Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Valentine's Giveaway Week - Day Three


Today's Valentine is, admittedly, an odd one. It's a Valentine postcard I found at an antique mall last year, and I couldn't help grinning at the characterization of the spinster in the rocking chair with her cat, knitting and a cup of tea. Did they miss any cliches there? I don't think so! But what tickled me most was the note at the bottom: "You will be this way soon." Now WHO thought it was a good idea to send this particular Valentine greeting? I didn't marry until my forties, and I can tell you this would have sent me over the edge if I'd received such a thing back during my single days!

The back of the card is intriguing since it shows this postcard was sent to someone who was already a "Mrs." (Mrs. M.M. Frary? Is that what it says?) And since the postmark was Ohio, I googled and learned there is a Burbank, Ohio, in addition to Burbank, California. But wouldn't you love to know the story behind this card, behind both giver and recipient? I sure would.

Meanwhile, I'm carrying on the theme of old postcards with today's giveaway item, which is ... a Vintage Postcard Design Mug and Tea! This was a Michaels find, and I liked it so much I bought one for myself to use as my Valentine's mug at the office. If you are today's winner, yours will come packed with a sampling of teas, including Bigelow's Sweetheart Cinnamon and White Chocolate Kisses teas. Just leave a comment before 7 a.m. EST tomorrow and you'll be entered. Good luck!


19 comments:

  1. Looks like a valentine perhaps sent
    to one sister from another sister ?
    marriage was such a goal back in those days!

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  2. How bizarre to send it to a "Mrs."

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  3. Definitely would send my 35yo single daughter into a hissy fit!!

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  4. Love the vintage post card. Reminds me of finding old photos whn my mom passed away and seeing the funny things people were doing in them and then woindering who in the heck they are. Thanks for sharing.

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  5. I'd like to believe that this was a long-running joke between friends. Otherwise, she would have torn up the card. It is just too funny. Thanks for sharing. I love the mug too. Sometimes, I think you must have more hours in your day than I do--- your life is so full yet you have time to find great treasures. Then you take the time to share with us! Thanks!

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  6. most unusual thanks for the giveaway minsthins at optonline dot net

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  7. I am thinking this card had to be sent as a joke, but it is a cruel one -- not really funny but a look into the future of "comedy."

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  8. I love sending (and receiving) Valentine cards... I've never seen one like this before! I wonder how many were sold? I love the mug and teas gift set, I don't know how you find all these "goodies"... I must say, I've run out more then one time after you have show something you've found at this store or that, only to be told... all gone! But, you keep finding, and I'll keep looking!!! Happy Valentine's Day

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  9. Angela, that card is 'too much!' I can only imagine that the card was sent to a 'Mrs.' (perhaps the Mom of a daughter that was not yet married...), maybe sent by 'the Mom's' well-intentioned 'Mom' or 'Aunt,' as a not-so-gentle reminder to speed up the dating process, or else! It does make you wonder what the 'rest of the story is,' - and if I recall, cards like that have more value $$$ to them because of the unusual sentiment - something that is not in place today.

    What a fun way to spend Valentine's Week! You're the best and thanks, Joanie

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  10. That Valentine posty is funny, but not very nice. Must have been a joke between close friends or family...?

    The mug is oh, so pretty. Please consider me entered :)

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  11. What a strange Valentine. I assume the sender and receiver were very good friends. Love the mug.

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  12. That is a strange Valentine - can't imagine sending it to anyone. The postcard mug is a pretty one.

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  13. Gotta love that spinster, Too funny

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  14. I have a similar card picturing an "Old Maid" and always wondered about who could have possible sent that unless it was a "private joke" between good friends. Maybe sending it to Mrs. was to make the reciever imagine herself as married and let her see the "title" she was aspiring to attain.
    I would love to meet both the sender and the recipient.

    Happy Valentine's Day to all!

    Mary Jane

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  15. Where oh where did you find the Bigalow Valentine tea?! I live in Michigan and have called every grocery-selling store I can think of, and NO ONE carries it! Any tips from anyone out there on where to look?

    (And that card is one strange duck!)

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  16. Angela, isn't part of the thrill of collecting antique postcards the correspondence itself? You just have to love some of the things written on them, and that comment on front is a mystery....the nerve! And was it an afterthought? Not only insulting, but, sent three days after Valentine's Day. All in all, you have a very funny "Raphael Tuck" card....would love to see the other PC's in this series. I hope your collection continues to grow!

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  17. Wow, I am making it just in time I think for the drawing. The vintage postcard is funny. Thanks for sharing.

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  18. Leah, I couldn't find the tea either so I ordered it straight from Bigelow (bigelowtea.com). In fact, these teas are shown on their homepage right now!

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  19. Thank you for the tip, Angela! I ordered some and it should be arriving today! :)

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