Guns and Roses: Collecting World War II Pillow Tops

What's pink, patriotic, and as into posies as it is punt-guns? No, it's not Paris Hilton's latest image makeover. Or Mattel's new "Bivouac Barbie"....

It's a Sweetheart Pillow from World War II.

These satiny, sentimental souvenirs from our US military ports stand today as quirky and meaningful reminders of our nation's past and the lives of the people who served. "To Mother," "To My Wife," "To Sister" or sometimes just featuring area tourist attractions, the pillows were sent back as sweet and consoling tokens of caring during tough times. Many feature images of heavy military machinery, flags and eagles paired-- rather unexpectedly to modern eyes!-- with delicate roses and gentle poetic verse directed at the recipient.

The pillow covers often support a particular branch of the military. And many feature a specific location, or even have customized messaging. All the ones I've seen to-date have been trimmed in fringe. This one came from the St. Vincent de Paul in Apollo, PA.

Did you know that the colors of the American flag are pink, white and blue? Apparently so! That poor eagle. The other eagles must laugh so.

It reads:

America's Defense
To My Sister:
Nice to chat with
Good to know
Glad to have her
where I go:
Kind in trouble.
Bright in joy.
Suits exactly-
Can't say why:
Sweet and wholesome,
Always true:
That's my sister.
Yes, that's you!

I became enchanted with these decorative bits of history when I spied them in a display the now-deceased Riverfront Antique Mall in Beaver Falls, PA. (Readers who are from my region might hear "Taps" playing lightly in the background over the loss of this enjoyable and once-massive antiquing mecca... I sure can. Sniff... sob...!) At the time, though, at upwards of $20 apiece, I was not inclined to invest.

Yet one day some tell-tale fringe peeking out of the textiles rack in the Goodwill sent my Super-Thrifter Sense tingling. And there were THREE pillow covers from the very same period, but at a much more manageable $2 a piece.

I grabbed them up quickly, and since have tried to fine-tune the ol' brain to seek out these delightful examples of World War II memorabilia when I scan the aisles.

As with any sort of collectible, condition has an important effect on value. Many of these covers look like they've never been unfolded or used, and those are typically worth more.

And some, like this one I recently acquired at the Fleatique in Ligonier, have seen better days-- a little fading... Some fringe issues... But for $1, and with such great sentiment, I thought the price was fine.


The poem here reads:

To My Wife
A darling little wife--
Has made my dreams come true
She blesses all my life,
Her name is only "You"
You are my partner sweet,
You share in all I do,
And make my joy complete
By simply being You!

Now THIS particular pillow cover below lives year-round in my Shabby Chic-styled/cottage guest room.

This US Army pillow sham from Hollywood California is one of my absolute favorites-- It was only a buck or two at the Boulevard Bring N Sell (which also has closed) and this particular poem reads:

Sister
Of all the girls
I ever knew
There never was
one like you
You're the nearest,
You're the dearest
Pal I ever knew.

Ah, it's an idealized society where a brother tells his sister she's his "nearest and dearest pal." Now THAT'S homesickness talking. Or possibly shellshock. I love those big beautiful girly pink roses and fringe contrasting with the army tanks and battle scenes. That just makes me smile.

Here are two examples that act basically as tourism postcards. These may be later in date than World War II, I'm not sure. But I thought they were interesting variations on the style. Here we have the Hawaiian Islands, complete with volcanos and hula girl...

And here we have Kentucky. Yes, indeed, the entire state encapsulated in a fringed pillow...


And this one is my only one printed on velvet instead of satin. Again, I'm not sure of the age here-- this might be a slightly later example. This came from the Goodwill in Monroeville, PA.

It reads:

Mother and Dad
To both of you, dear Mother and Dad
This brings a double measure
Of sincere wishes for a life that's filled
With all that gives you pleasure
It also brings the loving thought
That the joys you've always given
Have made the world for those you love
A better place to live in.

Looking for more information on World War II pillow covers? Well, I understand the Wright Museum in Wolfeboro, NH, collects world war II textiles such as these, so you can check that out here: http://www.wrightmuseum.org/

And I also think you might enjoy this site: http://www.quiltersmuse.com/sweetheart_pillows.htm It discusses the author's sweetheart pillow cover collection, and gives a nice pictorial overview on the types of pillow shams out there from this time period.

