Beauty & the Book

{image from Rapunzel's Delight}

In the last couple of weeks I have started to develop an obsession with Victorian hairwork ~ the flower wreaths, the jewelry and even simple tokens kept in cards or scrapbooks. This all began because I finally made the trip to Leila's Hair Museum ~ something I have had on my "to do" list for 20 years! My visit to the museum piqued my interest further, so I have spent a good deal of time hunting around the internet for more information, only to find out that there is not much to be found.

During my search I did find this wonderful advertising card for Lyon's Kathairon ~ a hair treatment of some sort. The card itself reminded me of a book I loved when I was a child ~ Dandelion, by Don Freeman. While I do remember loving this book, I only have a vague recollection of the details. I know it had to do with a lion who got a fancy haircut and new clothes to impress his friends at a party only to be turned away because no one recognizes him. So, what is the moral of this story? (You know there must be one!). You'll have to pick up a copy to see what happens!

{Dandelion: Before}

{Dandelion: Getting dandified!}

{Dandelion: After}

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Antiques on the Common Spring 2010 ~ #3

Finally, the third installment of this spring's Antiques on the Common ~ this one features the two items I purchased ~ a gorgeous old ledger book (1862) and an ancient German children's book(1894)! This is the kind of purchase my brother would just shake his head and ask me what was I thinking? Why would anyone want battered old books like these? Well, for one thing, I just love the covers ~ worn and torn, but wonderful patterns and color ~ great for scanning and using in a future art project . . . . then, when I saw the inside pages ~ these were both going home with me! The alphabet index in the ledger sold me in a second!

{spread from the children's book}

{irresistible alphabet index}

{lovely columns and rows of beautifully handwritten lists}

The pages in the ledger book are actually light blue ~ that seemed odd to me, but I was told that light blue paper was quite common ~ it's the first I've seen though. Don't you just love the neat and tidy look of a list? ~ I love things all lined up and orderly!

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Duck, Duck, Goose?

Tonight when I pulled up in front of my house and got out of my car I was greeted by a pair of mallard ducks! Since I live in a residential neighborhood which is within city limits, this is quite unusual! I ran in and got my camera, then tried to get some photos at a respectful distance ~ the ducks seemed on a mission ~ they stopped at a few puddles in the curbs, but hurried off down the sidewalk seemingly aware of the danger of the street.

I'm glad they didn't decide to visit my back yard ~ the scots probably wouldn't have given them a proper welcome ~ after all, they have a stuffed toy that is a dead ringer for that green headed duck! Angus, a scottie from the 30's had a run in with some ducks ~ recommended reading for all! Read more about Marjorie Flack and her "Angus" books here.

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