Saturday, April 30, 2011

To Dear Mother

Happy Saturday.  The sun is shining here in Maine, it's going to be a good day.  Here's a Mother postcard from my collection that I thought you might like.  Mother's day is approaching soon.  I have my mother's card all ready, which is unusual for me.  I don't often have things done ahead of time.  My daughter's birthday is tomorrow, she'll be 27 years old.  The priority of the day is to get her birthday card made.  I'll let you know how that goes.

Enjoy this image, free to you today.  


 Abraham Lincoln had this to say about his mother.   

All that I am or hope to be I owe to my angel mother. 
I remember my mother's prayers 
and they have always followed me. 
They have clung to me all my life. 
~ Abraham Lincoln ~

Have a blessed day dear ones.


Friday, April 29, 2011

Inspirational Poem Image

Happy Friday my friends.  Don't forget, every Friday evening I have a giveaway here.  Check out the following link for more information on how you can win.   


or click on the button on the sidebar.  I have had four winners so far.  

I have a couple of vintage postcards images from my collection to share with you today, an inspirational poem bordered with beautiful blue morning glory flowers, and a sweet woman holding a bouquet of flowers.  Be sure to click on the image for a larger view.  These images are free for you.




Have a wonderful Friday, and a wonderful weekend.  I'll leave you with this scripture to ponder.  I hope your heart is merry. 

A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.  Proverbs 17:22.

Congratulations to England on the Royal Wedding today.  I've been watching the wedding festivities this morning.  Such a beautiful ceremony.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Real Photo Postcards of Children

The two vintage postcard images I'm sharing with you today are my favorite subjects, children.  These type of postcards are known as "real photo" postcards as they are actual photographs.  Sometimes you may see them referred to as rppc.  In the era of these postcards early 1900's and up, they didn't have digital cameras, weren't able to upload them to Walmart and pick them up in an hour.  The process was much slower and done by hand.  They were produced in small quantities, making them more valuable than mass produced postcards.  Often the negatives were glass.  


The subject matter of this type of postcard is what determines the value.  Children holding a doll or teddy bear are more valuable than a child sitting alone.  Hand colored images are sometimes more valuable.  I have a pretty good sized collection of real photo postcards of children.  My collection is personal to me, the cards I added to it were not based on monetary value, but images I was drawn to.  These two sweet images in this post, are from my collection, and free for you.  


I like to examine my images closely, often with a magnifying glass, looking for clues as to what their little lives may have been like.  The wrinkled tights, shoes, wicker chair, expressions, jewelry, hair bows, anything I can grasp from the image.  Sometimes the writing on the back of the postcards give some clues about them, but often there is nothing written, and the front of the card needs to tell the story. 

I hope you enjoy these images.  Have a blessed day dear ones.


Monday, April 25, 2011

My Beautiful Church

I'm so thankful I was able to be in church for Easter Sunday.  It was so important for me to be there on one of the most important holidays of the year to me.  The church I attend is nestled on a hill, in a little fishing village in Maine and was built in 1842.  The stained glass windows in the sanctuary are just beautiful.  The largest of the windows stands 16 feet high and 9 feet wide.  It depicts the woman of Samaria approaching the Savior with her water pitcher.  The scripture in the window is from John 4:14   But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

This magnificent window was brought to our town by a ship's captain, Samuel Watts,  who purchased it in Italy and presented it to the church in memory of his parents.  Captain Watts also donated the church bell in 1879, which suspends from a tower 74 feet high.  I can remember pulling the bell rope and riding up with the rope when I was a little girl.  Here's a glimpse of the window for you.



There are more of our beautiful windows below.  I was experimenting with a flash vs. no flash.  Let me know your opinion.  I noticed when I used a flash, the soldering on the stained glass showed up vividly.  When I didn't use a flash, the soldering appeared black.  I have a preference, but would love to hear what you think of it.

Stained Glass Window with Flash

Stained Glass Window with no Flash
Flash Used

no flash

Flash Used
No Flash, notice the colors look different

That's it for my flash experiment, would love to hear your opinion.  I heard recently from a professional photographer to let what natural light you have work for you whenever you can.  These next pictures are various shots inside the sanctuary.  No flash experiment here, just wanted to show you the beauty of our church. 