Oh-- and before you go, since you may have missed it, I thought you might enjoy seeing my New Year's post from last year, talking about New Year' postcards from around 1910. This is is on my .Mac site here (apologies that I haven't yet converted it over to Blogger. I'm still chipping away at it)-- click here.

Wishing you all the very best for 2008! And I hope to see you again soon in the new year.

Guns and Roses: Collecting World War II Pillow Tops

What's pink, patriotic, and as into posies as it is punt-guns? No, it's not Paris Hilton's latest image makeover. Or Mattel's new "Bivouac Barbie"....

It's a Sweetheart Pillow from World War II.

These satiny, sentimental souvenirs from our US military ports stand today as quirky and meaningful reminders of our nation's past and the lives of the people who served. "To Mother," "To My Wife," "To Sister" or sometimes just featuring area tourist attractions, the pillows were sent back as sweet and consoling tokens of caring during tough times. Many feature images of heavy military machinery, flags and eagles paired-- rather unexpectedly to modern eyes!-- with delicate roses and gentle poetic verse directed at the recipient.

The pillow covers often support a particular branch of the military. And many feature a specific location, or even have customized messaging. All the ones I've seen to-date have been trimmed in fringe. This one came from the St. Vincent de Paul in Apollo, PA.

Did you know that the colors of the American flag are pink, white and blue? Apparently so! That poor eagle. The other eagles must laugh so.

It reads:

America's Defense
To My Sister:
Nice to chat with
Good to know
Glad to have her
where I go:
Kind in trouble.
Bright in joy.
Suits exactly-
Can't say why:
Sweet and wholesome,
Always true:
That's my sister.
Yes, that's you!

I became enchanted with these decorative bits of history when I spied them in a display the now-deceased Riverfront Antique Mall in Beaver Falls, PA. (Readers who are from my region might hear "Taps" playing lightly in the background over the loss of this enjoyable and once-massive antiquing mecca... I sure can. Sniff... sob...!) At the time, though, at upwards of $20 apiece, I was not inclined to invest.

Yet one day some tell-tale fringe peeking out of the textiles rack in the Goodwill sent my Super-Thrifter Sense tingling. And there were THREE pillow covers from the very same period, but at a much more manageable $2 a piece.

I grabbed them up quickly, and since have tried to fine-tune the ol' brain to seek out these delightful examples of World War II memorabilia when I scan the aisles.

As with any sort of collectible, condition has an important effect on value. Many of these covers look like they've never been unfolded or used, and those are typically worth more.

And some, like this one I recently acquired at the Fleatique in Ligonier, have seen better days-- a little fading... Some fringe issues... But for $1, and with such great sentiment, I thought the price was fine.


The poem here reads:

To My Wife
A darling little wife--
Has made my dreams come true
She blesses all my life,
Her name is only "You"
You are my partner sweet,
You share in all I do,
And make my joy complete
By simply being You!

Now THIS particular pillow cover below lives year-round in my Shabby Chic-styled/cottage guest room.

This US Army pillow sham from Hollywood California is one of my absolute favorites-- It was only a buck or two at the Boulevard Bring N Sell (which also has closed) and this particular poem reads:

Sister
Of all the girls
I ever knew
There never was
one like you
You're the nearest,
You're the dearest
Pal I ever knew.

Ah, it's an idealized society where a brother tells his sister she's his "nearest and dearest pal." Now THAT'S homesickness talking. Or possibly shellshock. I love those big beautiful girly pink roses and fringe contrasting with the army tanks and battle scenes. That just makes me smile.

Here are two examples that act basically as tourism postcards. These may be later in date than World War II, I'm not sure. But I thought they were interesting variations on the style. Here we have the Hawaiian Islands, complete with volcanos and hula girl...

And here we have Kentucky. Yes, indeed, the entire state encapsulated in a fringed pillow...


And this one is my only one printed on velvet instead of satin. Again, I'm not sure of the age here-- this might be a slightly later example. This came from the Goodwill in Monroeville, PA.

It reads:

Mother and Dad
To both of you, dear Mother and Dad
This brings a double measure
Of sincere wishes for a life that's filled
With all that gives you pleasure
It also brings the loving thought
That the joys you've always given
Have made the world for those you love
A better place to live in.

