Some wonderful old books found their way into my life about a week ago which turned out to be a special blessing because it happened around the time of my birthday.
This was an especially hard birthday for me because it was the big 6-0. I was really having a struggle getting past the idea of being old long enough to be grateful for the day.
Two of the books came directly as gifts. The others came indirectly as gifts, but I didn't realize it until later.
Debbie gave me this copy of Godey's Ladies Book dated 1869.
It has wonderful illustrations and is so fascinating to read.
Melanie and family gave me this book of vintage illustrations. Every page is like these two with illustrations of vintage costumes. I can hardly wait to use some of them in artwork.
And then, there were the books found at the flea market. This little picture album cost only $12. I was initially intrigued with its embossed leather covers.
Even the edges of the pages are incised with a decorative design.
But I was shocked when opening it later at home to find that almost every page was filled with old family photos. Most were marked with identifying names and family relationships. It felt as if I had been chosen to protect it for awhile.
I also found an old ledger, a large Victorian photo album, a small record album, and this antique hymnal. At first, I hesitated to buy this one as I already have several hymnals.
But when I saw this biscuit receipe written in pencil on the back inside cover, it had to go home with me.
This was on the inside front cover. It is the measurements for pieces of oilcloth needed for her table, closet, and floor.
While picking up the books after photographing them, I thought, "What is it about old books that makes me love them so much?" It seems the shabbier they are, the more I love them. I love everything about them; the worn covers that show the effects of being touched many times, the crinkled pages, the extra textures of worn bindings showing proof of the many years of use and enjoyment, years of enriching the lives of all the people who have come in contact with them. A new book may be beautiful and full of possibility, but only an old book has a history of life. That's what I appreciate about them; life.
As I thought these things, a realization dawned on me that this big birthday was rather like these books; a testament to life, a life full of experiences, touched many times by both the human and Divine. A life to cherish. A life to cherish all the more because it is an experienced life.
A life full of new posibilites for even more usefulness.
A beautiful life.
It was the best of birthday gifts.
