ozfFCOT13-SZhmyaiflmOFIlWMEoXe5k9km8s68a_fTGFWmqx8Dx13xj0mwtOZiFP5mzStVWhCacJh-k396peM/s320/Love's+Gift.jpg" /></a></div>Valentines Day is just around the corner. Since Saint Valentine became known as the patron saint of lovers and the day became a special opportunity for exchanging love messages, lovers have shared symbols of their love or words of endearment on February 14th. I thought it would be fun to share some of my own collection of vintage Valentines, along with some trivia about the holiday over the course of the next two weeks. <br />
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Love tokens have been exchanged far longer throughout history than merely one day of the year! Certainly as long as there has been courtship, there have been special tokens exchanged to woo and share depth of feeling. One early symbol of love in the eighteenth century was the gift of gloves. They became such a popular love token during that time, that a heavy tax was imposed on gloves. A little poem might have been offered with the gift of a pair of gloves to a lady of that day: "If that from glove you take the letter 'G', Then glove is LOVE, and that I give to thee."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiiMOuwsLEUosgd-N4twXQe2ZZ0nSy2Uw4Qt55GCquDkSs5SgDTImOvuN0gENwyLAiQDHxp-rADiPhqV_RCWGn0Ctc9_mvAiJZzRf0DIEnWJKGnGeHqkR6cLPq_9Mj4ypfjkZj18KWUc/s1600-h/Judi's+Vintage+Valentines+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiiMOuwsLEUosgd-N4twXQe2ZZ0nSy2Uw4Qt55GCquDkSs5SgDTImOvuN0gENwyLAiQDHxp-rADiPhqV_RCWGn0Ctc9_mvAiJZzRf0DIEnWJKGnGeHqkR6cLPq_9Mj4ypfjkZj18KWUc/s200/Judi's+Vintage+Valentines+011.jpg" width="170" /></a>Flowers have been a love token over time -- but they also came to symbolize sentiment spoken secretly with the type of flower in an arrangement. It was necessary to know what each flower spoke in order to convey the right message. Tiny volumes of poetry complete with dictionaries sharing each floral meaning were written and kept at hand to enable one to share those secret messages. One such volume is a tiny treasure in my collection. It measures just 4-1/2" x 3" -- perfect for carrying in a gent's pocket or a lady's reticule. This special little gilt edged volume was published in 1846. It's title: "The Bouquet: Containing the Poetry and Language of Flowers" by A Lady.<br />
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In it's introduction quotes a poem by L.A. Twamley, part of which I will share here to give a sample:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">"Are not flowers the earliest gift of love?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Do they not, mutely eloquent, oft speak</div><div style="text-align: center;">For absent or for trembling hearts, and bear</div><div style="text-align: center;">Kisses and sighs on their perfumed lips,</div><div style="text-align: center;">And worlds of thoughts and fancies in their tears,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Touched by the rainbow's dyes?"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wbhuXPpZfE2y7pGlhKVAoqHgaA5lsupDg8u_c5IPAWW_zn0lkmDMBzKjLvL9whuJbbISLQtPSqKG_fz5PWVtsOHC0JAd_4_N_1Cyp1ucUbthmwi3PZ3JcnGp7-z6BRRmOmjS1OGKfAM/s1600-h/Judi's+Vintage+Valentines+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wbhuXPpZfE2y7pGlhKVAoqHgaA5lsupDg8u_c5IPAWW_zn0lkmDMBzKjLvL9whuJbbISLQtPSqKG_fz5PWVtsOHC0JAd_4_N_1Cyp1ucUbthmwi3PZ3JcnGp7-z6BRRmOmjS1OGKfAM/s200/Judi's+Vintage+Valentines+001.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABAozbPPXz9tw4dXOXR70mBbFsNZHaI8TmMEjK7jtTa5sYL64IYGGOmaZ0sh0d5YFAjgKB4vlAQY7E5xWYefBmyizOj-9GkQPDePrgIu8cOx5gPTIrMgUYC2VCbX9mfgnPZjnsjtblmk/s1600-h/Judi's+Vintage+Valentines+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABAozbPPXz9tw4dXOXR70mBbFsNZHaI8TmMEjK7jtTa5sYL64IYGGOmaZ0sh0d5YFAjgKB4vlAQY7E5xWYefBmyizOj-9GkQPDePrgIu8cOx5gPTIrMgUYC2VCbX9mfgnPZjnsjtblmk/s200/Judi's+Vintage+Valentines+002.jpg" width="126" /></a>The author of the first written Valentine is disputed. Charles, Duc d'Orleans has often been credited with being one of its first creators. He sent his wife love letters penned in rhyme. John Lydgate, an early English poet also wrote a lovely Valentine praising Catherine, the wife of King Henry V of England. Whoever started the tradition matters little. By the early nineteenth century, the Valentine card was clearly the most popular love token eagerly bestowed and awaited. I have several early Valentines handed down in my family to me. This little treasure is one of the folded cards that could be sent flat and then opened to reveal a pop-up of fuller dimension. It's sweet sentiment says,<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">"Cupid has no time to waste</div><div style="text-align: center;">So he flies in urgent haste</div><div style="text-align: center;">What he means to whisper low</div><div style="text-align: center;">Is, 'Sweetheart I love you so.'"</div>When the greeting is opened, you discover a more fanciful set of die cut figures, along with a fancy tissue paper flower.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdeAjoLv3rxdPcE4rBwM4A4BFHVR-tI8l7orMq9sHn3lcjEUBvzL7I314ssjVP0B1rFnv7pI5BQIZJH2xnwZP-FGd6gggV3NR2zHgmxHZPSwSPnyNpww5N6wVacl607mNrhvP39Aj8xE/s1600-h/Judi's+Vintage+Valentines+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdeAjoLv3rxdPcE4rBwM4A4BFHVR-tI8l7orMq9sHn3lcjEUBvzL7I314ssjVP0B1rFnv7pI5BQIZJH2xnwZP-FGd6gggV3NR2zHgmxHZPSwSPnyNpww5N6wVacl607mNrhvP39Aj8xE/s200/Judi's+Vintage+Valentines+005.jpg" width="141" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRnzLW-FR3PaZRMezikTvTLbGtgoXQjFISibHxBHQeHXCceqBNbdU6AvXZdLKzAR_HqNAqUqxNyN-pbOQDWvgfW_-MqVG45dDgmzRjOcjPcvOZx0XppBJlDYE_KrZ_bxTfv6hYec4z-A/s1600-h/Judi's+Vintage+Valentines+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRnzLW-FR3PaZRMezikTvTLbGtgoXQjFISibHxBHQeHXCceqBNbdU6AvXZdLKzAR_HqNAqUqxNyN-pbOQDWvgfW_-MqVG45dDgmzRjOcjPcvOZx0XppBJlDYE_KrZ_bxTfv6hYec4z-A/s200/Judi's+Vintage+Valentines+004.jpg" width="150" /></a>This little one, from the late 1800s is more simple in its folded state -- actually very little ornamentation on the card stock itself. But, when it is opened, it really has some fun secrets to share! The little pop-up heart says,<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">"Never! Oh Never!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Another can be;</div><div style="text-align: center;">So gentle, so kind</div><div style="text-align: center;">And so smiling as thee!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdeAjoLv3rxdPcE4rBwM4A4BFHVR-tI8l7orMq9sHn3lcjEUBvzL7I314ssjVP0B1rFnv7pI5BQIZJH2xnwZP-FGd6gggV3NR2zHgmxHZPSwSPnyNpww5N6wVacl607mNrhvP39Aj8xE/s1600-h/Judi's+Vintage+Valentines+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>Although another relative has the original, one of my favorite early Valentines was done in "cobweb" style. It dates to the 1820s, and has a secret message that can only be revealed when a tiny thread loop is pulled to enable the cut work picture on top to open and show what is beneath. I spent some time this year making several of these to include in one of my shops on <a href="http://pocketcomfort.etsy.com/">Etsy</a>. Here are two of them.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38629004" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggC5os9NIenQiGZmkzGanVCskVc8lu2K1kLBNUUbwfYLe-NRte2KuYelZiJPnE3ydkHii3UDeVYABTCR7WtJWO71Pb6GTDfzvYQlqvg7aMACzjtk6uPr2TiqNcBTxWxI3Cv5v-FfqxJck/s320/Etsy+Pics+1.11.10+003.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38476465" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOlBqWxBetBicafrMSqU1nHz4Jdaua4r4E5gNquvq4C6qxPqWwtk-j2YN4oEE6Rd-0I1HJVLtxBWt3-164UgIdfJMyvtsDN-XqOVqIW6rHeTZOPbyXUGoxR971rh_N-4QdV_rhEnt4X0/s320/Etsy+Pics+1.11.10+010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Come back and visit again this week. I will share more of my vintage Valentines and some of their unique and fun sentiments with you. I have lots -- so we will take a look at more from the 19th and 20th century along with other historical tidbits on love. Oh, and if you like the Valentines, I have a little contest going on my <a href="http://creativedailyliving.blogspot.com/">other blog </a>you won't want to miss out on! You can win one! Judi Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078186000327079499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474708912267008550.post-20591412024856487682009-12-07T17:42:00.000-07:002009-12-07T17:42:10.162-07:00The Brownie's Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBo-qwXIsVs_7wV-paN8qJO3iuzR_DZ2X65KRw2eTrR-3q_xdeq6Ge4g34KgvPhpYFfZq4rvqmyZGFiTmO1HpAMfEw81xbFJUJFIhS20KmbeJCeg1X56JHlVTo7RQ7MOiiOc41-HUagTU/s1600-h/Christmas+pic+1925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBo-qwXIsVs_7wV-paN8qJO3iuzR_DZ2X65KRw2eTrR-3q_xdeq6Ge4g34KgvPhpYFfZq4rvqmyZGFiTmO1HpAMfEw81xbFJUJFIhS20KmbeJCeg1X56JHlVTo7RQ7MOiiOc41-HUagTU/s200/Christmas+pic+1925.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>I love old Christmas poems! I included a number of different ones throughout the years in my dramatic monologues performed this time of the year. With so many struggling with low or no funds this year, I thought I would share some with you over the next month as we approach Christmas. So many of the poems of the 1800s or early 1900s were meant to encourage during similar difficult times! Here's a lovely poem -- a story poem, author unknown -- titled, "The Brownie's Christmas," written during a time when imagination soared and children often talked of elves, brownies and fairies. And isn't that where fancy took off from true stories of St. Nicholas and the tales of Santa Claus began?<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">"The Brownie who lives in the forest,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, the Christmas bells they ring!<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He has done for the farmer's children<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Full many a kindly thing:<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">When their cows were lost in the gloaming<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He has driven them safely home;<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He has led their bees to the flowers,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">To fill up their golden comb;<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">At her spinning the little sister<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">had napped til the setting sun --<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">She awoke, and the kindly Brownie<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Had gotten it neatly done;<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, the Christmas bells they are ringing!<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The mother she was away,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And the Brownie'd played with the baby<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And tended it all the day;<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Brownie who lives in the forest,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, the Christmas bells they ring!<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He has done for the farmer's children<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Full many a kindly thing.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">'Tis true that his face they never<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">For all their watching could see;<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yet who else did the kindly service,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I pray, if it were not he!<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But the poor little friendly Brownie,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">His life was a weary thing;<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">For never had he been in holy church<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And heard the children sing;<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And never had he had a Christmas;<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Nor had bent in prayer his knee;<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He had lived for a thousand years,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And all weary-worn was he.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Or that was the story the children<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Had heard at their mother's side;<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And together they talked it over,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">One merry Christmas-tide.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The pitiful little sister<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">With her braids of paly gold,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And the little elder brother,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And the darling five-year-old,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
