Friendship and books

I promised to share a few of my book finds from last weekend, but first I must share some lovely gifts I've enjoyed the past few weeks from other wonderfully creative blogger friends!!!

Be sure to click on the photos to see them close-up.

First is a sweet handpainted porcelain egg I was lucky enough to win from Deb of< "IT'S ALL GOOD" !

Perfect for spring and Easter!!! Thanks so much Deb, I love it!!

Look, it even opens up for little fairy findings along the way...

><>Next, Kris of Tresbelle sent me this wonderful Paper collage Heart that she made. It's so pretty and as a lover of hearts, this was my cup of tea.



Not only that, but look at her pretty postcard, tag, AND the gorgeous tissue paper she wrapped it in! Me throw THAT way??? Will surely have to recycle it in some project! Did I mention I also love anything French???




Then, my sweet friend, Celestina of La Rea Rose sent me some gorgeous spring creations that she so lovingly handpainted. I admire anyone that can paint and this lady is so very very talented in just so many ways!!!

Beautiful tags!

Don't you love the rose painted egg?

Hung this adorable little bunny on my shabby cabinet in our sunroom.

Not only was the outside delectable, inside were gourmet jelly beans!

Click on this pic to see this incredible jar!!!!

Thanks to Deb, Kris, and Celeste!!! Be sure to visit their websites for more goodies and inspiration!!!

Well, I can't top those wonderful creations but here are a few of my book finds from last Sunday. I always spend at least three hours at this old bookstore and only go by myself. I don't want to feel rushed and just like to indulge myself in all it's nooks and crannies!!!! Let alone DUST!!!! LOL

First, I am a sucker for old old children's books. A few I took home with me this time:

I'll just share one more which I felt was my real FIND OF THE DAY!!!! I was about to leave, but you see all around Henrietta's desk(which is also buried under books by the way), are MORE BOOKS and papers and magazines and ?????? Who knows???? Well, my eyes are constantly flitting up and down, side to side...hunting for the ONE....you know that book that you just KNOW is waiting for YOU.

And there it was....the old burgundy color and the golden edged insides...those gorgeous gilded pages that only the oldest ones have....I lift it up and read the label on the bag that holds it. "Autograph Book 1884 $12.00"

My heart pounds as I can't imagine it surviving all these years....and inside....I read:

THIS ALBUM IS YOUR GARDEN PLOT, WHERE NONE BUT FRIENDS MAY SOW,

WHERE WEEDS AND THISTLES FLOURISH NOT,

AND NOUGHT BUT FLOWER'S GROW:

AND IN THIS LITTLE GARDEN PLOT

I'LL PLANT ONE SEED:-

"FORGET-ME-NOT".

Yours Lovingly,

Katie Isabelle Wilcox

I feel the author's spirit wash over me in a total bath of wonderment!!

Inside are gorgeous old signatures of all her friends...just a few to share here:

I quickly put it back inside the bag hoping that Henrietta won't want it now for herself...no doubt having forgotten it was ever there for the last 50 years! All she says is, "Oh, I just love old autograph books!" And I smile and say, "So do I...."

Katie Isabelle Wilcox, you have not been forgotten.... xoxo blogger friends.....