Veterans Day - A History Lesson

This is a small snippet of the history of Veterans Day. Read whole story here.

Although World War I — known at the time as “The Great War” — officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, fighting actually ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, went into effect between the Allied nations and Germany on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. For that reason, Nov. 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.” In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades, public meetings, and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11 a.m.

Let's see what our WWII Hero Harry was doing on Nov. 11, 1943

Hello Honey,
Well darling, as usual I had your letter this PM. It sure helps to know that there is someone who really cares and thinks of me.

I had a letter from Jack Carey, it was quite a surprise. I must answer. We still haven't any heat in our barracks it's just about 50 degrees in here. There is something wrong with the blower system. It has been real cold here, there is a bitter north wind blowing.

Is Smitty still at Baer Field? I bet Wilma will be heart broken if he ever gets transferred. Today we had to turn our O.D. uniforms in. My trousers need to be taken in at the waist and the blouse is too tight at the arms. I don't know when I'll get it back, probably Sat. I can't go anywhere until I get it back. You can't wear fatigues to the movies or PX. I sure hope I have it back by Sunday. I'd hate to cool my heels in here all weekend. Maybe the weekend after I'll got to Raleigh. It gets pretty tame laying around here looking at the same walls all the time. I don't need my money yet. I still have $28. It's so darn cold in here I think I'll have to go to bed to keep warm.

Today our Lieut. (a fairly decent guy for this outfit) asked everyone, "who had any part of his body hurt to tell him about it". I told him about my flat feet which hurt quite a bit when I've been on them awhile. He told me he would see if there was anything he could do for me. I'll bet you get tired of hearing about my troubles. How is your neck? Too bad about the bonus. I don't think Koerbers were any too nice about the week you were off but I wouldn't take anything for the time we spent together.

Well darling, it's time to tell you once again I love you and think you are the dearest and sweetest gal in this whole world. I am sure looking forward to the days when we will be together again. The sooner the better. Just pray and hope that the day will come soon.

Lovingly, your Hubby, Harry

What the MOST fashionable Fruits are Wearing this Season - it's FAB -U-LOUS!

Take a moment to consider fruit. Specifically the apple. This one in particular is a nice one.

Now think about the poor apple with its delicate skin, partial to bruising. Wouldn't you want the best for your fruit? What could be the answer to this problem? Why, a fruit sweater of course.

I laughed out loud when Krafty Friend Kat presented this special gift to me at a birthday lunch. It's not only cute and quirky - it's practical. Now I can dress my fruit and then throw it into my bag where they will be protected all day from the jungle of keys, cell phone and 10 lipsticks rolling around my purse. One less excuse for not eating natures best.

That's what I call a shopping spree!

Probably my largest investment (aside from the printer of course) is my "new" paper cutter! It's still in pieces, littered all over my office but soon it will be a lean mean cutting machine!!! This will help streamline business and make me lots happier in the process.

While Adam and his dad were on the Indiana roadtrip they also picked up a paper drill. It looks pretty old, but Adam tested it and he said it works great! I think he's pretty happy about this purchase. Now I won't be shoving a hole puncher in his hand while he's trying to relax in front of the tv.


Well, this is pretty much the hightlight of my week! Hope you all had a nice one too!

So, can anyone read this?

Can anyone read the invites below? Maybe a few of you. I certainly can't even though I grew up in a small village in Ohio that was founded by German settlers. Still, even Germans need wedding invites and I happen to have an American Bride who is getting married to her German Groom.

The wedding will take place in Wapakoneta, Ohio but some of the invites will be sent overseas. Our considerate bride took the extra steps to have a portion of her invites printed in German text. With the help of our German groom I'm confident that everything is perfect and wonderful. I think his family will be pleased and touched to receive these invites.

(sorry the photos aren't super good. It's difficult to photograph this beautiful shimmer paper. If you click on the photos you can get a better look at the text.)

The German version of the popular verse,
"This day I will marry my friend . . ."

The outside of the pocket fold invite.

The invite portion printed on beautiful purple haze card stock.

The entire invite with coordinating cards in the pocket.
Printed cards include: RSVP Postcard, Reception Card,
and Accommodations/Direction Card.

Best wishes to Katie who will be traveling over the holidays to visit her Groom and meet his family!. Gute Reise!

