Free Image Tuesday..On Wednesday...Can't Let You Get Too Spoiled!...LOL!!

What can I say?  Thank you each and every one of you.  Your words helped so much.  I am writing you each individually but I must also say it here: Thank you. Love, Jamie

Lovely Civil War era Girl.  Her dress is amazing and I am really loving the studio prop tassels on the table.   I bet she was firecracker:)

Small mounted photo from the early 1900's.  I thought I would get a winter Cutie Pie in the FITS before Spring comes:)

This is a cabinet card from the late 1800's.  It says, "Uncle Charlie" on the back.  This is one of the few cabinet cards I have of this size.  It is 8.5 inches by 4 inches.  I love how Charlie's little right hand is holding his gown.  Precious!

Cabinet card photos that are framed in a fancy mask like this one are usually Memorial cards.  The little girl's name is written on the back as Edith Fairfield.  She was beautiful.

Close-up detail of frame. 

Free Image Tuesday... On. A. Tuesday... Miracles Never Cease...

I could tell you about all the wonderful art I am creating. I could tell you about it, but it is just not happening for me lately. I feel very scattered and displaced. Depression has been lurking and holding me. I am working to pull myself up by my bootstraps. All my arting things are still in boxes waiting for the studio to be done. Until then, I am sharing my studio "office" space with my husband and not too many pretty things are happening there. Bills aren't pretty or exciting or inspiring so, it's just FITS right now. I have loved all of your comments and sweet emails and even phone calls:) I can Yak and Yak. Yes, Lori? LOL!! It never fails to amaze me how incredible this Blog World has become in my life. People who don't blog do not understand the connections we make here. The Friendships we create here. It seems strange to the outsider. It feels like Home to me. It feels like Family. Love, Jamie

She seems so grown-up. Her hands are tightly closed so I wonder if she was stressed or nervous about the photo shoot. Lovely dress and stockings:)

I love how his sleeves are too long and that he is standing on a bench. His cheeks have been lightly tinted. So sweet!!! I think there is a hidden mother behind the curtain who is holding his head still for the photograph. What do you think?

Look at those sweet curls!! She is just precious!!!

Civil War era gemtype tintype in a decorative frame. These were created to allow gemtypes to fit in the newer CDV albums.

"There came a time when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."

     ~Anais Nin

Looking through my Valentine flower photos today I found a perfect heart within this rose. I am glad I took a second look.

Home Snow Home and FITS for You!...

First snow at the new house:)

I can't believe my husband walked all the way out there to take this picture and he STILL did not get the paper.  Now it is under over 5 inches of snow.  Can you believe it?!  In Texas?!!!  The boys survived school and the snow has not stopped pouring down since 3 am.  We will end up with 6 or 7 inches before it is all over.  Beautiful.  We will not be having school tomorrow for sure.  And I made chili.  So it's all good:)

Here are some random photos from today:)

View from my front porch

Sweet Cardinal couple who have claimed the birdfeeder for themselves:)

Tree

Garage and Snow

My Sweeties having a snowball fight.  And yes, I got hit too.  Not cool boys.  Not cool.

FITS for You!

Beauty Tintype from the civil war era

Little boy cabinet card

Baby Girl tintype from the civil war era

Sweet little girl cabinet card

Free Image Tuesday on a Saturday:)...

Tintype image from the late 1800's.  Approximately 2 by 3 inches. in size.  What a hat, huh?

Sweet Big brother and Sister cabinet card.  The verso (back) of this card states:"Instantaneous Portraits of Children A Successful Specialty"

These three lovelies are siblings.  George, Frances and Elizabeth.  There is no last name written.  These CDVs are from Liverpool and date from the 1860's.

The Fine print:  FIT images are free for you to use in your mixed media collage and digital artwork.  I would love to see what you create:)  They are not to be used in collage image sheets for sale or image CDs for sale.   All materials shared on this blog are from my own personal image collection. 

Merry Christmas FIT...Cancelled Surgery and Gingerbread Cookies...

Victorian Scrap from my collection

(This is a .jpeg image)

(This is a .PNG image and if you open it in Photoshop I have erased the background for you:)

Happy Holidays everyone!!  We are all hanging in here.  James and David have both had strep and bronchitis.  It was really dicey with James for about a week, but no hospital trip this time!  And no pneumonia!!!  When the asthma is bad like that it is like having a newborn again.  Up every 3-4 hours for treatments.  I just sleep with him to make it easier.  I have to say that this year has been wonderful for James in terms of the asthma.  We got his eczema under control and it has made a HUGE difference in his symptoms.  He has been healthier this year more than any other year since he was born.  I have to credit his asthma specialist Dr. June Zhang.  She really listens to and loves James.  Thanks Dr. June!!!!

Unfortunately, we had to cancel David's Tymplanoplasty until he clears up and is better.  You can't cough or sneeze during your recovery time and David's cough is terrible right now.  Poor Bunny!  The doctor is thinking maybe the 29th.  At least he won't be in pain on Christmas day so that is a real blessing.  Today I am attempting to make and decorate gingerbread cookies from scratch.  I have never baked a cookie from scratch in my entire life.  The boys will be my helpers and my Mom is here to help too.  So, I will take photos of the mayhem for you:)

EDITED TO ADD:  I made gingerbread cookies!!!  From scratch!!!  I have NEVER baked anything from scratch.  The boys and Mom helped with the mixing and rolling and cutting.  Then after they were all baked we sat down at the table with tons of sprinkles and icing.  SO MUCH FUN!  But, boy am I tired!!  My husband said I only did it so I could decorate them.  He knows me so well;)

The rest of this grouping are postcards from my collection. You know how I can never pass by a bird with out grabbing it! LOL!! I hope you love them! Love, Jamie

FIW....And The Saddest Little Gingerbread Houses in the World....LOL!!!...