Looking for more information on World War II pillow covers? Well, I understand the Wright Museum in Wolfeboro, NH, collects world war II textiles such as these, so you can check that out here: http://www.wrightmuseum.org/

And I also think you might enjoy this site: http://www.quiltersmuse.com/sweetheart_pillows.htm It discusses the author's sweetheart pillow cover collection, and gives a nice pictorial overview on the types of pillow shams out there from this time period.

Oh-- and before you go, since you may have missed it, I thought you might enjoy seeing my New Year's post from last year, talking about New Year' postcards from around 1910. This is is on my .Mac site here (apologies that I haven't yet converted it over to Blogger. I'm still chipping away at it)-- click here.

Wishing you all the very best for 2008! And I hope to see you again soon in the new year.

The New Year is fast approaching.

Well tomorrow is New Years Eve and that means one thing to a lot of people. The year is over? No, its booze time. I have never been a big fan of going out on New Years Eve, its always too much hype and too many idiots. I have normally ended up at one of the relatives parties pretending not to like it, but actually having a laugh.
This time around I am up at my sisters in Scotland and not sure what we are going to do yet. I think we will probably end up at the local pub and drink too much, which means I will become one of those idiots I love so much.

I hope everyone has a nice time and try not to be an IDIOT! But if you are try not to be sick on yourself or others :)

900 posts later....

Greetings from the rather wet and miserable Highlands of Scotland. My sister has gone back to work today, so I am meant to be using this time to catch up with some college work. Yes I am on holiday but I still heaved a big bag full of books and work with me. How much have I done? Well near enough BOG ALL. I have lived in my pyjamas and generally turned into a rather large vegetable that lives on the sofa.
So while I am festering on the sofa with a big pile of books and paper sat next to me, I thought I would blog a bit to clear my mind. You never know it might actually get me in the mood to pick up one of books, hey its worth a try.
I don't really know how it has happened, but I have written 900 posts and had nearly 30,000 visitors! Also on checking my stats on Feed Burner I have 77 fans! Woo hoo I am waving at you.
Well to say that I don't know how the blog came to this is a slight exaggeration. I turned on the computer and emptied out the grey goo from my noggin.
The money making side of this blog, although a small part, has soured for me. It was becoming to much like a chore and the whole google rank thing just gave me one big headache. I am not sure if I will give it up altogether or just take a break from it. At the moment I just cant be arsed with it.
While I am putting the brakes on the paid post thing, I have also been putting the brakes on blogging as a whole. So maybe now that I have decided to ease up on the paid stuff, I may start to enjoy blogging a bit more. I don't think I will ever get to the point of not wanting to blog anymore but I have definitely needed to ease up for a while.

Toodles for now, hopefully the weather is nicer tomorrow and I will venture outside to get some nice photographs.

I hope you all had a lovely Chrismas xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Happy Boxing Day

Here is a shot of my Chritsmas Dinner by candle light, there was electricity honest but it does look nice now doesn't it.
Its Boxing Day over here today which is a tradition that dates back to the middle ages apparently, to me its just another day in my pyjamas.

Thrifty Gifty Goodness

Grandma's rock hard fruitcake... holiday sweatshirts weighed down with twenty-pounds of frolicking snowpersons in puff paint, ribbons and lace... ponies that bite...

The Christmas season brings with it the gift of family and friends-- and just a few less desirable elements, as well.

I mean, how many of you ever received something from a friend or relative that you just KNOW was sitting around their house for 20 years?

Since it really IS the thought that counts, then that thought probably shouldn't be, "Hey, this string-and-nail art at the back of the closet isn't doing me any good. If I dust it off, who can I pawn it off on?"...

Just sayin'.

So when I suggest it's possible to find great Christmas gifts for the people on your list at thrift stores, I'm not suggesting you grab the first big-eyed-child painting you see.

Unless you know a person who collects paintings of big-eyed children...

In which case, do they have pics? Because I'd really get a kick out of seeing their stuff.

No, the success of thrifting Christmas gifts, like any gifting, involve giving your recipients-- not what you WANT them to like-- but what they actually DO like or can use.

It's stating the obvious, I know, and I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir here. But it still needs to be said...

It's the only thing that explains why one of my twenty-something friends received a desk blotter with a calendar dated from the PREVIOUS YEAR, and a copy of Tom Brokaw's biography.

