MARCH MADNESS in KANSAS

Well, getting here was kinda embarrassing, sorta like the ugly stepsister at the Big Dance, but we made it! 
FINAL FOUR in New Orleans.  What college basketball is all about.  From dozens of teams and hundreds of games, it all comes down to this week.  MARCH MADNESS.

                       ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK, GEAUX KU !!!!!

Book Review

Charles Dickens by Lucinda Dickens Hawksley


My rating: 5 of 5 stars


What a totally delightful book on the life of Dickens! The huge format with lots of beautiful pictures and drawings makes for such an interesting read. The inclusion of copies of documents from the family only adds to the charm.




Written by Dickens great-great-great granddaughter, we are given an abbreviated look at each stage of his life, and those of his children. Two page spreads are given to each of his major works and the background of their writing.




For the true Dickens fan, this book is simply an added gem for their treasury, but for those who would like simply a good overview of his life and work, this book is perfect.




Given that this is the 200 year anniversary of Dickens birth, this rates a read from any and all who so love and admire his work.




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Book Review

How it All Began by Penelope Lively


My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Rather like a set of tumbling blocks, one event triggers or enables another in this "lively" read of Penelope Livelys'.



A woman is mugged, forcing her to live with her daughter for a time. Due to that, her daughter has to miss an important trip with her boss, whereby his niece fills in, causing a change in her plans and leaving a text message that falls into the wrong hands. And so it goes; one event spurs another.



All coincidence? For Ms. Lively, yes, as she makes her characters ones that do not believe in the hand of God. Would the same ends be accomplished in another fashion? It would seem not in this story. Also, it is far easier to blame others for what befalls us rather than take some of the responsibility ourselves.



Much food for thought here, all written in a compelling manner.




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Book Review

The Collected Stories of Katherine Mansfield by Katherine Mansfield





Short Story writing in it's most artful form. Mansfield specialized in these and I believe it would be hard to find someone to top her skill. It is quite a gift to be able to introduce a story and it's characters, have them do interesting things and then conclude it all in the span of a few pages.



This huge volume of 73 stories, plus 15 of her unfinished ones makes for a huge variety in both subject matter and the length of the story. If you do not care for one, perhaps the next is more to your liking.



I love to have several books going at once and having these short stories to read now and then was wonderful. Each story seemed to end with an element of either a profound statement or a bit open-ended for the reader to finish in their own mind.



Written in the first part of the 1900's, the stories evoke another time of place and events. Time and events change, but the human heart remains the same.




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Book Review

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens


My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I ADORE this book! So much to like about it for me and I am only sorry that I did not read it years ago.


Pip is a young man with little means who longs to be a proper gentleman. Through a series of mishaps, he does meet a number of characters who influence him a great deal, one of which is his unknown benefactor. He longs with love for Estella, the adopted daughter of the deranged Miss Havisham, who as a jilted bride raises her to be as cold and stony as possible to all suitors.


I loved Pips interactions with those who become his friends but yet was amazed at his turning a rather cold ear to Joe, his brother-in-law who had always been the best of friends to him.


Without giving away the various plot lines, I will say that although it came to a rather good ending, it was a bit anti-climatic for me. I wished for more to be done and said at the end.


Funny, sad, tender, poignant, instructive. For all of these reasons, I give this 5 stars.




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Book Review

The Leavenworth Case by Anna Katharine Green


My rating: 3 of 5 stars


As a fan of Agatha Christie, and knowing that this was one of her favorite mysteries, I chose to read it.




Beginning with the murder of their uncle, the story centers on the two nieces who lived with him and their possible connection as suspects. Only one of them is the heiress to his fortune which makes her the logical choice. Set in New York around the early 1900's, the book is tightly written to reflect the manners and proprieties of the time, giving the reading delightful prose for thought.




Solving the case requires the investigation of why the housemaid, Hannah, was made to flee the night of the murder and where she was found.




I enjoyed the book and did not guess the ending. I am always amazed at the talent required to formulate and draw out a mystery to it's conclusion. This one is quite well done.




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Book Review

Charmed Circle by Barbara Whitnell


My rating: 3 of 5 stars


A recommendation by Rosamunde Pilcher as one of her favorite books set me onto this story set in England of the 1930's and 40's.




