Timeless

Having spent a great deal of time in libraries, resource rooms and halls of genealogy the lure of leather bound volumes stacked in unison upon the shelves is intriguing.



The smell of an old book is timeless just like the contents emanating from its pages.



'Tis not musty or dusty, lost or forlorn. Perhaps it is the lingering scent of human hands that have turned its aged pages to partake of its wisdom and translations within.
* From the BBC Sense and Sensibility Elinor in the Library.

Nostalgia

Long before the advent of radio, television or the internet advertising took various forms. Broadsheets, newspapers and monthly periodicals all had classified advertising.

* from The Guardian June 27, 1857

In the 19th century it reached a new level when illustrations and colour were added.

Forms of chromolithography were used extensively and advertising cards came to life in vivid colour. These in turn were handed out as a promotion of a product. Much of this is what we think of today and collect in the form of trade cards.


Designed to cater to the public perception of purity, beauty and romance...the ones created for the female market advertised such trade names as Clark's thread, Pear's soap, Hawthorn's Root Beer...names reminiscent to the past still known today.


Available at flea markets, antique shops and Gramma's attic these little tokens make an interesting pastime.


I shall be off transcribing a journal from the 1860's for a local library. Having had the opportunity to read pages within it already, I too know they will be filled with nostalgia. Enjoy your January.

* Cards and newspaper all from my personal collection.

The Duchess

If you liked Marie then you will enjoy The Duchess. For as in the
tale of Antoinette, the Duchess of Devonshire is a story of tragedy,
lost love, commitment and devotion.

Recently released to DVD it is a splendid period piece filled with
intrigue, evocative costumes and a glimpse of rich upper English
society as well as a woman's place and purpose in history.

It is well worth a looksee... to wile away a winter's eve.

Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire by Thomas Gainsborough, 1787 The Devonshire Collection

To Dream...

The last few moments of daylight that linger just before passing into evening when the sun has set and the final rays of light reflect off the clouds...twilight.

And so these are the last few days of this year as the calendar prepares to pass into 2009.

Wishing you health, love and wisdom but most important to dream... for dreaming is the moment that ignites the mind, body and soul.

To Each and Every One Of You

Please click to view larger image.

Memories

Tucked away amidst the folded lacey tablecloths lies a tissue wrapped treasure from childhood. Each Christmas season it is removed from its confines to be cherished again...


Please visit Wealthy's Bonnet for The Christmas Pageant.

* A very special thank you to Karen Otto of Amusments for her ability of envisioning a creation of the present to enhance a tale from the past.

Through The Looking Glass

I must admit I have an obsession for mirrors. Not for vanity's sake but for their ability to reflect the images that are before them.

Can you imagine the amazement of the young lass who gazed down into the pool of water as she knelt to rinse her silken long tresses in its ripples. To look upon her image looking back at her must have been mysterious.

Or the beautiful Renaissance woman tilting the hand-held silvered looking glass to catch sight of the jewels twinkling in her crown. Making sure each strand of pearls was perfect before entering the chamber where her husband awaited...



As the daylight hours shorten and darkness spreads her cloak about the land, mirrors can reflect the subtle light held within the room. Be it candle, lamp or chandelier each ray refracted and sent back from whence it came...