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MUSINGS ON MOTHER EARTH ON EARTH DAY

4/22/2023

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Mother Earth by Raven Darkmoon, SageWoman Magazine, 1995
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Cover of SageWoman Magazine, Living on Earth, Summer 1995, Artwork: MarciaDiane
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Mother Earth by Raven Darkmoon, SageWoman Magazine, 1995

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The Earth is truly our Mother and she cradles us, her many children, in her arms. She magically provides everything we require to survive and thrive; just as any Mother does for her Child. Everyone and every living thing on Earth benefits from Mother Earth's love and care; but as always, "Mother Knows Best" and things work out best for us when we listen to Her.

Remember to honour Mother Earth by taking her advice and weaving respect for Her into your days. Appreciate what She gives and use it wisely. Can you walk instead of drive? You conserve the energy in your car's tank for another day; while connecting with the Earth beneath your feet. You gain the opportunity to observe Mother Nature and learn from Her; even in the harshest of urban settings. Can you tend to your garden today? She will bring forth food for your table, trees for shade and flowers of heavenly beauty and aroma to transcend your spirit. (Remember a garden is anywhere, inside or out, where ever you can encourage a plant to grow.)  Are you building a structure? Be cognizant of how it will impact the Mother's children. Does it leave little hiding spots for birds and light for plants to survive around it? Or maybe you can hang your laundry out to dry? Then you are aware of the Mother's gift of sun and wind to dry your clothes. Or is it raining as it is here today? Sit and listen to the life-giving water that Mother is providing to her children. Just a few thoughts to help you find the Great Mother Goddess, Mother Earth or Mother Nature today - however you address Her!

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Happy Earth Day


Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan, 2023
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A Mere Moment for Maypoles

5/16/2021

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Girls prepare flower crowns for the maypole dancers in this charming illustration - artist unknown
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Frederick Goodall, "Raising the Maypole", 1851

Just what is a maypole? The maypole is simply a wooden pole raised in the month of May, in a common town area. The pole is usually crowned with flowers and has long ribbons attached for each participant to hold onto and weave around the pole as they dance. It is part of May Day or Beltane; a joyous celebration welcoming the return of Summer's warm weather and all the vegetation and security it brings.

Maypoles were very common in medieval Europe and the custom has happily survived, in some parts of the world, to this day. Of course, as with all ancient customs, the actual origin of the maypole is
 convoluted and the symbolism debated. There were foreshadowings of the maypole in Roman times, and they were heavily present throughout Germanic Europe and England. As to origin, there is so much history and documented occurrence of the maypole that it would be impossible to pinpoint, with any surety, an actual start date for the practice. I think, in the mists of time, from sacred groves and tree worship, must have come the idea to bring a tree into the "center of things".  For the maypole, originally a tree, was prepared by stripping the branches and bark, and then carried into the town center by the townsfolk. He was decorated, danced around and witnessed merry-making (of all sorts!). Many maypoles were left up year round as they were an important symbol of community coming together. As to further symbolism ... oh there is plenty. From the sacredness of tree worship to the perceived baseness of phallic representation; it's all a merry mix! Since summer is a time for warm weather, when blossoms and flowers abound, and crops are planted ... it is natural to think of celebrating love and beauty and of growth and fertility. Couples went "a-maying" and the dancers, in weaving ribbons around the maypole, probably hinted at romantic unions in the making ...

But this was meant to be just a mere moment for maypoles! I've made a small one for the garden fairies to dance around. By day and by night, thus far, my camera has caught only cats ...
Bibliography: Wikipedia, Maypole, last edit Apr 2021; Witta, An Irish Pagan Tradition, Edain McCoy, Llewellyn Publications, 1993  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan,
2021
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Meeting the Eternal Green Man

2/23/2021

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Green Man Tile in Meadow Sweet Grove's Kitchen

I've always been drawn to the Green Man, so much so that when my husband recently installed tiles in our kitchen; he thoughtfully incorporated our very own Green Man over the kitchen stove!