Notice the light in the center, it's original to the church, from the 1800's. 
A converted oil lamp.

 


Pipe Organ
Close up of light globe ~  there are numerous of these suspended from the ceiling



My daughter, son-in-law, and little grandbabies Easter Sunday
I hope you've enjoyed these pictures.  This church is very dear to me.  I've been attending from the time I was a young child.  I started playing the piano in church when I was a teenager, and have been playing ever since.  Ten years ago, my husband became the pastor of this church.  We have a wonderful congregation, a group of people that we love dearly.  Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you have a blessed Monday.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

He is Risen!  He is Risen Indeed! 
Happy Easter my friends.  

 But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.  And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead,  Matthew 28:5-7a 

The hymn Christ the Lord is Risen Today was written around 1739 by Charles Wesley, a famous hymn-writer.  All these years later, it is one of the most popular Easter hymns in the English language.  I'm honored to be playing this hymn today, Easter Sunday in my church.  

Christ, the Lord, is risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth, reply, Alleluia!

The copy of the hymn below came from an old hymnal in my collection dated 1888.  I'm offering you this image that I've digitally created, free to you today as well as the other images included in this post.  


 Here's the lyrics below to another hymn I'll be playing today.  I find comfort in the lyrics of this particular hymn.  I always play it on Easter Sunday.  It's an exuberant hymn and I like to select it as the first hymn the congregation sings, so they are reminded that our Savior is ALIVE.

He Lives
I serve a risen Savior, He's in the world today.
I know that He is living, whatever men may say.
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer
and just the time I need Him, He's always near.

He Lives! He Lives!, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me, along life's narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives, He lives within my heart.

In all the world around me,  I see His loving care,
And though my heart grows weary,  I never will despair;
I know that He is leading, Through all the stormy blast;
The day of His appearing, Will come at last.

He Lives! He Lives!, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me, along life's narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives, He lives within my heart.

Rejoice, rejoice O Christian, Lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs, To Jesus Christ the King!
The Hope of all who seek Him, The Help of all who find,
None other is so loving, So good and kind.

He Lives! He Lives!, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me, along life's narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives, He lives within my heart.



I am still recovering from bronchitis, but will be playing in church today.  Easter dinner at my house has been cancelled, but I'm thankful that the family members that were coming here have places to go and will still be with family.  I pray that you and your family have a blessed Easter.







Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Mother's Day Roses for You

With Mother's Day just around the corner, I thought you'd enjoy some images that go along with this special day.  Below are some vintage postcards with roses.  I've left one of them blank for you, and the others I've added some sentiments.  You can click on the image for a larger view.





If you're looking for some scripture that would be appropriate for Mother's Day; the classic example is found in Proverbs 31, which describes the virtuous woman.  Here are some excerpts from that chapter.

She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks…...She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy...…She is clothed with strength and dignity...…She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue...…She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness...…Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her...…Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Proverbs 31 excerpts



You may have noticed on my side bar, I've added a button with code for this blog.  I'm technologically savvy, however this was a mini challenge.  I was very pleased when I accomplished it.  I found a great site here:  Blog Guidebook where there are lots of tutorials for just about anything you need to do blog related. 

I'd appreciate your prayers as I've been sick with a mild case of the flu since Friday, which I believe is now bronchitis.  I have a weakened immune system and don't want this to turn into pneumonia.  Calling the doc today.  Thank you!!

Update, Wed. 4/20:  Doc says no bronchitis, just the same thing that 75% of the people I know have or have had.  Hopefully it stays that way.  Just have to share this with you, it made me smile - - My daughter called me yesterday afternoon to see what the doc had said.  I asked her how she knew I'd been and she said she'd read my blog. 

Your encouraging comments warm my heart and keep me keepin' on here at Little Birdie Blessings.  You dear ones are a huge part of my blessings each day. 