Rachel is an only child, living with her grandparents while her parents are in Africa. Next door live the Rossiter's, a spirited family who draw her into their family circle. Through the years her interaction with them weaves this story of emotion and conflict during the war years.




The interest in these characters kept me turning the pages, sometimes seeing what was coming, sometimes not. Rachel does not come through the war unscathed, but does learn so much about life and what is important along the way.




Set both in London and surrounding areas as well as Cornwall, the author moves back and forth through time with ease and makes the story even more interesting.




If you like Pilcher books, you would most likely enjoy this.




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Book Review

My Man Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Jeeves is not only the English valet to die for, but is far and above the wisest and most creative of housemates. And, so funny to boot.




My first foray into the world of P.G. Wodehouse was a good one. Jeeves is always at the ready to give advice, provide just the right touch to a man's ensemble and create ways to get a fellow out of one jam or another. Yes, the scenarios are mostly far-fetched, but so witty and well conceived.




Such a fun read and a nice variation for me as I am usually reading more than one book at a time to suit my mood. I will be reading more of this author for sure.




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Book Review

The Little Girls by Elizabeth Bowen


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


From the first page, I was smitten with the constant question of what was the unknown, what were the secrets and what would be the outcome.




The British turn of phrase is sometimes a challenge to decipher, but always, for me, a delight.




Three women who were good friends as 11 year old girls are reunited 50 years later, with unsettling outcomes. I am actually still thinking through what those were. As girls, they had buried a coffer of each of their belongings. As adults, that coffer is the subject of their reunion and their quest to see if it is still buried.




Deep emotion rules the pages. Is it ever a good idea to ruffle up the past and those secrets we thought were buried. You just never know.




In reading reviews of this book, I find that some have not found the secrets. I think this is such a well-written book that keeps the reader at attention to the story and it's revelations if she can only keep at it. Perhaps it is so good that each reader finds different endings.




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Book Review

Inside the Victorian Home: A Portrait of Domestic Life in Victorian England by Judith Flanders


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Such an insight into the ways of life in another time; a time when not only everything was so much more work, but a time when propriety reigned.




This book takes us through the house, room by room and what it meant to live in Victorian times. I learned so much about their lives and how mistaken Americans have been about some things, such as what we call "High Tea".




A book to make one grateful for all of our energy saving and time saving ways of life today, but also one to ponder at the hard working souls who came before us.




Includes explanations of meal servings and table settings, the ways various rooms were used and why, the sickroom and death and funeral and mourning customs. A great look into woman's roles and how men formed them.








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Book Review

The Blotting Book - A Mystery by E.F. Benson by E.F. Benson


My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Having read another book by this author that was quite funny, I was ready for another of the same, however, this one was quite different.




A set of events concerning an office of solicitors and their client, involving slander and blackmail, evolve into an even greater crime. The story is written to offer several alternatives to the ending, but the end comes at an abrupt finish.




I was taken with the authors' clean use of phrasing and setting up the story both in place and attitude. I definitely want to read more of his work.




Set in the early 1900's England, my favorite country to read about.




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Book Review

Forgotten Bookmarks: A Bookseller's Collection of Odd Things Lost Between the Pages by Michael Popek


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Having worked in a library for many years and finding so many fun things in books, reading this is like being back there once again for me. Turning each page is a bit like opening a gift to see what is there.




Michael Popek, bookseller, has compiled a clever assortment of various bits left in old books. Many letters or notes, recipes, trade cards, advertisements and much more to delight the avid reader.




The actual book the items were found in is also listed and shown. A fun, fun journey to page through!




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Book Review

Doc by Mary Doria Russell


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I really enjoyed this book and wish I could have lived for just a bit during the 1880's and met Doc Holiday.




I chose it as I have read other books by this author and they have all been excellent. Doc Holiday was a very likable young man who was plagued by tuberculosis, the disease that also took the life of his beloved mother. He came to Dodge City Kansas from the south to improve his health and worked as a dentist as his health allowed. He was good friends with the Earp brothers, including the most famous, Wyatt Earp.




