Thursday, December 31, 2009

A Celebration of Friendship!

As the year 2009 closes and we look forward to 2010, I want to express to each and every one of my blogging friends just how grateful I am to have been fortunate enough to come to know you during the past year.

For adding me to your circle of friends, I thank you! For all your good wishes and support, I thank you! For adding so much enjoyment to my days, I thank you!

I am blessed by your kind and thoughtful friendships and I am honored to know you! The riches of your friendships reach far and wide. Thank you for coming into my home and heart!

May the new year bring blessings to you and yours
of boundless love, peace, and joy!

Happy New Year!

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Stuck in the Snow!


This great graphic is from a victorian alphabet book. The letter for this picture is U for Umbrella "to keep off the snow." We have a bit of snow here in Michigan and a bit more to come today so a snow-blower might be more in order than an umbrella! Still, we are used to the snow.

I learned to drive at an early age when my dad took me out on the back roads in summer and let me handle his old work car! But my driving in snow began when I was sixteen and taking the driver training class required for getting a license. There were three of us girls in the car with our teacher Mr. Beeler. Slipping and sliding along the country roads while everyone else was in math or English class was just too much fun! We felt like we were on an adventure...and truly we were!

One such day, when it was my turn to drive, I decided to take the road that passed in front of my home. Once in the neighborhood, I spotted my brother, home from college, shoveling a path to the back alley.

"Let's go and see my brother," I said excitedly.

"Uh...Coralie...I don't think that's a good idea," Mr. Beeler gasped. "We're going to get stuck in the snow and you'll all be late for your classes!"

"We'll be fine! We've got snow tires on...remember?" And I was off, driving down that alley against Mr. Beeler's better judgement and right into a heavy drift of snow! No amount of spinning the wheels would get us moving again.

Were we girls alarmed? Not at all! It was a true adventure and all we could do was giggle and laugh and laugh some more. But poor Mr. Beeler was beside himself. Still, being the quiet kind man he was, he just couldn't get too upset with us. After all, we were usually pretty well behaved!

"Don't worry, Mr. Beeler," I told him. "I'll get my brother to shovel us out!" Which is exactly what I did and and, though I'm pretty sure all of us girls were wishing we'd be late for class, it didn't turn out that way. We were back on our way to school in time for our next classes.

But that day in the snow, stuck on fun, and having the best of times just enjoying life was a memory to long be held in our hearts. There are many a snow day when I recall the kindness and patience of our dear old teacher, now long gone. And how he allowed us such freedom to be who, in fact, we were. Such kindness never goes unnoticed or unlearned!



To see more RUBY TUESDAY participants, hosted by WORK OF THE POET, click HERE!
Have a great day everyone and enjoy all the beautiful shades of red today!

Monday, December 28, 2009

Forget-Me-Nots for Vintage Ads!

Aren't these vintage illustrations used for ads just the best!
The colors and graphics are so beautiful!
I especially love the blues of these forget-me-nots!
Color them wonderful!

For more Monday Blues and to learn how to join, go to Smiling Sally's Blue Monday!
Thank you Sally for sharing this great blogging activity for all to join!

Happy Blue Monday everyone!

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Day by Day!

God give you, day by day, of Heavenly bread.
With crumbs of Love and Peace may you be fed!


For more inspirational thoughts and messages and
to share your own heartfelt words, please visit

Wishing you all a day filled with peace and love!

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Friday, December 25, 2009

Oh Holy Night!

Wishing everyone a blessed Christmas!

Thursday, December 24, 2009

While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks!

Wishing you a Happy, Healthy, and Holy Christmas Eve!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

A Christmas Wish for Ruby Tuesday!


I'm participating in RUBY TUESDAY today which is hosted by WORK OF THE POET!
To see more RUBY participants click HERE!
Have a great time everyone and enjoy all the beautiful shades of red today!

Monday, December 21, 2009

Happy Holidays on Blue Monday!