All stood in the western window --<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">'Twas toward the close of day --<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And they talked about the Brownie<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">While resting from their play.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">'The Brownie, he has no Christmas;<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">While so many gifts had we,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">To the floor last night they bended<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The boughs of the Christmas-tree.'<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then the little elder brother,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He sapke up in his turn,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">With both of his blue eyes beaming,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">While his cheeks began to burn:<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">'Let us do up for the Brownie<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">A Christmas bundle now,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And leave it in the forest pathway<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Where the great oak branches bow.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">'We'll mark it, "For the Brownie,"<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And "A Merry Christmas Day!"<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And sure will he be to find it,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">For he goeth home that way!'<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then the tender little sister<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">With her braids of paly gold,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And the little elder brother,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And the darling five-year-old,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tied up in a little bundle<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Some toys, with a loving care,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And marked it, 'For the Brownie,'<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">In letters large and fair,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And, 'We wish a Merry Christmas!'<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And then, in the dusk, the three<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Went to the wood and left it<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Under the great oak tree.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">While the farmer's fair little children<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Slept sweet on that Christmas night,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Two wanderers through the forest<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Came in the clear moonlight.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And neither one was the Brownie,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But sorry were both as he;<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And their hearts, with each fresh footstep,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Were aching steadily.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">A slender man with an organ<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Strapped on by a leathern band,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And a girl with a tambourine<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">A-holding close to his hand.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And the girl with the tambourine,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Big sorrowful eyes she had;<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">In the cold white wood she shivered,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">In her ragged raiment clad.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">'And what is there here to do?' she said;<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">'I'm froze I' the light o' the moon!<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Shall we play to these sad old forest trees<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Some merry and jigging tune?<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">'And, father, you know it is Christmas-time,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And had we staid I' the town<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And I gone to one o' the Christmas-trees,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">A gift might have fallen down!<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">'You cannot certainly know it would not!<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'd ha' gone right under the tree!<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Are you sure that none o' the Christmases<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Were meant for you and me?'<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">'These dry dead leaves,' he answered her, sad,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">'Which the forest casteth down,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Are more than you'd get from a Christmas tree<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">In the merry and thoughtless town.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">'Though tonite be the Christ's own birthday night,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And all the world hath grace,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">There is not a home in all the world<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Which holdeth for us a place.'<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Slow plodding adown the forest path,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">'And now, what is this?' he said;<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And the children't bundle he lifted up,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And, 'For the Brownie,' read.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And, 'We wish a Merry Christmas Day!'<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">'Now if this be done,' said he,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">'Somewhere in the world perhaps there is<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">A place for you and me!'<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And the bundle he opened softly:<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">'This is children's tender thought:<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Their own little Christmas presents<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">They have to the Brownie brought.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">'If there liveth such tender pity<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Toward a thing so dim and low,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">There is kindness sure remaining<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Of which I did not know.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">'Oh, children, there's never a Brownie --<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">That sorry, uncanny thing;<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But nearest and next are the homeless<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">When the Christmas joy-bells ring.'<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Out laughed the little daughter,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And she gathered the toys with glee:<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">'My Christmas present has fallen!<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This oak was my Christmas tree!'<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then away they went through the forest,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The wanderers, hand in hand;<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And the snow, they were both so merry,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It glinted like the golden sand.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Down the forest the elder brother,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">In the morning clear and cold,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Came leading the little sister<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And the darling five-year-old.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">'Oh,' he cries, 'he's taken the bundle!'<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">As carefully round he peers;<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">'And the Brownie has gotten a Christmas<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">After a thousand years!'"<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Judi Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078186000327079499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474708912267008550.post-67409922973620595642009-11-06T12:59:00.001-07:002009-11-06T12:59:50.964-07:00A Plea for the Old-Time Thanksgiving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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I want to share the "Household Topics" column from the November 1896 issue of <i>The Ladies World </i>I have in my collection of vintage ephemera. It was the inspiration for my latest creation in my shop on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33918067">Etsy</a>. It truly is an appeal for remembering the Old-Time Thanksgiving. As you read it, remember, this was written over 100 years ago as a plea then! How much more do we need it today?<br />
~~~~~~~~~~<br />
"<b>How many of us who keep Thanksgiving day with feasting and merriment consider the real meaning of the holiday?</b> Of course, we go to church and hear elaborate sermons, admonishing us to 'consider our mercies,' and down in our hearts we form a little prayer of gratitude for the benefits we have received, and of supplication for a continuance of our blessings, and in thus making it our own we do right; but still we are losing something each year in the real sweetness of the day.<br />