Of course, the great thing about thrift stores is there's a variety of interesting and unique items-- from antique treasures to brand-spanking new-in-the-box stuff-- that make gifting simple, and really cost-effective.

And especially if you can keep a year-round eye out for things the folks on your gift list might enjoy to set aside-- well, you've made Christmas shopping even easier on yourself.

One kind lady, who's like a second mother to me, collects Imperial harvest grape milk glass. Recently at an antique mall she narrowly missed out on getting a milk glass punch bowl set with cups. So I think she'll be fairly tickled with this Imperial grape lidded candy dish, discovered at the Salvation Army. (And PS-- milkglass fans who haven't thrifted, you really might want to consider starting; there are a ton of really great pieces around, and SOMEONE needs to scoop them up and enjoy them.)


The lady I know who appreciates the milk glass also loves porcelain dolls. So a couple of visits to the Army and St. Vincent de Paul revealed these two little ladies, all decked out in their Christmas finery.


I also have a friend into vintage Western prints. She's always picking them up when the price is right at antiques stores. So when I spied this print at the thrift, it seemed like the perfect fit. I think it's from the 20s or 30s, and in its original frame.


And here-- what looks like some vintage framed art is actually a small dresser box.


I understand that around the Depression era, these boxes typically came filled with candy or other goodies, and when the goodies were gone, the box was still a part of the gift. I'm using the box in the same way here, to hold part of another friend's gift.

And this large Transformer, from this year's blockbuster film?..


At Toys R Us, I think this was running around $30. But at the Goodwill, it was just $5! This was a donation of new merchandise which appears to have come from Target. There's not a thing wrong with it, and I can guarantee it's going to go over better than a calendar blotter from a past year.

So how about you folks? Have you uncovered a great gift at a thrift store or garage sale you're excited to share this year? Or have you received the sort of gift that makes last year's blotter look like thoughtful insight?

Here's wishing you all a wonderful holiday and a happy new year, filled with the joy, camaraderie and spirit of the season which you'll always cherish.

Thrifty Gifty Goodness

Grandma's rock hard fruitcake... holiday sweatshirts weighed down with twenty-pounds of frolicking snowpersons in puff paint, ribbons and lace... ponies that bite...

The Christmas season brings with it the gift of family and friends-- and just a few less desirable elements, as well.

I mean, how many of you ever received something from a friend or relative that you just KNOW was sitting around their house for 20 years?

Since it really IS the thought that counts, then that thought probably shouldn't be, "Hey, this string-and-nail art at the back of the closet isn't doing me any good. If I dust it off, who can I pawn it off on?"...

Just sayin'.

So when I suggest it's possible to find great Christmas gifts for the people on your list at thrift stores, I'm not suggesting you grab the first big-eyed-child painting you see.

Unless you know a person who collects paintings of big-eyed children...

In which case, do they have pics? Because I'd really get a kick out of seeing their stuff.

No, the success of thrifting Christmas gifts, like any gifting, involve giving your recipients-- not what you WANT them to like-- but what they actually DO like or can use.

It's stating the obvious, I know, and I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir here. But it still needs to be said...

It's the only thing that explains why one of my twenty-something friends received a desk blotter with a calendar dated from the PREVIOUS YEAR, and a copy of Tom Brokaw's biography.

Of course, the great thing about thrift stores is there's a variety of interesting and unique items-- from antique treasures to brand-spanking new-in-the-box stuff-- that make gifting simple, and really cost-effective.

And especially if you can keep a year-round eye out for things the folks on your gift list might enjoy to set aside-- well, you've made Christmas shopping even easier on yourself.

One kind lady, who's like a second mother to me, collects Imperial harvest grape milk glass. Recently at an antique mall she narrowly missed out on getting a milk glass punch bowl set with cups. So I think she'll be fairly tickled with this Imperial grape lidded candy dish, discovered at the Salvation Army. (And PS-- milkglass fans who haven't thrifted, you really might want to consider starting; there are a ton of really great pieces around, and SOMEONE needs to scoop them up and enjoy them.)


The lady I know who appreciates the milk glass also loves porcelain dolls. So a couple of visits to the Army and St. Vincent de Paul revealed these two little ladies, all decked out in their Christmas finery.


I also have a friend into vintage Western prints. She's always picking them up when the price is right at antiques stores. So when I spied this print at the thrift, it seemed like the perfect fit. I think it's from the 20s or 30s, and in its original frame.


