Thursday, February 28, 2008

Friendship




For years I have collected late 19th century autograph books. Little treasures filled with beautiful penmanship, prose, words of wisdom and love.

Each one reflecting the owner’s location, people in her life and the heartfelt passages that were shared among themselves.

I feel that way about my blog. Tidbits of my life told to those with something in common. Visiting with other bloggers to read and indulge in their passions, pictures, sorrows and dreams.

There are some I favor, others I find intriguing and a few are absolutely fantastic. Blogs have the ability to allow me to travel to places I only dreamed about. They give me the opportunity to share a kind word with someone that is sad, lonely, or heartbroken.

Blogging is like those small booklets that were passed around amongst friends and acquaintances so one could leave a few words, many years ago…

‘In the golden chain of friendship,
Reserve one link for me.'

May 24, 1882

Yours truly, Emily Spence



15 comments:

Christine LeFever said...

What a beautiful sentiment,Susan. And, your little autograph book collection is beauty beyond measure! I've never seen such pretties, anywhere. I am so happily impressed.

Christine

Pinkie Denise said...

Oh, what a beautiful post Miss Maddie...I don't know if I have ever
seen a autograph album , these are so
very lovely. I think the same about reading old postcards, a glimpse into
a moment of someones life, the ups and downs that carry us through...
friendship is so precious, something to be guarded and nurtured thank you for sharing such wonderful treasures today Pinkie Denise

Lana Manis said...

Those little books are such treasures Susan! I don't think you could have chosen a more appropriate sentiment for blogging friends.

Lori said...

Miss Maddie, your autograph books are lovely...and i feel the same way about blogging, i have made some wonderful friends in blogland, and i hope i have encouraged and up~lifted some girls along the way:)

Suzanne said...

Beautiful post and lovely sentiment Susan. I agree, through blogging many friendships have developed. And I can go through a range of emotions reading different blogs each day....laughter,sorrow,inspiration...awe!
The sweet autograph books are precious!

Carole said...

hello Susan. I just loved your post about the little 19th c. books. I never knew they had those way back when. What a neat thing to collect. Wish I was there to look at them with you. I do remember autograph books in the 50's. I loved them, had my own, and signed may a friend's. You brought back a memory that I had forgotten. Thank you so much for that.
Carole

Mom of 2 Roses said...

What a fun hobby and so well said! We are a fortunate bunch to be able to reach someone across the country or across the world and share our lives with them. Who would have ever thought that was possible 50 or even 20 years ago.
Hugs,
Laurie

Sea Angels said...

Hello Susan...I so love the comparison you have made of yesterday and today, and of your perception of the magic of shared friendship. Your inspiring post, lifted my heart, as your words always do, whenever you visit me.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Hugs Lynn xx

CathWren said...

I love the sweet sentimentality of those little autograph and calling card books, and the manner in which the Victorians expressed love and friendship. It was a gentler more innocent time, and your blog has captured that same quality.

Donna O'Brien said...

Susan, I feel the same way but you wrote it way more beautifully thank I ever could.
XO
D.

Dorian Fletcher said...

I've seen some of these on internet museum sites. I particularly love the ones that have little drawings and water color painting in them. I never had an autograph book myself - though I did own an "autograph hound" - a stuffed toy daschound(sp) that came complete with a ballpoint pen (I wonder whatever happened to him?)

rochambeau said...

Oh what beautiful post and what a amazing collection books Miss Maddie. Everything you've addressed here speaks to my heart! We are SO lucky!

xo
Constance

ShabbyInTheCity said...

Oh as if I weren't sentimental enough over blogging already! I need a tissue...:)
I found a great blog I've missed before!!! Can't wait to look around :)
Phyllis

Sherry said...

You've captured so well how I feel about blogging -- and I hadn't even connected it to autograph books (I had those -- what fun they were!). It's a wonderful way to travel throughout the world, meeting kindred spirits and sharing in the joys and sorrows of others.

Stacey said...

I have my Grandmother's friendship book from when she was in gradeschool~(the 1920's perhaps?) It is one of my most prized treasures! Thank you for reminding us of things that we hold dear and the gift of friendship found simply within blogs! I've been away longer than I'd like and I miss my dear friends! I have something for you also~ I haven't forgotten~