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</div>The English nation has changed much since its first festive observance of Christmas, but staid and matter-of-fact as the people are, they keep many of their olden customs. Still the men and maids bring in the mistletoe; still the Yule log burns on the English hearth; still the waifs sing beneath the windows and the boar's head is brought in in stately procession.<br />
<br />
<b>Compare this with our metamorphosis of Thanksgiving Day. </b>Because we no longer live on puncheon floors and wear homespun, because our life is daily growing more complex, is not an excuse for forsaking the old-time Thanksgiving, but, rather, another reason why we should, for this one day, rest our over-strained nerves and go back to the simple, hearty holiday of old.<br />
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</div>When I sit in a fashionable congregation on Thanksgiving Day, my mind sometimes wanders from the discourse. It does not dwell on the plumes and furs and velvets in the polished pews, but goes back to that little log hut in the mighty New England woods, and to the brave men who raised their voices in prayer on that first Thanksgiving Day.<br />
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</div><b>And for what did they give thanks? </b>Not that the Lord had blessed them with bountiful harvests, nor prospered their investments, nor kept their foes from them, but because He had sent the ship of relief, just in time to save them from starvation. They acknowledged His benefits in those days in a way to put to shame our indifferent spirit today. It takes more to put this generation in a thankful frame of mind than it did our Puritan fathers. Our granaries and storehouses must be full to overflowing, but they fervently thanked a kind Providence that they could be allowed 'a peck of Indian meal a week to each person." <br />
<br />
<i><b>To put us in a thankful mood, our ship must be bountifully loaded with luxuries for our own; but the first Day of Thanks was for the ship that came into the offing bearing bread for the starving.</b></i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83NclQtGX9N7sINGyyv_oMLbeP_y_TBf480H-c2Ma-6JB3LnA_QPTL8aSrYdQ80PJCFGe-LdhiEntkwlIk_i3kHEu3AKiBcQH4-bI4H2tou1zLDJUSjKT1OIb0n9tNHaktA6dx3Xw9wc/s1600-h/etsy+pics+11.04.09+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83NclQtGX9N7sINGyyv_oMLbeP_y_TBf480H-c2Ma-6JB3LnA_QPTL8aSrYdQ80PJCFGe-LdhiEntkwlIk_i3kHEu3AKiBcQH4-bI4H2tou1zLDJUSjKT1OIb0n9tNHaktA6dx3Xw9wc/s200/etsy+pics+11.04.09+006.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>If we could all keep this blessed day in sweet and serene spirit, thankful for what we have, much or little, thankful even for the sorrow that the year has brought to soften and chasten our hearts; if we could throw aside unnecessary forms, making it an unconventional, old-time holiday for our families and for the wanderers that come back to us, what sweet memories, all our own, would be connected to the holiday."<br />
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There are yet a number of days left between today and Thanksgiving Day to make careful plans for a true celebration of gratitude, even in the midst of these uncertain times. Blessings to you and yours!Judi Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078186000327079499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474708912267008550.post-38990177469273978402009-10-28T10:23:00.000-06:002009-10-28T10:23:11.278-06:00BBEST-Boomers and Beyond Etsy Street Team: Gifts For $10 and Under<a href="http://boomersandbeyond.blogspot.com/2009/10/gifts-for-10-and-under.html">BBEST-Boomers and Beyond Etsy Street Team: Gifts For $10 and Under</a>Judi Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078186000327079499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474708912267008550.post-1416546654949134862009-10-14T09:08:00.003-06:002009-10-14T10:00:36.668-06:00Will it Be a Handmade Christmas for You?I support buying handmade, both as a buyer, a creativity coach, and because I also design and make items for resale. For more than those reasons, though, I support handmade because our world has become so less personal -- and I really believe it brings value to our lives when we connect with both the process and the designer.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOKF7UOk5c4T6W20o9Khlq1_heDoWchCHFe7lgRCbw74qTWF4eavrN4giihCv6RL80XigSn6oSd-bgt4zLLfbcLuvBKJvKy_hHW_MKs0GM7ruU8G7NUVRLzPO0DiVleDTdPpluudGvrs/s1600-h/Etsy+9.9.09+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOKF7UOk5c4T6W20o9Khlq1_heDoWchCHFe7lgRCbw74qTWF4eavrN4giihCv6RL80XigSn6oSd-bgt4zLLfbcLuvBKJvKy_hHW_MKs0GM7ruU8G7NUVRLzPO0DiVleDTdPpluudGvrs/s200/Etsy+9.9.09+023.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>We have raised six sons. When our oldest two were teenagers, we moved to a little half-acre in the country where we could have a larger garden and raise chickens for eggs. It was a real eye-opener for our sons to feed and care for the chickens who, in turn, produced wonderful extra-large brown, blue and green eggs for our table. Before that, they knew eggs were laid by chickens, but had no real connection to the process. Most of our world has no real connection with how something they purchase came into being, let along came to the store.<br />
<br />
<br />
I plan to make it a handmade Christmas this year. Our family members met last week over Sunday Dinner and decided to either keep the cost of an item to $10 or less -- or make something to give. The women will each make one item another woman would like (not knowing who they are making the item for). They guys may make something, but knowing them, they will more likely buy a gift. Even then, my challenge is -- how many wonderful handmade items can you find for $10? Here are a few of the handmade items I found for guys.<br />
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I really do believe there is something for everyone if you do a simple search on Etsy. I was truly impressed with what I found. Here is a great item for the guy who needs to carry business cards, but already has a stuffed wallet. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31005898">$7.50 - thebritboutique</a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">For the guy who loves the special brew, why not this great item I found for just $6.99! <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32013248">Beer Soaps at BeautifulSoaps</a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_zkutjGuBFgC95l8sJH7J273224Zl1pXjWnAgtGK-woHiSq0E-bDNaGpwhZWjAPug1ujS-JKwhwOhICV8C76JRJLtOFj3nXKdMzDqHmNuOODn_HStjlqGTlbcgUy8BhpHHokn-iqVh0/s1600-h/il_fullxfull.96016768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_zkutjGuBFgC95l8sJH7J273224Zl1pXjWnAgtGK-woHiSq0E-bDNaGpwhZWjAPug1ujS-JKwhwOhICV8C76JRJLtOFj3nXKdMzDqHmNuOODn_HStjlqGTlbcgUy8BhpHHokn-iqVh0/s200/il_fullxfull.96016768.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">I know a couple of 20-somethings who would love this great leather and metal stud bracelet for $10. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32588386">BeadSiam on Etsy</a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">I have several artists among the men in my family. This great drawing case for just $5 would make a great gift! <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32554281">Handmade Drawing Case by rainbowfrogs77 </a><br />
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I don't have time to knit this year, but I know my guys love these fingerless gloves -- and a great price! Just $8.00 at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31579840">Fingerless Gloves by TheSlipStitch</a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfE4XrIesMzD9-QUjlkjXOU6uGJxTqHVBB3RZ-vG3AdH3scmIKcB_-pWt3rdtae55NxzQHLxeU6jaNqrgwBrTDlHjh2AAsSx75nyuAZ0IvGBau2F4QxV2JeC0I2fzusWZGjaZuHLxyA8/s1600-h/il_430xN.92176074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfE4XrIesMzD9-QUjlkjXOU6uGJxTqHVBB3RZ-vG3AdH3scmIKcB_-pWt3rdtae55NxzQHLxeU6jaNqrgwBrTDlHjh2AAsSx75nyuAZ0IvGBau2F4QxV2JeC0I2fzusWZGjaZuHLxyA8/s200/il_430xN.92176074.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Here's a perfect item for the coffee lover in your life. My hubby loves to ride his bike to meet a friend for coffee. I could see him wearing this on his wrist (keeping warm on an early morning ride) and then using it to keep his coffee warm while he chats away. And, it's just $5 (so I could get two and he could keep both wrists warm plus share one with his buddy)! <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31443499">Re-usable Coffee Cup Sweater by CuffeShop</a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Why not make it a handmade Christmas this year too?<br />
</div>Judi Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078186000327079499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474708912267008550.post-2330113817138725282009-10-06T17:54:00.001-06:002009-10-07T09:39:38.865-06:00Walls, Tweets, and Autograph Books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FbXeYBU2n48F1vlwgVxdSncdHPbV4XDdo5pc8kZPJkMONR7oyB6at8g-XzaTOr0McvYjFnxnS7LyLyFC3DflbFMD4yRPkPTkgyc3DQLALUrD4K_HNpjkbWCFTboSen6bcNUdywZNTWY/s1600-h/Etsy+Pics+July+09+064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FbXeYBU2n48F1vlwgVxdSncdHPbV4XDdo5pc8kZPJkMONR7oyB6at8g-XzaTOr0McvYjFnxnS7LyLyFC3DflbFMD4yRPkPTkgyc3DQLALUrD4K_HNpjkbWCFTboSen6bcNUdywZNTWY/s200/Etsy+Pics+July+09+064.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>We all clearly know life has changed dramatically in the last 100 years, but do we really know how profound those changes are to future generations? For some time now I have emailed. I have <a href="http://heirloomgazette.blogspot.com/">three</a> <a href="http://creativedailyliving.blogspot.com/">blogs</a>. My youngest sons got me started texting by cell. Students I work with challenged me to get on Facebook. Now I have a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/pages/Vintage-Legacy-Studio/141956373934?ref=ts">Facebook Fan</a> page too -- and I tweet on <a href="http://twitter.com/vintagelegacy">Twitter</a>. <b>Lots of words -- but where do they go?</b> What will their impact be over the space of time -- real time? I watch my twitter account as I update it with so many tweets shifting down the list. Where are mine? Where are yours?<br />