Many books of the time, especially the "dime novels" greatly embellished the life of Holiday and credited him with a much more lively and crime-filled life than was true. I was glad to know at the conclusion of this story, that although fiction, the author stuck quite close to actual facts where it mattered most.




Being from Kansas makes this story even more interesting for me. Our past is filled with so many interesting people and events that are amazing to learn about. Russell makes the telling of the life of Doc Holiday a true joy to read.




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Words to Live (and Die) By

For many years I have said that when I die I would most like to be remembered with two words..............

    Encouraging and Generous

I try to live by those words.    I really believe that the way to be happy is to share what you have with others and to encourage others at all times.  If I have possessions or knowledge that I can share with others, I am most happy to do that.

As this new year begins, I am thinking on those words even more. 

What are the words you would like to be remembered by?

Book Review

Excelsior Springs: by Janet R. Reed


My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Fascinating look at a town both in times past and current day. Excelsior Springs Missouri is about 40 miles from where I live and is known for it's many natural springs. In the late 1800's and well into the mid 1900's people traveled there from near and far to partake of the waters both in drink and for bathing. The waters were said to be quite curative.




The Elms resort, where I have stayed, is still operating and is a destination for anyone who wants to be pampered in both body and mind.




This book explains all the springs, where they were found, the businesses and buildings on their sites and the history of it all.




It also delves into the paranormal aspects of the town. Although I am one to keep far away from interest in such things, I do believe they exist and this town seems to have a lot of them.








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Questioning Book Review

What? Are These the 20 Most Important Questions in Human History or is This a Game of 20 Questions? by Mark Kurlansky


My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Can a book only pose questions and be a viable book? Can an author be so astute that he can write so many interesting questions? Does reading such a book get quite annoying after awhile?


Answer to all these is "Yes!"



This premise is so clever that it is hard not to appreciate it. The idea that questions are so integral to our continued reading and understanding is purposed. And, the idea that if we had bothered to truly find the answers to a lot of questions we would be in a much better place.




A fun read, but, don't you think I am happy to be finished with it?




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Christmas Hugs All Around

Lots of Lovely Hugs to all who Peruse my Blog.  Extra big ones to my friend Tami, who began her blog this year, Vintage Connections and to my dear Dianne, who just this month created her blog, Heirloom Aprons and Buttons.

"New" Hugs to new blog friends Laurie of Indulge Your Shelf and Mary Ann of  This Country Life and Susan of Sudios Studio.

No extra time or energy this morning to make those links click able above.  :)

Have the best day and week and enjoy what comes your way as  you can and deal gracefully with what comes your way that is a challenge!

Happy, Happy Christmas to all !!!

Christmas Book Review

A Christmas Homecoming: A Novel by Anne Perry


My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I always look forward to these yearly little stories set at Christmas. This one concerns an acting troupe who are ensconced in a magnificent home in Whitby to hone a play written by the estate owners' daughter. A stranger appears at the door who has been stranded in the storm with his broken carriage. His stay livens up the troupe, but with tragic results.


I imagined that I was one of them, a guest in this huge home with the blizzard raging outside, but safe within.


Anne Perry writes about England in the 1800's. Always well written and delightful to read.








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New Blogger Shout Out to Dianne

My dear kindred Spirit friend, Dianne, has recently created her first blog, Heirloom Aprons and Buttons.
She has amassed a beautiful and unique collection of both and will be presenting them with a view toward both their historical value as well as their beauty.

Dianne is a remarkable researcher and strives to always learn the utmost of whatever topic she chooses.  Please visit and bookmark and continue to watch for her posts !

In Diannes' honor,  I am showing  a vintage Christmas apron given to me by my Grandma Blunt. It has a matching dishtowel.  I just adore the winter scene and each year when I pull it out at this season it takes me back to Christmas times with her and Granddaddy.

Two Christmas Book Reviews

The Spirit Of Christmas by Henry Van Dyke







My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Beautiful story of the angel that for tells the birth of Christ to the other angels. Also, a short Christmas sermon of how to keep Christmas in your heart all the year. Two prayers at the end. Charming, beautifully written and recommended to all.