And here-- what looks like some vintage framed art is actually a small dresser box.


I understand that around the Depression era, these boxes typically came filled with candy or other goodies, and when the goodies were gone, the box was still a part of the gift. I'm using the box in the same way here, to hold part of another friend's gift.

And this large Transformer, from this year's blockbuster film?..


At Toys R Us, I think this was running around $30. But at the Goodwill, it was just $5! This was a donation of new merchandise which appears to have come from Target. There's not a thing wrong with it, and I can guarantee it's going to go over better than a calendar blotter from a past year.

So how about you folks? Have you uncovered a great gift at a thrift store or garage sale you're excited to share this year? Or have you received the sort of gift that makes last year's blotter look like thoughtful insight?

Here's wishing you all a wonderful holiday and a happy new year, filled with the joy, camaraderie and spirit of the season which you'll always cherish.

Tis the day before Christmas.

Tis the day before Christmas and I slept in really late, had a shower and have left my hair to go crazy wild. This would be good if I wasn't going out, but now we might be going the pub! So the hair will be have to sorted and hours later I will be ready.

As well as the hair dilemma, there is also the turkey dilemma. If we are at the pub tonight what time will I be up tomorrow and will I be in a fit state to cook a turkey? Heather the sister is a vego and John her boyf is not a cook,so I am in charge of the turkey. Well you couldn't leave it to the vegetarian now could you.

Christmas time in Scotland

Seasons Greetings from freezing Brora, here are a few shots from my stay so far. Thats a reindeer in case you didn't know, I can't confirm whether its one of Santa's though. Heather my sister happily posed with Santa after our Santa Express train ride. I am not sure if he was happy when she felt his sack.

I saw him!

Holy Mary Mother of God! Guess who I saw today? No not Jesus, nope not the devil and unfortunately not Johnny Depp (or any other rather gorgeous looking fella). It was Father Christmas!
I saw and spoke to the rotund fellow on a steam train, after seeing reindeers. Could a day get more festive? Photos will follow when I download them at some stage tomorrow.

There is more Christmas type things planned for tomorrow, so I am away to my bed. :)

More words for Wordless Wednesday

Hello! I spent all day yesterday on various trains after not sleeping the night before because I still hadn't packed. I soon realised that was not the best of things to do, as on more than one occasion I awoke with a wee bit of drool whilst my head was stuck to the train window.
Due to the lateness of packing, I had grossly underestimated the amount of crap the folks expected me to bring up to Heathers, so there was no room for my presents! Also not much room for clothes, so will be borrowing some of heathers clothes and rinsing my one pair of knickers.

In regards to Wordless Wednesday, this was an intersting rock formation from my trip to Italy earlier this year. I have no idea what sick perverted things you had on your mind, I was thinking a melted candle or elaphants trunk.

Wordless Wednesday, interesting shape

Christmas Magic, Mania and Medicine Cabinet Mirrors

I've been a busy bee lately...

Or, for those allergic to them, I have been the highly-productive animal analogy of your choice.

I still have a ton to do, of course-- go grocery shopping, finish the laundry, dust the master bedroom, do some last-minute wrapping, mail my Christmas cards, tidy the kitchen, feed the llama.... whathaveyou. But I am completely in control. I am NOT freaking out.

NOT freaking out. NOT.

Okay, well, maybe a little.

BUT-- I say, as I turn my Optimism Setting back to "On"-- the guest room is prepped and momentarily pretty, so I thought you all might enjoy seeing some photos fresh off the Powershot.

It's been a fairy-merry season this year, as you can see...


My James Christensen fairy figures which inhabit the spare room are a bit confused as it turned from Spring to Winter overnight. (Well, that's Pittsburgh weather for you.) One moment there's flowers entwined everywhere, and the next minute you're up to your bum in icicles and tinsel.


I imagine the next time I go in there, they'll be wearing earmuffs and shawls. :)

The little shabby-chic-looking dresser drawer you see here was a Goodwill find. Normally throughout the year, I have it spilling over with silk wildflowers. But for the winter holidays, a few ornaments do the trick.


And here on the other side of the room, a bit of cheer was spread involving some vintage-look ornaments, a carnival glass bowl, and an old mirror that I think originally was part of a medicine cabinet. Can you believe the bowl, the dresser tray it's sitting on, and the medicine cabinet mirror were thrift store goodies? So was the glass Santa-shaped jar filled with strings of costume jewelry pearls you see on the far left.

