Spiritual and Inspirational Sunday - August 19, 2012

Another long week has past and I have survived the usual hurdles that we all must go through.  With that I just want to say: 
Thank you Lord for getting me through this tough week and keeping my friends, my family, and myself in your care. ~Amen

Here is some inspiration that I found while surfing:

These beautiful handmade cards can be found at ArtFire Shop ChristieCottage at http://ow.ly/d4uod

My favorite passage on canvas from Etsy shop TheNotSoBlankCanvas at http://ow.ly/d4ulg

I love this great Plaque found in Etsy shop ABurkeScroller at http://ow.ly/d4ugw

This Sweet little Guradian Angel can be purchased from Etsy shop SuziesImaginarium at http://ow.ly/d4uaj

This stunning Oil on Canvas can be purchased from Etsy shop KodaART at http://ow.ly/d4u47

Simply beautiful!  This Print can be purchased from Etsy shop LeslieAllenFineArt at http://ow.ly/d4u3b

These wonderful earrings can be purchased from BeeKaiArtisanJewelry at http://ow.ly/d4tWl

This beautiful print can be purchased at Etsy shop BethanyFields at http://ow.ly/d4tRv

These wonderful and inspirational bookmarks can be found in Etsy Shop ChristieCottage at http://ow.ly/d4tGm

This beautiful print can be found in Etsy shop LifeVerse at http://ow.ly/d4tJe

Blessings everyone; may God keep you and yours in His embrace as you embark on a new week.

Totally Postcard Tuesday - An Odd Pair

I would love to invite my readers to view my new facebook page at www.facebook.com/postcardsintheattic.  I would also ask that they visit http://pinterest.com/thesolopreneur/pin-it-to-win-it/ and vote for my FB front page so I can Win the Pin It To Win It Challenge.  I would be very very greatful for your support and if you could spread the word to your friends and followers too that would be absolutely wonderfu.  Thanks Friends!

The two postcards I have to show today seem to have a very odd subject matter; Anatomy.  They are based off of Rembrandt's painting,  Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Tulp of 1632.  The painting was done in manner to invoke a sense of drama to the viewer, it was not just for documentary purposes.  Obviously since there were postcards made from the very painting dating in the early 1900's people did find this painting to be just that, dramatic. 

Coming from a science background and with some knowledge of just how autopsies were preformed in that day I don't find it to be completely disturbing.  But with that being said I could not imagine having a print of this hanging in my living room.  The intrigue with this painting has not died down even to this day; upon doing some research I found several Ipod skins, laptop covers, mouse pads, book marks and more using this very image.

The amazing thing to me is not only did I find these great and unique vintage postcards but I found a vintage book on Rembrandt that has the very painting in among the pages.  It was wonderful chance happening that has become useful in identifying the cards since I am not very fluent in art. 

Here is the image from the book:

Here is the book if you are interested:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/94461137/vintage-book-art-the-world-of-rembrandt






And now the Odd Pair:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/69569281/rembrandt-die-anatomische-lehrstunde-the

http://www.etsy.com/listing/69568080/rembrandt-de-anatomische-les-anatomy?ref=v1_other_1

Cats With Attitude ~ One of Favorite ETSY Artists

     I am not sure if this will be a regular topic for my blog post but I decided that today will be a day to share one of my favorite ETSY artist. Sometimes when I am browsing the items I come across something that I just absolutely love.   It draws me in and I find myself going back to it over and over again.

     The artist that has topped my list would be Maria van Bruggen who has a very cute little shop called Cats With Attitude.   I am drawn this her work, I think, because I am a true cat lover. I have often joked (but think it to be true) that if it wasn't for my husband I would have been the crazy cat lady of our neighborhood. But alas I am living with a very practical man and I am cat-less.

     On one occasion I did have 3 very beautiful and very spoiled furry children. One was black and white, I named him Sox, he was a happy cat but very confused. He thought he was a dog and enjoyed playing fetch as a pastime but was also a very finicky vegetarian. He suffered from terrible allergies to cats and would find himself sneezing uncontrollably when he bathed.

     Number two was a very stuffy and fussy grey cat that would argue that he was not grey but a kind of dark buff blue and that was what made him special. He would often lie lazily in sun beams hoping that the light would catch him just right and I would notice the highlights in his hair.

     The last cat was a bit of a mess and after years of counseling and family support finally overcame bulimia. He became a lanky trim tabby that would shun other cats with eating disorders. He felt that he was superior because he had the strength to overcome his illness and these others just simply lacked his self control. Secretly he loathed that he had to stop eating excessively and was resentful of other less fit cats that had the luxury of eating themselves into oblivion.  He was a bit annoying and needy. All of three of these characters grew up and moved on to live with friends when I moved to Cali.  I will get updates here and there of their latest adventures and how well they are doing.