To me, the Green Man represents divinity in nature and is the male counterpart to Mother Nature. His face, most often formed or surrounded by leaves, is literally "fused" with nature and creation. His gaze is generally (but not always) one of benevolence. Sometimes, though, tendrils grow from his mouth, and even his eyes, nostrils and ears - then the overall feeling is one of the harsh reminder of the reality of death; our eventual return to dust and the earth; but also a visual representation of the rebirth and regrowth that is nature's life cycle.

I am very fond of old churches and architecture and am always delighted to find the Green Man incorporated into various structures; keeping everyone safe and reminding them of their inescapable relationship with nature. You can find him in many countries around the world - and through a variety of artistic expressions:  from architecture to theatre and from jewellery to poetry. I guarantee that once you start truly "seeing" the Green Man - he will begin "cropping up" in more and more places ...

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The Green Man as Keystone Above Windows in Victoria, BC, Canada
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Modern Green Man Sculpture in a Shop Window in Glastonbury, Wells, England
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The Green Man as Keystone Above Window at Fountains Abbey, North Yorkshire, England, Source: Pinterest (The Enigma of the Green Man)
Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan, 2021
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Appealing Apple Blossoms

5/20/2020

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Apple Blossoms in Meadow Sweet Grove
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Cicely Mary Barker, Flower Fairies, 2020

Every year I wait for the beauty of the delicate pink and white blossoms on our apple trees. How to describe the scent? I wish I could bottle it. It is so pure, light and innocent.  Then the arrival of the happy honeybees, busily buzzing and trying to make sure each flower on the tree receives a visit.  Too soon, a Spring breeze shakes all those lovely blossoms down to the ground to create a carpet of white.

I tried to do a little research on the apple blossom and didn't find too much. Well, not much in comparison to the copious amount of history, folklore and symbolism of the apple blossom's fantastic successor - the bountiful, hardy and very useful apple! But I have made a couple of observations which I believe is where most of folklore is derived; coupled with a few tidbits of history and symbolism.

Firstly, the apple blossom forms a gently rounded five pointed star. This pattern, a natural pentagram, is greatly utilized by Mother Nature in a number of her creations. The apple blossom is part of the Rose family (Rosaceae) and the rose is associated with the Goddess Venus, sexual mystery and as thus can represent itself in another Goddess; the innocent Mary - soon to be mother.  The culmination of the apple blossom is the apple; associated with eternal life, knowledge, motherhood and therefore Eve.  Secondly, the blossoms arrive in the merry, merry month of May, with the apples all ready to eat, prepare and store away in the magical month of October. This coincides with the Celtic Wheel of the Year, showing May (Beltane) as the month of fertility (apple blossoms) and October (Samhain) as the month of final harvest (apples).

The apple tree has made its way from Rome, to the British Isles and finally, throughout North America where it has been adopted by two American States - Michigan and Arkansas - as their State Flower. This beautiful blossom certainly deserves that honour ... and more!
Bibliography:
The Life and Times of the Apple, Charles Micucci, Orchard Books, USA, 1992; Rosaceae, Wikipedia, 2020; World of Aromatherapy, Jeanne Rose, Frog, Ltd., California, 1996

Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2020
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Heavenly Hollyhocks

7/17/2019

3 Comments

 
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I'm absolutely smitten with Hollyhocks this year! They are a magical must-have for any garden and I'm pleased to say they have been successfully added to the Grove.

The English flower folk name "Hollyhock" is thought to be comprised of "holy" and "hoc".  "Holy", from the flower's copious use in the Holy Land and Egypt; and "Hoc" meaning part of the mallow plant family.  Hollyhocks were and are present in Europe, Japan, the Middle East and North America - this plant species is believed to have originated in China ... and travelled far, arriving in England during the 16th Century.

Hollyhocks symbolize "female ambition" and with such beautiful blooms, and an average growth of 6 to 10 feet ... it is easy to see why!  Due, I suspect, to their height and the possibility of needing staking or protection from the wind, you often see these flowers growing against the sides of houses, along rock walls or garden fences and no English cottage garden would be complete without Hollyhocks. They are also heavily present in graveyards, perhaps as a remembrance that they were used long ago in the funeral preparations of the Ancient Egyptians.  This magical flower has been used in a variety of ways including a soothing way to wrap bruises or a horse's sore hoof (hence another folk name "Hockleaf" and perhaps another origination for "Hoc"?).  The fairies often use the blooms for skirts or other clothing and so adding these flowers to your garden are sure to please the wee folk as well.