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Byrom wrote:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>"But words are things, and a small drop of ink,</i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Falling like dew, upon a thought, produces</i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>That which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think."</i><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">We can still read the works of Byrom. Will anyone read my words here on this blog, let alone over time? <i> </i>I don't make it to my Facebook page often enough to catch all that has appeared on my wall. Are those words lost? Were they important? Did I miss something profound?<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">I uncovered a little treasure today among my vintage books and magazines. I had frankly not remembered it being among my collection. It's a very small vintage autograph album once belonging to "Mary" from the class of 1930-31 of Haudley High School in Virginia. All the autographs and little poems and sayings contained within are yesteryear's "wall writing" or simple texts or tweets. But they are still here. I can thumb through the 50 pastel pages and wonder who Clara E. Daugherty was who provided her nickname, "Libby," with the lovely handwriting. Her little poem was simply,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"Remember me in the dark</i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Remember me in the light</i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Remember me in the summer time</i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>With a string around my heart."</i><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">What kind of fun did Myrtle N. Carlisle of Winchester, VA think of when she penned,<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"Remember me long,</i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Remember me forever,</i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Remember the fun we have had together."</i><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Even though Mary no longers owns her charming little album (for who knows what reason), did she flip through the pages of this little book and, upon reading that, pause to laugh over shared memories? <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">What is part of my own life that prompts me to recall friends past or present? Is it on a wall? Is it in a tweet? Is it in an email long lost in the files I never check anymore because of the 100s more that have come in? And, even when I do see words on the page, do they evoke the memories that these did for Mary and the longings of my own heart when I see the hand-written script flowing from age-old fountain pens?<br />
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I love it when I receive a hand written note. My sister-in-law does not own a computer, so once a month we get 6 or 7 pages in her flowing script. I am thoroughly intrigued with Joon's FlyingHousewife shop on Etsy where she includes handwritten missives (see her shop in the sidebar). Not many take the time to write longhand any more. <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">For Christmas this year, I believe I will hand pen letters to each of my children. I will use my best penmanship, and rose-scented sepia-toned ink on parchment paper. I will doodle some fancy scrolls in the corners and I will call them by their pet names I used to use when they were just small boys. I will do it for me without expectation that it will mean anything significant to them. But, just maybe --- maybe --- they will become keepsakes. Maybe a grandchild or a great grandchild will wonder about the woman who wrote and stop. Stop to ponder life in a different day when ink and words on paper were slowly being replaced by computers and cyberspace.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"It only takes a little spot,</i><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Forget-me-not."</i><br />
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</div>Judi Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078186000327079499noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474708912267008550.post-43221901632190298662009-10-02T17:42:00.038-06:002009-10-03T08:42:11.409-06:00Welcome to my Home Art Studio<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGir5-y3zCVVcdQk33x5VOWQfBhn7vJQpcg9986yNqI4twdmXewNsdGRfc5DZV7n9Hay00d7E4mWSD1BjG-I_4J-gRSPcPZmwbHAVg-xD4Fc5SlmZH_l_XKCCpDjrOsaoxu31fLyUpKgs/s1600-h/My+Creative+Space.09+001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGir5-y3zCVVcdQk33x5VOWQfBhn7vJQpcg9986yNqI4twdmXewNsdGRfc5DZV7n9Hay00d7E4mWSD1BjG-I_4J-gRSPcPZmwbHAVg-xD4Fc5SlmZH_l_XKCCpDjrOsaoxu31fLyUpKgs/s200/My+Creative+Space.09+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388220150448445842" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I am delighted to share a virtual tour of my studio with you today as part of "<a href="http://www.quiltingarts.com/blogs/in_the_studio_with_cate/archive/2009/09/28/join-our-open-studios-event-and-win.aspx">Open Studio Day</a>" sponsored by <span style="font-style: italic;">Studio </span>magazine and the great people at <span style="font-style: italic;">Quilting Arts </span>and <span style="font-style: italic;">Cloth, Paper, Scissors </span>magazines.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqR-dbT144ATVpnEYeEtCKhs4NocVXh3dRYKlSGK6JsSgEcCoZJy_cFTLdx28Wm0RuQbpztqRQpn0_ZrDn98feQoUifOeRDHUvwuNm1nvdNYmOBA4ULyOT0izHMK-LOdiLTv3Um4KIQFY/s1600-h/tea+gown+1-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 137px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqR-dbT144ATVpnEYeEtCKhs4NocVXh3dRYKlSGK6JsSgEcCoZJy_cFTLdx28Wm0RuQbpztqRQpn0_ZrDn98feQoUifOeRDHUvwuNm1nvdNYmOBA4ULyOT0izHMK-LOdiLTv3Um4KIQFY/s200/tea+gown+1-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388160038151240178" border="0" /></a><br />I have six sons, so as they began to move out on their own, I finally could claim a room for my studio. The challenge for me was that it needed to be a multi-functioning space (I am a writer, creativity coach, and I love to work with a variety of media in art -- primarily fiber art). For a number of years, I also costumed for the theater and for my own one-woman show.<br /><br />My little space (a former bedroom) is packed -- filled with all kinds of creative items -- from my collection of over 200 antique books and magazines, to lots of vintage lace, trims, buttons, fibers and fabric.<br /><br />On one side of my room I have bookcases and a roll top desk (purchased with part of a publishing advance on a series of books I wrote). I love sitting at the desk -- but it is often crowded with work as I multitask.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGbjVbXaCe6Qut3bsfuWwKWRojYCDxg-xZPVs-aXHW3HKP06Depy8Rss4T7LMwxGA1ShwTctdE7CFGj5nxj0QvSgtcFyGXzeTdhM1DWBxLQP5TRz3jUhzx1Dx8NAPDfoq86oHROGlhaY/s1600-h/My+Creative+Space.09+014.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 220px; height: 164px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGbjVbXaCe6Qut3bsfuWwKWRojYCDxg-xZPVs-aXHW3HKP06Depy8Rss4T7LMwxGA1ShwTctdE7CFGj5nxj0QvSgtcFyGXzeTdhM1DWBxLQP5TRz3jUhzx1Dx8NAPDfoq86oHROGlhaY/s200/My+Creative+Space.09+014.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388160685391369778" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0KNiH8CHEy2PcIAKjLGPgCSVoAvkV7fHA08TCoXf7v_W33wtc-7InPbAYk5ILtGlzxWBCBjFapV0XiQq1auXcnZ7HZHbibLGS47GY1V5tQ_Is70TqCWJG6HS9piXkIhz6oQFO-NFvIh4/s1600-h/My+Creative+Space.09+016.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0KNiH8CHEy2PcIAKjLGPgCSVoAvkV7fHA08TCoXf7v_W33wtc-7InPbAYk5ILtGlzxWBCBjFapV0XiQq1auXcnZ7HZHbibLGS47GY1V5tQ_Is70TqCWJG6HS9piXkIhz6oQFO-NFvIh4/s200/My+Creative+Space.09+016.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388160459503250770" border="0" /></a>On the opposite side of the room is my very small sewing table. It is an antique oak "campaign" desk -- one that might have been used by a high ranking soldier in the Civil War due to its size and the ease of folding it up to carry to the next tent city. It has a small locking drawer with its original key. (This came in very handy with those six sons of mine -- if they could find my good sewing shears, they would use them on all kinds of their own projects -- including cutting wire!)<br /><br />I was also blessed to receive a couple of my husband's family heirlooms I enjoy in my special space -- two antique oak spool cabinets. They really help me sort and organize all the little bits of lace, buttons and trims -- and yes, even spools of thread.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-_bDF3PVN95RUz2-rfRhl8iuSBYBzcnGHGvyX3tioL1w-_FomJXs4Q4Z99qkUXJEC2xQLaWNtf8PbHtYz1uvH4psjYylps7rOP_hAktW2LzcXQeTDQgO9o4s_PFOgLPI99sfD8WjgkA/s1600-h/My+Creative+Space.09+018.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-_bDF3PVN95RUz2-rfRhl8iuSBYBzcnGHGvyX3tioL1w-_FomJXs4Q4Z99qkUXJEC2xQLaWNtf8PbHtYz1uvH4psjYylps7rOP_hAktW2LzcXQeTDQgO9o4s_PFOgLPI99sfD8WjgkA/s200/My+Creative+Space.09+018.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388220407526414674" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidveUHkNmn1YynlsmCwB11ENBIVMzUfUia0aYUvj85R1IyFqJgS2kCN2bU8jOk6wajNwIliasBO7kLA6gWM1X0hHfkGcJ2TWShhLuwBJC0IUl2DzmdDTJ4bDXW1GRYsVRdGwesBeLkuAc/s1600-h/My+Creative+Space.09+017.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidveUHkNmn1YynlsmCwB11ENBIVMzUfUia0aYUvj85R1IyFqJgS2kCN2bU8jOk6wajNwIliasBO7kLA6gWM1X0hHfkGcJ2TWShhLuwBJC0IUl2DzmdDTJ4bDXW1GRYsVRdGwesBeLkuAc/s200/My+Creative+Space.09+017.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388220946082144946" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />At heart I am a creator/developer. For years my husband tried to get me to darn socks (those boys went through them so fast) to help save money. I did (and still do) mend good clothing -- but to me darning socks is just so mundane! My valuable time could be better spent exploring new artistic endeavors. At one point, I must admit I did embroider the tops of my son's socks (with just a little stitch on each in the same color) so I could try to track the multiple tube socks going through the laundry and find mates before the dryer ate them!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnr4geq0em8G94-4YkpTdysMNNwE4ih0bkuqnCE3wrm6UEVlCXt16XsP7vb0mgJ71ouI2u11n2wJHgKHsBC97ZpvEfOy0QIzCF4O6g_y4hG_TZzA9yiNDh8H1Pi9cUgEcEhAhIU7DJAY/s1600-h/My+Creative+Space.09+019.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 186px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnr4geq0em8G94-4YkpTdysMNNwE4ih0bkuqnCE3wrm6UEVlCXt16XsP7vb0mgJ71ouI2u11n2wJHgKHsBC97ZpvEfOy0QIzCF4O6g_y4hG_TZzA9yiNDh8H1Pi9cUgEcEhAhIU7DJAY/s200/My+Creative+Space.09+019.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388165865772849970" border="0" /></a><br />I know my curiosity and passion for exploring the creative came from my two dear grandmothers, both now in heaven. I have been working on a quilted album of important memories of my life. I have finished the 12 x 12" page that represents the wonderful contributions those two women made in my life. From one, I inherited an interest in quilting, flowers, music, and fine detail; from the other a love of reading, writing, sketching, and needlework. Many of the initial antique books I collected and the pieces of vintage linens and lace came from their treasure trove.<br /><br />There are so many heirlooms to be treasured, restored, re-purposed and enjoyed! I love living my passion every day, finding inspiration from the writings and textiles of past generations. It is my hope that I can inspire future generations to value these treasures so they will not be lost.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6upSn0VwxJmVqeashrh9JPOjvEPiI1jJN6IALB0ifBLhejb9Ej7irKanS1nO37TaFYB9QYwnZbm7gq9FjSqBLl2mm2ePB-VelOjPrC80xFVcVxM2uDABvZSmWAFS7Hto4hv9yXHyA2E/s1600-h/Etsy+pics+10.1.09+010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6upSn0VwxJmVqeashrh9JPOjvEPiI1jJN6IALB0ifBLhejb9Ej7irKanS1nO37TaFYB9QYwnZbm7gq9FjSqBLl2mm2ePB-VelOjPrC80xFVcVxM2uDABvZSmWAFS7Hto4hv9yXHyA2E/s200/Etsy+pics+10.1.09+010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388167730075057394" border="0" /></a>The opening picture of this blog post showed my antique ironing board with a project just being started. Here is the finished product -- a statement collar (bib) necklace I made from using pieces of wonderful vintage lace and buttons. My antique dress form, "Martha" is modeling it for me.