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Miracle on 34th Street by Valentine Davies


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Delightful story that "proves" that Santa Claus really does exist! The movie makers closely followed this story when making the original film of the same name, although the book has additional little bits to make it even more fun.



Heartily recommended to all those who might not believe and especially for all those who do!



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Book Review

Christmas at Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Very good short stories, one of which is about the Cold Comfort Farm characters of her well known book of the same name. It is quite an art to be able to present the theme for a short story, introduce the characters and form them into people you want to know more about and then wrap the story up nicely. Stella Gibbons does just that and makes me want to read more of her work.




The people of Cold Comfort Farm are characters indeed and are presented deliciously. They make you glad that you do not live there!




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Book Review

I Am Half-Sick of Shadows by Alan Bradley


My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Set at Christmastime in 1950 England, Flavia de Luce is a precocious 11 year old who lives with her father and two sisters in their huge old estate, Buckshaw. Alas, it is in decline and with no funds to aid them, they resort to renting out to a film crew who arrives to shoot a movie.




As bright as Flavia is concerning chemicals and poisons and making concoctions, she also still hovers on the edge of believing in Father Christmas and sets out to catch him in the act on Christmas Eve. A murder disrupts her plans, but she uses her detective skills to help ferret out the killer.




There is appropriate snowing and blizzarding and a cast of interesting characters to make this a lively read. We feel sad for motherless Flavia, whose sisters are rather mean to her, but also find her knowledge and abilities incredible.




A fun read with little bits of learning about chemicals and their uses along the way.




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Book Review

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


What can possibly be said of this book that has not been said before? It is a classic among books and the epitome of inspiring stories that can change a life if taken to heart. All can profit from this book and find something in it to love.

Make time to read this story this year and ponder it's meaning.

With the most famous of quotes from Tiny Tim, I repeat, "God Bless us, every one!"




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A Happy Christmas Wreath.........or Two..............or Three

There are lots of variations of fabric wreaths out there and I just sort made this one up this week. Gathered up all my red and white fabrics and cut pieces 2 inch by 8 inch. Just folded them over lengthwise and tied them onto a metal 8 inch ring.  It was fun seeing it come together and extra fun as Mister Rick took rotary cutter in hand and helped.  Gotta love that!  The fun thing about this too, is that it will carry over for Valentines Day too. 

I have totally too much fun creating little paper wreaths too. They are so simple and inexpensive too. A piece of double sided paper with Christmas music and Holly all done up in black and neutral is topped off with a center piece of old pierced metal and a big rhinestone jewelery piece.

This Paper of Holly was one sided, so I coated the inside with snowy glitter to finish it off.  Got a little too heavy handed with some green stamp pad, but I still like it. The middle is a Bakelite button topped with a pierced Pearl button.

Book Review

Jane and the Stillroom Maid by Stephanie Barron


My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Another intriguing mystery, 5th in the series with Jane Austen as the investigator with a classic touch. I always learn new little bits when I read these books about England of early 1800's. I did not know what a stillroom maid was until now. The one in this story comes to a bad end but not before she has concocted her potions for many others. Jane, her mother and sister are in Bakewell when trouble happens and in between the social happenings, Jane is intently endeavoring to solve the murder mystery, which, of course, she does with great aplomb. I love the depth of detail that makes up these delicious mysteries and I heartily recommend them to Jane Austen fans especially.




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Book Review

The Ties That Bind: A Memoir of Race, Memory, and Redemption by Bertice Berry


My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Relating the story of her family's past, Bertice Berry realized that she did not fully understand of what that past consisted. It was only at the end of her mother's life that she finally began to listen to the stories told of good white people who owned the farm where her ancestors lived and worked. Before this time she believed her people to be slaves. Her previous novel had castigated the supposed slave owner of her family and with this book she seeks to redeem herself for her misinformation.




Growing up in the 60's as one of seven children, all of different fathers, Ms. Berry tells her family story, attempting to weave the times of slavery into the fabric of the current day. Her life is a crusade of encouraging people of all colors to come to grips with where they have come from and above all, to love and help others in their lives.




A positive reflection of thoughtful writing.




