Ancient Mariner

I made a larger version of this to print for my wall after my recent re-reading of Coleridge's poem. I thought it would serve as a reminder to be gentle and kind in my dealings with others and the world around me.  (Bird image from The Graphics Fairy.)

Coleridge's poem Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner has always been one of my favorites.  My father recited bits and pieces of it to me throughout my childhood.  When I got older and finally sat down and read it through, I was impressed by its beauty as well as the thoughts and values expressed by it.

The Romantic movement in literature and art, with its emphasis on nature, appeals to me greatly.  Coleridge's poem ties the idea of the sacredness of nature to an almost medieval version of Christianity with saints and hermits and prayers to the Virgin Mary.  Harmony with nature and respect for it are equated with goodness.  It is also a tale of redemption in a way.  Through his experiences and the penance that follows them, the mariner not only redeems himself, but comes to have a greater understanding and love of nature.


The poem at Project Gutenberg

Shy lady

This image was taken from a turn of the century postcard in my collection.  I chose this one for the color of the lady's dress and her elaborate hair comb.  She looks to me as if she is not quite sure what to make of her suitor.  Note the sweet little bird couple in the nearby tree.

Sweet Spring

When I was a young girl, I hated spring. It was cold and damp, the flowers were slow to bloom, and the world was gray with a haze of green creeping over it far too slowly. Somehow I find that has changed now that I am a little older.

Spring is gray and cold in my part of the world, but it symbolizes so many things for me. Rebirth, new life and the power of nature and beauty shine through even the damp drear of springtime. Persistent, brave little flowers manage to peep out of the earth, although the temperature is discouragingly cold.

Life has many endings and many days without sunlight or cheer. New beginnings are difficult and the world is harsh and cold, yet beauty always manages to find its way.

details: tea and kisses

This little scene from my home includes a rather tiny thrifted Lenox china frame, a vintage teacup and a red votive holder.  An assortment of antique medicine bottles form the backdrop.  This shelf is constantly being re-arranged as we gather new objects and find new uses for the old ones, but I think the combination of gold and red here was very pretty.

A joyful May

May Day is coming soon.  I have fond childhood memories of leaving baskets of flowers on doorsteps and dancing around the maypole with my pretty ribbon.   I still love May Day.  Spring following winter is a wonderful and joyous thing.

I found this lovely little illustration from a 1911 children's book entitled Fun and Thought for Little Folk.  It reminded me of my childhood observance of May Day.  While there are many wonderful traditions surrounding May Day involving flowers, song and dance, it does not seem to commonly be observed anymore.  I think our modern May Days ought to involve a few more flowers and ribbons, at the very least.

 

May Song

(It is traditional, and comes in many versions, but this is how I sing it.)

We have been rambling all of the night
And the best part of this day,
And we are returning here back again,
And we've brought you a garland gay.

A bunch of May we bear about
And here at the door it stands.
It is nothing but a sprout, but it's well budded out.
It's the work of God's own hand.

For the life of a man is but a span
He's cut down like the grass
For he's like unto the green leaf of a tree

For as long as life shall last.

And now our song is almost done

We can no longer stay.

God bless us all, both great and small

And we wish you a joyful May.

Quite busy

I've been quite busy recently with finishing school, falling in love with a sweet, gorgeous foreign boy, getting engaged and setting up housekeeping with my dear.  I intend to revisit this blog as I have time.

I'd initially intended to keep a wedding blog but I really want to attempt to pat attention to this one again, if I can help it.  There may be occasional future posts about wedding related things.

My wedding will be vintage themed, with black and various shades of white and cream as the colors.  Vintage milk glass and postcards will be involved, as well as well as generous amounts of lace.  Oh, and lots of mushroom doves nested here there and everywhere.

 

Papered notebook

I had some vintage from a children's book papers laying around so I decided to pretty up a notebook for class. I painted it with gesso and placed the papers over it, adding some vintage lace and some sort of child like flowers drawn in colored pencil.

I like how it turned out, however, I should have used a brush and not my fingers for the gesso, as it turned out a little lumpy.