I found this little treasure the other day just sitting in a corner in one of our local antique shops. It’s in perfect condition for a book published in 1901. I love old books – such care was taken with the illustrations and design. “Lyrics of Love of Hearth & Home and Field and Garden” – sounds tailor-made for a nester like myself.
Square #9:
A picket fence covered with climbing roses. The outline is a bit wonky because I was racing to finish before Antiques Roadshow started. However, it never started because PBS had some other show on in its place. Bad PBS. We like our Monday night schedule of the Roadshow and 24. As it was, we sat on the sofa listening to a documentary about the Warner brothers (of movie studio fame) and fell asleep. At 9:05, I woke in a panic – “24!!! – Turn the channel!!” We made it in time.
This is when I fear we are getting old. Every evening lately we both doze off for a bit while watching the tube. Am I becoming my grandmother? How come I can sleep so easily in front of the television and then lie awake when it is time to actually sleep in my bed?
The weather has been so lovely the last few days – temperatures in the high 40’s and low 50’s and sun. Glorious sun. Everyone is infected with spring fever. I have to do some text work on Taming of the Shrewtoday. For those of you who asked, work on the dollhouse has been put on hold as I prepare for my work in San Diego which starts mid-April. I also have to ready the garden and do all sorts of things around the house as I will be leaving it in my husband’s care for 10 weeks. I love him, you understand, but he’s not me. I will have to leave detailed instructions for him. He will do his best. The rest is out of my control. Gulp.
Kathy says
Hi Claudia….your book find is precious…
relax and have fun while your away….husbands always seem to do just fine without us for a bit…hard is that is for us to admit! Lol
God Bless…
McCoy planter= Yummy….
xoxo~Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings…
Red Felted Heart says
I thought it was normal to fall asleep during programs…loving your stitchery…we have a beautiful lilac bush outside our kitchen and can’t wait till it blooms..the blooms are white in color…blessings
Linda G. says
Claudia, I just found you yesterday and I am so happy! The 39 squares project is so much fun. I am just shaking at the idea of leaving my one and only alone in our house for 10 weeks!! I am sure yours will be fine. Looking forward to more visits with you!
Linda
Connie says
“Out of my control”?? Yep, I understand this perfectly, sugar. Hubs does NOT clean my kitchen or house like I do. I fret and fret about it but I think it’s mostly about “control” as you say.
I realize I HAVE become my mother. When I look at my drivers license I see her. Scares the heck outta me, too. Sigh….
I am loving your little squares of embroidery. I sort of wish I had done it also, but I can’t afford to add one more thing to my schedule. I’m a slug, ya know! I could sit and read for days on and not move if I didn’t have to eat. ;-)
xoxo,
Connie
CARMELINA LOUNSBURY says
your square nine is simply divine!!! i love your old novel treasure too….what a find!
ciao bella…happy stitching!
carmelina
Bunny Rose Cottage says
Hi Sweetie!
I love your latest square!!!!! It is gorgeous Claudia :)
That book is beautiful also, what a wonderful find. Everything was written so beautifully back then.
I am so glad you are having such beautiful weather!! It is like that here again today too :) But it is supposed to rain the next five days. But at least it isnt snow!!
Love ya
Amy
Kim says
I am in love with that little book! I sooo look forward to seeing your new square every day!โฅ
Diva Kreszl says
what a lovely old book! I too love old books but my youngest son complains they smell funny :)
the gardeners cottage says
Claudia, you are so talented. I so love this embroidery. It is sweet and charming just like you!
~janet
Meri Wiley says
Hey Girlfriend,
That book is awesome, I always keep my eye out for old books, especially those with wonderful graphics or lovely sayings. Your squares are looking great, and you’re doing a fantastic job. No, you’re not getting old, you’re getting comfortable! It’s really that TV these days is just boring..;o) My oldest daughter is almost 22 and she always falls asleep when watching TV, as does my youngest at 14. The reason you lay awake in bed is because that’s the end of the day, and you’re running over everything you did that day, and everything you have to do the next day! It’s natural.
Hugs,
Meri
Jill says
Your book is wonderful– so sweet. Sigh. Those are the kind of finds that I LOVE!
Your square is adorable– my favorite so far. I love the little roses growing on the picket fence!
Hugs,
Jill
Terri says
Your poem is lovely as is your picket fence with roses.
I am really enjoying seeing what you stitch!
Melanie@The Old White Cottage says
Love the book!
Lisa says
I watched (sort of) the Warner Brothers thing too! I love my Direct TV because I can schedule the shows I want and it turns for me! No more forgetting to watch some thing in 30 mins! Yeah!!
Hugs, Lisa
Karyn Bernard (French Charming) says
What a gorgeous book, seems we share a passion for old books. Love the color and graphics…lovely find my friend!
Your latest square is divine, what a sweet picket fence with climbing roses!
I find that as I get older that it’s all I can do to stay up until 10:00 p.m. I’m such an early bird.
Glad Spring is making its way to you, isn’t it wonderful?
Looks like you’re going to be in my neck of the woods next month…I’d love to try and meet up with you Claudia, what I thrill that would be! I could also check off one more thing on my priority list…this one really matters!
Hugs,
Karyn
KATHY says
Hi claudia, i love the old book!! I’m always searching for old books. Your square is beautiful…Kathy
Dogwood says
I have been out of town and missing my blog following!
You have been busy. I love your squares.
I adore you new banner.
Great book.
Your husband will do fine with the garden.
Hugs, Dogwood
Tallulah Belle says
I adore old books and have many of them. My books were pretty much the only things I shipped here from England. Cost me a small fortune but there was no way i was leaving them behind.
I love the feel and the smell and if they have markings in them all the better. I can spend hours wondering about the lives of those who owned it before me.
Let us know when you’ll be in SD…perhaps we can meet up.
Cathy says
What a lovely post, Claudia! I, too, love old books but haven’t found a beautiful way to display them. If I could I would just turn them all open to pretty pages and scatter books all over the house ;)
Frog Hollow Farm Girl says
Hi, I just found your blog – we love the same books!! That little antique book is precious – what a delightful discovery – it must have made your day! I hope to read about more amazing discoveries!
Janet says
Wow was that ever sweet! Just think how people 100 yrs ago and after really read poetry and took the time. I almost think the quality was a bit would I say better? I dont know but Im sure their lives werent super rushed. They took time and read played croquet…etc…the good life! ox
caren says
Claudia ~ Love your new header. The book is amazing – lucky you! Will Hubby come visit you in San Diego?
Mary says
The squares are looking wonderful – I must do something like that…..if I can stay awake!! Don’t feel bad, we all fall asleep watching the tube these days because it’s all so boring! That’s why I knit while watching TV.