Sepia Saturday # 114 Saturday 25 Feb 2012 - Shoes

THIS IS A SEPIA SATURDAY POST

THE MYSTERIOUS LADY WITH ONE RED SHOE

Shoes and even boots are often a peculiar thing.  Really, without other objects within the photo it's hard to date the actual year it was taken.  This photograph may have been taken (by the wood flooring) long ago, or it may have been just a few days ago.

SO,
You tell me!

Again, Alan (from Sepia Saturday) has slipped the shoe (so to speak) ha ha to Teresa Wilson Rogers from Forgotten Faces and Long Ago Places, to step into her own theme for this week.

Can you guess?







Shoes is the right fit!....and yes, ladies will also be a perfect fit!

...and while ladies are very fitting
like this photo from within a shoe factory in Lynn, Mass. (Courtesy of Mass. Historical Society), these hard working women-shoe makers quite busy styling the right fit for a great many customers.




Of course there were men and boys....

Involved in shoe making as well.

Who were all very proud not just to own a decent pair of shoes, but to hold a job at a shoe factory.  Like this group of hard working young boys in the Robert Johnson Rand Shoe Factory in Washington, Missouri.

(Courtesy of St. Louis, Mo. Historical Society.)and Hine, Lewis Wickes (is one of Alan's favorite photographers I think) Photo taken in October 1910. 

...and could that be Charlie Chaplin sitting on the right side of this proud group!

Yes, there were many jobs associated with shoes.

Many of those young boys worked well into the evening.... as this photo was taken after 10:00 P.M.

Apparently this was a common thing to stumble upon, many years of footsteps behind us.

Courtesy of Indianapolis, Indiana Historical Society

Today you might see this at the airport, or a highly expensive resort.....but stepping back to those days pictured here, this was a worthy job to have.  Also, more people wore shoes that required a shine, then shoes of today. 

So step on forward and please put your best foot forward and throw us a shoe or boot or two in your post.  Or just try on a few of our own shoe posts.  Need to know where to put that foot forward, just go here

http://sepiasaturday.blogspot.com/2012/02/sepia-saturday-114-25-february-2012.html

For those who enjoy musicals you may discover a bit of a "Red Shoe" story here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmC1bGPq7Js

It's called, The Red Shoes - a British Film from 1948.

Alphabe-Thursday - The Nightly Nature of

Never will a day pass, in which this doesn't arrive every single day of the week.

The Nightly nature of .....Nature, appearing within the darkness of the Night sky.

22 February 2012, nearing 6:00 P.M. 


Naturally it's ALPHABE-THURSDAY
         Celebrating the letter "N" from Jenny's "Off on my tangent" blog....

if you wish to play along it's very simple, just go here

http://jennymatlock.blogspot.com/2012/02/alphabe-thursday-letter-n.html

It's the early gentle beginnings of the Night sky I favor most.

The Nightly nature of the Night sky this evening was veiled with a slight haze of gold.  While the snow capped anything outside fortunate enough to hold even an ounce of snow fought diligently for its place, all kin to nature.  All eerily familiar, underneath this brilliant cobalt sky with fluffy clouds tumbling overhead.  Night is falling once again.

IT ALWAYS DOES, and ALWAYS WILL, where I live.

Neatly staged in places which our eyes will never notice,

are thousands upon thousands

of tiny silvered stars sprinkled

endlessly against the Night sky.

All just out of reach,

yet sparkling in the night's

gathering of unexplorable space

for the entire world to see.

Cry not a single teardrop for this lonesome bench,

beached beneath the Night sky,

for besides welcoming all underneath these immortal stars,

hope has dusted each plank of wood.

Once again waiting,

for warm bodies to linger,

sharing secrets,

contagious laughter

and anecdotes of a day well spent

before the Night sky enters.

Starry night, every night a starry night.

Though never every star I'll see tonight.

Each star, fading here and there

A canopy of light

Soaking up the rhythm of night

All across the universe every night

It's the nature of the Night sky. - KMS

Thematic Photographic #184 Curved

THIS IS A THEMATIC PHOTOGRAPHIC POST

It's only natural that certain curves attract us more than others, like here. 

Can you guess by this photo what Carmi's theme is this week?

Did I hear, curved?



            Carmi, from "Written Inc. Blog" has taken a "curve' around the corner away from pairs and offered "curved" as our TP theme this week!  Mighty fine curve he posted too, check it out! 


           Being thrown a curve isn't always pleasant, unless the curve is as cool as our winter this year.  The photo below, shot in January 2012.

Along our way, we often meet a curve or two, but aren't those the unexpected interruptions which make our journey most memorable? 
I think so.

