
First off, I hope that everyone had a safe and happy Christmas. We spent a few days at our parents. Luckily my husband and I grew up less than a mile from one another. Our families still live in the very same area so it makes it very easy when we need to "make the rounds."
The last month or so has been so very busy and intense for all of us. Running here, driving there. We arrived back home this afternoon and have to drive back out towards are parents again in the morning. But anyhow. Funny how my craft room and my computer have helped keep me sane in recent days. When I am able to finally sit down and lose myself in a little glitter or in perusing a few favorite blogs...it helps to make all of ones troubles fade away. At least for a little while!
Which is how that photo up above came to be here tonight. Ever peek into dusty bin full of old photos in a dark and spooky antique shop and unearth a photo that makes you suddenly feel as if you are looking at yourself? Yourself, 100 years ago? Well this is exactly what happened to me. I was in an antique shop in northern California about 18 years ago and was in the middle of flipping through some old photo's when all of a sudden I had one of the weirdest sensations ever. And there I was! Or at least someone who looked enough like me to fool plenty of friends and family.
We're definitely not carbon copies of one another. But similar enough to be almost 2 versions of the same. Does that make any sense? We could be related. Sisters. Fraternal twins. It doesn't freak me out in any way but instead feels more like it is as it should be.
After accidently coming across this photo tonight for the first time in ages, I kept on digging. I'd like to share a few other of my favorite photos before my husband wakes up and scolds me to go to bed.
Little sis Tanya gave me this one for Christmas '96. Gads. Now that sounds like a hundred years ago.

I really wish that I could go all stupid collecting old photography. Sister and I like to pickup the occasion image that shows a women holding a purse or fan. A pair of glasses or a pretty baby girl clutching a dolly is always a plus. I especially love old pictures that show people with their long gone doggies. Gee. I wonder why.
I'm also always on the hunt for those photo's that are especially detailed, showing jewelry or textiles in the background.
Here is one that I picked up many moons ago. A parasol. They each have little purses hanging from their waists. I just wish that it was a little clearer and not so scratched up. I wonder what the one lady is reading? Is she just holding a blank sheet for the photo shoot? Hmmmm...

Before I forget, I would highly recommend clicking HERE to familiarize yourself with the beautiful photography of the early female photographer, Julia Margaret Cameron. If you are not familiar with her that is. I also have another link to her wonderful history if you look to the left & click on her name under "Women Who Created Before We Did."
After you've done that, get a look at these poor gals. They don't look too unhappy. Guess this was the norm back then. This is definitely something that I am very glad to have never experienced. 
I' leave ya'll with a fun pix for the night:

Ok, I don't know why this picture is showing up so small. Be sure to click on it to really get a good look at all of their happy as can be expressions. Where were they headed that day? Did they all marry? One thing I know is that I wish I had all their hats in my collection crazy hands.
When I see pictures like this I find myself trying to imagine what they would look like if they were sitting here laughing with me today. Sometimes I also envision myself giving some of them makeovers. Is that wrong?
Just two more and this one is extra special:

My dear daddy in a lettuce patch!