     I believe that people who successfully depict cats in their art must have or have had lived with one. Cats With Attitude does a wonderful job capturing the hilarious antics that only a cat could pull off or at least dare to try. Their cute whimsical little characters are simply sweet but oh so naughty. I hope you enjoy the little sample of their work as much as I do and stop by their shop, you won't be sorry that you did.

Here are two of Maria's pieces in water color...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/85470999/skate-cat-christmas-winter-holiday

http://www.etsy.com/listing/70546293/mission-impossible-limited-edition-print

This one is her art made into a cute little key chain, L O V E It!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/49554124/mad-catalist-keychain-artist-keychain

Have a wonderful day and don't forget to stop by and check out the rest of her cute little kitties!

Childhood Reminisce ~ Happy Birthday Captain Kangaroo

http://www.etsy.com/shop/postcardsintheattic?ref=si_shop

A whimsical Print found in ETSY Shop Duck and Cover Shop at
 http://www.etsy.com/shop/DuckandCoverShop?ref=seller_info

Today is Captain Kangaroo's birthday! Unfortunately many of our younger generations will never know the kind spirit of his television show. 

This wonderful Vintage Puzzle was found in ETSY Shop, Pam's Craft, at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/pamscrafts7631?ref=seller_info

The Captain Kangaroo Show truly taught a message that was wholesome and did not include bodily functions. Don't get me wrong I enjoy a good Sponge Bob episode just like the next kid but I do get an intense feeling of nostalgia when I think of his show along with the old version of Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers.

A wonderful little piece of

Memorabilia handmade by ETSY Shop The Maitland's at

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheMaitlands?ref=seller_info

This very creative piece of work was found on ETSY Shop Eisner Art at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/EisnerArt?ref=seller_info

As a child I hated to hear adults say "the world is certainly a different place" or "you live in a different world..." but now I find myself thinking those exact statements today. I am sure that the new "normal" is perfectly fine for this upcoming generation; I just miss the days when we were easily entertained by a Muppet or a moose with ping pong balls falling on his head.

I still love little Lamb Chop.  This sweet little creature can be found in ETSY Shop GatorMom13 at http://www.etsy.com/shop/gatormom13?ref=seller_info

This early Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop Golden Book was found on ETSY shop Apple Charlotte
http://www.etsy.com/shop/AppleCharlotte?ref=seller_info

So in honor of Captain Kangaroo let’s travel back in time and celebrate childhood innocence and public broadcasting. XOXOXO~PBS and Children's Television.

On The Road Again...

...I just can't wait to get on the road again.  I really don't care much for country music but that song has been stuck in my head all morning.  But on the upside thanks to the repeat on  YouTube videos I was able to change it to Ozzy's "Mama I'm Coming Home."  Much Better!! 



I seriously cannot wait to hit the pavement and on my way home to the sunny part of California.  I truly have missed my palm trees and the sun; 7 days and counting!

Since traveling is on my mind and I know that many of you will be hitting the pavement right now as we speak and during tomorrow's wonderful holiday; here's one for the road.  May all of you and your loved ones have a safe and pleasant journey.

Here's To My Journey Home

Summer Fun - Fireflies, Frogs and Sparklers

Growing up in the Midwest made me appreciate the summers.  I have the best memories of those hot Wisconsin nights when the air would cool to a nice 80 degrees.  The breeze would be light and cool after a scorching summer day and the laziness you felt earlier gave way to a new excited energy.  No school in the morning and with a light afternoon nap we would be ready for a night of country fun.

This whimsical print was found in ETSY Shop Dianna Bonder Studios at http://www.etsy.com/shop/DiannaBonderStudios?ref=seller_info

In the background, sounds of chirping frogs from the creek in our front yard rang out in the stillness while we hunted for little sparks in the night sky.  We would catch as many fireflies as we could and gently place them in an old mason jar that had a warm nest waiting for them made from handfuls of freshly plucked grass.  These amazing living lights were out around the end of June which meant we would also have little sparklers to light too.

Beautiful art from ETSY Shop Best Art Studios 2 at http://www.etsy.com/shop/BestArtStudios2?ref=seller_info

With our flickering jars we would sit on the benches in our yard waiting for a turn at having our sparklers lit.  When I was young they only had the metal wands with one color but that was enough to light our imaginations.  At that age the night was exciting and full of mystery just because we never were out that late during the school year.  We often found ourselves cooped up through the winter months not daring to brave the cold winds.



This beautiful photograph is from ETSY Shop Spark Poets at http://www.etsy.com/shop/sparkpoets?ref=seller_info

In the Midwest country side the night air was filled with the scent of beautiful evening primrose and strange sounds emanating from the woods.  I felt so daring to be outside that late and the cool air on my skin was so freeing.  Months of heavy layers and thick coats having been shed I ran lighter than air with a sparkling trail behind me.  While serenaded by the friendly frogs and greeted with salutations from the blinking fireflies in the jar.  Even now when the summer temperature is just right I get a brief prickle of excitement as I remember those wonderful summer nights.