For more Monday Blues and to learn how to join, go to Smiling Sally's Blue Monday!
Thank you Sally for sharing this great blogging activity for all to join!

Happy Blue Monday everyone!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

As Countless as the Snowflakes!

A Christmas Wish
As countless as the snowflakes
May your Christmas blessings be!

As we look forward to the birthday of the Infant Jesus, let us remember those in need and keep them in our prayers. Let us share the many blessings of His gifts with generous hearts! For more inspirational thoughts and messages and to share your own heartfelt thoughts, please visit Spiritual Sundays.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Trimming the Tree Tradition for Pink Saturday!

Perry Como croons Oh Holy Night right in our very own living room. Mom and Dad, not completely convinced the newfangled invention called television is here to stay, have moved the trusty old radio only as far as the dining room.


“Truly a miracle," Mom murmurs, enchanted with the black and white snowy screen.


“Where do you want it?" Dad, stomping snow off his boots and hanging onto a freshly cut, sweet-scented, green spruce, hollers from the kitchen.


As Mom shows him the selected spot for this year's Christmas tree, I whip on my winter jacket, hat and mittens, speedily lace my figure skates, and flee—sailing down the street to the Dober Mining Location ice rink next to Trebilcock's house—making my getaway.


(I will not return until the strands of lights have all been safely unsnarled, sorted, and clipped to the tree.)


A man's job, Dad grapples, gripes, and grumbles, untangling the mess from the previous year, while I, skidding safely along the ice, hum Joy to the World and calculate the minutes until I'm sure the lights are strung in perfect symmetry. Only then, do I venture back to smooth the silver icicles with my little sister Connie, hang the old pink and lavender swirled balls, and watch while Dad plugs in the cord.


The lights flash on, flicker, and fade. Breathless, anxious, the family waits while Dad—grinding his teeth—screws a “good" bulb into each socket until at last the little tree is full-blown with multi-colored light. It is a masterpiece! Its shining stars sparkle in celebration, illuminating, reflecting Dad's grin which spreads from ear to ear...

Tradition!

Two Charming Christmas Books!

I received this beautiful children's book from Terra at Terra Garden. It was her giveaway prize which I was fortunate enough to win. When it came in the mail, I simply couldn't believe how beautiful all the artwork by David Hohn was. And the story God Gave Us Christmas by Lisa Tawn Bergren is itself a true Christmas charmer.

Additionally, Terra, along with several writer and artist friends has co-authored a Crafty Christmas book entitled A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts. This looks like a lot of creative fun-filled information and interesting items for the joy of Christmas. A perfect gift for self or friends! You can read more about it HERE.

Thank you so much Terra for this beautiful book!


Thursday, December 17, 2009

New Awards From Special Friends!

Thanks to all who have honored me with their kind thoughts and sweet awards! I appreciate each and every one of you, dear friends! Thank you so much for thinking of me!!!


From Manang Kim at: My Photography in Focus!


From Jordie-Girl at Blogging My Life!


From Stella at Stella by Starlight!


From Theresa at 612 Riverside!


11/20/09: From Carol of Old Glory Cottage!




From Jenny of The Unstoppable Spirit!



From Tammi, of Visions of Vintage!



From Mary of Vintage Comfort !



From Connie of The Cottage Loft!



From Doreen of Doreen's Miniatures.



From Carol of Old Glory Cottage!



Christine of Change of Heart!



From Benedetta of Primitive Folk Art!



From the Duchess of High Tea at Rose Tea Cottage!



From Jordiegirl at Jordie Girl Has flown the Nest!



From Doreen of Doreen's Miniatures!



Alena of Alena's Funky Fairy Shoppe!



From Doreen of Doreen's Miniatures!



From Laurie of Induge Your Shelf!



From Christine of Change of Heart!



From Nancy of Her Art Nest!



My very first award was received in February 2009 from my very dear friend Doreen of Doreen's Miniatures. Thank you so much Doreen!