Isn't it almost silly that normally I'd be fighting snowflakes and these walks would be so snow packed that I'd be standing on a snowbank for this recent photo?

Another photo in late January 2012.....

Just what is it with winter this year anyway?

With weather like this how can anyone have a gloomy day, right?

...and yet, even through all this melting process....the sun seems to always be hiding somewhere.

...and all you winter lovers don't worry with every bend or curve you take you can land on ice, if you walk far enough.

Just leave your vehicle on the road!  Please!

After an old friend from high school viewed some photos I posted on FB from last Sunday his response was,  "Where's all your snow?"

Well, they say it's coming tonight actually......

...and it fell, making the morning commute not as speedy and carefree as normal.  But already by this afternoon it's slipping away!  Again, this recent snow shall pass quickly.....as winter is toying with us and sending us from one curve to the next...spring today, winter tomorrow....

Truthfully, I'm enjoying every mysterious moment of what will today be?

It'll never throw me a curve that I can't handle!

I just wish it would throw in a few more sunny days!

Sometimes, I forget what my shadow looks like, haven't you?!

 

It's a long slide down the curve of this steep hill.....but it can be done......just on the other side......!

If you want to curve through other curved posts or care to bring your own

please just go here

the more the better!

http://writteninc.blogspot.com/2012/02/thematic-photographic-184-curved.html

Saturday Centus Special alert- Autobriefagraphical

WELCOME TO A SATURDAY CENTUS POST


  Don't be fooled by the six words that follow.... as many of you know I describe myself in SIX Words usually every Saturday, for a different blog. 

This is actually SATURDAY CENTUS!


Today Jenny from "Off on my tangent" has drastically changed our usual approach to an autobriefagraphical!  We must describe ourselves/life in six words, and may add a photograph.

   You know explain your life like .... "I fix toilets and paid "c- - -" !
Well you get the idea right?!

             Truthfully I'm NOT a plumber! 


Another example might be........

Lack of enthusiasm - breaks my bank!

The following six words are my autobriefagraphical so far.

APPRECIATING SMALL PLEASURES AND ROCKY ROADS.


Feel like playing along with us ?  Then please go here


http://jennymatlock.blogspot.com/2012/02/saturday-centus-autobriefagraphical.html





See you next week for our usual Saturday Centus!

Six Word Saturday 18 Feb 2012

THIS IS A SIX WORD SATURDAY POST

     Where our friend Cate, from "Show My Face" blog suggests that......we express ourselves in six words.... 


MISSING THE THRILLS
OF LAST SATURDAY




          We were celebrating at a castle.....

Murder-Mystery at Spicer Castle on Green Lake.

 "If you want to loin da secret o' "Hal" Coppone's whereabouts,
       be in the "backroom" at S. P. Keasy's Place, tonight."

for..........

The Murder Mystery, "A Chicago Caper"

.....Our Murder Mystery began.....in September 1928 some where in Chicago.....

Waiting for the suspects to arrive.......

Check-in for tonight's Murder Mystery

at

SPICER CASTLE

Totally exciting because this Murder Mystery
involved family and friends.
No strangers!

Then everyone heads to their room
or cabin to change into character!

Two hours until our Murder-Mystery-Dinner party.....

this is gonna be some night!

While preparing for our Chicago-Caper Murder-Mystery,
the castle itself is sprucing up,
the staff makes a perfect experience.

Let the characters roll in...there's Silky M. Adam and Billy, while Torchy and Charlie "Golf Bag" Marconi are coming up behind.....

Ernie (Bet a Million) G. Ambler has a deep dark secret to share....about gorgeous flappers and wads of loot!

                                   So isn't it easy to say this Saturday will long be remembered.  I'm hoping your Saturday or some other Saturday will be as memorable for you too!  Want to see what's going on in other 6WS blogs.... go here


http://www.showmyface.com/2012/02/six-word-saturday_18.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+showmyface+%28Show+My+Face%29

Sepia Saturday 113 Saturday 18 Feb 2012 Who Are They...

THIS IS A SEPIA SATURDAY POST

The Who, When and Where of this are three very important questions.

Clearly, the photographer wished to date this picture by including the orchestra area too.

  
 We have Sharon from "Save The Photos" blog to thank for this week's theme.

Below is the photo Alan selected and it sets off a flexible-theme ..... headlines aided by the resilient chap (Claude Rains)seated on a remarkably designed chair, that "Bob" another fellow Sepia Blogger located one as well!  So many venues to follow.....




Any guesses as to what he may be pointing out?


              Fade - In   - My Sepia Saturday involves................

An unknown act ........

by unknown characters.

If you look closely, everyone on stage was focused on this one man (third from the left) He is the only person looking into the audience.  But why?   Go ahead look at the photo above....all eyes are on him......

