This engraving is from my collection and once appeared in the British publication 'The Guardian', December 25th 1859. As you can see we have always enjoyed decorating our homes, shops and places of worship with symbols of the season.
Now we begin to bake, cook, decorate and search for gifts to express ourselves with the things we hold close to the heart. Just remember to take it all in stride and do not be overwhelmed.
These words of wisdom written to a young lass named Katie in December of 1881 says it all.
"It is not much the world can give
With all it's subtle art;
And gold and gems are not the things
To satisfy the heart:
But oh if those who cluster round
The alter and the hearth,
Have gentle words and loving smiles
How beautiful is earth."
16 comments:
I love the engraving...you can "feel" what it was like at that time. The poem is delightful.
Love the engraving...Fabulous!!
Kimberlee
A beautiful engraving, but even more beautiful is the sweet poem!
A truer thing has never been said.
xo Lidy
Hello Susan,
I love the beautiful holiday engraving, and the beautiful poem, so
true it is we get caught up in thing
that don't really matter....Thank you
for sharing Pinkie Denise
oh Susan this poem is so true...we do get so wrapped up in the mundane,and commerciality of life. I run, as a hobby because I love the countryside around my home, there are times when it is so beautiful and peaceful that it makes me cry with the sheer joy of just being there.
Your poem is a good reminder of that .
Kindest wishes
Lynn xx
Lovely...and oh so wise!
What beautiful words!
Susan, I answered your email a few days ago, but didn't get a reply. Possibly it went to your junk folder?
Susan- you KNOW how I feel about engravings. It may be a "Hey, look over there!, trick so I sneak it away from you!!It's just gorgeous!
D.
Susan, thank you so much for the lovely birthday wishes you left me today. So touching, so eloquent. Many, many thanks!
Susan,
It is indeed a beautiful engraving! And the words are what it's all about.
Christine
Dear Susan,
Thank you for the lead on the tree,
let me think is it, maybe, pink?
Pinkie
Greetings Susan,
What a lovely engraving and the poem is beautiful! I think it says it all!
Joyce
The poem made me stop and think of how lucky most of us are. You have a way of plucking at the heartstrings, Susan. Thank you.
Beautiful sentiment Miss Maddie, and do you think it's okay if I just into that engraving and join the festivities?
Thanks for your kind words.
I got through everything!
xox
Constance
Lovely words... young Miss Katie must have been wise beyond her years. Thank you for sharing your beautiful engraving with us too.
'Gentle words and loving smiles' do indeed a season make! Beautiful post and so important to remember...
Post a Comment