Monday, January 09, 2012

Books, Bread and Roses

I've bought myself presents for this Christmas. Really, I so deserved them.. Books are written by authors John Cowart and Barbara White. Cowart is writing about almost any theme under the sun, and he does it well. His rock is his Christian belief, not that of a Sunday Christian, but the real thing, that of a whole person devoted to God through sun and rain, mud and silk. I love him.

I've actually set up my own shop this autumn, a Norwegian edition of Etsy, selling old goods,- using the money to buy new old treasures. Like this old bowl hand painted in farmer's rose pattern. They are rare to come by, and I love mine.

The saying "bread and roses" goes way behind. I'm among those women, who buy flowers, when buying groceries.
The Christmas decorations are well tucked away in the attic. Now we are longing for brighter days to come. I need to see spring indoors, even if the storm is howling outside.

I just today found this poem by James Oppenheim. It has kind of a jubilee,being written in 1912. I never knew its origin before I Googled "bread and roses" for this post. A textile strike in Laurence, Massachusetts took place from January till March 1912 with mainly female employees.
As we come marching, marching in the beauty of the day,
A million darkened kitchens, a thousand mill lofts gray,
Are touched with all the radiance that a sudden sun discloses,
For the people hear us singing: "Bread and roses! Bread and roses!"
As we come marching, marching, we battle too for men,
For they are women's children, and we mother them again.
Our lives shall not be sweated from birth until life closes;
Hearts starve as well as bodies; give us bread, but give us roses!
As we come marching, marching, unnumbered women dead
Go crying through our singing their ancient cry for bread.
Small art and love and beauty their drudging spirits knew.
Yes, it is bread we fight for -- but we fight for roses, too!
As we come marching, marching, we bring the greater days.
The rising of the women means the rising of the race.
No more the drudge and idler -- ten that toil where one reposes,
But a sharing of life's glories: Bread and roses! Bread and roses!


Magical Mystery Teacher is hosting Ruby Tuesday 2
You'll be amazed what wonderful ruby themes and writings you'll find there.
She's co-hosted by Gemma Wiseman
a clever wisewoman.

Ruby Tuesday 2

Badge created by Gattina. Pay her and her cats a visit too.

22 comments:

Carletta said...

If I could I would have rooms full of books. :) They invite us in, give us knowledge and fantasy and nuture our very being. Perfect gifts for oneself. :)
Loved this song. I've never heard it but it is lovely.
Beautiful post Felisol'!

Ralph said...

To live one's faith is amazing - we all fall short, but with those who continue to live their faith, we may become a little more inspired in ours...

Naturally we need bread for sustenance and life. Yet, the roses are beautiful, we need those for the simple beauty they give. Flowers enhance our lives, so they too are life sustaining...

Yolanda said...

They look so good. I have never heard from this author. I thank you for your prayers they helped. I don't think I mentioned by I am a nurse too. I love hearing your thoughts and the more I delve deeper here the more I feel at home.

Gemma Wiseman said...

A magical post of colour and design! And books are my world! I relate!

Debbie Petras said...

Felisol, what a beautiful poem! I know that at this time in Norway it's cold. So I understand the desire to have beautiful flowers indoors to brighten things up and look forward to spring. If only you could come to Arizona as the roses are in bloom. The high today was 68 degrees.

I also love books! I used to say that my favorite vacation would be to go to the beach with a lot of books. Love your photos!

Blessings and love to you,
Debbie

Myrtle said...

I love your blog. I have spent awhile looking at your beautiful posts. God bless.

Anonymous said...

Oh...books...books..wonderful books...! What else is there...??lol! Hugs to you sister! I love your post!

Maria @ LSS said...

Beautiful pics! Happy RT!

Mine's here.

Diane said...

I love books.....old books, new books, books on almost any subject. I feel comforted when surrounded by them. I have been considering one of the new eReaders like a Kindle or a Nook and I may buy one, but I can never see myself in a home without real, hardcover books on my shelves. Beautiful post!


Many hugs..........

Di

Lola said...

As a writer, books are my world too!

Happy RT2!

❀~Myrna~❀ said...

I love books too! I have never read these authors, but I will be sure to check them out.Wonderful presents to give yourself. :)I love your new bowl filled with the flowers , very pretty!I have thought about starting an Etsy Shop ,I have so much "stuff". It would be good to sell some before I buy other "stuff".
I love the poem ! I had never read it before . I am a grocery store flower buyer , too.
Here's to bread & roses for everyone , everywhere !8D

Robin said...

How lovely that your new shop is able to use old things to keep you in books :). I wish you much joy in it.

-----------------------------------
My photography is available for purchase - visit Around the Island Photography on etsy and Society6 and bring home something beautiful today!

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

We used to tease my dad when we were kids, he so loved his books... he said 'books are your firends'. Now I am right there with him. I love to read and can get lost in a good book. Every night before bed, I am in the chair reading.

The poem is beautiful and so are the flowers. Have you had a lot of snow? This year even our firends in Montana have hardly had any snow.

Love to your mom, Felisol. She is in my prayers, as are you.

xo

John Cowart said...

What a surprise to click on your post this morning and to see that stack of my own books!

Thank you so much for the kind things you say about them.

I'm flattered.

John

John Cowart said...

What a surprise to click on your post this morning and to see that stack of my own books!

Thank you so much for the kind things you say about them.

I'm flattered.

John

Felisol said...

Dear John C,
You need not feel flattered. I could have written much more about your books, and it would still not be flattering enough.
"The proof is in the pudding," the English saying goes."

My bedmate for the time being is Samuel Ward. Mark Twine wrote his pieces and novels in bed. I read in bed. Perfect place for peace and concentration.
Praying for the successful outcome from your eye operation.
Our common heavenly father is watching over you. ( and me)

Becky said...

very pretty.

Leah H. said...

Beautiful photos especially the flowers..

Visiting for RT 2 ! Here's my share- hope you can visit:)

http://www.cassandrasminicorner.com/2012/01/strawberry-candies.html

Annie Jeffries said...

I love your sweet bowl, Elise. It's a perfect setting for (violets?) The flowers reminded me that years ago I had lots of violets in all sorts of colors and varigations. I actually have been thinking of getting a violet and this post is a good push to send me to the store and start a little violet window in my kitchen again.

Jim said...

I love your bowl, Felisol!

What does that say when a person buys flowers along with the groceries? Mrs. Jim does that too. Not always, but when her little heart and purse desire.
..

Crown of Beauty said...

My dear friend,
Thank you for the heartwarming comment you left at my end of the year post. I really appreciate receiving such a kind and caring comment from you.

The photos you shared here are beautiful, as always. THe flowers, the pottery, and the poem. Yes, I too buy flowers when buying bread. But we have flowers here all year round - both local ones, and imported ones.

I pray that your season of spring will be very beautiful!


Much love
Lidia

Amrita said...

Dear Felisol, how are you and your family? I am slowing visiting all my beloved friends.

John Cowart is my blog inspiration and I love his writings. He gifted me his book on prayer and I love it, he is so practical and honest about his feelings.

The bowl you bought is lovely