I have missed the last three weeks of focusing on life because I was not home. I helped set up , worked at, and helped take down the Twin Cities Bead Bazaar. The was a good time. I am always happy when I can promote beading. The second weekend was Bead Retreat. I come home energized when a whole weekend with other beaders. This is one of the highlights of my year. All that wonderful bead energy is contagious. Someone will say "how do you do that?" and a class will happen. I learn something from every retreat. The third weekend I was at my Mom's.
This week Sally at
http://thestudiosublime.com/ asked us to focus on things at eye level. Things that we see everyday. This is on top of my tv and I admire it. It is an Aladdin kerosene lamp from 1938. My friend Les made the stained glass lampshade as a Christmas gift a ,long time ago. Years ago we lived without power and it was our light. Did you know that it can get as bright as a 100 watt bulb? It has a wick that brings up the fuel and a mantle like a Coleman lantern. It helps me remember a past time in my life and is beautiful too.
In the self portrait photo I stood against this wall in my bedroom. Several people commented that they would like to see my "Wall of Women." This is eye level when I walk into my room so I decided to show it this week. I studied 1800's and early 1900's fashions for costuming dolls and I was charmed by their styles. I began collecting pictures that I liked and this just happened. The large black and white portrait on the right is my husband's Grandmother. She was quite a lady. I admired her. Can you imagine all the changes she saw in her life. Going from 1900's clothing to wearing pants? The picture below it is titles "The Early Spring Hat" and is a framed magazine page from a by gone era. The stack on the dresser is also old photos. Please go to Sally's blog to see what everyone else saw at eye level.
Your kerosene lamp is beautiful. Loe your wall of women.
ReplyDeleteThanx Mary. I have had that lamp since the early 70's. I enjoy my wall of women each time I go into my bedroom.
DeleteYes, I do love your 'wall of women'!! And that lamp - oh my word, what a treasure that is. And that your friend made the stained glass lampshade is super! Definitely a beautiful piece of history.
ReplyDeleteYes I treasure my lamp and shade.
DeleteI like that you focused on the lamp with its new bonnet. And the wall of women is impressive!
ReplyDeleteThanx Beti, The bonnet is not new it is from the 70's but a much appreciated gift. My wall of women makes me smile when I see it.
DeleteSounds like you had a very busy three weeks! My husband lived without power for years while going to college and law school. He would tell me tales. We have a lantern for when the power goes out. He wants to get an Aladdin to supplement the one we have 'cause he says there is nothing better.
ReplyDeleteYes the last three weeks were, busy but lots of fun. Aladdins are wonderful light.
ReplyDeleteI love your wall of women. What a fabulous way to remember loved ones. And I have always enjoyed seeing the fashions through the decades.
ReplyDeleteThanx Alice. I too am big on fashions of long ago. I can appreciate that women used to only have fashion as a way to express themselves. There was a lot of creativity in making those costumes.
DeleteYour lamp is beautiful! So is your wall of women. I'm so glad you shared it this week :)
ReplyDeleteThanx Annette. I am glad that you liked my photo choices. I missed sharing while I was gone.
DeleteI love your wall of women, such great reminder of history as is the lamp.
ReplyDeleteThanks Karin. They are both a part of my life.
DeleteHow wonderful that you spent time at the Bead Bazaar. I wish we had something like that here in Phoenix. And I agree - that lamp is really something special. It's a lovely way to honor your heritage.
ReplyDeleteThanx Paula. I have been going to this show for years but this is the first time I helped with the set up and take down. I really enjoyed the experience and I will do it again. I want to do my part to keep the show going and I had the time and energy to spare. The lamp is part of my life history and I think it is beautiful.
Deletewhat a fun post Becky. I have an old Aladdin lamp too that I got from a mudlarking adventure from my Dad. (there is an old post on my blog that shows it) and the base looks just like your's! love your wall of women
ReplyDeleteThanx Cynthia.
DeleteAladdin's are amazing in the amount of light they produce. The wall just sort of happened. It does please me though.