I've recently discovered the existence of "black" Hollyhocks, which are actually a very deep, dark purple ... I would love to add them to our garden as there are a number of "night" plants I want to cultivate.  Quick as a flash, no sooner had I voiced this wish, then a friend mentioned she was popping some black Hollyhock seeds in the mail to me.  Never doubt the existence of magic in a garden!
Bibliography: The Language of Flowers, Penhaligon's Scented Treasury of Verse and Prose, Sheila Pickles, 1989  
                                                                                                                                                              
Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2019
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Jasmine or "Moonlight in the Grove"

6/11/2019

4 Comments

 
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Jasmine in Moonlight
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Flower Fairy Alphabet, Cicely Mary Barker, 1934

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As I walked into the garden last night, the heady scent of Jasmine overwhelmed me. The bright white flowers with pink pinwheel centers shone brightly in the moonlight. How appropriate ... since I recently discovered that Jasmine is also called "Moonlight in the Grove"!

The intoxicating fragrance of this flower alters the mood and attracts you to it.  It wafts through the night air and while the flowers catch the moonlight - you often smell it before you see it!  No small wonder then that Jasmine is used in many attraction, love and good luck spells and also to enhance personal beauty and attractiveness.


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Jasmine Flowers
Bibliography: The Language of Flowers, Penhaligon's Scented Treasury of Verse and Prose, Sheila Pickles, 1989
                                                                                                                                                             
Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2019
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Imbolg and the First Stirrings of Spring

2/4/2019

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Snowdrops in Meadow Sweet Grove

February is when we see the first stirrings of Spring.

Throughout the British Isles, in olden days, these first cheerful signs of Spring's return were celebrated by our Celtic ancestors in a holiday called "Imbolg" or "Bride's / St. Brigit's Day".  Celebrations varied from community to community but the central theme was the same.  Nudged by the observations of "life returning" in the form of small green shoots poking through the sometimes snowy ground, buds forming on trees and the birth of little lambs, the festivals often included bonfires or candles to represent the return of the warmth of the sun, and offerings to the Goddess Brighid, a mother goddess later venerated as Saint Brigit by the arrival of Christianity.  It was also traditional to burn any leftover winter greenery, used in the Yuletide celebrations, indicating to me, a fresh start.  I rarely say "Off with the old, on with the new" for I love many beautiful legacies from the past, represented in architecture and vintage items; but in this case, throwing off the old refers to things that no longer serve you or have run their course, in a natural cycle that makes way for new life.  

It is a beautiful time of year and we are experiencing a particularly gorgeous Imbolg.  Lots of snowdrops, crocuses, songbirds, small buds ... and even a wee bit of snow glittering in the fantastically warm sunshine.  If you have the opportunity, go for a little walk and see what you can see - Happy Imbolg!

Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2019 / edited 2020 & 2021
Bibliography:  Guide to the Fairy Ring, by Anna Franklin, 2002, Llewellyn Publications; Entry for "Imbolc", Wikipedia, last edit 2019
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The Apple Trees of Avalon

9/17/2018

1 Comment

 
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Picture"Apple Tree in Avalon" (Glastonbury, England - 2018)

It isn't for me to say if the legendary Avalon existed literally or figuratively, but Avalon, or "the island of apples" was located for some at Glastonbury in Somerset, England.  Certainly there is magic in the sight of the serene countryside, gently grazing farm animals, stone walls and weathered wooden gates - not to mention the many apple trees growing amply and fruitfully in fields alongside the path to Glastonbury Tor.

Legend tells that the numerous wild apple trees of Avalon needed no cultivating to grow and gave fruit endlessly - contributing to an easy lifestyle for its happy inhabitants!  I have found that nature provides everything spontaneously for our own apple trees to flourish and thrive.

