Original 1845 Antique Folk Art Valentine . . .

Click to enlarge. I really can't make out the exact sentiment on this original Valentine glued in a memory book/lesson book from my collection. The lady's name was Pink. That name is inscribed on the tiny envelope in the man's hand. I just love the folky watercolor of the gentleman. This document was folded to fit in quite a small envelope 2" x 3-1/2". I wonder if it was presented in person as the watercolor depicts or if it was mailed?

Happy Valentine's Day.

Vintage early 20th century Valentines . . .

All of these Valentine cards are from one woman's collection (not mine). Each has a juvenile appearance but they don't seem to be intended for children...or were they? We'll never know. A couple are mean spirited too. They date from the first half of the 20th century. Enjoy this trip down memory lane! Don't eat too much candy tomorrow.

from this collection

Jane Austen's 'Emma' sold for £180,000 at auction . . .

"Silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way. " Jane Austen, Emma
English novelist (1775 - 1817)

A rare presentation copy of 'Emma' by Jane Austen fetched 180,000 pounds at an auction, setting a new record for a printed book by the British author.

Bonhams Auction House expected the three-volume edition to fetch up to 70,000 pounds, but fierce bidding drove the price up.

The seller, who was anonymous, as was the buyer, said: “The novel had been sitting in my family library for at least three generations, and it remains a mystery as to how it first got there."

The book, one of 12 presentation copies, was given by Austen to her friend Anne Sharp, who had been governess to the children of Austen's brother's children. The flyleaf was signed: “Anne Sharp, from the author."

"Emma" published shortly before Austen's death in 1817 explores the life and morals of a young woman, Emma Woodhouse, who appears to like nothing better than to act as local matchmaker, directing the love lives of friends and acquaintances.

"Take care of your antiques and they will take care of you."

I wish such a rare book would mysteriously appear in my library, don't you?

Thanks for stopping by. See you on the Internet, ♥Rosemary

Abraham Lincoln ~ 16th American President . . .

Feb. 12, 1809 -- April 15, 1865
State: Illinois
Religion: His father and stepmother were Baptists, but he attended Presbyterian services in Springfield and Washington.
Marriage: Mary Todd
Military service: In the Black Hawk War, Lincoln served as captain of a company under Col. Zachary Taylor; he unsuccessfully attempted to track down Chief Black Hawk and never saw military action.
Party: Republican
Term: March 4, 1861 - April 15, 1865
Vice President: Hannibal Hamlin, 1861-1865; Andrew Johnson, 1865

Source of photo and information (read more):
Presidential Photo Gallery - Chicago Tribune

Abraham Lincoln's 200th Birthday ~ February 12, 1809 - 2009 . . .

Commemorative Stamp set issued by the US Postal Service to celebrate the Lincoln bicentennial. Buy only what you need or want to keep because postage is going up to 44 cents in May! Yet another increase with no added service.


Lincoln Portrait by Anthony Berger
at the Mathew Brady Studio 1864.


This image released by George Eastman House is a broken glass-plate interpositive of a clean shaven Abraham Lincoln, taken by Alexander Hesler at the Illinois state Capitol in Springfield on June 3, 1860.


The following photos are from Time Magazine.
Click to enlarge. Buttons don't work.

End of photos from Time Magazine.

When I was in school we celebrated this iconic President's birthday every February 12th. Now we have Presidents' Day which is celebrated next Monday so we can have a long weekend. It combines Lincoln's birthday and George Washington's birthday (February 22nd). I don't think children are taught the true dates for each President's actual birthday. What a shame.

Happy Birthday Honest Abe!




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My kind of taxidermy . . .

These cruelty free animal heads are made completely from recycled cardboard, newspaper, boxes and magazines. They are real trash to treasure creations, aren't they? I love that the artist did not paint over all of the newsprint and in some cases she used shredded paper for the "fur". I have never seen paper mache look so realistic. These animal heads look almost like carved wood.

Created by Stealthy Rabbit