I know it's Wednesday, but James and I have strep throat!!  Yucky!!  We got antibiotics yesterday.  The doctor was nice enough to give me a script for David too.  Just in case!!!  His surgery is next Tuesday and he can not be sick or they will cancel it.  He is finally getting his eardrum repaired.  Poor Sweetie.  He has really been through it with that for almost a year.  Hopefully this graft will stay put and we can move on with fun things like recess and sports:)

Here are what's left of the gingerbread houses!  Notice the teeth marks.  LOL!!  I am being pretty lax about the boys eating them because I know David is not going to feel like eating it next week.  I think David's would make a good manger scene!!  LOL!!!!!

The FITs for this week are two more of my Seeborn egg prints.  I love them so:)

 

I hope everyone is staying sane over the holiday hoopla and enjoying the good cheer:)  Love, Jamie

Quotes for the Day:

"Why is Christmas just like a day at the office? You do all the work and the fat guy with the suit gets all the credit." 

~Anonymous

"What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus? Claustrophobic."

~Anonymous

Three By A Tree FIT...and a Christmas Collage Sheet for You...

I LOVE this image so much.  The children are beautifully decked out in their winter wear and gloves.  The studio background and props are wonderful.  This is the only cabinet card I have that has an entire tree in the studio.  Awesomeness:)

I hope everyone is well and happy.  We are gearing up for the holidays and getting things decorated.  The boys decorated the Christmas tree on Monday.  All the decorations on the tree stop at about the five foot mark because that's how high they could reach.  SOOOOO cute:)   I will add some today while they are at school.  We assembled our gingerbread houses yesterday and they are ready for decorating this afternoon.  I will take pictures, but I have a great tip for making it easier to assemble.  Assemble it on top of a lazy Susan!!! You can get to every side and not disturb the sides you have already put together.  When we were putting the sides of the first house together I asked David to get a soup can from the pantry to help support the side until it dried.  He asked if I wanted chicken noodle or vegetable beef!  LOL!!!!  They keep me on my toes for sure:)

                                                                                     

Edited to Add:  Here are the finished houses:)  They are climbing on the ceiling from all the sugar.  Help!!

"Alexandra"

Digital Piece by Jamie Miller

These are some older FIT images, but since they are Christmas themed I wanted to re-post them for those who are new:)  They make great gift tags!!

Collage Sheet for You:)

Original Images

Quote For Today:

"Christmas - that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance. It may weave a spell of nostalgia. Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance - -a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved." 

~ Augusta E. Rundel

Today Is Art-e-ology's 199th Post!...Free Image Tuesday and A 200th Post Giveaway!!

I can't believe that I almost missed it!!!!  Long ago, I missed my 100th post and by the time I realized it, it was too late to do anything.  LOL!!  So, in celebration (of me actually getting my act together!) Art-e-ology is having a 200th post Giveaway.  I will post the Giveaway tomorrow (Since it will be the 200th:)  and then anounce the winners at next week's Free Image Tuesday.  I'm so excited!!!  I'm SO excited I didn't miss it a second time:)   

Look at this stunning Beauty!!  She is perfect!

I love this monkey and his toy puppy.  I wish I could have dressed my boys like that.  Right.  I don't think there is enough money in the therapy fund for that!  LOL!!

This Little Angel is perfectly posed and such a cutie.  I love her dress and shoes!

So many lovely Artists have used the FITs in their artwork.  Please let me know when you post a piece because I love to see your beautiful creations.  I am setting up a special post every week to showcase them and show them off.  You can email a link to my email account (askarteology@yahoo.com) or just comment here on the blog with a link.  I have no idea why I haven't been doing this all along!  Foolishness on my part, for sure!! I am so amazed everyday at the wonderful people who we encounter here in Blog World.  I know it has made my life richer in ways I never imagined.  Being absent for the move just highlighted how much I depend on each and everyone of you.  I missed being here and seeing your art.  So, forgive the sloppy hugs and enjoy the new FITs:)  Love, Jamie

Free Image Tuesday and Thawing Out in Texas...

Saturday it was in the 80's. Sunday it was in the 30's. Yesterday we had an ice storm and lost power because of ice on the powerlines. Today it's going to be in 50's/60's. I can't keep up with the clothing changes for the kids! LOL!! At least the power is back on and we had fun with flashlights yesterday. Did you know that a five year old will chase a flashlight light on the floor for hours? HOURS. Excellent exercise.

The FIT for this week is such a sweet cutie! His identity is unknown but, this Carte de Visite photograph was taken in 1874 by Taylor and Preston Photography Studio.

Carte de Visite photographs measure 2.5" x 4". They first became popular in 1854 in France and were often left for friends and family while visiting. Hence the name "Carte de Viste" which means "visiting card". By the 1860's this type of photo had become popular all over the world and was used more than any other photographing process. The civil war times in the United States were so prolific for the Carte that a tax stamp was placed on the backs of the photos. This stamp also aids in dating photographs from this time period. Luckily, this photo was dated by the photography studio on the reverse side.

This child reminds me of my Sweet James. Of course, Sweet James would never sit still for that lace collar. A mother can dream, right? LOL!

Things I am Thankful for today...warm, sweet boys to snuggle, sugar free hot chocolate and sleeping through the night.