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Sunday, September 26, 2010

"Answers to Prayer"



While cleaning out my studio this week, I came across a vintage book that I altered many years ago... long before I opened my Etsy shop, long before I started blogging and long before I really thought of myself as an "artist." The book was in a pile at a church yard sale and the title and cover of the book just "spoke to me" so I purchased it. The owner of the book used  a pencil to underline words and sentences that must have "spoken" to her as well. On some pages she made little notations of her thoughts about what she had just read. I wondered who she was...what was her name ...and what were her dreams? 

The book sat on a shelf for awhile until I came up with the idea to turn it into a scrapbook and journal of sorts and so...I began to fill the pages one by one with thoughts of my own....and pictures, sayings and memories from my childhood. It evolved over time and is not actually finished yet but I thought i'd
share it with you today....



...the book was signed:" Charitable Religious Library" and dated March, 1872.



..the bookplate has the name of the city and state where I reside today...very cool...



...this is  a poem that I adhered to the page...
(I think Ms. Thomas and I would have been good friends)


...a picture of me when I was a bebe...
(I took some creative liberties by adding the wings. I don't know...you'll need to ask my mum if I was really an"angel" or not)



...another poem that speaks to my heart...


...more words to live by...


...a petite envelope I made out of a vintage music sheet...
my family calls me "Mickey" which was the title of this song so I thought it was appropriate to include it here...


...me and my "pepere"...a gentle man...a kind heart...I miss him...











...kindergarten picture and words that I try to remember everyday......







...memories of my dancing school days...


...a "French" girl doing an Irish jig...

















...my "Miss Martin Drive" crown...

...need I say more?
(sigh)
















....the book's owner signed the last page with one word:
"Splendid."
(Indeed!)



Avec Amour,
~*~Michelle~*~

12 comments:

  1. Hello, What a beautiful book and such a lovely post. Thank you for sharing. Have a wonderful week. Terri

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  2. This is a wonderful book and I love how you turned into a personal scrapbook! You should definitely continue to add things to it.
    Hugs, Sherry

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  3. amazing find! Beautifully done.

    blessings

    barbara jean

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  4. I really like your altered book...very pretty!

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  5. Michelle I am soooo glad that you shared this beautiful book. Every page a delight, especially the pictures of you. This is so special, and will mean even more as the years go by I'm sure if I asked your mum, she would assure me that you deserve the wings.
    hugs

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  6. Wonderful book Michelle. What a great idea.
    Thank you so much for sharing
    xo Tina

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  7. Sigh...so pretty Michelle ~ love the way you create! Your pieces are thoughtful, inspiring and clearly come from your heart and soul. Thank you for sharing with us!!

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  8. Oh my gosh Michelle ~
    That is absolutely gorgeous !!!
    I love love it ~
    Thank you for showing us
    your wonderful talent ~

    xoxo
    Lori

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  9. Awe, so beautiful. I agree with a previous comment, you do have wings, we just can't see them, we feel them.

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  10. ...so beautiful....soft & inspiring...

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  11. Michelle, this brought tears to my eyes and thank you for sharing this with us. I have no doubt that a few of the pages took a lot of prayer to re~live again ~ but what beautiful memories of those special people who touched your life. They helped to shape you and make you who you are today. This book is so very special and you are an inspiration and extremely talented. You have the 'gift', my friend. I wish I lived next door ~ you're an old soul with a divine heart and giving spirit. It is indeed a pleasure to know you. xoxox Marilyn

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  12. Oh, what a beautiful post! I read every word. You are such a talented scrapbooker and paper artist, and the quotes and poems so pretty. I just found your blog and will enjoy following so much. Are you french? We were just visiting New England last week. I also love paper and vintage pieces, but don't know what to do with them. I just bought an old french book in Massachusetts when we were there, along with some others that I just thought were pretty. I will be signing up for your unbelievable giveaway ~ you are too generous. The winner will be so blessed. I hope you can come visit sometime.
    ~ Julie
    ps Somewhere in Time is my all-time favorite movie; have you seen it?

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Taking the time to share your thoughts...your words...and your inspiration fills my soul....Merci.
~*~Michelle~*~