I found this very old toddlers shoe ( it is one of a pair ) when we came to Michigan twelve years ago from Arizona. While deciding where we wanted to live in a state we knew nothing about, we did estate sales, auctions and every antique store we could find in the area where we had our home base. Coldwater. I have had this where I could see it as I think it is enchanting. I wonder about the little girl that wore it ~ look how scuffed it is and it won't stand straight. Did she have brothers and sisters, did she have a happy childhood? The man I purchased them from knew her family and how I wish I had asked him more questions ~ This is today's little project ~

Hello, Again

Hello All ~
I haven't blogged in ever so long, but I saw Beverly's invitation to join in "Pink Saturday" and thought since I had a moment, I would!

How have you all been?

I am about the same, busy, busy, busy, but there have been changes.  My husband is battling memory loss and while he is healthy and active, it is a frustrating and depressing thing for us both.  This is a very intelligent, thoughtful, kind  man who is known not just for being calm and down to earth, but just how plain smart he is. How intuitive with such an inquiring mind!  A wonderful husband and father.  This disease is tragic!! We are hoping the meds and coconut oil every day will keep it from progressing or progressing too quickly.  We know it is in God's hands.

This has been such a cool spring and summer after a brutal winter, here in Michigan.  With reports of another bad one ahead of us we are planning to perhaps, escape this one ~

The complete running of the house keeps me super busy.  We both tend to the yard and gardens.  I just came in from planting more pink tulips and hope the squirrels will leaven them be.  lol!  I keep busy with my website, The Ruffled Rose and my Etsy Shop, AnniesShabbyAttic  Here are a few pictures ~

New at The Ruffled Rose ~  A sweet Southern Belle Pillow

I different style of pink pumpkin

A pretty 4" faux cookie ~  I  need to get busy and make many more as most are gone!

A pretty piece of vintage china ~
I am adding several new things a week, so I invite you to come browse!

And a couple of items form AnniesShabbyAttic

 Beautiful, hand-painted vintage "post" buttons ~ and below, a darling vintage hanging bag for laundry or clothespins ~

I am off now to go blog hop all the pretty pink-a-licious blogs at Beverly's
Talk soon!
Wishing you beautiful days!
♥ Jil

A Love Affair With Hankies

I am of an age that I had hankies as a girl, as did my friends, and that is when my love for hankies began.  My grandmothers carried them everywhere and often had one tucked in a pocket.  I always thought they were the prettiest things!  Even Grandpa, both of them, carried handkerchiefs as did my Dad and my husband.  Neatly folded in a back pocket....Their's were manly in plaids or white ~

Some have tiny rolled hems, scalloped edges, fancy laces of all kinds and they were also like little samplers, where those learning their dainty embroidery practiced ~

I display my hankies in different ways around our little bungalow as they are just too pretty to keep hidden away in a box and make pretty little unexpected accents ~ I change them often ~

And, I  take hankies that have a slight blemish and turn them into pretty pillows ~

Or, add a corner to a Christmas Stocking

And, who could imagine that a pretty piece of  cotton and sometimes, silk could hold so many  memories, remind us of  our joy and happiness, love and loss.. each hanky has a story.

I have some that have never been out of their original box ~

Look at the pretty edges ~ To see a larger version of each picture, just click on it ~

My favorites are the ones that are in perfect condition, but used....those are the ones you wonder about ~ wonder who carried it and what the hanky would tell if it could talk ~
There is a wonderful and short history on hankies, if you would like to read it.  Just click on the link ~

http://www.luxemag.org/fashion-history/handkerchief-history.html

I love Lavenders and this is such lovely lace ~

In my Sewing room

In the dining room ~

And, I saved my favorite for last ~ When we moved from Arizona to Michigan, eleven years ago, we briefly lived in Coldwater, MI.  Coldwater was our home base for scouting where we would eventually live ~
The surrounding communities of Coldwater is a mecca of antique stores.  In one that was quite fascinating for it's hap hazard way of displaying things, I found this silk hanky.  The aged  proprietress had this behind the counter.  I do not remember what I paid for it, but it was enough that I hid the purchase from my hubby who was in the basement. (The basement was like a library....full of books on shelves ....it was amazing!)  It is a hanky that will go to one of my granddaughters ~

I believe this is the longest blog I have written to date ~  I usually try to keep them brief as I know, I get a bit impatient reading those that are overly long! :)  I hope you enjoyed it!
♥ Jil

Hello All ~ Have you been enjoying Fall and all it brings?  Cool temps, radiant colors and a fire in the fireplace!  It seems that just one day it was Fall ~  There was little leading up to it, but now I, for one, have settled in to cozy days with the tea kettle humming away and me happily sewing or painting ~

You can visit The Ruffled Rose> to find all these charmers and more!  I am working away every day!
Infact, I am off to my creating room right now~
I am linking with these fabulous blog parties ~ 

Pink Saturday

Show And Tell Friday