If you want to bring a little of the magic of Avalon into your own backyard - why not consider planting an apple tree or two?  There are many varieties that need very little space to grow.  The benefits vastly outweigh the initial modest cost and labour involved -- adding beauty and oxygen to our world, blossoms for bees, hiding spots for birds, shade, compost and most importantly -- year after year of free delicious apples!

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Apple Trees in Meadow Sweet Grove
Copyright © Meadow Sweet Grove / V. Buchanan 2018/e2019
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The Rose - Queen of Flowers

8/3/2018

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How long has this beautiful bloom been Queen?

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Greece
In Ancient Greece, (c. 600 BC) Sappho of Lesbos wrote:


"If Jove would give the leafy bowers
A queen for all their world of flowers,
The rose would be the choice of Jove,
And blush the queen of every grove."

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The Song of the Wild Rose Fairy

I am the queen whom everybody knows;
I am the English Rose;
As light and free as any Jenny Wren,
As dear to Englishmen;
As joyous as a Robin Redbreast's tune,
I scent the air of June;
My buds are rosy as a baby's cheek;
I have one work to speak,
One word which is my secret and my song,
'Tis "England, England, England" all day long.

Cicely Mary Barker, Flower Fairies of the Summer



Rome
The Ancient Romans loved roses - I mean, one emperor literally showered his guests with rose petals tumbling from the ceiling when they arrived ... and rose petals were scattered everywhere else for, well, you know, ambience ... they filled their swimming baths with rose petals, fountains with rose-water and sat on carpets of rose petals.  So excessive was their desire for rose petals that the peasants had to grow roses, instead of food, in order to satisfy the demand!

A heavenly image arises for me at the thought of surrounding Roman countryside, and indeed every nook and cranny in Rome, filled with blooming roses - the scent, the sight of roses, roses, roses everywhere and all destined to arrive at the palaces and temples!  It must have been an amazing sight - of course, the plebs might not have been able to see it that way ... if they went hungry as a result!  Hopefully, they managed to sneak in a few rose petal salads for themselves .... rich in Vitamin C you know.

England
In front of cottages or row-homes, adorning doorways and walkways, lining stone walls down country lanes, climbing arbors and arches ... and of course, in many an ornamental rose garden at carefully preserved "stately homes"; the rose is England's national flower. 

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ueen Elizabeth I was known as the "rose without a thorn" by poets of the era.  She took the Tudor Rose as her emblem and "Rosa sine spina" as her motto.  Today, a wholesome English young woman is lovingly referred to as an "English Rose". 
                                                                                                                                                                                          Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2018 / edited 2019
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Jack Frost - An English Winter Fairy

2/24/2018

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Jack Frost Arthur Rankham
Jack Frost by Helen Jacobs
Jack Frost by Oliver Herford
Jack Frost by Oliver Herford
PictureA present from Jack Frost
We are so fortunate to have received a visit from Jack Frost himself who painted this beautiful and intricate design on an old windowpane in the Grove.  Here is photographic proof of the existence of the little folk!

Where Old Man Winter can be stern and grim; Jack is all about fun.  He sees the beauty in ice and snow; and not the hardships that can come with the harsh winter weather. 

Just before dawn, this sprite tiptoes into gardens and looks for tree branches and blades of grass to coat with his shiny, shimmering paint.  He especially loves finding an old single-paned window or any other thin, clear surface that he can use for a canvas.

Jack is willing to share the beauty of winter with you.  Make sure you check early in the morning when the results of his work are still at their finest.  If he paints an original masterpiece somewhere in your vicinity; take a few moments to examine it. Each of his works are unique ... and he created it just for your enjoyment!

Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2018 / 2023

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The Holly and The Ivy

12/5/2017

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Colcough, Made in England
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The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown,
Of all the trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown.
O the rising of the sun,
And the running of the deer,
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing of the choir.

