When we lived in Texas....

...I loved to go garage sale-ing. It was when "garage sale-ing" was just starting up. I used to go to the "swap-meets" in Arizona, but moving to Texas, I discovered the world of "sale-ing"...and I was forever hooked.

I found great old quilts made from a husband's old suits. Nothing fancy - just squares of the woolen suits pieced together, obviously for utilitarian purposes rather than looks. But love it I did.

I also found good, old books. Lovely old remnants of a time past. Many of them old schoolbooks. Most of them bought in one large box, never even looked at before I decided to purchase.

Imagine my surprise when I found this particular book. An English book. The young man who apparently had it last in that Texas school, one Clifford Allen, was seemingly easily distracted. To the point of drawing in his book.

Of course, he was a good student who wrote his assignments for the week in the front of the book. "Term assignments" then "July , Friday, Saturday, Monday, Tuesday..and so on.

Did you notice "Saturday"? Yep, apparently he was in school on Saturdays..imagine that!

(maybe it was because they caught him "doodling" in his English book...)

Anyway, here are some of the wonderful sketches I discovered after I found Clifford Allen's book at the bottom of the box....

I am impressed by these drawings - pieces of history. Clifford's handwriting was exquisite. He obviously had an eye for beauty.

I wonder what ever happened to Clifford Allen. Did he work his art? Did he go to war? Was he happy?

Guess I'll never know - however, I have a piece of Clifford Allen and I will savor and protect it. Maybe one of the Allen family will read this and recognize the name of their father, grandfather or uncle. Maybe they'll contact me....maybe...

Look for the little things that are sometimes overlooked in life. Open the books you want to buy from thrift stores or garage sales and just maybe you'll find more of Clifford Allen's work.

Have a great day-

-me