"I begin with an idea ... and then it becomes something else"
~ Picasso

Friday 28 August 2009

A little girl again

With the weather we've had recently I definitely feel that Autumn is just around the corner and I'm so looking forward to it

The Blackberry Fairy





















Autumn into Winter is my most favourite time of year for the colours of nature, the woodland walks through crunchy leaves, the harvest of berries and cones and homely comforts of warmth and "hibernation"















I've spent some time this week going through my books and magazines, having a much needed clear out to make room for new purchases very soon ... and in a box I came across a most cherished childhood book by Ivy L. Wallace

With the hedgerows about to burst with ripe blackberries, it seems the right moment to share these delightful images with you. They are so special to me, and as I handle the book I am a little girl again






















Sadly, my book is in a very poor state now as it was enjoyed over and over by a little girl who loved the illustrations and the fairy tale of homemaking and jam making






















If you click on the top picture to enlarge it, you will even see the splashes of water colour paint where I used to spend hours copying, drawing and painting little toadstool cottages just like the ones in the illustrations!

I had a funny email from my Aunty this week about things children do and say - "out of the mouths of babes". One of the stories amused me a great deal as I'm a terrible one for collecting and pressing leaves and flowers in big heavy books and then forgetting they are there













I hope you like this little story:

A little boy opened the big family Bible. He was fascinated as he flicked through the old pages. Suddenly, something fell out of the Bible. He picked up the object and looked at it. What he saw was an old leaf that had been pressed between the pages. "Mum, look what I've found" the boy called out. "What have you got there, dear?" his Mum replied. With astonishment in the young boy's voice, he answered ...

"I think it's Adam's underwear!"

Have a happy weeked :o)

15 comments:

Cathie said...

ha ha ha ha ha ha ha lol lol lol. I too was a leaf pressing maniac as a little girl. I put them into phone books, poetry books, bibles, encyclopedias - I still do that! What a cute little story - too funny! I'll have to share it with my daughter who goes to a Christian School - it's a cute joke she can share with her friends.

Speaking of leaves and your fondness of them - did they come yet? I do hope they come today as it would be the perfect accompaniment to your state of mind (thinking of the onset of Autumn!)

Enjoy your day fellow leaf lover.
I've painted up some muslin last night for some free motion stitching today. My husband is out of town for three days - so for me that means three days of sewing!!
XOXO

AeFondKis said...

It's nice to see the world through childrens' eyes....bet you felt in touch with the inner child just opening that lovely well kept book!
Have a lovely weekend Carolyn!
Linda x

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Good Morning Carolyn from Michigan.

I truly enjoyed reading your Autumn post today. Besides Spring Autumn is also my favorite time of year. I loved seeing the illustration your old cherished childern books. Can I ask you the name of it and is it still available to buy?????

I enjoyed reading about how you dye fibers. When I was out yesterday I stopped by the Farmer Market and bought some blue berries. I will freeze them for now but guess what my plans are for them later??? Yup I plan to dye some fibers too. Thanks for your wonderful instructions. vbg

I also truly loved your photo of your St. Ives coastline with the Lizard plants growing on the cliffs. May I use that photo for my computer desktop. Those lizard plants look like they are turning an Autumn color, or is that their summer color. Never seen this kind of plant before.

I have added you to my special friend section of my blog. Visiting your blog has been very enjoyable for me. Thanks and have a super great weekend. Hugs Judy

Pom Pom said...

Carolyn, That IS funny! I want to live in one of those toadstools! It is so hard to find my perfect concept of fairies in the form of a painted image - I'm usually not satisfied, but your little book is PERFECT! I wish I could stay home today and work in my sketchbook/art book! I am going to celebrate my September in some creative way . . . still thinking. Thank you for a magical post, my sweet artist friend!

murgelchen said...

Hi Carolyn,

the story is delicious.

LG,
Helga

CAROLYN SAXBY said...

Ivy L. Wallace wrote the "Pookie" series of children's books. Pookie is a white rabbit with wings, he lives in the woodland with the elves, fairies and other woodland creatures. I only have the one book. It's called "Pookie in search of a Home"

Ashley said...

that looks like a great book- maybe i will have to see if i can find it!

Unknown said...

Eye candy. Pure Eye candy. From the adorable pictures to the press leaves. The pink is great. Looks like you may even be a little ahead of us here in the Chicago area. But, fall is in the air forsure around here. Already, thinking about our Door County trip for colors in October. I can smell the honey crisp apple pie now.

Love reading and see all your beautiful blog. Thanks again for sharing.

Julie said...

What a beautiful book Carolyn and I loved the story. Out of the mouths of babes.....
Enjoy your weekend. x

florcita said...

What a lovely story! really enjoyed it! I thin we are all looking forward to autumn... or many of us. Loe the colors as well... inspiring.

fibrefrolics said...

Your book tok me right back to my own childhood! Isn't it wonderful when you come across some forgotten treasure. What a lovely Autumnal post you wrote.
Penny

Jeana Marie said...

what a funny story! and the illustrations are beautiful. i used to love reading fairy tales for the same reason :)

thank you for the happy bday wishes :)

Jacky said...

I love Autumn too... those wonderful earthy colours and earth still warm enough to make the days very pleasant.
Loved your story of the little boy and the leaf...made me laugh.
What a beautiful book you have, lots of wonderful childhood memories, a real treasure.

Jacky xox

~ Phyllis ~ said...

Lol, what a funny story.
Autumn is my favorite time of year also.
To me it's the ending of the hot and humid weather which I dislike terribly.

Judy Scott said...

what a lovely post, this made me laugh too love the little boy story :)