Harry and Helen - Halloween 1945 Style

Halloween is NOT a big deal for me. With the exception of getting to see the little ones dressed up and eating all the leftover candy - I don't get too jazzed about Oct. 31st. Adam and I celebrated Trick or Treat night by dressing up as crossing guards and helping kids in town cross the street. We were on the first intersection in town and didn't see much foot traffic but we had fun getting truckers to honk, seeing how many people would wave back at Adam who waved at EVERYONE. So we got to hang out together for a couple hours. Our nieces and nephews visited us on the street corner and best of all, since I wasn't home to pass out candy I have (had) lots of extra candy.

I spent the actual date of October 31st hanging out with my family and celebrating my dads 60th birthday. In the game of life he claims to be "rounding third". He explained this to my niece who was relieved to be told that she wasn't even at first base yet.

Let's see what Harry & Helen were up to 64 years ago.
____

My darling . . .
And that's just what I mean too, my darling. A more beautiful day could never be found. We are really having beautiful weather for this time of year. Hope it continues as it's easier on the coal pile; especially when there's no coal.

We went down to Jo's tonight and I got my black dress. It sure looks like the dickens on the hanger - hope it looks better on me. She charged me $4.50 for making this one as she had so much trouble with it. I really thought she would charge more than that. Then Theresa, Betty, Peggy and I went to the show, "House on 92nd Street". Pretty good.

The first of November is Ediths birthday. It's just going to pass by so nicely with me. I don't feel that I owe her one single thing! (note: meow!)

Had a letter from your folks today. They got their beans combined but they didn't turn out as good as other years - said it was too wet. Ike is still there, but is a "love sick" man. Lotties birthday is November 10 and he is going there for that.

Well honey, I really don't have much more news, so guess I'll wind this up. Shoe rationing is off so guess I'll see if I can get a pair of black shoes sometime.

Darling, I love you. Never lose sight of that will you? You mean more than anything else to me and I'll love you with all my heart always. You are so considerate and good to me and make me so happy that I married you. Darling, love me always please? I'll promise you, you will never be sorry. I'll try my best to make you happy, forever.
Devotedly your own, Helen
___

Okay, looks like Halloween didn't even rate a passing comment all those years ago. All I know is this - Helen and I both spend $4.50. She got a timeless black custom fitted dress (which she probably wore for years). I on the other hand, purchased a bag of smarties, and a bunch of fun sized candy bars (which are mostly gone by now). Wonder what $4.50 will buy in 2073?

Beautiful Fall Day

This weather is just amazing. It compelled me to ask my friend Denise if I could use her leaf filled yard for a invitation photo shoot.First a picture of her cat, Pebble Sticks, guarding my invitations.

A simple invite enhanced with a pretty grosgrain ribbon detail.

A close up of the ribbon and layered monogram.

A beautiful copper and gold layered invite.

Close up of the brown satin ribbon.

A popular pocket invite with the reception card and RSVP postcard layered inside.

The invite when it's not inside the pocket.

A favorite of mine. A nice charcoal pocket with invite and matching cards tucked inside.

The matching cards. A pale yellow with the charcoal - beautiful.
Finally, curious Pebble Sticks looking at the latest invite. More tomorrow.

A Scientific Marvel!

Forget those fancy boat encased in a glass bottle. After Adam cleared out the last relics of the garden he showed me the results of our last garden experiment.

Presenting . . . the tomato grown inside a bottle!!!!!! (ahhhhhh)

Then I filled the bottle with water to further illustrate how impressive this feat is. Yeah . . . not quite sure what I'm going to do with it now.
I really liked using that bottle for flower arrangements. hmmm.

Well, in the meantime
I'll show you some of my newest custom designs.

This is a pretty (and simply elegant) look for a fall wedding.

Next, a very cute Baby Shower invite.
Invite and envelope customized for the little pumpkin theme.

A close up of the top. Super cute and retro.

This was one proof for a wedding invite. The bride ended up choosing a different look but this one grabs attention so I thought I'd post. Rich green cardstock and a deep purple equals a dramatic look.

A close up of the graphics. All my invites are laser printed but this one echos the look of a letterpressed invite. I know, I know, nothing beats the ultimate elegance of expensive letterpressing but the cost of this invite is far more preferable. (believe me)
Rounded corners give it a special touch!