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Thursday, August 14, 2008

Just a few things....


We've just returned from a quick trip to Portland, OR. We stayed 2 nights and spent a day in Portland with my in-laws. They made the trip down from WA and we met in the middle.
We had so much fun at the OMSI . The boys really enjoyed all of the hands-on science exhibits, and they were able to tour a submarine. Since my husband grew up in the area, my in-laws have their favorite spots. The weather was beautiful and we strolled in a few of the historical neighborhoods, ate at a favorite restaurant and even stopped in an antique shop.

Part of our trip was celebrating birthdays. August is a big month for birthdays in our family. My mother-in-law's, mine and my son's. We exchanged gifts and my mother-in-law blessed me with some books from her library! She gave me two volumes of Godey's Lady's Book Vol. 39 July-Dec. 1849, and Godey's Lady's Book Vol. 77 Jan-June, 1869. And a Arthur's Home Magazine, 1969.

(we were driving down the highway and were already in OR when I realized I had forgotten my camera!!! So, no photos of the trip to share,Grrrrrr!.......I did remember to pack the children though!)

Here are some photos of my birthday treasures~ Thanks Nana!






~*~*~*~*~

The Primitive Gathering will be updated on the 15th (or late in the evening of the 14th).
Here are a few pics of my new offerings.


I took a vote among family and friends and the consensus was that the new pumpkin head paperclay doll (see a few posts below) looked more like a boy after I painted the face than a girl! So, I'd like to introduce you to Peter!~



Peter, Peter pumpkin eater,
Had a wife and couldn't keep her.
He put her in a pumpkin shell,
and there he kept her very well.

(An English Nursery Rhyme)




(guess his wife must be in the pumpkin he is holding!)




....and I'm finding inspiration in the vintage postcard images again this season. I've painted a watercolor reminiscent of a fall vintage postcard. It is hand-drawn with my own design, then hand-painted onto stained heavy watercolor paper. It is framed in a lightly distressed off-white frame. (81/2 X 6)



Here is a link to my page on The Primitive Gathering:


.... (just refresh the page if you still see silhouettes!)

11 comments:

Ruth Welter said...

Hi Suzanne...I love , love, love, Peter the Pumpkin...he is just awesome. Kind of cool to have a guy pumpkin once in awhile. I also love your watercolor postcard, it is so pretty. I love vintage postcards myself, what a great place to get inspiration.

Happy birthday to you lady!!! sorry you forgot your camera because I love seeing photos of other peoples trips. : )

July is our month for birthdays...it seems like not only ours is in that month but also pretty much everyone I know..go figure!!

Keep making your fabulous dolls, they are amazing. I hope you do more watercolor postcards as well.

Ruth

Linda said...

Hi Suzanne,
It sounds like you had an Amazing trip and your new books are Incredible! What a Wonderful gift she gave to you. I'm sure you'll treasure them always.

Sad about the camera but good you at least remembered the kids! lol

I love your new offerings! Your litte pumpkin man is Adorable! Best of luck to you!

~Linda

Victorian Lady said...

He is a perfect peter! :) Great job! I'm trying to make a boy mummy and I'm having such a hard time! If I can't put thick eyelashes on, then I guess I'm just not satisfied! lol

Mere

Patti said...

Oh Suzanne - how wonderful to receive those books! What treasures they are! I'm sure that you will cherish them and that they will be a great source of inspiration.

I love Peter - it's nice to see a boy doll for a change! And your watercolor is as always just lovely!

Blessings, Patti

Cookie said...

look at that dapper fella! and Suzanne, I love your postcards so much... they are perfect.
I try to keep one of my dear friends in a supply of cards - she lost her husband last year and still expresses so much of her feelings in letter.
I'm thinking I need to restock my supply too!
Is school in session yet?

Betsy said...

Happy Belated Birthday Suzanne...

My youngest son and his daughter share the same birthday August 5th!! and my youngest grandson just turned 1 on August 6th...oh all of you August babies..Happy Birthday!!

Love your books, how nice!!

Big Hugs from TN,
Betsy
xoxox

Cassie said...

Your doll is adorable! I like that he's holding the pumpkin and I love his plaid pants. And great birthday gift from your mother-n-law. Your fall painting is also beautiful. You are very talented.

Anonymous said...

Suzanne, your new books are wonderful.

Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater, is cute!

Samantha said...

August is a big birthday month in my family too- me, my niece (same birthday as me), my father in law, my aunt, and also a few relatives who have passed on. Actually I read the other day that there are more birthdays in August than any other month (so what's going on in November!?!?!?!)

Love the old books, what a great gift.

Lana Manis said...

Wow ~ Nana is a wonderful MIL! I'm glad to hear the boys enjoyed the trip. Where are you going next? Don't forget the camera!!!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful!
Denise Nantasket Beach Mass.