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJlfvbBYRVjGIh8UGuD9bKa7D9P9W4pH_dPId7zV2hhkjMrB9hgrNcuHCcggVSBnFzTUR5M-K2Ni_nCJkwVrYNiDjd1br4s_aBf2CQnC5HEoC-twNDE1UaeQalI7hMpJsWBFvMagtrag/s1600-h/My+Creative+Space.09+011.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 174px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJlfvbBYRVjGIh8UGuD9bKa7D9P9W4pH_dPId7zV2hhkjMrB9hgrNcuHCcggVSBnFzTUR5M-K2Ni_nCJkwVrYNiDjd1br4s_aBf2CQnC5HEoC-twNDE1UaeQalI7hMpJsWBFvMagtrag/s200/My+Creative+Space.09+011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388168422013253746" border="0" /></a><br />I hope you have enjoyed my virtual studio tour and the opportunity to get to know me just a little in the process. Oh, and because I know many people are curious to see the "real me" -- here's a photo my husband took of me. If you would like to see more photos of my studio and artistic endeavors, visit my Facebook Fan page (link to the right): Vintage Legacy Studio. Of course, you can always see more of my art in my <a href="http://vintagelegacystudio.etsy.com/">Etsy shop</a>. I have a special 20% off sale in my shop today in conjunction with the open studio tour.<br />Connect with others in the Open Studio Tour <a href="http://quiltingarts.com/blogs/in_the_studio_with_cate/archive/2009/10/02/bloggers-and-interweave-authors-open-their-studios-this-saturday-october-3.aspx">here</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49tX_LLIDBUkzeMjqtQANCOdS9KOLOAisGxRuaGw7loOGvE3oMPaAFz8ePyUNY9RlqYm069zFFH-Lf_axhB7nmsudwJEqMVSpfVGOU6yXCcSXyvKKdI59dt7aKa_k-YcH1VubpotpD_4/s1600-h/My+Creative+Space.09+018.jpg"><br /></a>Judi Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078186000327079499noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474708912267008550.post-12486982094616158562009-09-28T09:27:00.005-06:002009-09-28T10:32:39.817-06:00Getting Ready for Open Studio Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.quiltingarts.com/blogs/in_the_studio_with_cate/archive/2009/09/28/join-our-open-studios-event-and-win.aspx"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 154px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixuGOw6nxkc717TPqTKB9PbelQijLzyaSyU6X4jAc5wb9BBuHxib6qR-VncBqpxAzk7vN16HOv1Zc41l0r4E-vjplmXoOviRx6KLleJFBo_3jnukMDCFh4EbAmrPALMExWP4zhCnImuzo/s200/5670.StudiosFall09.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386540909359621602" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;font-size:100%;" >I had been planning on giving a virtual tour of my creative space. When I discovered the theme of the Fall 2009 issue of <em>Studios</em> is Open Studios, and they are kicking it off with a virtual tour,I decided I had to participate! Stop back here on Saturday October 3rd and I'll have a tour of my studio for you.<br /><br />I love what the great people at </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial;font-size:100%;" >Quilting Arts</span><span style="font-family: arial;font-size:100%;" > and </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial;font-size:100%;" >Cloth, Paper, Scissors</span><span style="font-family: arial;font-size:100%;" > magazines share -- and I am really looking forward to seeing all the great studios shared through their inspiring Fall issue of </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial;font-size:100%;" >Studios</span><span style="font-family: arial;font-size:100%;" >!</span><br /></span>Judi Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078186000327079499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474708912267008550.post-20407949986070625032009-09-17T16:42:00.004-06:002009-09-28T10:33:47.011-06:00Focusing on What Really Matters<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ysES-Wxpujn-Q8j6-XE5zCHf9EyZ4wg6P1l4JHWbFypsAUblnKGjDvGpd_3xqhwMWj7biM8gOT8MvZJDDjIpzsWQoLB1WlGbHxVWmCJQ_fsyxIoGD-f8nvge4ypNu8IyAT_wmrt0gAY/s1600-h/art+card+serene.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ysES-Wxpujn-Q8j6-XE5zCHf9EyZ4wg6P1l4JHWbFypsAUblnKGjDvGpd_3xqhwMWj7biM8gOT8MvZJDDjIpzsWQoLB1WlGbHxVWmCJQ_fsyxIoGD-f8nvge4ypNu8IyAT_wmrt0gAY/s200/art+card+serene.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382573451083935634" border="0" /></a><br />I just completed a fiber art mixed media card I titled "Serenity." That word evokes a variety of feelings inside me. I am reminded of the "Serenity Prayer:"<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">"Lord, grant me the serenity<br />to accept the things I cannot change,<br />the courage to change the things I can,<br />and the wisdom to know the difference."<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I am also reminded that there are such simple moments in each and every day I take for granted. Perhaps that's because I'm so caught up in trying to identify what I can and cannot change, that I don't often notice those!<br /><br />The press of things to do in any given day often puts blinders on our eyes to what really matters. My thought for the day was one found in an 1883 book from my collection (Our Home):<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">"Joy is the natural and normal condition of every human soul.<br />To be genuine and permanent it must depend chiefly on internal<br />instead of external conditions. . .The difficulty is always on the part<br />of the eye and never on the part of the light."<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Here's my personal challenge -- both to myself -- and to you:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">"Look today with your eyes wide open, and see with your heart."<br /></div></div></div></div></div>Judi Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078186000327079499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474708912267008550.post-85290474475824900492009-09-15T11:40:00.003-06:002009-09-15T11:48:03.908-06:00Hat Trimmings -- Feathers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJjwePmUf4N7BmpoUsTB3PzyEmjTo1M9n7aURrBI_icZtWsq5NMuH6c9pf4yqOZRK7Yw5i-QeYSh-IrcOYK7Xemekk0dZzrEuFc2TSm2bcITH0fxyhRgS1vEeM91bqAei1FBNkNJsVKM/s1600-h/Etsy+9.14.09+008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJjwePmUf4N7BmpoUsTB3PzyEmjTo1M9n7aURrBI_icZtWsq5NMuH6c9pf4yqOZRK7Yw5i-QeYSh-IrcOYK7Xemekk0dZzrEuFc2TSm2bcITH0fxyhRgS1vEeM91bqAei1FBNkNJsVKM/s200/Etsy+9.14.09+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381752211260236290" border="0" /></a><br />For "Make a Hat Day" -- A hat is not complete unless you think about how you want to trim it. There are so many varieties of trims, from fancy bands, to flowers, to veils, to feathers. I will focus on feathers in this installment. If you go to a hobby store to find feathers for trimming your hat, chances are you will come away disappointed. They are usually packaged in cello and look much flatter than the feather trims you see on hats.<br /><br />Here are some tips I discovered on how feather trims were made to look fuller on hats from the past (those terrific vintage finds):<br /><br />Old feathers are thick and curled. How did they do that? The full-bodied plumes of yesteryear are actually often three plumes adhered together at the stems by milliner's glue to achieve the fullness desired.<br /><br />The curve of a plume of feathers was achieved by attaching a piece of covered milliner's wire to the underpart of the lower stem with a very fine needle and matching thread. The wire was bent in the desired curve and the end of the plume was allowed to fall soft and free.<br /><br />The curling of plumes was achieved by pulling the "flues" of the plume in small groups over a dull knife or scissors as though curling gift-wrap ribbon.<br /><br />If a woman wearing a hat was caught in a sudden thunderstorm, she would end up with drooping plumes or feathers, but they could be easily re-curled to their former beauty.Judi Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078186000327079499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474708912267008550.post-51878448786163212112009-09-15T07:58:00.000-06:002009-09-15T07:58:59.315-06:00Glorious Hats: Make a Hat Day<a href="http://glorioushats.blogspot.com/2009/09/make-hat-day.html">Glorious Hats: Make a Hat Day</a>Judi Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078186000327079499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474708912267008550.post-38795902300859076772009-09-14T13:12:00.014-06:002009-09-14T18:05:29.875-06:00Make a Hat<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl47cLyH5Twkv-3ugyJdak-xohHh93cF0CCmTC4IhutRQgFQninuNlvfk7_SAKA_HUr95Mm4WIZTJpgInHos9SZ9g0dfXfcGOpyguYALJCkf18d9CBNDN4vqnC9UobtAAIcxgyCp97Xyc/s1600-h/Etsy+9.14.09+006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 147px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl47cLyH5Twkv-3ugyJdak-xohHh93cF0CCmTC4IhutRQgFQninuNlvfk7_SAKA_HUr95Mm4WIZTJpgInHos9SZ9g0dfXfcGOpyguYALJCkf18d9CBNDN4vqnC9UobtAAIcxgyCp97Xyc/s200/Etsy+9.14.09+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381461703542521554" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkpDJZHmtzqJU-kKssvERb_JIJeYp7O9XMHI61U5_NMibgpdPJ0abNRcVmMAZoKI1MP_1hVpXpGYLm6bP33VVrQ_umiJsTYdbA7mvUzugYOe6lKd8Eb8nopLeGMsVI5GaP7koZL7RTV8/s1600-h/Hatmaking+Book.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkpDJZHmtzqJU-kKssvERb_JIJeYp7O9XMHI61U5_NMibgpdPJ0abNRcVmMAZoKI1MP_1hVpXpGYLm6bP33VVrQ_umiJsTYdbA7mvUzugYOe6lKd8Eb8nopLeGMsVI5GaP7koZL7RTV8/s200/Hatmaking+Book.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381403576019917122" border="0" /></a><br />Wednesday, September 15th has been designated as "Make a Hat Day." As a theater costumer for a number of years, I made a lot of hats for a variety of productions. One of the best overall sources is Denise Dreher's book, <span style="font-style: italic;">From the Neck Up: An Illustrated Guide to Hatmaking.</span> Although it is no longer being published, it is still available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0941082008/visitswithavicto">Amazon</a>, both some new copies as well as used.<br /><br />In her book, Ms. Dreyer provides a glimpse into the history of hatmaking as well as a vast quantity of information on making a variety of different styles of hats through the centuries.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNsgVvf6OKjJwfasEd3Baq_RsZ93wMyH8OOIKVBkvWgdbjTyFXvLM4sXPcDsTXcMhCfRzqaaRCnHlKHI-MVijIqXSfCE6P3gYzT1-BiBneBYw2vInn7l2vG6AODlBikvGp_JAimlZ9YE/s1600-h/Etsy+9.14.09+012.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNsgVvf6OKjJwfasEd3Baq_RsZ93wMyH8OOIKVBkvWgdbjTyFXvLM4sXPcDsTXcMhCfRzqaaRCnHlKHI-MVijIqXSfCE6P3gYzT1-BiBneBYw2vInn7l2vG6AODlBikvGp_JAimlZ9YE/s200/Etsy+9.14.09+012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381461918585059186" border="0" /></a><br />For my use in theater production, I especially appreciated her comments on design, which enabled me to create many different hats for the style of both the production and the wearer. Dreyer shares:<br /><br />"In well designed hats the lines flow naturally into one another and lead the eye without any unexpected breaks or bends. Continuity must be maintained between all of the lines if the design is to be attractive. That is why soft, curvacious hats are usually trimmed with flowing ribbons and flowers while stiff, straight hats receive a more severe, tight hatband and flat bow.<br /><br />"There are no pre-determined rules as to which lines best flatter which faces and figures. It is largely a matter of observation and experiment on the part of the designer. Through careful studies of people wearing hats, you will soon develop a good sense of this. Begin by trying several hats on yourself and note the changes."