As I peer out my office window, there are hints that it is, indeed, winter. I spy a snow pile at the end of a neighbor's driveway and a ribbon of the White along an old stone fence. Other than that, it could be early April, for the barren garden beds and dull green grass appear ready to spring to life. I watched a squirrel scamper past my kitchen window this morning while I was doing the dishes and I wondered whether the animals are confused. Normally, these little guys would be holed up, hibernating till the snow melts and their food supply appears once more. Not this year. I can't decide if we'll have skinny squirrels and bunnies in the spring because they got lots of exercise throughout this strange winter or if they'll be fat from the bountiful food supply. Hmmm. We'll have to wait and see ... Baking banana bread was on my "to do" list today. I'm loving the King Arthur Whole Wheat Banana Bread recipe that I shared a few weeks ago. After I got that done, I ran to Joann's, the Salvation Army, and met my mom for lunch at Cracker Barrel. I asked her to bring me the Valentine's Day themed antique postcards from the large pile she got at a garage sale in November. These are true antiques with postmarks dating from 1901 - 1920. I thought I'd share them with you today as they're so darn cute! And how do you like that sweet flower frog? I bought it last weekend at the estate sale I posted about earlier in the week. I think it was $.25.  This one was sent by Hulda. You can just make out her pencil signature on the left. The postmark date is 1901.  I have traveled in far lands, I have trod on many a shore, And I've never met a maiden Whom I quite so much adore.
Written in pencil on the back in a childlike scrawl is, "For Stuart ... From GUESS?" Perhaps this poor little maiden couldn't read ...  The little Scottie dog cookie cutter is an old one and it was purchased last weekend too. I'm planning on tracing it and using the outline for some applique projects. You know me, no manner of "cuteness" left behind! And I just want to say "thank you" to everyone who has lifted our blog-friend Judy up in prayer. I don't know her well and we've only emailed back and forth a few times, but from her latest correspondence, she is deep in the pit of despair and needs much strength and comfort. So thanks for remembering her. And thanks for stopping by the cottage-on-the-creek! I hope you enjoyed a peek at these old "lovecards," as I like to call them. They sure are a reminder of the sweet and simple times long past. And please come by next week because I'm having my first ever giveaway! Yup ... just because I appreciate each and every one of you!
I participate in the following parties: Flea Market Finds, Sunday Blog Love, Sunday's Best at My 1929 Charmer, Do It "Ya" Self Monday, Make It For Monday, Masterpiece Monday, Meet Me Monday, Metamorphosis Monday, More The Merrier Monday, Mosaic Monday, Show It Off at Get Outta My Head, Show Off Your Cottage Monday, Thrift Share Monday, Knick of Time Tuesday Vintage Style Party, Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays, Sew-Crafty Tuesday at Ruby Jean's, Tabletop Tuesday, Talent Tuesday, Tuesday's Treasures, Twice Owned Tuesday, Good Life Wednesday, Outdoor Wednesday, Penny Pinching Party, Primp Your Stuff Wednesday, REDnesday, Share The Love Wednesday, Whatever You Want Wednesday, What's It Wednesday, White Wednesday, Wicked Awesome Wednesday, Wow Us Wednesday, Coloradolady, House of Hepworth's, Open House, Thrifty Thursday, Time Travel Thursday, Transformation Thursday, Treasure Hunt Thursday, Feathered Nest Friday, Fridays Unfolded, Inspiration Friday, Potpourri Friday 2805, Show and Tell Fridays, The Charm of Home, Thrifty Things Friday, Vintage Inspiration Friday, A Few of My Favorite Things, Funky Junk Interiors, Get Schooled Saturday, Pink Saturday, Show and Tell Saturdays