And lastly, let's descend for a moment from the guest room to the diningroom. Below is one of the side tables there. It's truly remarkable how a few simple ornaments in a bowl and a bit of ribbon tossed lazily on fake greenery can suddenly make a place look decorated and festive.

So, tell me-- are YOU all freaking out about getting everything done for the holidays? Have any coping techniques you'd like to recommend?-- like starting a therapeutic yoga routine, hitting the cooking sherry, or just bagging it and going to Club Med?

Tea and sympathy provided. Otherwise, I'll see you next week!

Christmas Magic, Mania and Medicine Cabinet Mirrors

I've been a busy bee lately...

Or, for those allergic to them, I have been the highly-productive animal analogy of your choice.

I still have a ton to do, of course-- go grocery shopping, finish the laundry, dust the master bedroom, do some last-minute wrapping, mail my Christmas cards, tidy the kitchen, feed the llama.... whathaveyou. But I am completely in control. I am NOT freaking out.

NOT freaking out. NOT.

Okay, well, maybe a little.

BUT-- I say, as I turn my Optimism Setting back to "On"-- the guest room is prepped and momentarily pretty, so I thought you all might enjoy seeing some photos fresh off the Powershot.

It's been a fairy-merry season this year, as you can see...


My James Christensen fairy figures which inhabit the spare room are a bit confused as it turned from Spring to Winter overnight. (Well, that's Pittsburgh weather for you.) One moment there's flowers entwined everywhere, and the next minute you're up to your bum in icicles and tinsel.


I imagine the next time I go in there, they'll be wearing earmuffs and shawls. :)

The little shabby-chic-looking dresser drawer you see here was a Goodwill find. Normally throughout the year, I have it spilling over with silk wildflowers. But for the winter holidays, a few ornaments do the trick.


And here on the other side of the room, a bit of cheer was spread involving some vintage-look ornaments, a carnival glass bowl, and an old mirror that I think originally was part of a medicine cabinet. Can you believe the bowl, the dresser tray it's sitting on, and the medicine cabinet mirror were thrift store goodies? So was the glass Santa-shaped jar filled with strings of costume jewelry pearls you see on the far left.

And lastly, let's descend for a moment from the guest room to the diningroom. Below is one of the side tables there. It's truly remarkable how a few simple ornaments in a bowl and a bit of ribbon tossed lazily on fake greenery can suddenly make a place look decorated and festive.

So, tell me-- are YOU all freaking out about getting everything done for the holidays? Have any coping techniques you'd like to recommend?-- like starting a therapeutic yoga routine, hitting the cooking sherry, or just bagging it and going to Club Med?

Tea and sympathy provided. Otherwise, I'll see you next week!

The Highlands are calling.

Well folks tomorrow morning I will be heading to the Highlands of Scotland to stay with my younger sister Heather. Stop! Don't Panic! she has the internet and I will be confiscating her laptop and using it myself for the duration of my trip.
I am leaving my house about 8am, then its only a quick change in Edinburgh before arriving into Inverness about 17:30, then another hour on top of that to finally arrive at Heathers house. I think I am going to be grumpy and knackered!
I have a suitcase that would quite easily fit two dismembered corpses, I tested it out to prove my theory. Why carry such a beast? Well the folks instead of posting heather her gifts are using me as a human pack horse,l I think some of the gifts are for me too. Well they better had be.

Bloggers Unite

Well December 17th has arrived and its time for my Bloggers Unite Act of Kindness post.
I first mentioned this awhile back and have been thinking about what to write ever since.

Disclaimer:
Some of you that suffer from a weak stomach or bowels when confronted by nice things, may want to stop reading now. Otherwise the following words may render you to be sick or worse, I know the world can be disturbingly nice sometimes.