Monday, April 18, 2011

More Pretty Things to Share

Happy Monday!!  I have more things to share with you today.  I'm a thrift store shopper, and am sometimes just delighted by what I find.  Here's one of my recent finds.  I found this tucked in a corner of all the menagerie of books.  I didn't even know something like this existed.  Take a look!!

Filled with beautiful pages of gift wrap ~ NICE!!
I wanted to show you a tote bag I just finished for a friend.  I used three different coordinating fabrics and made an inside pocket.  I use a lot of the bags I've made and always try and add a pocket so I'm not digging at the bottom of the bag for my keys.  A simply made tote, but I think the fabric choices make it more than ordinary. 

A simple tote made for a friend, I used 5 fat quarters for fabric
This vintage Easter postcard below is very pretty with the cross and flowers.  You may not be able to tell, but the original card has a silver luster.  I like the combination of colors.  This image is free for you.  


Here's another free image for you.  This is a real photo postcard of a beautiful woman. I thought her face was lovely and wanted to share with you.  


As I share these pretty things with you today, I'm reminded that when we think of ourselves and the way we look to others; man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart.  This scripture below tells us that if we have inner beauty, it is of great worth to God.

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment.......Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.  I Peter 3:3-4

Thanks for stopping by today dear ones.


Friday, April 15, 2011

Sharing some of my Favorites ~ Free for You

Do you ever look at something and it just makes you smile?   The first postcard I'm sharing with you today does just that for me.  It makes me happy when I look at it.  The soft pastel colors, the gentleness of the lamb, the carefree looking ladies.  If you've been here at this blog more than once, you probably like vintage images and pretty things.  How could I not share this, it's so lovely.  It has a postmark on the back of 1907, making this card over 100 years old.  

A Lovely Free Vintage Easter Postcard for You
This next vintage postcard pictures two happy children, with a smartly dressed boy presenting a giant egg to the pretty girl, very sweet.  This card is postmarked 1908.  Both of these postcards are free for you to enjoy.
 
Yet another lovely Easter Postcard Free for You



I hope you enjoy these darling images.  Have a blessed Friday and a happy weekend my friends.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Sing and Make Music

An angel, a harp and a cross ~ what a beautiful card.  I hope when I get to Heaven, the Lord sees fit to allow me to play the harp with ease.  I think it's one of the most beautiful instruments I've ever heard.  I'm a pianist and love to play, especially the old hymns.  I also love to hear others play the piano.

 
Are you musical?  Can you carry a tune?  Don't fret if you can't ~ did you know when you sing praises to God, your song is sweet to Him even if you sing off key? Sing out loud, sing in your heart, He'll hear you either way.  What better time than Easter to start singing praise. 

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.  Ephesians 5:19-20.......

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.  Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.  Psalm 100:1-2 

.....sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.  Colossians 3:16B

The back of this sweet postcard has a handwritten note which reads Love from Annabelle, Easter 1912.  A beautiful Easter card with a beautiful message postmarked almost 100 years ago. 

Here's another sweet vintage Easter postcard picturing a darling little boy gathering pussy willows.  



Both of these vintage postcard images are from my collection, and I'm offering them free to you.  Click on each of the images for a larger size.  I hope you enjoy them.  Have a blessed day.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Guest Designer Sneak Peek & Images for You

As I've mentioned in earlier posts, I've been asked to be a guest designer for the month of April at Christian Paper Crafts.  Below is a sneak peek at a card I made for their gallery.  This is a Mother's Day card for my daughter Bethany.  You've probably guessed that the birds represent her and her two little ones.  I had a lot of fun making this card.  The cheerful, but busy background and flurry of activity this card brings, reminds me of their happy lives.  Bethany - if you see this post, you can pretend to be surprised when you open it. 


This scripture fits my daughter and her happy family
notice the real twig and straw on the nest.

In keeping up with my free vintage images ~ I've picked out two Easter postcards for you today.  They are free to you.  Both of the cards are beautifully embossed.  I love the card with the angels and wonder if the artist had a particular hymn in mind that they were singing.  Enjoy!!




Have a blessed day dear ones, and thanks so much for stopping by.