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"Tears are often the telescope through which men see far into heaven." ~BeecherAfter I turn the heat up in the morning, I head to my computer and check my email. This morning there was an email from a new blog friend who I've been corresponding with since before Christmas. When she first wrote to me, she told me her husband had been diagnosed with a rare cancer in October and that the prospects for his recovery were grim. Today's email contained the sad news that her husband passed away on January 2nd. She wrote of her pain, her fear, her anxiety, and her need for a job and heath insurance. I could relate to everything Judy wrote in her email for I've walked this path myself. I remembered the little chalkware angel I bought at the Salvation Army the other day. She was marked $.29 and without hesitation, I put her in my cart. Though she's marred, glued, chipped, and tattered, there is a sweetness to her face that speaks of a holy communion with God, our Abba Father. Abba ... Daddy ... strong Arms that hold us close ... whispered words of love that calm the panicking heart ... an unseen Presence that girds us with supernatural strength to endure our worst nightmare. So I would just like to invite you to pray for my blog friend Judy. She is in a place I am all too familiar with, as I'm sure many of you are too - that place of devastating grief. She needs our prayers. My tattered angel is poised in prayer, gazing down upon the world. Can you picture in your mind's eye the community of angelic beings, banding together in prayer for a hurting human in the midst of a crisis? As I meet new blog friends and read their stories, I am often touched by how much we have in common and how thoughtful, supportive, and encouraging the blogging community is. Today I'm seeing each one of you poised in prayer for Judy. It's fun to gab about Pinterest, parties, and paint, but for me, blogging has become much more than sharing a crafty project or revealing my thriftiest find. It has become an enormous sisterhood of cheerleaders from every walk of life. I love how we rally around each other and fuel the creative, caring spirit, without judgement and without jealousy. ( Okay ... maybe just a little jealousy ... ) But you know what I mean. Virtual strangers connected, interested, and encouraging each other on this journey called "life." I'm glad I jumped on board and I'm excited to see where it all goes! Thanks for visiting Cottage and Creek. Your comments are a joy to read and I would love you to follow along if you aren't already. I promise to follow you right back. And thanks for praying for Judy :)
I participate in the following parties: Flea Market Finds, Sunday Blog Love, Sunday's Best at My 1929 Charmer, Do It "Ya" Self Monday, Make It For Monday, Masterpiece Monday, Meet Me Monday, Metamorphosis Monday, More The Merrier Monday, Mosaic Monday, Show It Off at Get Outta My Head, Show Off Your Cottage Monday, Thrift Share Monday, Knick of Time Tuesday Vintage Style Party, Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays, Sew-Crafty Tuesday at Ruby Jean's, Tabletop Tuesday, Talent Tuesday, Tuesday's Treasures, Twice Owned Tuesday, Good Life Wednesday, Outdoor Wednesday, Penny Pinching Party, Primp Your Stuff Wednesday, REDnesday, Share The Love Wednesday, Whatever You Want Wednesday, What's It Wednesday, White Wednesday, Wicked Awesome Wednesday, Wow Us Wednesday, Coloradolady, House of Hepworth's, Open House, Thrifty Thursday, Time Travel Thursday, Transformation Thursday, Treasure Hunt Thursday, Feathered Nest Friday, Fridays Unfolded, Inspiration Friday, Potpourri Friday 2805, Show and Tell Fridays, The Charm of Home, Thrifty Things Friday, Vintage Inspiration Friday, A Few of My Favorite Things, Funky Junk Interiors, Get Schooled Saturday, Pink Saturday, Show and Tell Saturdays
