Victorian Lifestyle: Parlor Cats

Parlor Cats.  They were suited to perfection, the Victorian ideal of home and hearth. Throughout this romantic period, Queen Victoria was quite an influence in the popularity of cats. Whatever Victoria did became the thing to do. Though cats were thought of as the hunter in the family, that soon began to change.

Have you ever seen vintage photos of a tabby dressed in a top hat? Or a white persian covered in blue bows? These images can date back almost a 100 years!

Emily Dickinson’s cat “Ann I. Hilation”

MY MICE POSED TWICE [OPUS 517]

My mice posed twice before I posed
To pounce upon their breed.
If Immortality exposed
A third attempt by me,

So huge, so hopeful a leap,
As these mice twice befell.
Eating is all I know of rodents,
And all I need to tell.

From the anthology Feles Maximus
Dana Palladino 9-13-97

Victorian Lifestyle: Fall Activities

Nature Collecting – Collect acorns, leaves, chestnuts and any other items you find with kids on your nature walks. Bring along paper bags for collecting. This type of activity will help keep young children aware of the world around them. It’s also a way to encourage them to take hikes with you.

Fairy and Elf House Searching – Engage the imaginations of preschoolers and young elementary school children by seeking out fairy and elf homes in tree holes and underneath fallen stumps. Have children collect acorns, feathers and other items related to the first day of fall, that they can leave for the fairies and elves living in the trees in their yards or at their favorite parks.

September 22  marked the First Day of Fall. This is also known as the Fall Equinox.  It’s one of two times a year when the Sun crosses the equator, and the day and night are of approximately equal length.

Everything seems to slow down when the leaves change colors. I have always enjoyed the Fall Season. (It’s one of my favorite times of the year.) To celebrate the new Fall season, here are some fun activities for you to enjoy:

Nature Collecting – Collect acorns, leaves, chestnuts and any other items you find on your nature walks. Bring along paper bags for collecting. Store all of your treasures in a glass bottle so that you can admire then throughout the Fall Season.

Fairy and Elf House Searching – Engage your imaginations by seeking out fairy and elf homes in tree holes and underneath fallen stumps. Collect acorns, feathers and other items related to the first day of fall, that they can leave for the fairies and elves living in the trees in their yards or at their favorite parks.

Learning about Life- During your nature walk, take a moment to look at a tree stump. Count the rings and think back to those years. Ponder what might have been in those surroundings.

Just a Note- Write down your thoughts and feelings about change. Put leaves and flowers in a journal to preserve their colors.

Fall Leaves Guide

Victorian Lifestyle: Language of Flowers

During the Victorian Era (1837-1901), Flowers were often presented in an artistic form. Not only for looks, but for meaning as well. Each individual flower, including the color and size, had a different meaning. The scent of of a particular flower or plant left on a handker-chief had a message as well. There have been many publications dedicated to the practice.

Each Flower has a meaning