Regular readers of this blog will know that my mum has serious health problems and there is no sign of things getting easier for her at this moment in time. This is nothing new to my family as the mum has been ill since I was very little and I have grown up with her going in and out of hospital. That being said it doesn't make it any easier to see her in pain or lose some of the independence she has, its just the way it is.
What does make this situation easier to cope with, is the mum herself. When I think of something good or kind, I think of her. If you met her just once you would find this out for yourself. There have been many a time when it looked like things weren't going to get any better and she would pop her clogs (die). Yes that was me using humour to make it easier to type.
Every time things have looked beyond grim, she has bounced back, well hobbled back and remained as cheery as ever. Within hours of being on a new hospital ward, the mum knows everyone, whats wrong with them and if they get many visitors. She will talk to someone who is lonely,depressed, in pain, confused and somehow make them feel better, no matter how she is feeling herself. The staff and patients all love her, even to the point of being disappointed that she leaves to come home.
A lot of folks seem to think that I am doing something good or kind by helping her about around the house with daily tasks and chores. I don't see it like that at all, I just see it as something that needs to be done. I can moan and bitch about the unfairness of it all, but what would that achieve? No bloody much at all. If the mum can cope with it all and with a smile, then so can I.
At this moment in time I am training to become a counsellor, something which I feel my mum has been doing from her hospital bed for years. She is definitely the reason why I have taken this career path.
So what did I do that was good? Well when the mum was feeling better she started doing Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, this involves anything from exercises to gardening. It was the gardening part that I could help with. The hospital has its very own allotment or community garden which patients that have suffered anything from a stroke to a tumour can use as part of their rehabilitation. The problem is they don't really have enough therapists or more able bodied patients to keep the garden manageable. Enter the gardening idiot (yes me), I may not know what I am doing but I can move soil and weeds. I enjoyed it far more than I thought I ever would, although I did dig up a few plants that I thought were weeds. On the one hand volunteering to help out is a good thing for the patients and the therapists, on the other hand it was good for me too. Lugging soil about is a good workout and I think that balanced the goodness out.
Unfortunately the mum's health took a turn for the worse, so both of us haven't been able to go for a while. After Christmas we will definitely both be back getting stuck in and doing something good together. Here are some of the photo's I took last time we were there.

Visit others that are joining in here Bloggers Unite and leave your link if you are joining in.

Thrifty Christmas for All and Through Bloggers Unite

In conjunction with BlogCatalog’s December 17th “Bloggers Unite: Act of Kindness” day, I'd thought of a somewhat unusual-- and, I think, appropriate-- way to do my part.

While I donate to thrift stores every year in both a monetary “Putting Cash in the Kettle” way, and in a traditional “Giving Bags o’Stuff Away” way, this year I had an opportunity to do something which might just help spread a little kindness to a thrift store charity organization all year long.

I’ve developed a Squidoo page on “Decorating with Thrift Store Finds” where royalties will go to the Salvation Army for any Amazon book purchases made through my recommended book list on that page.

As my regular readers know, The Thrift Shop Romantic doesn’t have things like online ads, paid product endorsements and affiliates. This has less to do with how I feel about advertising as a medium (I’m a marketing writer for my Real Job, after all), and a lot more about my not wanting folks to feel like they’re being sold to when they come here. I figure that since this is my hobby, I can’t expect other people to fund it.

I also intend the site to remain that way. I just think it’s fair and it works.

The Squidoo page, however, seemed to be a nice opportunity to spread the word about finding and enjoying thrift store treasures, while doing the thrift store a potential monetary good turn, as well. I plan to update the page regularly throughout the year with new tips, other resources as I find them, and unique ideas separate from my blog site here. Fresh content for everyone!

So, for anyone who’d like to check out the Squidoo page, click here.

For anyone who’d like to check out what other bloggers are up to for their own "Acts of Kindness," just click here.

And if you'd like to read my second post of today on thrifty Christmas decorating and Indoor Pine Tree Migratory Patterns, click here.

Me, I plan to continue to celebrate the day of kindness by... er... letting drivers making the Pittsburgh Left cut me off without complaint!

And... um... not singing with my headphones on at work!

And, uh... scratching the neighbor cat under the chin as long as she likes (which, if she has her way, can go on FOREVER).

Oh, the joy, the mercy, the kindness! :) Sending well wishes for a holiday season and a new year that is kindly to you all, too.

Thrifty Christmas for All and Through Bloggers Unite

In conjunction with BlogCatalog’s December 17th “Bloggers Unite: Act of Kindness” day, I'd thought of a somewhat unusual-- and, I think, appropriate-- way to do my part.

While I donate to thrift stores every year in both a monetary “Putting Cash in the Kettle” way, and in a traditional “Giving Bags o’Stuff Away” way, this year I had an opportunity to do something which might just help spread a little kindness to a thrift store charity organization all year long.

