like a moth to a flame

I think I must have lived a previous life in an earlier time if my attraction to all-things-old is any indication.  Antiques and hand-me-downs; old houses and abandoned buildings ; barns, attics and basements.  I love them all.  I'm drawn like a moth to a flame.

I come from a family that honors such things and has passed down an appreciation of the past.  So in addition to living in a house surrounded by family heirlooms (or as my kids' friends say, "old stuff"), I also love to seek out local museums and historical societies. My photo, above, is of the butterfly and moth collection at the Barnstable Historical Society -- these lovely specimens were collected and preserved nearly 100 years ago, and were a teaching tool and cabinet of curiosity for Victorian era amateur naturalists.

But so much better than butterflies-under-glass are butterflies that fly right off a page typed on the fantastic antique typewriter pictured below.  I'm drawn to the beautiful light and inspired tones captured by Magpie's Fancy.  I'm transported back to my college days when, rather than using my roommate's snazzy new IBM Selectric (all the rage back in 1979),  I typed my 100-page thesis on my grandfather's ancient Smith Corona that looked just like this.  A labor of love.

You can see more of Magpie's Fancy's work (and read her words) by visiting her blog.

Uploaded by Magpie's Fancy on 11 Feb 10, 9.56PM EDT.

Until next time.

--lucy