Best Sliding Board Ever

Can't you almost hear the squeals of delight from the little children shooting down this very high wooden sliding board? I love the juxtaposition of the tiny little girl and the elderly gentleman. Both of their expressions are priceless. This photograph is simply wonderful and brings back such great memories of the dangers of childhood. They are all but taken away these days. The wooden things at playgrounds are being replaced by plastic so kids don't get splinters. I'm all for safety but I think children are somewhat overprotected now. Click on the image to enlarge and get the full effect. What fun! 

Must Change Attitude

©Mary Engelbreit

I sent this darling image to a friend with a young daughter who cut her own hair. The beauty parlor "fixed" it into an Audrey Hepburn short cut and now she's growing it out. I love this style, don't you? The pouty face is perfect for this particular little girl as well. I'm off to an office meeting this morning. See you later.

Share Your Food With A Pet

Isn't this the cutest thing you've seen in a long time? That's one lucky little black kitten and the child is precious. Webster knows how to use silverware too and he gets many opportunities for tastings around the cottage.

PS22 Chorus Will Open The Oscars

I'm so happy for these 5th grade students from Staten Island, NY's PS22. This talented young chorus and their fabulous music teacher will be opening the Oscars performing 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow'. I've been a fan of theirs for quite some time and can't wait to see them Sunday night. 

Read the whole story and see more videos at NPR

Limited Edition Car

Only 7 will be made. Isn't this the most wonderful toy car you've ever seen? I'm afraid to click on the price. Will you be among the lucky 7? Order here.

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Presents on The Christmas Tree

I love wonderful illustrations of vintage Christmases. These children are reaching and/or waiting their turn to pick a present from the tree ~ circa 1924. Scanned from my book A Christmas Blessing.



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Smile For The Panda Photographer

This photographer gets paid in bamboo shoots. So cute!



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Christmas Lane | A Vintage Postcard

We've all been down this lane in our imaginations. I'm glad the dog got to go along too. Have a wonderful weekend.

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The Beginning of A Long Love Affair

I just ran across this amazing composite photo that I've been saving on my computer for ages. I don't know where I found it . . . I just know I love it. This is definitely a two-way affair, isn't it? Can't you just feel the love?



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Bedroom for Two Mermaids

So Sweet

I know three little girls who would be drawing straws every night to see which two got to sleep in this room. They're crazy about mermaids.

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Vintage Halloween Card circa 1920

Boo! I've always been drawn to vintage illustrations for children showing interior design of the day. How do you like the art deco window treatment in this Halloween card from the first quarter of the 20th century? Have a happy and safe celebration this year.

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Baby Owl or is it an Owl Baby?

Adorable ~ Emma the Owl is ready for her first Halloween. The link has one more photo of this sweet little bird. I hope her diaper bag gets filled with Trick or Treat goodies like teething biscuits and stuffed toys.



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Rare Audrey Hepburn Stamps | Auction in Germany

It seems hard to believe, but a block of 10 stamps printed in the last decade, is almost certainly the priciest Post-War stamp item anywhere.

The entire 2002 print run was ordered to be destroyed after Hepburn's son, Sean Ferrer, objected to the cigarette holder dangling from the actress' mouth and refused to grant copyright. But the Finance Ministry had already delivered advance copies of the Hepburn stamps to Deutsche Post for approval. Thirty of these proof copies escaped destruction when an unknown employee pocketed them and used them to send letters postmarked from Berlin. [read more]. The auction of this unused sheet could bring in excess of $1 Million Dollars.

The proceeds (100%) will benefit UNICEF and the Audrey Hepburn children's foundation. This October 16th auction will be worth watching for sure.

UPDATE: Auction Sale Price -- this rare sheet of stamps fetched 430,000 euros (£377,324) [$601,000 USD] at a charity auction in Berlin, two-thirds of which will go to help educate children in sub-Saharan Africa.



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Handwriting Lessons for Children

Learning to write isn't easy. I have such admiration for the community of homeschooling parents facing this struggle now that the school year is well under way. Hopefully the following links will help.

Download these cursive flashcards here.

Online cursive lessons with animation.

I also found a site where you can download and print your own lined penmanship paper and regular notebook paper as well. Don't worry -- it's free.

Download lined penmanship paper here.

You can also download other things from this site. Look for the section that looks like the photo above at the top of the page under the large red title.

I have blogged about handwriting in the past and these links continue to attract viewers. I thought it was time to post them again so you don't have to dig so deep to find them.
First image ©Mary Engelbreit scanned from one of my books.



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Thankful Children | Jessie Wilcox Smith

I adore the charming illustrations of children by Jessie Wilcox Smith. I felt like this little boy this morning as I was waiting for my cinnamon raisin toast to pop up out of the toaster; thankful but eager. I love the red geraniums on the windowsill too. [via]



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French Children's Rooms

Follow the link to see more delightful images of french nurseries and children's rooms.



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Bembo's Zoo | Interactive Animal Alphabet

Bembo's Zoo is a fabulous children's book that comprises pictures of animals made entirely with letters and punctuation marks. It is also a wonderful interactive website (with sound) that will delight young and old alike. It requires Flash and you are offered the opportunity to download it if you don't have it. It's very safe so don't be afraid. Treat yourself to a visit to the website and please share with your young friends. It's great, isn't it? Click here to visit if you know you have Flash. Otherwise use the link above.

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