Valentine Post ... Parts I & II

 

PART I of Today's Post

Did you ever have an Autograph book?  I did ... back in the 1960's I remember I had one and so did a lot of my girlfriends.  Everyone was in a bit of a craze about it then, and we wrote silly poems which pretty much all started with "Roses are red, violets are blue ... ".  Not very imaginative.

 

 

132 years ago ...

 

This particular Autograph book belonged to a relative of mine, and I unearthed it in the family farmhouse years ago when the last member of my family (my Great Aunt Mary) was leaving the house forever.  The sentiments in this little book are so touching, and I thought it very fitting to share it with you on Valentine's Day.  So pour yourself a tea or coffee, maybe even a biscuit or two, and have yourself a little read ...

 

(NOTE:  if you don't care to read through this book, scroll down to Part II which has some Valentine craftiness)

 

The first page is from the book's owner, Jennette Paisley ...

 

To My Friends, Oh! keep these pages pure and white, Unless the glow of truth be there.  Let no rude hand presume to write, Or stain with flattery leaves so fair;  These lines so highly prized by thee, Because 'tis friendship, gems them o'er,  In future years more dear will be,  When those who penned them are no more.  Jennette Paisley

 

This next entry jumped out at me ... it's written by my Great Grandfather (Mom's grandfather) ...

 

Dear Jennette, In long years hence, mid other scenes, This writing you chance to see, Think of him whose fingers traced it, Think kindly as he thinks of thee, Your friend, Wm Radford (1889)

 

Most of the entries relate to friendship, heaven, freedom from sorrows, etc.

 

To Jennette, May heaven protect and keep thee, From every sorrow free, And Grant thee every blessing, Is my earnest wish for thee, Your Cousin, Laura Paisley (1882)

 

The penmanship is amazing ... my son can't even write in cursive, and he's 14!!  They just don't teach it like they did back then.  Homework now is all typed on the computer.  I think it's a shame to lose such a fine art ...

 

(1883)

 

This next entry had such a beautiful poem of friendship ...

 

They say that a shell when far from the main, When far from the bright sea foam, Will murmur the songs of the sea again, The songs of its native home;  Then would I know some shell-like spell, To recall kind thoughts of me, And to murmur memories, like that shell, From distant friends to thee. (1883)

 

Some friends have wished thee free from care, Others joy and wealth,  Some have wished thee blessings rare, Long life and constant health.  My wish for thee is better far, than all thy friends have given,  That when thou leavest this world of care, Thy soul may rest in heaven. (1889)

 

I have a feeling this entry may have been written by someone either very young or very old as the writing is not as good, but the sentiment is heartfelt ...

 

When this you see, Remember me, And bear me in your mind, Let others say what 'ere they may, Speak of me as you find.

 

And this from a loving sister (would only my sisters think of me the same) ...

Dews of the night are diamonds of the morn, so the tears we weep here may be pearls in Heaven. (1882)

A joyus song, is floating along, Happy & gay, may your life pass away,  May the same sweet strain, Ring in Heaven again (1883).

As gold more brilliant, from the first appears, Thus friendship brightens, by the length of years (1889)

 

May thy joys be as deep as the ocean, Thy sorrows as light as its foam (1890)

Much can be said about the good old days, and I think these sentimental autographs are a perfect window in time that shows us a tenderness people seemed to have for each other back then, and also a true appreciation for the written word of poetry. 

 

PART II of Today's Post

 

I recently participated in a heart swap put on by Shelley over at all4meggymoo.  My swap partner was Val at Yarni Gras! Now that I know my partner received her package, I can post about the things I made.  We needed to send five heart-related items, one of which had to be handmade.  This is what I sent out.

 

A pack of four coasters, following a pattern in the book "Last Minute Patchwork & Quilted Gifts".  The heart applique was my addition ...

 

 A tiny black bear adapted from the 'tinys' in the book "Teeny-Tiny Mochimochi" by Anna Hrachovec.  I did the black bear as they are native to our province ...

 

Tiny glass beads for eyes :)

 

Patchwork heart garland.  My own creation ...

 





Vintage button on each heart



 



The backside of the patchwork hearts
 



 

 

 

An embroidered felt heart, my own creation ...



 

 

And a simple pot holder, which I based on a pot holder that my grandmother made years and years ago ...

 

The pot holder I made

 

The pot holder my grandmother made

  

I enjoyed packaging the final products as much as making them!

 

 



 

And these are the lovely things Val sent to me ...

 

Two very pretty crocheted heart decorations.  I don't know how to crochet, so I really appreciated these!

 

Heart (& rabbit!!) cookie cutters, together with a felt rabbit (Smudge will be jealous) ...

 

A very looOOoong (so much work!!) crocheted tiny hearts garland ...

 

 

And a cute crocheted heart pin which I now have pinned to my jacket :)

 

 

So many nice handmade goodies ... thanks so much Val, everything is beautiful!

 

 Thanks for stopping by!

 

Wendy

I hope you didn't fall asleep through this long post :)