I’ve developed a Squidoo page on “Decorating with Thrift Store Finds” where royalties will go to the Salvation Army for any Amazon book purchases made through my recommended book list on that page.

As my regular readers know, The Thrift Shop Romantic doesn’t have things like online ads, paid product endorsements and affiliates. This has less to do with how I feel about advertising as a medium (I’m a marketing writer for my Real Job, after all), and a lot more about my not wanting folks to feel like they’re being sold to when they come here. I figure that since this is my hobby, I can’t expect other people to fund it.

I also intend the site to remain that way. I just think it’s fair and it works.

The Squidoo page, however, seemed to be a nice opportunity to spread the word about finding and enjoying thrift store treasures, while doing the thrift store a potential monetary good turn, as well. I plan to update the page regularly throughout the year with new tips, other resources as I find them, and unique ideas separate from my blog site here. Fresh content for everyone!

So, for anyone who’d like to check out the Squidoo page, click here.

For anyone who’d like to check out what other bloggers are up to for their own "Acts of Kindness," just click here.

And if you'd like to read my second post of today on thrifty Christmas decorating and Indoor Pine Tree Migratory Patterns, click here.

Me, I plan to continue to celebrate the day of kindness by... er... letting drivers making the Pittsburgh Left cut me off without complaint!

And... um... not singing with my headphones on at work!

And, uh... scratching the neighbor cat under the chin as long as she likes (which, if she has her way, can go on FOREVER).

Oh, the joy, the mercy, the kindness! :) Sending well wishes for a holiday season and a new year that is kindly to you all, too.

The Migratory Patterns of Indoor Pine Trees and Other Holiday Hub-bub

We know birds fly south for the winter. And some butterflies, too.

But there is an important migratory trend that scholars have not yet touched upon: the indoor self-relocation patterns of the standard Christmas pine tree. Today, I would like to examine--

Er... what's that?...

You think I've cracked under the strain of holiday preparations?

Well... okay, possibly.

But that also doesn't mean I'm wrong.

See, every year, my tree comes home from the farm...

My housemate helps me to somehow get this tree into the tree stand (crying and uttering oaths being tradition during this process, as we are but Wee Gals and the tree, it is Mighty)...

But eventually, all is secured and the pine looks lovely. And straight. And it's the guest of honor.

Yet gradually, over a period of a day... two days... three days... more... just enough to make me question whether I'm seeing things or not...

...I find this Fine Pine is now leaning far, far left from where it began, peering out the bay window into the neighbor's backyard like some needle-clad Peeping Tom. Or a feeble remake of "Day of the Triffids."

So it gets a talking-to. It gets rearranged and tightened back into its stand and...

In another day, it's doing its impression of the Leaning Tower of Pisa again.

It does this for about two weeks, until it finally resigns itself to its locale. Like a restless kid who eventually falls asleep in the car seat.

But every night, I find myself wondering whether I'm going to be awakened to a crash, as the tree, drunk on tapwater and curious to see what the neighbor's just taken out of the fridge for a midnight snack, hyperextends the bounds of blue spruce/tree stand interrelations. And over it goes.

Christmas at my house is about a certain amount of tree-induced paranoia.

But Christmas is also about manic decorating. So today, in addition to my tale of pine tree migratory habits, I wanted to share with you some of my latest pics.

I got these excellent ShinyBrite vintage Christmas ornaments at the Salvation Army for just $1.99!


I've put a few on my entryway tree, which is covered in fake candies, cookies and the kinds of ornaments I remember from my childhood...




I think of this little vignette under the Sweetie Tree as my Island of Misfit Toys. (All of these little flocked velvet folks thrifted for $0.99!)


Here are a couple of my chandeliers done up for the holidays... This one is in my livingroom, the second one in my diningroom.



And that about wraps it up for this week. If you haven't seen my second post of today, regarding a thrifty approach to the "BloggersUnite: Act of Kindness" you can see that by clicking here.

And otherwise, I hope to see you next week, when we'll talk about gifting by thrifting. I never thought I'd feel happy that half the people whom I gift don't read my blog. But this means I can safely share these nifty, thrifty gift finds with you all, and still keep the surprise intact!

Now I'm off to see if my Christmas tree has once again packed its bags for a more scenic locale in the livingroom. Wish me luck.