Wyoming Breezes

An unusual round handkerchief approximately 10 inches in diameter   Frequent readers know that I love searching for vintage linens in antique stores and thrift shops, and two weeks ago, I hit the mother-lode and at a bargain price. Out of curiosity, I stopped at a local thrift shop to browse, and found three plastic bags stuffed with ladies handkerchiefs. Each bag was priced at $2. It didn't take me long to decide to purchase the bags. When I got home, I sorted the handkerchiefs for laundering and checked them for condition. Some still had paper labels attached: "Oriental lace," "made in Switzerland," "made in Ireland." I threw the ripped and the very thin handkerchiefs away and washed the rest. A multitude of screen-printed hankies. Because of the designs and color, I think some were manufactured in the 40s or 50s. While I ironed these lovely pieces of cotton, linen, and lace, I admired either their simplicity or their beauty. I have ...

I can't begin to count all of the purses I've own or carried over the years. As a child, I remember playing with old pocket books, the perfect container for precious toys and play money. An ugly, white wicker purse with a adjustable chain handle accompanied me through my junior year in high school. It was so large that it would not fit into my locker, so I dragged it everywhere. I snagged many pairs of nylons on that bag. I must have thought it was stylish; now I think it was pretty ugly. I've carried bags made of cloth, nylon, string, leather, and vinyl. Shoulder bags are by far my favorite, but I've used clutches, and purses with handles of leather, chain, or cloth. I even owned black and white beaded evening purses, but I only remember using one of them at a prom I was chaperoning and then I put it in the closet. I wonder if it is still there. I've never owned a designer purse, and I don't bother matching my purse to my shoes. My purse is always a neutr...

While Marilyn and I visited at a lot of quilt shops on our trip, we also browsed antique shops. Marilyn was looking specifically for old beer signs for her husband, and I searched for vintage linens. Call me old-fashioned, but I use scarves on my nightstands, an antique buffet, and an antique dresser. I found some wonderful pieces for very reasonable prices. It was the six-inch crochet on each end of this linen scarf that caught my eye. Even though the piece had some yellowing, I knew the $8.95 price was a steal. After a good wash, most of the yellowing has disappeared, and the scarf fits the buffet nicely. Because of the two doves, I think this scarf was a wedding gift. The linen and lace are in excellent condition, so it was probably only used for special occasions. This scarf has a delicate edge and minimal embroidery in the corners. The untrimmed edge is the fabric selvage. It fits the dresser well for $2.95. I love this embroidered and cutwork piece (detail sho...

My mother really wanted a little girl, but her first three children were boys. (She was eventually blessed with three girls, of which I am the youngest). Perhaps it was for a laugh, but my mother dressed my second oldest brother (Rich) as a little girl for this and several other photos. His hair was long and was sometimes curled in long ringlets. These two photos were taken in the 1930s on the family farm. Rich had dark hair as an adult, but when he was young it was gold, a deep gold that glinted in the sun. I know because my Mom kept the curls in an envelope in her handkerchief box. After Mom died, the envelope of curls disappeared. I would love to have at least one of the golden curls.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009 Outside My Window. . . a plastic bag in the tree is trying desperately to free itself from the branches. I know the feeling. For years, I have tried nearly everything to lose weight. Even when I am successful, I fall back into old habits, and the weight returns. This time is no different: I am back to where I was two years ago, and I am furious with myself. The snagged bag in the tree fights on, and I suppose I will too because the freedom from the weight tastes better than any food. I am thinking. . . it is a good day to stay inside. It's too cold to be out and about. I am thankful... for my internet buddies in all parts of the world. When I was about 12 or 13, I had a pen pal in Japan, and we corresponded for two or three years. It would be fun to hear from her again, but I wouldn't have a clue where to start. In the kitchen... the coffee pot is sputtering. I don't usually drink the stuff, but my nephew, who stayed here last night, does. H...