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Portmeirion, Made in England
Photo holly and ivy

Such a delightfully pagan song of the Yule!  Much has been written about the symbolism of this song.  Some of the enchanting beauty of this verse is the magical lure outdoors to nature where the holly trees and ivy thrive ... in the bitter bite of winter.  Both holly and ivy are plants that boast "evergreen" at Christmastime and are an intrinsic part of the English countryside. They feature prominently in lithographs, post cards and greeting cards of Victorian Christmases ... and fill the mythology in even older tales of the Ancient Celts.  We are lucky enough to have both of them growing here in the Grove.
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Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2017 / edited 2019
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Foxglove Folknames

7/5/2017

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Witches' Thimbles ironically by a Witch Wood (Rowan) Tree in the Grove
Foxgloves are fairies' favourite folk flowers.  Gee - that's a bit of a tongue twister!  But never mind, there are so many other names to call this glorious woodland plant.  Fairy's Caps or Thimbles, Goblin's or Folk's Glove, the Gloves of our Lady.  Some of the names are sinister - which is not surprising since Foxgloves are very poisonous (this is where their Latin Name, Digitalis, becomes important!).  Dead Men's Bells, Witches' Thimbles and Bloody Fingers are a few more names this tall, stalky fellow has attracted. 

​There is definitely charm and enchantment in any garden, alley, roadway or path that is lucky enough to see this magical plant, since fairies always visit wherever it grows.
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The Foxglove Fairy by Cicely Mary Barker
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Foxgloves
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Dead Men's Bells
Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2017
​                                                                                                                                                                     (gif courtesy of animatedimages.org)
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Making a Winter Solstice Tree - Merry Yule!

12/21/2016

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PictureWinter Solstice Tree
Winter Solstice is such an incredible time.  The fairies in the Grove are abuzz with excitement!  One of their favourite activities is making a Winter Solstice Tree for all the hungry little woodland creatures - this is most enjoyed by the chickadees, blue jays, bush tits, juncos, woodpeckers and yes, even the squirrels.

How to make a Winter Solstice Tree
  • Spread some peanut butter on waxed paper, roll pine cones in peanut butter, then stand pine cone in a large bowl and pour bird seed overtop, coating nicely, wrap string around the pine cone for hanging.

  • Cut an orange in half and partially hollow it out, carve or punch three holes in the side near the top, insert string and tie at the top, fill with bird seeds.

  • Cut a hole in stale bread, bagels or crackers, tie a string, spread with congealed bacon fat, sprinkle with bird seeds (bacon fat helps the birds to put on their own fat for the winter; bread alone fills them up ... but leaves them vulnerable to the cold).
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  • Make a popcorn string.

  • Hang all these goodies on a tree with lots of little branches for perching, ducking and hiding, spread a little bird seed on the ground.

​Watch and enjoy your little visitors from a quiet place!

​​Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2016 / edited 2019

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Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly!

12/15/2016

2 Comments

 
PictureHolly Fairy, Cicely Mary Barker

​The Meadow Sweet Grove fairies are getting ready to deck their little halls with boughs of holly.  And why not?  "Deck the Halls" is such a quintessential Christmas song.  There have been several different versions over time, but they all fully encompass the true gaiety and spirit of the winter celebrations. The happiness and joy of being warm and snug and safe during the cold winter nights, with lots of good food and drink to share with family, friends and neighbours . . . now that's a reason to celebrate!

Everything about Deck the Halls resonates joy and good spirits - from decorating the home with symbols of everlasting life to passing the torch of new life along to the "lads and lasses" - all rejoicing and good-natured enjoying the abundance of "more than enough to go around"; with a fond nod to the ancientness of man's celebrations at this time of year.  Even the replacement of: "Fill the mead cup, drain the barrel" with "Don we now our gay apparel" retains the essence of the message and illustrates clear understanding.  Yule is a time to fully enjoy the abundance you are blessed with . . . whether it be with an ample amount of good drink . . . or by dressing in all your finest clothes! 

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Excerpt from Dec. 1987 Newspaper - Special Christmas Pull Out Section
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Disclaimer: Many of the items sold are vintage or pre-loved. Quality of vintage items vary with the manufacturing methods available at the time of production. They are not made to current standards of manufacturing ... and in my opinion, that is usually a good thing! They tend to be higher quality, last longer and include more attention to detail than today's products. However, safety standards do change over time, items do deteriorate with age, and it is up to the customer to decide how they will use each product.
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