Penned to Perfection
“Postage stamps have been in my blood since early childhood. My older brother and I fought to the death for the possession of our stamp collections.” Alan A. Blackman From our opening quote, you might assume we’ll focus on stamps, and indeed, we’ll view some remarkable ones. But in this instance, it’s the dance between the stamps and handwritten addresses that will hold you spellbound, as the stamps provided a springboard for the imagination, wit, charm and talent of calligrapher Alan A. Blackman. I’ll keep the facts brief, so you can delve right into his visual magic. Recalling the...
Read MoreSaddle Up Cowboy
“A good old rodeo never hurt anyone.” Taylor Kitsch Summertime spells Rodeo and this week we celebrate the National Day of the American Cowboy on July 27th. So all you bronc riders and buckaroos saddle up and swing by the O.K. Corral for some hankie viewin’. The crisp red and green sets off our buckin ’broncs with graphics that giddy up. . The border on the hankie above leaves little doubt as to what’s going on here. Yeeeooouuch! Those little doggies are getting a ‘cowboy tattoo.’ At least we’ll know what ranch they call home if they ever wander too far away. “Trust your neighbor, but...
Read MoreUnder the Big Top
“The circus had been unlike anything I could ever imagine and I could not walk away. I wanted to be a part of the magic, create it and wield it with such skill that it looked effortless. I wanted to fly.” Laura Lam, Pantomime From P. T. Barnum in the 1800’s right up to today’s spectacular Cirque de Soleil, the circus has always stood for spectacle, awe, and magic. The costumes, calliopes, and clowns, the trainers, technicians and tightrope walkers, the animals, acrobats and atmosphere transport us to a realm of wonder and escape. As one young father taking his son to the circus for the...
Read MoreOh Baby, Oh Baby!
“There is really nothing quite so sweet as tiny little baby feet.” Author unknown This adorable teddy and his sidekick bunny towing love balloons gently rock “Welcome Home” to the new arrival. This child’s handkerchief was perhaps gifted to an older sibling in an effort to include them in celebrating the new addition to the family. Old fashioned and traditional, right down to the ABC blocks and a spinning top, it’s a far cry from the following sleek Welcome Home, which is as up-to-the-minute hip as any graphic of today. To enhance your viewing, please enjoy Brahm’s Lullaby...
Read MoreDog Days of Summer
The endless weeks of scorching heat experienced in July and August are known as the Dog Days of Summer, as noted in everything from The Old Farmer’s Almanac to The Book of Common Prayer, from Dickens’ A Christmas Carol to the movie Batman. Legend has it the days are regulated by Sirius, the brightest star in the sky, which governs flood tides, extreme heat, and the moods of man and beast. Best to lie low during this time when “the sea boils and wine turns sour.” Whew! Sure, dogs may get testy when it’s torrid, but imagine how you’d respond enveloped in fur in 110 degree heat? Yet...
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