Maggie and Her Happy Holiday Pups!

My grandniece Maggie and her sweet pups (L to R: Gaby, Myron, & Annie-O) wish you a safe and happy holiday season! Maggie works with her mom Jill and other volunteers to help raise funds & support for Our House of Hope K-9 Rescue in Illinois.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Christmas Kittens for Ruby Tuesday!


I'm participating in RUBY TUESDAY today which is hosted by WORK OF THE POET!
To see more RUBY participants click HERE!
Have a great time everyone and enjoy all the beautiful shades of red today!



Monday, December 14, 2009

Snow at Christmastime for Blue Monday!



For more Monday Blues and to learn how to join, go to Smiling Sally's Blue Monday!
Thank you Sally for sharing this great blogging activity for all to join!

Happy Blue Monday everyone!

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Give Me Thine Heart!


Hear ye not a voice from heaven
To the listening Spirit given?
Children come! It seems to say
Give your hearts to Me today,

Lord may we remember Thee
While from pain and sorrow free.
While our day is in its dew
While the clouds of life are few.

Then when night and age appear
Thou will chase each doubt and fear.
Thou our glorious Leader be
When the stars shall fade and flee.

Now to Thee, oh Lord, we come
In our morning's early bloom.
Breathe on us Thy grace divine
Touch our hearts and make them Thine!


As the birthday of the Infant Jesus approaches, let us remember those in need and keep them in our prayers. For more inspirational messages and to share your own heartfelt thoughts, please visit Spiritual Sundays. Blessings to all on this second Sunday before Christmas!

Friday, December 11, 2009

Candy Canes for Pink Saturday!

Using a recipe that has been handed down from one generation to another, the Spangler family of Bryan, Ohio has been making Candy Canes since 1906! Hundred of millions of the Spanglers' candy canes have been, and continue to be, shared and enjoyed around the world. They have even put together a brief history of the candy cane!

History of Candy Canes

The candy cane can be traced back to Germany in 1670.
Legend has it that the choirmaster at the Cologne
Cathedral handed out sugar sticks bent into the shape of
shepherds' staffs to keep his young singers quiet during
long services. In the mid-1800's, August Imgard of
Wooster, Ohio, began using candy canes as tree
decorations. Candy canes took on their familiar stripes
around the turn of the twentieth century. Today, people
enjoy candy canes as both ornaments and candy.

* * *

Candy Canes have long been one of my favorite holiday decorations! I love them especially because they remind my vintage-loving heart of an old-fashioned Christmas from times past!
I love them because they can be arranged beautifully as decorations for our holiday trees and then can just as easily be snatched away by a hungry little hand looking forward to a sugary sweet peppermint-flavored treat! I love them because they enhance the true meaning of Christmas with their once-a-year beauty—a lovely gift to the eye, the taste, and to the heart!


For more Pink Saturday posts, go to Bev's blog: How Sweet the Sound!

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Christmas Fairy on Stage!


After a charming performance as a Christmas angel, little Christmas Fairy Girl takes a bow!

I'm participating in RUBY TUESDAY today which is hosted by WORK OF THE POET! To see more RUBY participants click HERE!



Monday, December 7, 2009

I'm Okay! And My Mom Isn't BLUE Anymore!

I don't know what all the fuss was about! Just because the vet told my mom that she had to feed me peroxide and cold water yesterday to try to make me throw up the pill I probably swallowed...and just because she had to do this twice and it didn't work!

And just because we had to rush to my vet's office on an emergency call on Sunday and drive 50 miles to get there. And just because the vet put something stinging in my eye to make me throw up the pill I probably swallowed (and it still didn't work).

And just because I had all this stuff in my stomach and the vet fed me a large tube of black carbon to absorb everything including the pill I probably swallowed...

I don't know why my mom was so scared and worried! Because I'm fine! Today, my vet said I'm fine! And I feel fine! And I think my mom feels fine now too. I'm pretty sure she no longer has the Monday BLUES! She's been hugging me even more than usual and acting happy and relieved!