Lovely Print found in ETSY Shop Irish Viking Designs at http://www.etsy.com/shop/IrishVikingDesigns?ref=seller_info

Aromatherapy Thursday - Geranium

Many of us grew up with grandmothers and mothers running to the garden center every year to get their traditional red, white, or pink Geraniums.  I remember these plants as very lovely to look at but not having any smell.  Over the years I have discovered that there are many variations of this well known plant.

Geranium Window Box - Large 12" x 18" print of original watercolor painting frames to 18" x 24"
This print from Rhonda's Studio can be found at http://www.etsy.com/shop/fourteeneighteen?ref=seller_info

In aromatherapy most often oil from the stems and leaves of the Rose Geranium are used.  However, I have personally grown a Cinnamon Geranium and Citronella Geranium and both smell delicious.  

Geranium Rose Essential Oil found in ETSY shop Adamsboro Sundries

http://www.etsy.com/shop/AdamsboroSundries?ref=seller_info

I am particularly fond of how the Rose Geranium oil pairs with Rose oil.  I only use a small amount of the Geranium oil when mixing the two but it makes the Rose scent pop.  You can create wonderful bath salts, potpourri, message oils, and lotions with the Geranium as your main scent.  Rose Geranium not only smells wonderful but does have a reputation with the ladies.



It is noted in many books to help with a woman's premenstrual symptoms, including tender breasts.  This is one the only homeopathic tips I know that works for reducing that dreaded symptom many women suffer with every month.  For relieving this symptom mix a few drops of Rose Geranium with a few drops of Lavender in warm water and then soak a towel in this mixture.  Ring the towel out so it isn't soaking wet (of course) place on the tender area and lay another towel over the top and relax.  Leave this as long as you can, if you are like me it will be as long as it stays warm. 

Creating bath mixtures using the oil has been noted to help with premenstrual symptoms also.  Along with the therapeutic effects of the bath using Geranium Oil in a vaporizer or diffuser may help with those fluctuating hormones.  And the scent has an overall effect on a person's mood; it has been used to chase away the blues and can increase the sense of harmony and wellbeing.  This lovely scented oil has many wonderful properties and can be used in such a variety of ways that I personally see a benefit when using it.  Please note that pregnant women should not use Geranium oils due to the effect it has on hormones.



Geranium Rose Bath Tea found at an up and coming ETSY Shop Tree Of Life Botanicals
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TreeofLifeBotanicals?ref=seller_info

Geranium is can be used topically for balancing oily and dry skin.  Whenever using essential oils always mix with carrier oils such as sweet almond or vegetable oil.  The mix ratio for most oils is 5 drops of essential oil to 2 teaspoons of carrier oil (for adults only.)  Make sure to do a patch test to assure that there are no allergies to the oil/oils you plan to use.  To patch test; use a very small area of your body, your wrist works well, place a dab or drop of the mix on your skin and allow remaining there for 24 hours checking for any reaction. 

Please note that any aromatherapy should never take the place of a visit to your physician and to always consult with your physician before using any homeopathic product.

Here is a treasury that features ETSY shops that offer lovely handmade bath and beauty with Geranium oil scent.

Butterfly In The Attic's Favorites

I just want to say thank you to all that voted for me yesterday.  I am getting closer I came in 2nd, Yeah.  So maybe next week will be my week.


I also was looking at my favorites on my ETSY shop Butterfly In The Attic and noticed what a lovely mix of items I had.  I picked these items because for some reason or another (aside from being amazing) I fell in love with them.  They captured my eye and my heart; some are just so creative, some are adorable and some are very whimsical and mysterious.  Two things I enjoy about ETSY is the huge variety of fun items and the quality of the products.  I personally bought the lip balm and LOVE it so I had to add them to the collection.


I hope you love them as much as I do

Friday's Treasuries

Well, my computer was down for a little bit.  I seem to never realize how important this tool is until I don't have it.  I am so blessed to have it back.  I am limited on time today so we will dedicate this wonderful Friday to ETSY Treasuries.  I would like to share with you some of the wonderful little shops that are located on ETSY.  Please visit them, even if it is just to window shop.  Many are so pretty they are bound to brighten anyone's day.  I know they do mine.

Winter makes me feel a bit OWLY!


Chartreuse and Cherries


The Frog Prince...

Tuesday's Treasuries

Happy Fat Tuesday!!!  The Mardi Gras Treasuries are bright tonight...





I hope you enjoy my fellow Etsian's items. I think they are simply terrific!!!

ETSY Treasury

Good Morning Friends.  ESTY has a wonderful feature called treasuries that allows the members to curate a beautiful and fun story using fellow Estian's items.  It is a nice way to say Kudos to the other members and show off the things that personally like.  I created one I really like this morning about summer and the Greek gods and would like to share it with you.  I hope you enjoy http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d6ba0a7c43b6d91731037ed/by-winged-feet-he-brought-the-message-to?index=0