Dreams of Knights and Castles and Maidens Fair

Welcome

Castle Burg Eltz in Germany - 12th century

I looked at some photo promotional shots of a couple of upcoming movies yesterday. One of them is 'Snow White and the Huntsman'.

But this is a very different version.

The promo shot has the heroine (Snow White) in a suit of armour.

As I said, very different!

But it kind of got me in the mood of a romanticized time of

castles,

knights,

honor and loyalty,

and of course the lovely maiden/princess/queen/etc.

So, today we will play in the castle,

and ride out for a jousting tournement!

We will have games for the children,

and pretty things for m'lady!

A slight breeze will have our banners fluttering!

a knight from c.1512

Medieval Knights jousting

A castle to color or use as a pattern for cut-art:

Many thanks to Dover Books for their free pages from the many books they offer for sale!

and a princess fair to live in the castle -

c.1914

Bodian Castle

Straying from the fantasy for a moment,

notice there are very few windows?

The windows that I see

appear to be more for archery defense

than for any need for fresh air!

Another thing to think about -

the 'windows' that do exist had no covering over them.

Just an opening to the outide environment.

That's where "drafty old castle" comes from!

Castel del Monte

Italy, 13th century

Castle Caerlaverock

Scotland, c.1241 plus

Here are a couple of puzzles to have fun with!

You know, you can always right click on the image,

and it should come up in a larger size.

That way us old-timers can read that tiny, fine print!

castle Reinhardstein

Belgium, 14th century

That's it for today!

I have lots more castles, knights, kings and queens,

and more! to share.

inkspired

dominoes@myinkspired.com

www.inkspired.etsy.com

answer key

Let's all go to the farm

heisann

(Norwegian for 'hi there')

Norwegian fjord

Ah, my heart hurts for Norway today.

I can't dwell on all the feelings and hurt however.

I just have to put some humor in the day,

even when I least feel like it.

Learned that from my dad - Dick Troup.

Here is a nice paper doll from Norway:

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So let's take a trip to the farm today!

For some of you, that's a step outside your door;

For some, it is a journey....

either way, I know of nothing that calms spirits more than getting out

 and seeing the beautiful world that God has created,

and enjoying some of his beautiful creatures!

I'm starting off with one of my personal favorites -

The Pig

They are so smart, and have a fun personality!

Besides, come on...they're so cute!

c.1922

"Animals are reliable, many full of love,

true in their affections, predictable in their actions,

grateful and loyal.

Difficult standards for people to live up to."

- Alfred A. Montapert

Betsy McCall has taken a trip to the farm.

Let's see what cute outfits she wore!

"For a good life:

Work like a dog.

Eat like a horse.

Think like a fox.

And play like a rabbit."

- unknown

"Lots of people talk to animals...

Not very many listen, though...

That's the problem."

- George Bernard Shaw

basket with all the fixins, you add the food/drink

www.BooBooKittybows.etsy.com

We might have to pack a little to eat

on the way

once we get there

before we leave

and

on the way home....

felt patterns for yummy things by

www.buggabugs.etsy.com

Of course, we couldn't eat felt...

silly!

c.1909

c.1904

I bet we see some cows, before we even get to the farm!

Do you think they will look like this?

or like this?

c.1920

Do you think a pretty maid in a bonnet will greet us?

Gilda Gray, 1926 magazine cover

Or a bossy ol' rooster?

c.1903

Maybe we'll just meet his mother-in-law!

Mrs. Cluck rubber stamp from

vivalasvegastamps

(see addy at right)

Farms always have horses, right?



courtesy Dover Publications, addy to the right

You can print these out on sticker paper,

and have some great horse stickers to play with!

date unknown

I sure hope they have dogs!

embroidery transfer designs

and kittens too!

an applique pattern from turkeyfeathers

a kitten pattern to use with iris folding

Will there be a hoot owl in the barn?

Will they be dressed for company?

and throw us a shin-dig?

c.1911

www.gfelted.etsy.com

all dressed up for company!

Well, we've had a nice full day.

Let's cut out some paper dolls on our way home -

- to help us remember our day at the farm!

Have a good day,

and find an animal to pet.

It lowers your blood pressure!

Be sure to adopt from a shelter,

and always spay and neuter your pets.

:0)

inkspired

dominoes@myinkspired.com

http://www.inkspired.etsy.com/