Not one but two from Nadine Wendell-Mojica

[Nancy Bell Scott]

Don't you love it!  "Primitive mail artist found 2011."  I love it, Nadine.  Second smaller card is "Los Angeles Subway," 2008, done by Nadine.  The people's expressions are priceless, as are the ads, especially Call a Date.

Nadine, because we both have a thing for antique ephemera, included a quite-out-there "My Diary" paper written by a woman in 1933.  As Nadine writes me, it's a "strange litany of marriage."  Most days say things like "Very happy" or "Home all day" or "Talking of putting a roof on the house."  Then, occasionally, there's one like this, written on the day of her wedding and then the next day:  "Was married at high noon at Lutheran Church" on June 11, and then "Was wakened out of my sleep at 2 a.m.  Was told I was jealous as hell of his children.  Was broken hearted.  The rest of the day spent lovely."  (Immediately after she wrote as an afterthought, "Belled in evening."  WHAT does THAT mean?)

This will end with two of Nadine's envelopes, which to me are irresistible.  Thanks so much, Nadine ~

[Nancy Bell Scott]

Clearly the diary should have been included.  Here it is, all one and a quarter pages; it's written in light pencil, and I upped the contrast etc. for easier reading:

[prettylily]

Nadine, Well done!  These pieces are gems and I am intrigued with the mystery of the diary.  You could use it in a series of interesting quotes. 

I have a vintage etiquette book that is very interesting to read.  Heck, I also have a book given to me by my setp mother back when I first married (in the 60's) that is an interesting read.  It's a satire now.  To me a least!   I love women studies. 

[Nadine Wendell-Mojica]

Thanks you guys! That 'diary of a marriage' was strange. So maticulous too (handwriting).I'm just drawn to the strangest things. I think she meant called to dinner. She stopped so abruptly! It was found in my old days in Iowa when I haunted farm auctions. Some day I'll tell you about this little walnut coffin with a glass top I found in Nebraska.

[Nancy Bell Scott]

That occurred to me at first, Sue, and then I thought "Naw."  However, after looking up meanings of the word bell just now, I think you're right that she was using it as a euphemism.  One meaning of the word, way down the list of definitions, is "the bellowing or baying cry of certain animals, such as a deer in rut" (breeding season).  Now we know what to write in our own diaries -- use the four-letter word rather than the overused three-letter one, ha.

[prettylily]

Another thought, Nancy, is that it is a euphemism.  I am really curious as to what she meant.

[Nancy Bell Scott]

Thanks, Sue, and maybe you're right about "belled."  It's a first-timer for me, that's for sure.  Yah, isn't the primitive mail artist thing funny?  It gave me a laugh straight out of the envelope.  That Nadine ...

[prettylily]

I love the work and your narrative!  Primitive art is very humourous.  Belled?  Perhaps called to dinner, seeing it was 1933?