Ferdinand the Bull is 75 years old today. Tanti auguri, Ferdinand!
ciao-olé!-meow/GG CentralPS: For a little freebie today, visit iTunes for a full episode of Sesame Street.
Hint--it's a children's book. Are you interested in vintage (ahem) 1963 children's literature? Are you American or Canadian? Well, go to Basket of Kisses & enter this giveaway. (Basket of Kisses is GG's editor's favorite blog about Mad Men.) You have until 31 October (this Sunday). All you have to do is visit & say to whom you would read the book if you won. Easy peasy. (images via Basket of Kisses)
ciao-meow/GG's editor
For holiday gifts, in these difficult times, remember thrift stores, eBay, & take a look at Vintage Children's Books. There are adorable children's books in very good shape for very little money. And don't forget the mittens...cute ones to knit (free patterns!), here. If you don't have time, look here. Yes, this also was an excuse to put in cute kittens; we can't help it...it's GG's fault. Upcoming posts next week on free holiday clipart, The House of Mouse (finally!), frugal but delicious desserts, & more decorating tips from people far more chic than GG Central (though we do have our moments).
ciao-meow
GG's editor
"The hollyhock his standard high/ Bears proudly to the autumn sky" & "There still in triumph, stiff with gold/ The rich chrysanthemums unfold." & "That, reddening on the Triton's spear/ Foretells the waning of the year."(From FLORA'S FEAST, A MASQUE OF FLOWERS, written and drawn by Walter Crane, 1899, via LIFE archives)
There's a bit of mystery here at GG Central. We love these illustrations in the LIFE archives, but find very little information about Mrs. Laura Valentine, English author of Aunt Louisa's Birthday Gift. Or is she? It is also listed that one C.E. Bowen is the author. GG has ordered an investigation; meanwhile, we wish to show our friends these illustrations. If you go here you'll see some horses, cows & sheep, ducks, a know-it-all rooster, more naughty dogs, & a cute squirrel named Frisky.