No Summertime Blues Here!

FRENCHKISSED update: This freebie is no longer available for download here, but you will find it for purchase in my Etsy and Zibbet shops!

Talk about a melange of the mind! 

I love my little boy in blue on the swing 

and as I cleaned and cloned, 

I kept thinking of Blue Boy, 

the famous painting by Thomas Gainsborough -- 

although my cutie is much more casually attired --  

and I kept repeating John Greenleaf Whittier's poem 

"Barefoot boy with cheeks of tan" -- 

although my sweetie is not barefoot 

and his cheeks are more pink than tan.

Despite all my unconnected connections, 

I hope you connect in some way with my little boy in blue 

and find a place for him in your art fun!

My original postcard was a little worse for wear 

as you can see. HATED that red stamp! 

So I had to do some 'tweaking.'

 In the download below, 

you'll see he's got a dreamier, softer look. 

That's courtesy of Pixlr's special effects.

And for better or worse, in this version 

I attempted to liven up the rather drab studio backdrop 

with a touch of green.

Also for your artistic fun, 

I'm including a scan of the back side.
There are a couple of words I can't make out. 

Perhaps someone else can help in the interpretation. 

Note that this very spring/summer image was mailed in December in 1913. (Mon dieu, the drums of war would be beating within a year!) Leon addresses his son and daughter-in-law as "Dear Children." I often refer to my daughter and her partner as "The Kids" though she's 28 and he's 33. Some things never change:) As best as Google and I can bumble and mumble our way through the French script ... Leon says that he had started work on Thursday, the 18th of December, that he had waited because they had thought there would be trouble but for the moment, all is going well. The line about "la maison" I can't figure out. Any ideas? Leon adds, "We hope that all goes well for you and that Jules is still working. We send you big hugs/kisses [we kiss/embrace you strongly]." Hmm... I wonder if Leon is the step-father. Notice he uses the formal "vous" and he signs off as "Leon and your mother." One thing is clear: feel free to use this script in your art. I can guarantee there's no mention of death or suffering from La Grippe (influenza)!

Well, summer officially started for me yesterday. The Hubby and I enjoyed our first swim of the year in the delightful 88 degree salt-water pool at our complex. My daughter is coming over shortly to join me for today's dip -- and I'll likely do double-dipping since playing in the pool is so good for my arm. Zut alors, it will be 6 months tomorrow that the ice and I had a collision, breaking my forearm. My arm will likely be getting much more exercise in the next few weeks packing BOXES 'cause it looks like The Hubby and I may be moving toward the Big City by next month. Those of you who have been reading my blog know that last fall we had a false start heading in that direction, so mum's the word till I know for SURE:)

In the meantime, congratulations to ANN DIVELBISS of California. She is the winner of two free scans for her lucky No. 8 comment made last week. Ann, just email me the titles/links to two scans you'd like, picking from either one of my shops, your choice, $3.99 or under:)


Help yourself to this week's freebies, leave a comment and you might be next week's winner!