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Book Review

The Bottle Factory Outing by Beryl Bainbridge


My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Rather distressing, but funny story of two English girls who work at an Italian-run bottling factory. One is being chased by one of the workers that she has no interest in and the other is chasing a worker who is not interested in her. The plot thickens when a long awaited OUTING planned for the workers occurs, with serious consequences resulting.




This book caught my eye at the library as an author I had not read and the story line sounded appealing. It is funny, but sadly so.




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Book Review

An Irish Christmas: Stories by John Brendan Keane


My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Do all Irish stories have to include lots of hoisting of drinks and curates who, if not drinkers themselves, implore those who are to curtail their overindulgence?




I'm not sure of the answer, but in this book, lots of both occurs and all set either at or near the Christmas holiday. Although I did enjoy the writing style, it did not fill the bill for wanting a nice comforting book of Christmas short stories.




You certainly have to hand it to the Irish though. Most surely do know how to tip a few pints and also to tell you just exactly how they feel on a subject.




A couple of these tales were fun and bittersweet. Several were strange and some were downright sad.


Words to make you think. One of the points of reading, be ye Irish or not.




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Book Review

The Diary of a Nobody by George Grossmith


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Quirky and so very funny as only the Brits can be, this book remains as fresh as when it was first written by two brothers in 1892.


Charles Pooter lives a well ordered life, or at least he attempts to, as we travel through his days reading his diary. He does not see in himself the pettiness of others and therein lies the humor. He strives to live dignified days of social acceptance, but pitfalls lurk at every corner. His wife and friends are always there to confound his sense of propriety. His best laid plans often turn to chaos.


A very entertaining read highly recommended.




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Book Review

The Faithful Servants by Margery Sharp


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


An old scamp of 80, Jacob Arbuthnot, leaves his estate to be set up as The Copstock Foundation, to benefit faithful servants who can apply for charity only on two days a year. The solicitors in charge of administering this fund are taken in by many who make their appeals.




Although the fund is to be accorded to those of later years who have served well and have been sponsored with papers from either their employer or their vicar, there are many who find their way around such details.




Margery Sharp has a delightful comic way of drawing out the story in her wonderful British style. This story is so entertaining and insightful as well, into the times of 1860-1960 England.




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Book Review

The Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Medicine, Madness & the Murder of a President by Candice Millard


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Imagine a man who does not desire it, not only receiving the nomination of his party, but being elected to the position of President of the United States without having given even one speech or spending one day on the campaign trail. Such was the case in 1880 when James Garfield of Ohio was elected.




Tragically, the lasting mark of his presidency was stolen from us after only 4 months by a deranged man, Charles Guiteau, who said that God wanted him to kill the President.




Were it not for the doctors who used unsanitary and old-fashioned methods of care, he would, no doubt have survived his attack. Joseph Lister, who in England was gaining great success with his methods of antisepsis, and who tried to convince the American medical community of the fact of "invisible germs", was most sadly ignored.




Alexander Graham Bell also figures into this period of history with his invention of a device intended to discover the site of a bullet in the body.




I was amazed to learn that Garfield was a general in the Civil War, afterword elected to Congress and was a dedicated opponent to slavery. He was a devoted family man who had come from poverty and lived his life with great joy.




Oh, to have a Garfield among us today. This book is an amazing account of a time in history that has not been widely taught and I highly recommend it.




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Book Review

A Death in the Family by James Agee


My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I hardly even know what to say about this incredible book. Although about death and all the sadness for so many people, it is so profound in the way it describes so much of what is felt and said and experienced. I felt at times that I had almost written the words myself.




In the first part we get to know the man who will die and his son and their relationship. Also, that of he and his wife. The second part deals with his death and how his family is told of the news. The last part is the funeral and the feelings and thoughts especially of his two young children. Their mother is a woman of great faith and continues to look to God for his peace.


Others in the family do not hold with faith and it is so interesting to see how they each handle the ordeal.




Ironically, Mr. Agee died at a young age  and so we were not given the gift of more of his books. This was a tiring book to read, emotionally, but I recommend it for all.




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Grammy is a Cheap Date

 Yes, it does not take too much to make me kinda happy. Like bringing home these 3 little bits from the local antique/flea market mall. And, all for just a total of $3.49 too!!! My dear husband spied the cool red level. I hung it in that tiny little wall space between kitchen and dining room.