<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3pMbUvSpg5jNHh0HjuMzqkZnmlydwYaQQVw40Eq_-ZW_-6KC7SDnlbsjuV7kRRU37MeGw93hC-AJ7PCqpHohUOLvsKw6XYzNfeYZE9FEi9VgCLE8eoK6SndgqpXSLivrfthKYRlU6mQ/s1600-h/Etsy+9.14.09+002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3pMbUvSpg5jNHh0HjuMzqkZnmlydwYaQQVw40Eq_-ZW_-6KC7SDnlbsjuV7kRRU37MeGw93hC-AJ7PCqpHohUOLvsKw6XYzNfeYZE9FEi9VgCLE8eoK6SndgqpXSLivrfthKYRlU6mQ/s200/Etsy+9.14.09+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381460855180304466" border="0" /></a>There are a number of simple ways to make a hat if you don't want to start with a pattern. One I have used to good effect is to cover a straw hat with fabric and then add trims. The supplies you will need are:<br /><br />* Designer fabric of your choice for covering the hat<br />* 1" wide grossgrain ribbon the measurement of the inside circumference of the crown plus 2" for overlap for making a sweat band (and for covering your raw edges of fabric from the brim cover)<br />* Fancy ribbon (minimum 1" wide) the measurement of the crown plus 2" for overlap for making the outer hat band (and for covering the raw edges of fabric where the brim and crown covers meet)<br />* Flowers, feathers and other trims to decorate the hat<br />* Glue (a heavy craft glue works best)<br /><br />Step #1: To cover a hat, you must first take several crucial measurements:<br /><br />* the diameter of the crown<br />* the circumference of the brim<br />* the depth of the brim (from where it joins the crown to the outer edge of the brim)<br /><br />Step #2: To the diameter of the crown, add two inches. Then, create a circle based on that measurement. That will be your pattern for covering the crown.<br /><br />Step #3: To the circumference of the brim, add one inch (for a seam allowance). That will be the length of the brim pattern. To determine the width of the brim pattern, double the depth of brim measurement you took and add two inches.<br /><br />Step #4: Now, using the patterns you have made, cut one brim and one crown out of the designer fabric of your choice for covering the hat.<br /><br />Step #5: One-half inch in from the edge of the crown you have cut from fabric, run a loose stitch (preferably by sewing machine) all the way around for gathering. Place the fabric crown over the crown of the hat and gather up the stitches until the crown fits smoothly. Carefully lift the edge and apply glue. Press the fabric against the straw hat crown.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwcXqwqoJbEehZOD_uFceSona_CqCIPJKmybcicgl0ILZCHxx0b7suE7eTkYmxKznZkjsn2eOhweO03SBE0Rh1EFeL0Ujjp-bnGlcauXDJBmFFd-XiHAUbduNnD8lKHGw7m_3l7TqAByA/s1600-h/Etsy+9.14.09+003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 169px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwcXqwqoJbEehZOD_uFceSona_CqCIPJKmybcicgl0ILZCHxx0b7suE7eTkYmxKznZkjsn2eOhweO03SBE0Rh1EFeL0Ujjp-bnGlcauXDJBmFFd-XiHAUbduNnD8lKHGw7m_3l7TqAByA/s200/Etsy+9.14.09+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381461147893816242" border="0" /></a>Step #6: Take the brim fabric you have cut to the pattern and join the two short ends together, right sides together, sewing in a 1/2" seam. Press the seam allowance open. Then, fold the width of the fabric, wrong sides together and press all along the fold. Open back up and run a loose gathering stitch along BOTH long edges of the brim fabric (be sure you are sewing each edge separately).<br /><br />Step #7: Place the brim fabric over the brim, one edge under the brim and the other edge on top of the brim (with the fold at the outermost edge of the brim). Pull the gathers up on each side, encasing the brim as you do so. Make sure the inside edge of the brim tucks just up into the crown on the inside and glue those gathers in place. The outer gathers can be covered more effectively with the fancy hatband should there be an slight gap. Glue the outer brim edge next to the crown.<br /><br />Step #8: Now, using the grossgrain ribbon, cover the raw edges and gathers of the brim fabric, creating a sweatband. Fold the last bit of the ribbon before you glue it down so there are no raw edges of the ribbon.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJSXahOUPkRpAfIG0_YEg_VHRSWye0tIXcMbiIODiXmJxEzr-Ubcp0NusQscJUpxaS9LhZM83MQoNknWdEPRhZThGkZuJF_FJWsD2Dp9M8wyvojU_aC1tK1JkkDWEXGwn8m_PLQuaIRM/s1600-h/Etsy+9.14.09+004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJSXahOUPkRpAfIG0_YEg_VHRSWye0tIXcMbiIODiXmJxEzr-Ubcp0NusQscJUpxaS9LhZM83MQoNknWdEPRhZThGkZuJF_FJWsD2Dp9M8wyvojU_aC1tK1JkkDWEXGwn8m_PLQuaIRM/s200/Etsy+9.14.09+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381461329437129282" border="0" /></a>Step #9: Using your fancy hat band ribbon, cover the gathers and raw edges on the outside of the had where the crown and brim fabrics join. Fold the last bit of the ribbon before you glue it down so there are no raw edges of the ribbon. I leave the top edge of the ribbon band open to help hide any trims or feathers I might add, gluing that down as I go.<br /><br />Step #10: Trim your hat with flowers, lace, or feathers -- or all of the above! Hot glue can be effective at this point, especially if you want the placement to be "just so."<br /><br />If you cannot find a suitable hat to cover, it is easy to make a hat from scratch. There are patterns available for different styles. The hat pattern I have available in my <a href="http://vintagelegacystudio.etsy.com/">Etsy store</a> is very versatile. Even though it is shown with a Victorian style (perhaps appealing to the Steampunk culture or Halloween costuming), different trims would give it a more modern appeal.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfZ9tsBpBDvxWU4kkZsJWeht013X3_WmsFL9Uhdoq-j-ucugo6gxcJsjTgoikIFqGJ_D63bMfGyiQCiDlc1VdRkZd1UpCM9wiGYwvuRf6JCjVn6L1Oyh1c-OOWkXJlGSDnEpt-LyZ7xY/s1600-h/hat+-corners+-+print+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 184px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfZ9tsBpBDvxWU4kkZsJWeht013X3_WmsFL9Uhdoq-j-ucugo6gxcJsjTgoikIFqGJ_D63bMfGyiQCiDlc1VdRkZd1UpCM9wiGYwvuRf6JCjVn6L1Oyh1c-OOWkXJlGSDnEpt-LyZ7xY/s200/hat+-corners+-+print+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381419226999099570" border="0" /></a><br /> <br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;"> Hat Pattern:<br /></div>Judi Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078186000327079499noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474708912267008550.post-86645859012684514782009-09-12T08:22:00.003-06:002009-09-12T08:33:02.890-06:00So, you know I'm deep in cyberspace when. . .<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafNRQ9mUAr3ZDKxwef0p3GSjMybe7LX4KV2YVNiRfXFJLpQSWqHwiKUUkdRh0RngNnqy9orh2BjstiGWYcVgU6Fhir_C89JX6sXzeDKibTFP7Vk10PCeRVQ3-ZG4tGEnCA2YbSGUbtfI/s1600-h/0093+FairiesElves094-AF-SummertownSun.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 100px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafNRQ9mUAr3ZDKxwef0p3GSjMybe7LX4KV2YVNiRfXFJLpQSWqHwiKUUkdRh0RngNnqy9orh2BjstiGWYcVgU6Fhir_C89JX6sXzeDKibTFP7Vk10PCeRVQ3-ZG4tGEnCA2YbSGUbtfI/s200/0093+FairiesElves094-AF-SummertownSun.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380588448741387282" border="0" /></a><br />I've gotten so far into social networking (facebook, twitter, blogs, etc.) that I actually stumbled upon a website handing out your "fairy name" randomly (based on your real name, supposedly). Now, I am an incredibly imaginative person (had an imaginary playmate as a girl -- she was really great for blaming my mishaps on!). So, I just had to try this out. Those who know me well -- does this little fairy sound like me?<br /><br /><div>Your fairy is called <i>Tangle Saturnfilter</i></div><div>She is a trouble maker.</div><div>She lives at the bottom of tangled gardens and in hedgerows.</div><div>She is only seen on midsummer's eve.</div><div>She wears tangled dresses of multicoloured petals. She has delicate pale pink wings like a cicada.</div><div><a href="http://www.emmadavies.net/fairy/default.aspx">Get your free fairy name here!</a></div>Judi Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078186000327079499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474708912267008550.post-71400629622017568652009-09-11T18:23:00.002-06:002009-09-11T18:38:26.193-06:00Learning the Value of Tweeting on TwitterI have been working all day long (in between tasks) to learn how to tweet on twitter. After experiencing an onslaught of possible followers that scared the daylights out of me, I think I have begun to both narrow down my choices and then enhance those to make the most out of this experience.<br /><br />One of the most valuable tweeters I found to follow as an artist is nikolena (Nicolette Tallmadge). She has some tweets on several "blog radio" sessions she has done on "<a href="http://bit.ly/2xAnqv">7 Things You Can Do Today To Get More Traffic To Your Art Website</a>." I listened to just one installment and came away with loads of information -- just in time for the Christmas season.<br /><br />I just don't want to end up like the TV commercial where the teenagers are totally embarrassed by the dad and mom who are tweeting in their presence about totally nonsensical stuff. If you do want to start getting my tweets (which I promise will be fun quotes and artistic tips -- not what I had for lunch), my twitter name is VintageLegacy. I've put a link showing my tweets today in the left-hand bar of the blog.<a href="http://bit.ly/2xAnqv"><span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content"></span></span></a>Judi Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078186000327079499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474708912267008550.post-8912109842220961582009-09-09T17:05:00.009-06:002009-09-09T17:30:29.630-06:001,000 Ways of Getting Rich -- From the Experts of 1890<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFo6lupYLoyhhvR2NBZ-rh5Vkih8mwWRQQVxQdCoVomVPkGAJttwIK3W5FEx9uyu3pGiNN2hYFwv7TfWuv2syUftBwdbyaOPBHA_PBBBhbo5p-y1SQcb9mj9bmfenNJa8_fkrVBphCkw/s1600-h/Etsy+9.9.09+010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFo6lupYLoyhhvR2NBZ-rh5Vkih8mwWRQQVxQdCoVomVPkGAJttwIK3W5FEx9uyu3pGiNN2hYFwv7TfWuv2syUftBwdbyaOPBHA_PBBBhbo5p-y1SQcb9mj9bmfenNJa8_fkrVBphCkw/s200/Etsy+9.9.09+010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379610337175487442" border="0" /></a><br />I just listed a terrific antique book published in 1890 for sale in my <a href="http://vintagelegacystudio.blogspot.com/">Etsy shop</a>. It is actually two books in one: <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">The Compendium of Cookery and Reliable Recipes</span> and <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">The Book of Knowledge, or 1,000 Ways of Getting Rich</span>.<br /><br />The treasured recipes and tips within these two books will have you howling, both with delight and incredulity. Of course, 119 years ago, this volume was published in all seriousness. And . . . many of the tips are very user-friendly for us today. Great-great-grandmother would be considered to be very green in how she followed the old addage, "use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" in following the advise within its pages.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieCsTLM07UsshJIi8pmO90TW7xQcDeaxUjIp4uPOuJ3iKoM2WDOtKC3OxWjjZL2qW5qMGUUp4LjkNVEb3n7-c-3bCtvqdJny-um6MgxME4eUPKU5sdv82plNL63YUAy5HU3b3MzTFbME8/s1600-h/Etsy+9.9.09+011.