Anyway...I don't know what all the fuss was about! Honestly, I don't!
Signed: Bonnie Lass

My Mom Has the Monday Blues!

I have to go to the vet today so my mom can't blog until maybe later in the day. I had to go to the vet yesterday too...on emergency. My mom has the blues 'cause she's all worried about me 'cause she thought maybe I ate a pill. She wasn't sure but we had to go to the vet anyway. But I really didn't mind 'cause I got to ride in the car with my mom and dad and there's nothing I like better. (I don't have the blues...just my mom. She'll be back soon!) Signed: Bonnie Lass.

For more Monday Blues and to learn how to join, go to Smiling Sally's Blue Monday! Thank you Sally for sharing this great blogging activity for all to join!

Happy Blue Monday everyone!

Sunday, December 6, 2009

So Sing the Birds of the Fields!

Blessings to all on this third Sunday before Christmas! As the birthday of the Infant Jesus approaches, let us remember those in need and keep them in our prayers. For more inspirational thoughts and messages and to share your own heartfelt thoughts, please visit Spiritual Sundays.

Friday, December 4, 2009

A Christmas Memory for Pink Saturday!

When Mom asked what I wanted for Christmas, I couldn't decide what to tell her. There were two things I wanted—desperately! There was that sweet little red-eared gray stuffed elephant I'd seen at Krom's Department Store and the gorgeous grown-up white angora sweater on the mannequin at Scott's Smartwear. The problem was I didn't want to admit that, at thirteen, I still wanted a kid's toy. So I told her the sweater was the thing I wanted most. She said it was awfully grown up and the subject was dropped.

Figuring the sweater was a "no-go," I decided to explain that there was this little elephant...but Mom asked me point blank didn't I think I was too old for such things. I gave up talking about it but I didn't give up wishing. I dreamed of gray elephants and white angora sweaters...elephants in angora sweaters...elephants singing in angora sweaters...dancing!

"How about some new pajamas?" Mom asked.

"Okay." If she was looking for enthusiasm, she'd come to the wrong place!

"Christmas is not about getting, anyway, Mom said. "It's about giving."
Forget it, I thought, Christmas was going to be a big bust!

On Christmas morning, Mom handed me a pretty package. I figured, for sure, it was a new pair of pajamas and couldn't believe my eyes when I found, instead, the white angora sweater. I guessed, from Mom's choice of gifts, that she was telling me to grow up.

But later that day, just before bedtime, Mom walked into the living room where I was sitting—caught between the confusing world of growing up and that of childhood—staring in wonder at the Christmas lights. Her hands were behind her back and she was smiling.

"I thought you needed this more than a pair of new pajamas," she said, as she brought out the little red-eared gray elephant and placed it in my hands.

I can see the twinkle in my mother's eyes, still, as I think back to that Christmas when she gave me the greatest gift of all—the knowledge that, no matter how old you are, it's always okay to be a kid at heart.
I wish all you grown-up kids out there a heartfelt Christmas and thank my mom for her fun-loving spirit, her wisdom, and her love.


Be sure to visit my other Christmas Memory "Christmas Memories of Double Fudge Cakes" on my Free 1950's Recipe Blog, Charming Vintage Recipes! Thanks for stopping by!

For more Pink Saturday posts, go to Bev's blog: How Sweet the Sound!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

World's Largest Grandest 1896 Amusement!


I received this beautiful birthday puzzle from a friend who discovered it at The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village gift shop. This 1896 Barnum and Bailey poster portrays the sights and sounds of the circus as they might crowd into a child's dream.

The poem in yellow reads, "This smiling face is multiplied a million times a year whereas the children's mightiest friend these wonderous shows appear. With sunny gleams of fairyland, with scenes of merriest glee, with cute and cunning animals from either side the sea."

No matter how one feels about the circus of old, the colors of this picture are truly beautiful...vintage lovely and a joy to see!