Lovely World

of birds and david bowie

I bought this book, "Birds that Hunt and are Hunted," at the library book sale last month. I liked that it was a book about birds, although the title is a little creepy.

The 48 illustrations are photographs of birds on a painted background. I think some of the photographs are hand painted as well. It was published in 1902.

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On a completely different note, here is a video of David Bowie's "Modern Love." I saw his "Serious Moonlight" tour with a friend when I was in high school. We were so excited we could barely contain ourselves. As I watched this video, it reminded me that back in the 1980s we had no cell phones, iphones, ipods, digital cameras, or video cameras. But, we did have big hair and interesting clothes. (If this doesn't play right here- just click the link to youtube)

 

reader

I bought this early reader at the library book sale a few weeks ago. It is a graphically-striking mid 20th century Russian or other slavic language book. Perhaps one of you dear readers recognizes the language?

I spent time thoroughly cleaning my work room over the weekend. It was very satisfying to clear the decks for new ideas.

Have a nice Tuesday. The sun is shining here, and we finally have a decent canopy of foliage developing on the trees. This is my favorite time of year.

poppytalk lavender

Thursday is lavender during Poppytalk's color week!

I've pulled out some vintage patchwork squares. The ones on top and bottom are quite old, from the early part of the 20th century. The one in the middle, signed by the maker in embroidery, was probably made a little later around the 1930s or 1940s. I like the middle patch of the top one - the little spade-shaped leaf pattern - and the bark-like pattern of the bottom one.

calling cards

Don't you wish you had a calling card? I imagine people handing these out at fancy parties. My favorite is the one with the peacock feather.

How about a merit card? I wish my children received merit cards with their names written out in beautiful calligraphy rather than the plastic crap they pull from the "treasure boxes" in their classrooms.

These cards belonged to my grandparents. There are many more in the collection.

Nice names: Minnie, Lettie, Clyde, and Arthur.

Looking forward to a high school basketball game tonight. My nephew is playing. He has worked very hard and is a strong player. It will be a pleasure to watch.

little bit of love

♥ A pink package in the mail.

♥ Inside the package is a beautiful heart embroidery from Barbara of Indiana Blue (she has more - go see!).

♥ Old photos of my sister and me as small children. Could our dresses be any shorter? That is me getting kissed by one of our horses.

♥ My painting of friends walking a tightrope. They look pretty secure in their journey. Probably because they are together.

dark and starry

I recently found this little vintage astronomy book. It is such a simple explanation of the constellations, yet so complete. I love the black and white illustrations.

In honor of these dark, dark days leading up to the winter solstice, and in an effort to continue using my watercolors every day this week, I chose to make a painting of the North Polar Stars. Black paint and white pen.

And in keeping with the black and white theme, here are some fun photo booth pictures of me and my kids made over the past few years in the old photo booth on the top floor of Thorne's Marketplace in Northampton.

paper alice

You never know what you will find in a public trash bin. Last week I found a terribly worn copy of a McKay's Colored Classic version of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There." This was likely published in the early 1900s. From the outside, it definitely looks like it deserved the trash bin. But, inside I found these vividly-colored illustrations. I have carefully removed them and will add them to my ever-growing collection of lovely paper ephemera.

my mom's little collections

My mother's house is full of collections and displays of pretty things. Family heirlooms and tag sale finds sit side by side. You wouldn't even believe what she has stowed away in her sewing room. She can't throw anything away.

I have inherited her tendency to collect, but am better at letting things go.

{Do you see the little pink birds sitting in the plant in the middle photo?}

Happy Friday.

 

round

 

I have been too busy. I don't like being too busy. I am wondering how to let go of some responsibilities or activities. Or maybe it is just this time of year.

I noticed recently that I have been drawn to round things. Of course, I have been covering far too many stones with crochet (hope it is not tiring to see two more). I have had the opportunity to visit two of the larger rivers in my area recently - the Deerfield and the Westfield - and was able to find some nice, smooth, round stones. Also, I came upon this little collection of old photo pins that I have acquired over the years (most gifts from my mother). I have no idea who those women are, but they are lovely objects in their own right.

Thank you all for your thoughtful comments on my last post. Of course, the devastation of the Gulf continues. I read today that beaches on the Florida panhandle are now coated in the oil. So discouraging. I made a pattern for a starfish this weekend. I'll show that soon. I do hope to create my own little seascape. In the meantime, I remembered a fantastic exhibit that is being shown in NYC right now at the Hanahou Gallery. It is titled "Lost at Sea." Please take a look at these beautiful works of art that textile artists have made.

illustrated world

I was the highest bidder (at the grand sum of $3.00) for this lovely book at the silent auction portion of our recent public library book sale.

Don't you love that title? Illustrated World, A Book for the Instruction and Amusement of Our Children

The illustrations attracted me. They were made in 1853, but are still vibrant in color. The first illustration is of a Turkish couple. The text states, "There does not exist a more honorable, friendly, and high-spirited character than the true Turkish provincial Aga, or Moslem country gentleman." The illustration with the three pigeons is my favorite.