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 156px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieCsTLM07UsshJIi8pmO90TW7xQcDeaxUjIp4uPOuJ3iKoM2WDOtKC3OxWjjZL2qW5qMGUUp4LjkNVEb3n7-c-3bCtvqdJny-um6MgxME4eUPKU5sdv82plNL63YUAy5HU3b3MzTFbME8/s200/Etsy+9.9.09+011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379610764460126738" border="0" /></a><br />Here are some of the more humorous selections:<br /><br />"To Sweeten Meat: A little charcoal thrown into the pot will sweeten meat that is a little old. Not if is in anyway tainted -- then it is then not fit to eat -- but only if kept a little longer than makes it quite fresh."<br /><br />"Moths in Carpets: Persons troubled with carpet moths may get rid of them by scrubbing the floor with strong hot salt and water before laying the carpet, and sprinkling the carpet with salt once a week before sweeping."<br /><br />"A Good Wash for Hair: One pennyworth of borax, half a pint of olive-oil, one pint of boiling water. Mode: Pour the boiling water over the borax and oil; let it cool; then put the mixture into a bottle. Shake it before using, and apply it with a flannel. Camphor and borax, dissolved in boiling water and left to cool, make a very good wash for the hair; as also does rosemary water mixed with a little borax. After using any of these washes, when the hair becomes thoroughly dry, a little pomatum or oil should be rubbed in, to make it smooth and glossy."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBrgWSv2I1XxfIEA_WWKLPDcnKhYGHa6ACJFU6ctqQztEijy3ubYprMK0CBAgqBGNVai4L66M-c2Q653LHvyw_rCfDj_h_jnB6GuMujq5JCQ-ayKPwjZQkItG72IEgqxQMKerR8_2-X4/s1600-h/Etsy+9.9.09+014.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBrgWSv2I1XxfIEA_WWKLPDcnKhYGHa6ACJFU6ctqQztEijy3ubYprMK0CBAgqBGNVai4L66M-c2Q653LHvyw_rCfDj_h_jnB6GuMujq5JCQ-ayKPwjZQkItG72IEgqxQMKerR8_2-X4/s200/Etsy+9.9.09+014.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379612937435773634" border="0" /></a><br />On the practical side, there are some wonderful recipes -- for everything from making wine and simple sauces to making candy and taffy. The selections on canning and preserving make this book worth its weight in gold! The Book of Knowledge section gives hints and tips on everything from making your own ink, to a cement you can make to mend broken china. Here's a tip for removing indelible ink stains (very green indeed):<br /><br />"Soak the stained spot in strong salt water, then wash it with ammonia. Salt changes the nitrate of silver into chloride of silver, and ammonia dissolves the chloride."Judi Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078186000327079499noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474708912267008550.post-49178331504605236942009-09-07T11:17:00.007-06:002009-09-07T11:43:30.097-06:00Learning to Take Better Pictures<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dPCavLwekUQdRAxcWjMqrjlaXHWh-iR0mjC0vTSEQq7MnmGZxQGoJzoQWgIilbjCI5iNLz__OaLrA0WMzsm1TPgt4kAwZPxUaGBlUW_SwUug8IhMOUslWndgd3M_V4_CUd3P-Hr4rLg/s1600-h/Etsy+9.7.09+021.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dPCavLwekUQdRAxcWjMqrjlaXHWh-iR0mjC0vTSEQq7MnmGZxQGoJzoQWgIilbjCI5iNLz__OaLrA0WMzsm1TPgt4kAwZPxUaGBlUW_SwUug8IhMOUslWndgd3M_V4_CUd3P-Hr4rLg/s200/Etsy+9.7.09+021.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378777303360037826" border="0" /></a><br /><br />One of the criteria for taking good pictures, I'm struggling to learn, is using the manual settings on your digital camera. That, and choosing the best background and overall lighting. I have been working on taking pictures of one of my new creations for my shop on <a href="http://vintagelegacystudio.etsy.com">Etsy</a>, and I'm having more trouble than I thought I would. I would like your help, please. Here are some pictures, the one above taken in a lighter room using my setting for tungsten light -- without a flash.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5q2PuiwiWiBtNk_nTBrDT2Yht8JC8tgyskzyX0QmBZwfQNgj33GtFRWp6ve4BY9bo9hI-OYtATnn7sgElltnjm__sRGCKcT4ajgwY6ewezDr3sXfnTUSHqqQjXcpOaTw3Kvh7b4M6PY/s1600-h/Etsy+9.7.09+008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5q2PuiwiWiBtNk_nTBrDT2Yht8JC8tgyskzyX0QmBZwfQNgj33GtFRWp6ve4BY9bo9hI-OYtATnn7sgElltnjm__sRGCKcT4ajgwY6ewezDr3sXfnTUSHqqQjXcpOaTw3Kvh7b4M6PY/s200/Etsy+9.7.09+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378777467904856786" border="0" /></a><br />The second one is in a different room with overhead lighting and a wood table. I still used the setting for tungsten lighting, no flash. Any suggestions? Here's a close-up shot -- again, same settings.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqA4oQxEBt4rPKnZqB7yPARwwfbC7exJvsQ960jcUia1TlzJ1ca86-SlYS_-erlcsNCuiqT4FZ5ys0OAHCq2wdfKrjAkMDkmd6tc_2N8uzmElz01Wh6buVHoKr-KoXYAjgV6JV0A3UXc/s1600-h/Etsy+9.7.09+011.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqA4oQxEBt4rPKnZqB7yPARwwfbC7exJvsQ960jcUia1TlzJ1ca86-SlYS_-erlcsNCuiqT4FZ5ys0OAHCq2wdfKrjAkMDkmd6tc_2N8uzmElz01Wh6buVHoKr-KoXYAjgV6JV0A3UXc/s200/Etsy+9.7.09+011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378778356352610210" border="0" /></a>Judi Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078186000327079499noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474708912267008550.post-43270563904959409162009-09-04T15:24:00.004-06:002009-09-04T15:42:08.918-06:00Sunflower Splendor<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0og0_gNZiRu8E-4DWdmBeVQeQMkb34pJ42GuTWjbPy3fT7tTXzAN0YEDuCbbf79xnpbYL71vh16X_dp73ryiPkTJdOGXOyFJdbAXrNDEsF_Y5NooIYE616KIjXpOQmUhuwcOUMYeWpSM/s1600-h/Etsy+8.30.09+006+rain.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 184px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0og0_gNZiRu8E-4DWdmBeVQeQMkb34pJ42GuTWjbPy3fT7tTXzAN0YEDuCbbf79xnpbYL71vh16X_dp73ryiPkTJdOGXOyFJdbAXrNDEsF_Y5NooIYE616KIjXpOQmUhuwcOUMYeWpSM/s200/Etsy+8.30.09+006+rain.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377730709108395026" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVnBPjrfIuv1sTzard2nYMEhPUqUnMU_7CmfuA6SwSSvoz9RguNIVJy3zybl19KTEYjz0rxY6kSFMy9l1SAbR3rAyMs1es-dmZkD7BBkXBQA7sRam-bJMUsFqsrS3EpifCieyfnpXUgI/s1600-h/Etsy+9.4.09+007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVnBPjrfIuv1sTzard2nYMEhPUqUnMU_7CmfuA6SwSSvoz9RguNIVJy3zybl19KTEYjz0rxY6kSFMy9l1SAbR3rAyMs1es-dmZkD7BBkXBQA7sRam-bJMUsFqsrS3EpifCieyfnpXUgI/s200/Etsy+9.4.09+007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377730347546975234" border="0" /></a><br />The hail we got in our area this summer pretty well obliterated our tomatoes and vegetable garden, but the sunflowers have been amazing. I've never seen such a glorious array! It has been fun to use them in staging photos of my vintage items and artwork for sale in my <a href="http://vintagelegacystudio.etsy.com/">Etsy</a> shop.<br /><br />I have also used them in simple bouquets for my desk. They always make me smile. I know it is bound to turn cold and they will bow their heads, giving up the last of the summer sun very soon. That's why I decided to write an ode to their cheery faces today.Judi Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078186000327079499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474708912267008550.post-54751883653270438932009-08-16T16:29:00.006-06:002009-08-16T16:44:40.167-06:00Recycling Vintage Handkerchiefs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Bd_jIWnqhU0ayvQ1czy-fCHr8foLU_U5APcuTykeL6773lhwaGUEvhPVlI0ymHcUopxT7hXz_Xe4Sp0cQ0xvPCMkdQDSaigjJDD2Zai3OpABcpF_vMuuiMga1npBINvStw4zv42EYzs/s1600-h/Etsy+Pics+8.16.09+007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 164px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Bd_jIWnqhU0ayvQ1czy-fCHr8foLU_U5APcuTykeL6773lhwaGUEvhPVlI0ymHcUopxT7hXz_Xe4Sp0cQ0xvPCMkdQDSaigjJDD2Zai3OpABcpF_vMuuiMga1npBINvStw4zv42EYzs/s200/Etsy+Pics+8.16.09+007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370695909985847538" border="0" /></a><br />I have been de-cluttering my sewing space so I have more room for creating. When I came across a dozen vintage handkerchiefs I had cut in half for a quilt top years ago, I just could not toss them out! I doubted my local charity would take them -- they would probably throw them away. I did not think it likely I could sell them. So. . .they sat on my desk for a few days. The more I looked at them, the more they spoke to me.<br /><br />The day I took a trip to my local bead shop (Ka-Gina's Beads in Arvada, CO), inspiration struck. I found some great Pandora-style glass beads that reminded me of the hankies! After a trip home to get the handkerchief halves for matching, I was busy creating. In fact, I haven't been able to stop! They are so much fun to make. Each one includes vintage lace, loops of beads, little puff beads I have made to tie in the colors and even some vintage buttons!<br /><br />The real fun came on the day I wore my first one to work. One of my co-workers (a young 25-yr-old) told me she thought they were every bit as great as the ones she had seen at Anthropologie! "But yours are unique and one-of-a-kind!" was the final compliment to seal me on giving them a shot in my store on <a href="http://vintagelegacystudio.etsy.com/">Etsy</a>. My daughter-in-law came to model them, so I just posted the first two up for sale today. The one you see here is one of my favorites I'll be posting up a little later in the week.<br /><br />So, what do you think?Judi Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078186000327079499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474708912267008550.post-79146804734695064512009-08-09T15:33:00.004-06:002009-08-09T15:49:31.347-06:00Back to Creating<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NQSXPhLFFWngQI1DeZavQzTvwO-mjcARyxoFg5W3qhW_0Rq_Rpx0A-WdfZoyaw9DRYUgonxOmLzAeWu00HAh1XhSwh0CyitrF4QLFITyUCvQ6VEYLw4_8GKKUYfq_Vo34_APwO7NsV8/s1600-h/Etsy+Pics+8.7.09+001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NQSXPhLFFWngQI1DeZavQzTvwO-mjcARyxoFg5W3qhW_0Rq_Rpx0A-WdfZoyaw9DRYUgonxOmLzAeWu00HAh1XhSwh0CyitrF4QLFITyUCvQ6VEYLw4_8GKKUYfq_Vo34_APwO7NsV8/s200/Etsy+Pics+8.7.09+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368083971220891378" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyl6LiLhVlIx0xYy_gNZAEeyun7rxxd94DNugLPlSJgmnZtm0nS6z-ueI5aoYrSTCPtIs-dEfsEKaRe5fTlf9CkKlgjQfzzKwdELPUawxgTiGU3bzF8akwFIvRm-hAn9QHIz0ehX74n0/s1600-h/Etsy+Pics+8.7.09+005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyl6LiLhVlIx0xYy_gNZAEeyun7rxxd94DNugLPlSJgmnZtm0nS6z-ueI5aoYrSTCPtIs-dEfsEKaRe5fTlf9CkKlgjQfzzKwdELPUawxgTiGU3bzF8akwFIvRm-hAn9QHIz0ehX74n0/s200/Etsy+Pics+8.7.09+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368083794599130002" border="0" /></a><br />So why haven't I blogged since last Christmas season? Wow! If I'm honest, it's because I also haven't been honoring my own life mission statement! The first phrase includes "designing space to grow, empowering myself and others to be creative." Well, if you don't give yourself space to grow, it's pretty impossible to empower yourself or others to be creative -- DUH!<br /><br />So, I decided that my day job just cannot take priority in my life anymore. Maybe that's because when a bad economic environment shakes up the hours and pay one for the job, you begin to ask yourself some serious questions about what you want to be doing with your time and energy.<br /><br />Yep, I could say it has something to do with the job -- but it also really has to do with ME. What are the choices I've been making? Do I want to make different ones? Yes, I do -- so you will see me more often, I hope (unless I am very busy creating). Even then, I do want to share with you how I'm empowering myself in that creative process so I can truly honor the latter part of that mission statement about empower others to also be creative.