Vintage Christmas Card Art of the Cartoonist Roy Doty . . .

If what you see above interests you, click here to read more about the interesting life, times and career of Roy Doty (1922- ) and many, many more of his wonderful Christmas cards from the past 50+ years.

Each of the thumbnails (in the new link) can be enlarged so you can view the full-size illustration. What a treat; a real trip down memory lane.




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Christmas Scene in My Living Room

I have draped almost all of my paintings with cranberry garlands. I'm enjoying this new look very much. Maybe next year I'll tuck a few evergreen cuttings behind some of the frames, especially this one. Baby steps. I cleaned pretty thoroughly today and did all of my food shopping so I am just about ready except for a little more wrapping. I don't know how people with large families get through this time of year. It must be a big blur.




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Give Your Cat A Special Christmas Treat

We always got Good Housekeeping Magazine when I was growing up. I've always loved the illustrations by Jessie Wilcox Smith depicting children doing domestic chores. This early cover reminded me that I should get out my finest antique pitcher and matching shallow plate and pour Tabitha a little warm milk on Christmas morning. She'd like that. I don't think she'd stand for that big red bow around her neck though. She doesn't know it yet, but Santa is bring her a brand new polar fleece blanket to line her wicker basket. She will be so happy. Webster is getting one too.




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One Word Weather Report :: COLD

I'm sitting upstairs with my first cup of wonderful hot coffee dreading my morning walk with the wonder dog. I don't think he's too anxious either. Here's hoping your heat is working and your house is cozy as mine. I had a big roaring fire yesterday after I finished my shoveling and it was so nice. This vintage porcelain fixture was in my bathroom when I bought the cottage in 2001. When all the plumbing was updated I wasn't able to use it. I've been saving it and one day I'll turn it into a hook or something cool or should I say cold? Stay warm. Be back later, Rosemary




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Antique English Christmas - New Year's Card

I bought a desk out of a house 25 or 30 years ago and it was full of antique cards, letters, postcards, etc. kept by the family for generations. They did not want anything in the drawers and some of the ephemera was wonderful.

I framed my favorite card and photographed it through the glass to share with you. I preserved the inside of the card by affixing it to the back of the framed artwork.

The scene on the front is a small hand-colored lithograph of an old woman smoking a pipe and walking a pig through the snow. She is wrapped in a red shawl and has a basket of something on her back. There is a small cottage in the background with smoke coming out of the chimney. Maybe that is more firewood in the basket. The leash for the pet pig is nothing but a string tied in a bow around its hind leg.
Signed lower left: Ethel Parkinson

The caption hand lettered in gold says,
"MAY YE NIVER WANT AUGHT NOR A FRIEND TO SHARE IT WI YE"

The card is small, measuring 4.5" x 2.75" ~ see inside greeting below.

To: All Readers of my Blog

MY WISH
May God's twin stars of Hope and Happiness
Your Christmas brighten
And your New Year will bless.

From: Rosemary and Webster
Content in their Cottage!




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Chairs Upholstered With Snow

I still haven't set foot outside. I took these snow easy chairs from my bedroom window through the glass and screen. I can't face shoveling just yet. Stay warm. Rosemary




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Another View of My Christmas Tree

It's too early to go outside and not quite light enough to start taking snow pictures. So here is another view of my tree showing the corner of the room. I did everything on my list yesterday and ended up having quite a nice day watching the snow fall. Thankfully, we didn't get as much as they predicted. Check in later for photos. Enjoy your Sunday morning. Rosemary




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Boys, Dogs, and Mothers

images




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My Christmas Tree 2009

Here it is again looking very similar in every way to last year's tree. I draped wooden cranberry garlands on the tree and painting this year. A few more small shiny balls were discovered in a box in the attic so there are more ornaments. I'm glad I switched from the floor to ceiling tree to this table-top size. Like it? Rosemary

UPDATE: I hope the weather people are wrong about the amount of snow they say is coming this way. I am not at all prepared for 12-16 inches of the white stuff. I have to go and bring in lots more firewood and try to pound in the driveway markers for the plow man. Oh dear.




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THE SNOWMAN 1982 | Full-Length Film | Absolutely Wonderful

I couldn't believe it when I found this classic animated film THE SNOWMAN (1982). Please promise me you will watch it when you have a spare 26 minutes (hysterical laughter from your side of the screen). Make a cup of tea and take a break. Be sure to send it to someone you love. Watch it with a child. Bookmark. It's wonderful! Thanks, Google for offering this gift to all of us.

From the book by Raymond Briggs. Introduced by David Bowie.


You might have to click on the balloon on the slider to make the movie start after you click on the arrow. The music is hauntingly beautiful.




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The Sunrise This Morning

he sunrise this morning was simply beautiful. Once again, I am so glad my camera was handy. The initial "T" is another scan from one of my rare antiquarian alphabet books. It is 17th French. Isn't it nice? The big day is only one week away and my house is finally decorated inside. I'll try to capture my Christmas tree for you later on today or tomorrow. It was so cold and windy when I walked Webster last night. It appears to be a lot nicer today, clear and calm and it is supposed to be somewhat warmer. Happy Friday, Rosemary

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Sarah McLachlan | 'RIVER' | Live Performance

Getty Images

I like this version too. Which do you like better, Sarah or Joni?




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Use it up, Wear It Out, Make It Do, or Do Without

 I grew up hearing these words from my grandparents who were adults during the first depression.

 I was reminded of them while I was busy designing today's quote.

 Webster's coat was ripped on one side and I patched it for him over the weekend. Now he will be wearing it for years to come. Aren't you impressed that I am following my own advice?

Joni Mitchell |'RIVER' | Rare Live Recording 1970

This is one of my favorites. Recorded live in London at Royal Albert Hall, 1970.




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Webster Needs a Bigger Stocking

I walked into the living room this morning and saw Webster examining the stockings. I must see if I can find a bigger one for him in the coming year. I think he's feeling cheated, don't you?




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Make Do and Mend

Love this.

I grew up sewing and still keep my machine set up all the time for quick mending. I've never owned anything but a Singer. We always had a black one.
Clare Owen Illustration.





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