                                                            

Much as I adore cream and black and white, I also love RED!

                     
Little bits to remember this day  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Book Review

Once Upon a River by Bonnie Jo Campbell


My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Harrowing story with lots of violence, casual sex and heartbreak; all the stuff of life for some. I cannot say I really "liked" this book, but felt compelled by the story to read it.




Margo is a teenage girl with a mother who has left town and a father who is killed, leaving her alone and desperate to make a life for herself. Having grown up on the river and knowing how to fish and hunt, she makes plans to continue life on the river.




Her next two years involve relationships with several men, more violence and being led to care for an elderly man who is dying.




The journey her life takes is an amazing one that is hard to comprehend. The many passages about her killing and skinning animals was a bit much for me.




I read not only to learn and to be entertained, but also to better understand other personalities and human conditions. This book gives the reader a definite idea of a young, rough life with a determination to get through each day the best way she can.




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Book Review

The Innocents by Margery Sharp

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Antoinette is an "innocent", a retarded child, left with an older woman in a small English town after her parents are forced back to New York at the beginning of World War II.



She does not speak but slowly says a very few words as she develops a closeness with her foster mother. After the war her mother arrives, to what she calls, "collect" the child. She has never understood her daughter to be retarded and in her social whirl, does not have time to consider it, believing that she can make necessary changes for her through speech therapy and psychoanalysis.



The foster mother is helpless to prevent the real mother from taking her, but circumstances intervene to change things in other ways.



A poignant, insightful look into how this topic was viewed in 1940's England.



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Book Review

Nightwoods by Charles Frazier


My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Intense story with a small cast of rather rough characters in North Carolina of the '60's. Luce is alone, living in a huge lakeside lodge and just trying to get through the day, when her life is forever changed by the evilness of another.




Told through each character, we see the tough resilience of Luce, the distorted mind of her brother-in-law Bud, the wisdom and concern shown by nearby neighbor, Maddie........... and Stubblefield, the man who intervenes at the right time.




Frazier has the gift of laying out the words for us like a carpet, leading us to feel emotions as we take the path along with his characters. We Feel the weather, we See the changing Fall colors of nature, we are Smitten with the fear felt by innocent people.




Not your "happily ever after" type story, but a more down to earth one that gives us hope that we can survive the bad and get through to another day.




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Book Review

The Life All Around Me By Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I Loved this book!




As the follow up to her first book "Ellen Foster", Gibbons continues to show us Ellen's life as a teenager. I cheered her on as she struggled to deal with her mother's death and subsequent horrid treatment by other relatives. The characters surrounding her are each experiencing their own challenges and their effect on one another is sweet and thoughtful.




In Laura she finds not only a replacement mother, but also one with great wisdom and skill at living. Ellen is quite intelligent and aspires to attend Harvard and Laura is her encourager along the way. They both find in one another what they need.




What a gift to read passages that give both laughter and a twinge of angst. It is written in the way a young mind thinks and speaks, and I had to re-read some sections to understand the meaning.




Ellen is someone you know will succeed due to her focus and motivation to make more of her life. I can only be inspired by her.




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HandSewing, Button Swap and Gluebook Pages Swap

Starting with a piece of cream wool from my stash, I hand sewed a bunch of bits and pieces of needlework in whites and creams, adding black stitching and black seam binding. Of course, I had to add some pearl buttons at the top and some very old black glass ones in a row. After all, what is a project without buttons? Unless it is a gluebook? :)  I sewed the piece onto a piece of heavy felt, adding a pocket at the top for a dowel, which I finished off with more seam binding in bows and for a hanger.

Above is my Button project made for Tami's Creative Button Swap. My swap partner was Laurie at Indulge My Shelf. I used an old book cover as the bas, added the reproduction note card behind an old photo card then used lots and lots of very old china buttons, dating from the 1880's or so. Finished it off with some great needlework edging.



I am SO EXCITED waiting on my Vintage GlueBook Swap from Mary to arrive hopefully this week! Here are my 7 pages for the swap.   (I realized after I uploaded them that they are not cropped)