<br /><br />I've done a few of the things I was doing two years ago (they are posted now in my Etsy shop: <a href="http://vintagelegacystudio.etsy.com/">http://vintagelegacystudio.etsy.com</a> and I've included a couple of pictures here -- but I'm also exploring all kinds of new creativity! I am messing around with making flowers out of vintage '40s and '50s hankies, I'm writing about some of the things I've done in a "how to" on <a href="http://www.ehow.com/">ehow.com</a> (you can find my articles by my user name there: CoachJudiB) and I'm also researching ways of possibly bringing the books to print that I wrote several years ago. So, trail along with me on this journey and we'll explore some creativity together.Judi Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078186000327079499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474708912267008550.post-25131879253396014872009-01-07T15:41:00.003-07:002009-01-07T16:56:56.106-07:00Winter Wonderland<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNllRT89sG1W1jopoSVpFMqva9IVybVQWcQUGXSYwhcti-NhKNKWxiAutVj_Jut_83IfQ836zgeQ7iIBfnaW5iejHH0nbRlf5R-G3H7B8onofRDAWc35kMi5w3Rl6T2RMglPCkkHxaDPA/s1600-h/December+08+Snowmen+2.bmp"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNllRT89sG1W1jopoSVpFMqva9IVybVQWcQUGXSYwhcti-NhKNKWxiAutVj_Jut_83IfQ836zgeQ7iIBfnaW5iejHH0nbRlf5R-G3H7B8onofRDAWc35kMi5w3Rl6T2RMglPCkkHxaDPA/s200/December+08+Snowmen+2.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288705081752408482" border="0" /></a><br />I had so much fun creating the mixed media sparkling snowmen from the December Cloth Paper Scissors magazine cover! I used part of my Christmas vacation from work to make five sets of three each of these unique characters. They were grouped in festive form down the center of my very long table on Christmas Day -- and then I surprised each of my 5 daughter-in-laws by having them choose a set to take home with them.<br /><br />One of the things that made them special was being able to incorporate some of my grandmother's old costume jewelry into the making of their hats and necklaces.Judi Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078186000327079499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474708912267008550.post-41443886622459807952007-08-20T16:40:00.001-06:002007-08-20T16:45:25.582-06:00Altered Art Fabric Postcard<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYxjQk4q9E2nc8WJAy85OBh9jL2BvFx17xnzwNlHf3ZgHZ_w7VdzPVuODsV6Mid9Pk9viEQtJyoBY2mgGGE3BT3IQNyR0UXNYxk-IoUCkgQBgaywxh1FTdEQwJNfX2E061RL2Hj5mVb0/s1600-h/Postcard+for+Jo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100917197373785058" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYxjQk4q9E2nc8WJAy85OBh9jL2BvFx17xnzwNlHf3ZgHZ_w7VdzPVuODsV6Mid9Pk9viEQtJyoBY2mgGGE3BT3IQNyR0UXNYxk-IoUCkgQBgaywxh1FTdEQwJNfX2E061RL2Hj5mVb0/s200/Postcard+for+Jo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I have really been having fun creating altered fabric postcards for swapping with my friends in the Fabric in Altered Art Yahoo group. I just tried layering with fusible web, fibers, rubber stamping, net and more on one that went out in today's mail to Jo. (Don't peek Jo, if you don't want to see it before you get it!) </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Making these postcards is sorta like eating M&Ms -- You just can't stop! I still have a hard time believing they actually go through the mail -- but they do. The ones I've been receiving in turn have come through with flying colors (literally!). And, just think what fun the postal carriers are getting as each one passes through their hands.</div>Judi Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078186000327079499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474708912267008550.post-8353370117211761222007-08-06T12:19:00.000-06:002007-08-06T13:07:25.232-06:00Grandmother's GardenThank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers over the past week. They are deeply appreciated. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFQcC0GG9C4jBS7N3BzcnaW8FTimEaIHmpKedR9QfTgH6hsx4PNb8TGPwFuYrq9esSnY-3yFpwmnsz98VhFKQkG5NfxppZGIX00tGx8AqAgbO9YeJqxIPOkb9HVaojcviFxW5vMtOH7o/s1600-h/Roses+are+Red+Trio.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095656135521832114" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFQcC0GG9C4jBS7N3BzcnaW8FTimEaIHmpKedR9QfTgH6hsx4PNb8TGPwFuYrq9esSnY-3yFpwmnsz98VhFKQkG5NfxppZGIX00tGx8AqAgbO9YeJqxIPOkb9HVaojcviFxW5vMtOH7o/s200/Roses+are+Red+Trio.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I just got back from a quick trip to Kansas over the weekend where my family history is as rich as the soil my pioneer forebearers tilled. One of the houses we visited holds very dear memories for me as a girl -- the house of one of my sets of Great Grandparents. My great grandmother had the most wonderful garden out back -- filled with hollyhocks, bachelor's buttons, roses and more. Those memories inspired my latest Ebay offering -- a trio of ACEOs pictured here. They also inspired a column on Grandmother's Garden I wrote a few years ago:<br /><br /><strong>Grandmother’s Garden</strong><br /><br /><em>“The garden and the garden gate are often prominent objects in the picture of home memories, not for the Mauds who have met their lovers there and plighted their juvenile affections to each other, but because some of the sweetest memories are associated with flowers and fields and shady trees and green velvet lawns.”<br /></em>from The Hearthstone; or, Life at Home, by Laura C. Holloway, 1889<br /><br />June 1898<br /><br />Fondest greetings to you, my dear friends! Do you hear the creak of a porch swing? I am savoring its gentle sway in the soft rose-scented breeze wafting its way around Grandmother Olsen’s porch where I sit writing to you. Memories of my girlhood surround me. . .<br /><br />On bright June days of long ago, I slipped my hand into Grandmother’s as we walked past the front door propped open by the cast-iron bulldog doorstop I loved to play with, and pushed through the screened door onto the breezy porch. I would clutch her hand more tightly, querying her as to our destination, endeavoring to keep my balance while my short four-year-old legs struggled down the porch steps. At her reply that we were going to cut flowers for bringing into the house, my nose twitched at the thought of the heady fragrances awaiting me in Grandmother’s flower garden.<br /><div align="left"><br />On one such trip I asked her if she would make me a hollyhock lady; another summer day, a leaf boat. Grandmother always nodded her “yes” and often replied that, if we were quiet, we might even catch a flower fairy making herself a dress of a hollyhock blossom or a tiger lily.<br />Then, as we pushed through the whitewashed garden gate, startled butterflies taking wing before us testified to the treasures within. On either side of the path, daisies nodded their innocent greeting, bachelor’s buttons beckoned and bright red poppies waved. As Grandmother drew her shears from her apron pocket, the shimmering beauty of nearby buttercups inevitably sparked my query of, “Grandmother, are they made of butter?” </div><div align="left"><br />A little farther down the path, the pungent grape-scent of tall purple iris triggered my asking Grandmother if we could have a glass of juice when we went back indoors. Between answers to my chatter-box questions, Grandmother always hummed a tune under her breath as she pinched off dead blossoms and cut fresh blooms to fill her vases. She obviously delighted in her task, savoring each flower she came to in hovering, bumble-bee fashion. Then, in unhurried fashion, as we headed back indoors, arms filled with sweet peas and lavendar, heliotrope and gilly flower, Grandmother quoted some trifling poem her garden brought to mind. I leave you with one of my favorites by Charles Lamb:</div><div align="left"><br />“In my poor mind it is most sweet to muse<br />Upon the days gone by; to act in thought’<br />Past seasons o’er, and be again a child;<br />To sit in fancy on the turf-clad slope,<br />Down which the child would roll; to pluck gay flowers<br />Make posies in the sun, which the child’s hand (Childhood offended soon, soon reconciled,)<br />Would throw away, and straight take up again,<br />Then fling them to the winds, and o’er the lawn<br />Bound with so playful and so light a foot,<br />That the press’d daisy scarce declined her head.”<br /><br />Affectionately yours,<br />Abigail Bradshaw<br /><br /><br />Copyright, 2000, 2007, Judi Brandow, all rights reserved</div><div align="left">*****</div><div align="left">Life is short! Smell the roses every day!</div>Judi Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078186000327079499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474708912267008550.post-62444769590413692392007-07-26T14:27:00.000-06:002007-07-26T15:02:01.591-06:00Through the Eyes of a Child<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnj-Q4mtfxBwdxsevTVF7wPElhUHFTZyvxFZbSWX4yUVMFh-S_PcmuVpliDMyrLgBALD_DiDx95ETfI2uSkDOSK25H_K12SGhDxoZY2KGq1SQYyp0-A2F-yRce5V5Ckq3f243RBX4Ilg/s1600-h/Finished+Triptych.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091612745935195298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnj-Q4mtfxBwdxsevTVF7wPElhUHFTZyvxFZbSWX4yUVMFh-S_PcmuVpliDMyrLgBALD_DiDx95ETfI2uSkDOSK25H_K12SGhDxoZY2KGq1SQYyp0-A2F-yRce5V5Ckq3f243RBX4Ilg/s200/Finished+Triptych.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><div><div><br /><div>I am struggling with intense grief today as I write this. Three of my youngest son's friends were killed in an accident when the SUV they went off-roading in flipped and rolled yesterday afternoon. The driver had been in my home just the day before eating pizza and joking around with me as we chatted. His last words to me as he left were that he would be seeing me tonight. He ususally came for dinner and a Bible study here on Thursdays.<br /></div><br /><div>Interestingly, yesterday I had been hard at work on finishing the artwork I shared with you on my blog my last post, asking for comments. (And thank you all for your very insightful remarks. I appreciate every one. ) I have it finished, and I have titled the piece -- now a triptych -- "Through the Eyes of a Child."<br /></div><div>Even though the boys who died were 20, 18, and 15, they were still really just children -- so filled with awe and wonder that they thought it was a lark to go off-roading through a tall field of grass. They had no way of knowing there was a rock in the way that would flip them into the air. Some people have been leaving comments on the 9news.com website here in Colorado (see the link under links if you wish to read the story) speaking of their stupidity. Did they make a wise choice? No, probably not. But, they were seeing life through the eyes of a child yesterday -- and I personally want to remember them that way so I don't become embittered and lose my own ability to view life with awe and wonder. </div><br /><div>I am praying for the families of these lost sons. As a mother of six sons, my heart goes out to them knowing how often my own have taken risks in their pursuit of a thrill. I am posting the finished artwork in their memory and as a reminder that life will always be too short. Even so, may we count every moment precious -- and view it through child-like eyes -- with awe and wonder. Steven L. Sweet, Jacob Pyte and "little brother of K" may you rest in peace and may your joyful child-like laughter fill heaven's fields of grass and echo against the mountain's majesty there. Steven, especially, you were a treasure I look forward to meeting again one day when the Lord calls me home.</div></div></div></div>Judi Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078186000327079499noreply@blogger.com5