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Well, well, well ... I won a giveaway!! And I'm so excited because Carole, of Maynard Greenhouse, is sending me a copy of the Jeanne d'Arc Living Magazine. I can't wait to brew a pot of tea, put my feet up, and delve into the glossy pages of this inspiring publication. Have I mentioned I love magazines? Back in the day, before real life got in the way, I dreamed of working for a magazine. So needless to say, I'm very grateful to Carole for her generosity. If you haven't visited Maynard Greenhouse yet, make sure you do. It's a lovely blog that's full of all manner of inspiration and beauty.  I'm also very grateful for a weekend full of family and fun. My daughter called me shortly after 8 a.m. on Saturday to see if I wanted to go to an estate sale. Of course I hopped to it and threw myself together so I could join Kelly and Jeremy on an outing to the town of East Aurora, NY. This country estate looked beautiful basking in the winter morning sunshine. The iron gate whispered to us of antiques, horses, and years and years of country living.  (Sorry for the bad photo - my camera was set on close-up mode!) Unfortunately, this was a partial sale. They don't tell you that on the website or in the newspaper ad. And the old gentleman was sitting in his blocked off living room reading the paper! I'm sure he generated the prices ... they were staggering. How's $1,500 for a pair of wall sconces? Or $400 for framed prints of wolves?  Well, as you can imagine, we didn't buy much. We bought a few garage
items - a couple of shovels, a dart board, a wood clamp, and a crewel
pillow. I actually felt bad for the estate sale manager. It was a
long drive to get to this pretty home and you could just tell how
disappointed the other shoppers were. I felt worse for the barn, though. Just look at the size of that tree! It was too early for lunch, so we strolled through East Aurora and did a little shopping. A new cupcake shop opened recently. I love the sign. Next we shopped for olive oil and balsamic vinegar at Prima Oliva. I have to say, this was a wonderful experience. I've been to Italy and savored the real deal, but these products were out of this world! We couldn't believe it, to be honest.  Did you know balsamic vinegar lasts up to three years and olive oil for up to one year. I hope I have that right and not backwards. Now I'm second guessing my memory! I bought the Blackberry Ginger Balsamic Vinegar for my dad's upcoming birthday. ( I doubt he reads my blog!) I was told it pairs beautifully with ice cream. And I'll combine the Basil Extra Virgin Olive Oil with the Cinnamon Pear Balsamic Vinegar for my own culinary pleasure. The sales clerk said the combination is excellent. I'll let you know how it is when I try it. Today, like most days, has flown by. I did some cleaning, organizing, and caught up on blog comments. And I enjoyed a gorgeous sunset out my office window. God's color palette of pink and orange was mesmerizing. I had to stop my work and just allow the majesty of the Creator's handiwork to speak to my thirsty heart. Surely He never disappoints. Now I'm looking forward to a simple supper, a glass of wine, and Downton Abbey at 9 p.m. Thanks for visiting Cottage and Creek. I appreciate each and every friend, old and new.
I participate in the following parties: Flea Market Finds, Sunday Blog Love, Sunday's Best at My 1929 Charmer, Do It "Ya" Self Monday, Make It For Monday, Masterpiece Monday, Meet Me Monday, Metamorphosis Monday, More The Merrier Monday, Mosaic Monday, Show It Off at Get Outta My Head, Show Off Your Cottage Monday, Thrift Share Monday, Knick of Time Tuesday Vintage Style Party, Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays, Sew-Crafty Tuesday at Ruby Jean's, Tabletop Tuesday, Talent Tuesday, Tuesday's Treasures, Twice Owned Tuesday, Good Life Wednesday, Outdoor Wednesday, Penny Pinching Party, Primp Your Stuff Wednesday, REDnesday, Share The Love Wednesday, Whatever You Want Wednesday, What's It Wednesday, White Wednesday, Wicked Awesome Wednesday, Wow Us Wednesday, Coloradolady, House of Hepworth's, Open House, Thrifty Thursday, Time Travel Thursday, Transformation Thursday, Treasure Hunt Thursday, Feathered Nest Friday, Fridays Unfolded, Inspiration Friday, Potpourri Friday 2805, Show and Tell Fridays, The Charm of Home, Thrifty Things Friday, Vintage Inspiration Friday, A Few of My Favorite Things, Funky Junk Interiors, Get Schooled Saturday, Pink Saturday, Show and Tell Saturdays
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