Thursday, February 7, 2013

When I saw this cute Valentine card childhood memories came rushing back.  I joined Erica’s Valentine box swap and Elizabeth’s Valentine swap, and knew whatever I came up with would involve the cuties on this card.  Elizabeth often writes of winter and Valentine memories, her blog over flows with wonderful images and colors of the season.  Chris has a career in the classroom and writes about her adventures with the children … ah ha this is perfect !
I can’t tell you why but third grade was my favorite, and the most memorable of my elementary school years. Our teacher, Mrs. Naville, was the sweetest human being, and oh how refreshing after second grade and “the mean old witch” Mrs. Laura.  Mrs. Laura was a ruler-wielding, knuckle whacker !!  Mrs. Naville never made a threatening gesture or raised her voice.  Her teaching was multi-dimensional through books, play, and hands on activities; we were always doing something fun.  We made butter and ate it on saltines…I can still taste it !  We carved (carved… can you imagine?!) bars of ivory soap into polar bears; I can still smell the ivory soap, and we had a wonderful classroom party for Valentine’s Day. Mrs. Hartfield was one of the homeroom mothers and, just like it was yesterday, I can remember her lining us up to take this picture!   Her daughter Paula is standing, second from right … Paula Faye had dimples J
Isn’t this the epitome of 1958?  Look at that classroom !  I’m the kid on the left with a heart over my head and my best friend (then and NOW) Ms. Vickie Diane, with the heart on her chest. 

 So given this memory I came up with these for my swap partners


It is so fun to see these little hearts come to life in their new homes.  As some what of an after thought I fear, I decided there was a story to be told about these cute kids, so I also made a little book to go with each shadow box.  I’ll write more about the story later.  Both of my partners sent me the nicest thank you notes.  Doesn't it make your heart happy to make others happy?  Who would have thought, in 1958, that it would be possible to connect in such a way?  What a blessing to be able to share Valentine’s Day love in 
blogland !! 
                    Thanks for visiting … xoxo   E 

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8 comments:

  1. LauraFebruary 7, 2013 at 1:24 PM

    That is lovely! I love that classroom photo and how cool to still be connected with your classmate! Your creations are adorable! I love your little book idea :)

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  2. Erica of Golden Egg VintageFebruary 7, 2013 at 3:55 PM

    Elaine- I love that you made a story! And the photo is sooo darn cute! How special that you're still great friends with Vickie!
    For third grade my teacher was "Mrs.Frost"...and she was just as the name implied! LOL
    Erica :)

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  3. UnknownFebruary 7, 2013 at 4:47 PM

    Elaine, What a treasure this photograph and memories are. I am so honored to have your Valentine ornaments that recall this special time. I can't thank you enough for sharing your art with me! Elizabeth

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  4. LoriFebruary 7, 2013 at 7:48 PM

    Love, love your Valentine swaps! Your classroom picture is so sweet and how wonderful that you're still best friends. So enjoy your blog!

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  5. retrorevival.bizFebruary 8, 2013 at 2:48 AM

    Such a sweet post, E! Your class picture is awesome! Love your Valentines too:)

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  6. MichaeleFebruary 8, 2013 at 7:50 PM

    Valentines were so much more creative and special years ago. How neat that you have such a good class photo and could share with us. This post just makes me happy.

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  7. donnaFebruary 10, 2013 at 3:05 PM

    What a great story. I forgot about carving ivory soap. Oh boy can you imagine the kids wanting to do that today. Your Valentines are soooo cute.
    Hugs
    donna

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  8. EFebruary 23, 2013 at 8:01 PM

    Thanks everyone for your comments its so fun to connect with all your wonderfully talented ladies !

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