Read aloud, though alone, and read articulately and distinctly, as if you were reading in public and on the most important occasion.  Never speak quickly, till you have first learned to speak well. – Lord Chesterfield (1694-1773).  On developing one’s oratorical skills, letter to his son, 9 July 1750.

Another question I have is in this photo below.

Is this a large letter "A"?  Or just an angle of sorts decorating the top of the fireplace?  Perhaps it's some sort of meaning for the play that was performed here?

The true meaning of it all?  I purchased this 8 X 10 photograph from one of my favorite postcard dealers, just because it was so interesting.  All that was listed on the back was 10BWD $3.00. 


Does anyone have any ideas?  Please share if you do......

If you care to view more Sepia Saturday posts, or wish to post your own... just go here

http://sepiasaturday.blogspot.com/2012/02/sepia-saturday-113-18-february-2012.html


Life- is made up of at least 52 Saturdays every year..... even during leap year! How many do you fondly.....remember?

   Although, the years where January 1 is a Friday there will be 53 weekends.

Thematic Photographic # 183 Pairs

THIS IS A THEMATIC PHOTOGRAPHIC POST

           FOR "PAIRS"

                          Some pairs are planned

Like sharing a private toast between old friends.


While other pairs are unexpected.....

This pair of hands accidentally got in the middle of my picture taking.....funny why I even saved this photo.  Guess it came in handy by chance.

Another surprise was capturing this pair of strangers....
sitting directly behind me.

While I was sitting in this audience I wanted a view of the crowd that assembled.  So without turning around and merely holding my camera to the side I snapped this photo.....I think the woman on the left saw my camera pointed her way.... was she lost in thought or ?

So how about pairing something up too?

Please go here

http://writteninc.blogspot.com/2012/02/thematic-photographic-183-pairs.html

Thematic Photographic #183 Pairs

THIS IS A THEMATIC PHOTOGRAPHIC POST


                               Carmi, from Written Inc. Blog has requested "pairs" as our theme for TP this week.... Really, really?


Could it be with sweetheart's day tomorrow.....or is Carmi just thinking about pairing things up for a change...whatever the reason pairs it is....and no double talk from me....!

Even in darkness, hearts have a way of brightening our way........

No, these are not bunny rabbit's ears.....

Can't you see it's the peace sign?

Peace is not something - you wish for,

it's something you make,

something you do,

something you are,

and something you give away.

Robert Fulghum

 

Filler up?

and while on the subject of filling things up......

In your house, which has more holes, the salt or the pepper? 


So if you wish to be paired a bit more.....or care to share

go here please..............

http://writteninc.blogspot.com/2012/02/thematic-photographic-183-pairs.html

Saturday Centus 11 Feb 2012 The Wedding Was

WELCOME TO SATURDAY CENTUS

                     Somebody special (in Jenny's real life) is getting married...and we're here to report it.  Or rather the summary of events yet to come. 

In any style writing, up to 106 words and oh yes, there can be a photographer as well.  Remember there are more details of this gala affair at Jenny's blog, "Off on my tangent" kept inside Saturday Centus!

Our prompt for today is, "The wedding was at the firehouse."

and so my story begins......

Word that "the wedding was at the Firehouse" spread like wildfire, forcing Mayor Goodman to have a gate installed.  

                              Darn this afternoon sky with unbroken grey clouds and a hint of dust rising sluggishly over the town.  Why not grey weather for a fireman's wedding?  Did they expect a fiery horizon and a starry night?  Meanwhile, over at the firehouse.....

.....not a creature was stirring, not even an escape ladder pressed against the window sill.  No ribbons or banners keeping this all hush-hush.

Not a fire truck in sight or even a townsfolk.  It's half past time to gather together where could they all be?

To be or not to be continued, that is for you to find out next week! - The Town Reporter.  But before next week be sure to check out the rest of the reports for The wedding was at the firehouse.

Sepia Saturday # 112 Saturday 11 Feb 2012

THIS IS A SEPIA SATURDAY POST

   We had dolls, and dogs, and one might think, dairies this theme.....as I foresee lots of  BOOKS  going on in these posts.

    Thank - you  Linda from the blog, "The Paper Collector"  for her love of books! as her theme!

    Some of my best friends are books!  Really, and please don't ask "What's your favorite book, then?" Because it would be easier to ask what book I like least, or maybe not, I can't even think of a book I haven't liked.....
             

Of course some of you may not wish to spend a leisure day reading when...

Possibly, you'd rather be out on the ice catching fish..... so much time, so little fish catching?




   So if it's books, or just Sepia Saturday that boosts your day go here and view Alan's blog




      Shouldn't he have his eyes on the book?


