Show & Tell Friday...And a Virtual "All Things French" Shopping Spree...

Thanks to Kelli @ "Kelli's House" for hosting another fabulous Show & Tell Friday! Please be sure to slide by her place to visit all the others that are sharing today!

My Show & Tell for today ~ I decided to share another one of my Antique Books, By The Fireside, by Charles Wagner.

This book (over 100 years old) was originally written in French and was translated into English by Mary Louise Hendee. My first copy of this book was purchased at a yard sale for $1. So fragile that the pages and cover began falling apart as I began reading it. I soon began my search as to how I could find another copy in better shape.

In Kennett Square, (near Longwood Gardens) Pennsylvania, I found an old book store, "Thomas Macaluso Rare & Fine Books" that was able to locate this newer copy for me. This book cost me $29.68. A small price to pay for such enjoyment that will last me for my lifetime.

Copyright is 1904 as pictured below:
This particular book that I obtained through the Rare Finds Book Store had once belonged to the John Hopkins Library. It has a stamp inside the front cover that the book was disposed of from John Hopkins and my guess is that the little markings you see to the bottom left of this picture has something to do with who maybe owned it at a later date.
The chapters of this book are about life, family, love in marriage, brothers & sisters, order in the house, golden hair and gray, and so much more. The chapter below you see is on good humor in the home.

My favorite excerpt of the entire book is on "Marriage".

Since it's Valentine Day weekend, I thought it would be a lovely excerpt to share with you.

Read what the author writes, and how applicable that it should be even 100 years later.

"We are too familiar with these unions where love, dying early, sleeps forgotten in a hidden corner of the memory, like the wedding-dress and orange blossoms in some remote chest. We end by believing that it must be so, that it is the law of life. Let us lift our hearts to something more lasting, to a more tenacious love, not ending with the roses but faithful, deep-rooted and abiding, a love that braves the tempest and fears no frosts. It is not at all like a pretty child, full of caprice and half rebellious; it is a rough and ready comrade, not indifferent to fine weather, but known for what it is, and proven in dark days. It knows how to suffer, to pardon and to endure. It does not hang upon a ray of sunshine or the colour of a lock. It has no age, or rather, like good wine, age mellows it. As the delicious German proverb has it--"Alte Liebe rostet nicht," old love never rusts."

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"All Things French"
Now, it's tough to follow those words of Charles Wagner, but I'm going to try...so that I can continue on the Virtual tour I have for you of "All Things French".
Imagine, if you will, that at the end of this lane, we've entered the border of France!
("Winter Version" of my "Four Seasons of Heaven" photo's that I recently snapped) Once across the border we've come upon a small French town with, none other than, a French Vintage & Antique Shop. The first thing I see as I enter the boutique is this lovely tray that will go on my Verandah Porch that I'm in the process of making over. (I purchased this, so it's the real deal) ;) The tray is made from broken china and the colors are absolutely perfect for any room in my home. I love it!

The next item is a lovely white porcelain and gold embossed edge custard dish w/ a small matching plate. I actually purchased a pair of these for my daughter's china collection, they're for her birthday. My Beloved accidentally chipped the one plate before I could get it in my gift closet... (drats, I'll keep that one now) ;)
This is the shape of the little French plate that holds the custard dish and the markings on the bottom of the dish.
Next are all these French and Frilly extras for any room in the home. The colors are so rich! I love the dish behinnd all the vases. The colors in it are gorgeous! I was brave and walked on by...

I adored this delicate sugar & creamer set, but could not justify adding one more set to my home. (I'm still on the Dave Ramsay Total Money Makeover) ;) So, I took a picture so my memory would keep it longer... ;)

This little Vintage and very French looking short curio with glass encasement was stunning. So was the price! ;) But, I can dream.... Oui?

This delicate porcelain statue of ladies dancing just reminded me of what the lovely young French dancers must have looked like in earlier years...one of my favorite eye candys of the day! ;)

This entire set was stunning!

I loved the way the soft yellow glass lamps were reflected in this mirror...

Cherubs, Silver, and unique Vintage finds...

Totally Floral and French!

My favorite little piece, and only $29...porcelain floral by Aynsley

A teapot...Floral & French! ;)

This color and pattern jumped out at me, even though I'm traditionally not a green gal!

Crystal Decanter... Love the shape!

A French Country "CHIC"ken look! ;)

A "Fleur de lise" pattern set of dishes in light peach tone.

A French Chair for the boudoir

A delicate yellow collectible porcelain piece...so Francais et Chic!

Blue & Whites....always in with the French!

And last, but not least, this fabulous teapot! So delicate, so floral, so Hummingbirding... ;) Remember, just because we're in France, doesn't mean necessarily that everything in the shop will be from France! I found this to be true when I visited there...just like here, we have collectibles from all over the world in our Vintage and Antique shops.

I hope you enjoyed this "Virtual" tour of "All Things French" from my make believe trip to France!

(The few things I mentioned purchasing I really found here in GA! ) Isn't pretending fun? ;)

IT's all about dreaming, isn't it?

Now, don't forget to stop by Kelli's for more Show & Tell shares! ;)

~CC Catherine