     If you are anything like me, then you probably have the habit of buying books for more reasons than just a good read, right?

      Instead of a series of people and their books this theme, I 'm sharing a book that was handed down to me from my grandma.......

                                     - THE LADY OF THE LAKE -

                                        A POEM IN SIX CANTOS


                                                          BY



                                      SIR WALTER SCOTT, BART.



                                      with notes and an appendix




                     FROM THE LATEST EDINBURGH EDITION

The description above this photo is what is on the title page, and the photo in the book reads (exactly as printed)  "Come one, come all!  this rock shall fly From its firm base as soon as I."

Then this page follows.......



                                   TO THE MOST NOBLE
                                           JOHN JAMES

                                MARQUIS OF ABERCORN

                                         ETC., ETC., ETC.

                               THIS POEM IS INSCRIBED

                                                    BY

                                          THE AUTHOR



Then the contents page......

Followed by the Introduction page below.....

I find this page very interesting as it states it's the INTRODUCTION To THE LADY OF THE LAKE.  EDITION 1830.

AFTER the success of "Marmion,' I felt inclined to exclaim with Ulysses in the "Odyssey"

One favorite thing for me is to look inside the pages to see what keepsake or forget-me-not thing may hidden inside.  Inside I discovered a golden-reddish clipped lock of curled hair! Maybe a relatives, or ?

I found the  GLOSSARY TO "THE GHAIST'S WARNING."  Very interesting!

In fact the entire book is rewarding......a very good read indeed.

You cannot open a book without learning something, Confucius

http://sepiasaturday.blogspot.com/2012/02/sepia-saturday-112-saturday-11-february.html

Alphabe-Thursday Legend says

THIS IS AN ALPHABE-THURSDAY POST

The Lowell Inn - Stillwater, Minnesota..... and the loyal lions out front welcome all who enter!

Yet my letter " L " today leaves the Lowell Inn and sails away to .....


London 

...and the luxurious Crown Jewels

... legend says since 1303, after the Crown Jewels were stolen from Westminster Abbey they were kept in the basement of the Tower of London and protected by a large metal grille, and always heavily guarded.

         So many legends still exist today about one shrewd man. Colonel Thomas Blood, he was cunning and clever and a "noted bravo and desperado."


I heard this version about the legendary Crown Jewels over the radio on my morning commute.

 

Tower of London....inside and outside but long after 1671.


You can catch of glimpse of the Tower Of London Bridge in the first photo!       It was 1671 (Colonel Blood) disguised as a minister and accompanied by a female, (introduced as his wife) paid a visit to the Tower of London.    After paying their viewing fee to the Jewel House keeper they viewed the beloved "Crown Jewels."

What happens next has various reports, but long story short, Colonel Blood while posing as a minister, he and his wife quickly became close friends with the keeper and his family.

Most reports say during their first visit that the minister's wife suffered a violent stomach ache and was take to the keeper's apartment to rest.  The more than grateful minister immediately sent 4 pairs of white gloves for the keeper's wife in appreciation.

....and so the friendship began........So much so, that they were allowed many visits to the tower (to view the jewels) and the minister's (Colonel Blood's imaginary/or impostor nephew) became so enchanted with the keeper's daughter that they planned a wedding to be held in the tower.

....a view of the Tower of London....

It began as a bright and sunny day for a wedding, but quickly turned dark.


The (masquerading colonel) not only was to officiate the wedding, he also master minded a scheme to take place on their wedding day.   Because Colonel Blood had become so close to the keeper, it came as no surprise that his request to show the best man and another relative the "Crown Jewels" of course, the keeper immediately obliged.  

Only to be thwarted by the minister as he threw off his wig, exposing his true self and struck the keeper on his head with a mallet, knocking him to the floor.   They slashed him with a sword just enough to daze him.  Then the thugs quickly bound and gagged him before grabbing all the precious jewels and began their escape route.

 The bride becoming suspicious at her father's long absence went to find him. Luckily just in time to free him so he was able to close the drawbridge before the thieves escaped.



Again this legend involves numerous endings. I rather like this accounting.



Yes, believe it or not, Colonel Thomas Blood was pardoned by King Charles.  Colonel Blood demanded he would only speak with his royalty.



King Charles announced to all that Colonel Blood was too clever, so much that he was pardoned and given a high ranking position so that he could keep a watchful eye on him.

  I will forever enjoy these legends, that some of our blogging friends from England may have their own special version of Colonel Thomas Blood.... or also known as "Captain Blood" that they might wish to share..... please do...

If you want to play along with Alphabe-Thursday there's always room for more please check Jenny's blog out here to join in

or just learn more L words!

http://jennymatlock.blogspot.com/2012/02/alphabe-thursday-letter-l.html