Monday, March 11, 2013

MAY I BE OF SERVICE?




                  Hello, M'Ladies..May I introduce myself...



                
      


My name is Mabel and I reside at The Garland House, downstairs, of course, at the opposite end of the pond from Downton Abbey.




Some of you have met me already performing as head housemaid in My Lady's Service at the Snuggery (here).




I really had not expected to attend this ball and I certainly don't have the wardrobe for it, but I am fondly offering my services in the capacity of lady's maid to anyone who may so desire to have them.
  I am showing that I have the right qualifications for the job.
  Along with my starched apron and my common jewelry, as you can see, my backside has survived many a hard year and has the blemishes to show for it. 
 I have been hard at work since the early 1800's and cut a very fine figure still, if I may say so myself.
  Under my petticoats, (when I am wearing petticoats) you will see that I have a fine wire cage to support me.




I have the finest and latest accoutrements to offer to any of the beautiful ladies in what might be their hour of need. 
 Whether it be combing and arranging their shining tresses...


  



...or repairing a fine seam...




...or boxes of powders and potions...




...or procuring a new article of unmentionables...



An advertisement dated April 14, 1910, from a Cornwall, England, newspaper that was found under one of the layers of carpeting that we removed when we started renovating the Cottage in 1989. You can see where the carpet tacks were placed.


...or pouring a cool libation...




...or a heart warming cup of tea...




Unlike my friend from a far away land, I don't own a glass slipper but I am fortunate enough to have the good sense to know when it's approaching the midnight hour...




...and so my work here is done and I must return to my duties.  But...while I'm here,
"May I Be of Service...Milady..."


...Judy...


The ball is being held today at:



You will most certainly want to accept this invitation to attend, as you will see some very enchanting "ladies" in the finest of fashions.

I would like to take this opportunity to mention that all of you wonderful people who are all so loyal and lovely have taken me to a place where I never thought I would be. I am now sporting 200 followers and I'm loving it so much. Thank you and I hope to still be around for at least another 200.












32 comments:

  1. Just wanted to drop you a quick note and let you know that Mabel arrived safely at the Dress Form ball. Goodness, I can't thank you enough, we can always use more help! She is a fine form with a gorgeous under carriage, what a prize she is!!! I am afraid she will be worked too hard as these ladies are so needy, but she seems up to the task and I will make sure that when the ball is over she will arrive back home safe and sound! Again thank you so much for letting her attend!

    Carol

    Carol

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  2. Congratulations! on 200 followers that is great!
    I love your dressform.

    Blessings,
    Amy Jo

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  3. I so enjoyed your blog. I hope you have a wonderful time at the Dress Form Ball. Your out fit is smashing and congratulations on your 200 folowers.
    Have a grand time.
    Mary

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  4. Well, it's been wonderful meeting both you, Mabel, and you, Judy, via The Dress Form Ball today!.. I particularly loved the antique sewing machine, the milk glass candle holder, the pearls... and because I'm a crocheter, I also loved the beautiful crochet work around the neckline of Mabel's outfit! Very pretty! ~tina

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  5. Mabel is one beauty. I love how sweet and pretty she looks for the party. She has surrounded herself with lovely bits from days gone by, too. Beautiful- xo Diana

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  6. Congratulations on your 200 followers....that's so great! Mabel is such a pretty girl....hope she has fun at the ball :o) Great post!
    Have a great week!
    ~Des

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  7. Hi Judy, Oh your Mabel is divine. What a beauty and so ready to help at the party. She is so pretty the girls will all envy her as she moves about.
    Have fun and enjoy the Ball.
    Hugs, Celestina Marie

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  8. Judy, I enjoy the way you write no matter the subject. Telling Mabel's interesting story is no exception. She must have had an exciting time at the ball and why not considering how beautifully stylish she was dressed!

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  9. Hi Judy,
    What a cute and clever idea! I think we may have the same dress form. Does yours have an oak finial type piece at the top (where the neck would be)? I thought about doing something but the only thing I have is black mourning clothing or my high school prom southern belle looking dress. Love your pickle castor! Congrats on so many followers, you really do a great job with your posts. I always enjoy them so. Thanks! Gina

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  10. Judy,
    Mabel's story is so special and she is so nicely dressed. Love it. Congrats on 200 followers. Your posts are wonderful.
    Kris

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  11. Bello,romantico con aria vintage questo post!Mi piace l'atmosfera dolce che hai creato!Da sogno!Baci,Rosetta

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  12. Hi Judy. I've just become No 202....Love Mabel and her Downton Abbey style. Have fun, Diane

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  13. Congratulations on going over the 200 mark!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  14. félicitation pour les 200 adeptes
    moi j' en suis encore très loin
    votre robe de bal rencontrera un vif succès
    amusez-vos bien
    un bal , un thé dansant , une "saute partie
    tout est bon pour s' amuser
    tendresse
    edith

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  15. Just lovey, I am glad she was able to attend. She and Lucy talked about her beautiful outfit and her work at your lovey house. Di@Cottage-Wishes

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  16. A lovely post! Congratulations on 200!

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  17. Love that dress form! She is mighty old but looks to be in good condition. I wish I had one too. They've gotten expensive.

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  18. Well isn't Mabel a fine looking lady. How fun to dress her up and write a little story to go with her. I'm sure she's a big help around your house too. I hope you are having a great week. Pamela

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  19. What a fun post! Mabel is just enchanting, I love all the fabulous antiques you worked into the post.
    Very clever! Thanks for sharing.
    Hugs,
    Patti

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  20. sweet post! mabel looks fantasic!
    Helen

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  21. This is a delightful post - thank you for sharing!!

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  22. Mabel is a wonderful help to the ladies. GiGi said she is very good at procuring and pampering the ladies in their finery. This is such a fun event. Dancing the night away...

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  23. Judy,
    Your sweet comment made me smile and giggle!!

    Now I just adore Mabel!! Her apron is so lovely and the dress form itself is a great treasure!!

    I need to apologize for falling behind in my visits. I have been trying to get the house decorated for Easter and packing away some Winter decor and of course , working too.....

    I have also started on a Weight Loss Journey in an attempt to postone a knee replacement in the future. Wish me luck....

    Hugs,
    Deb



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  24. awesome post, judy! she is just darling dressed in her sweet apron! and congrats on your followers milestone!

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  25. Your lovely Mabel was such a great help at the ball. If she hadn't been there, my Maybel could have gotten in a very embarrassing situation but your girl was there right in time to fasten some of the pins at Maybel's back and so everything was fine. The girls got along very well and chatted for quite some time afterwards. What a fun event!
    Hugs,
    Julia

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  26. Congratulations on 200 Followers!! Your Mabel is so cute and so is your post. She looks like she would be a tremendous help to all of the ladies at the ball. Isn't this fun?

    Coming over from Polka Dot Closet.

    Judy

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  27. Congratulations and loved reading your post. I also love that old singer machine.
    betsy

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  28. Me again, Judy!!

    I bought my white tree after Christmas 2 years ago at Walmart for $10.00!! I love it. I am planing on keeping it up and using it for my Patriotic tree....
    The picture in the oval frame that you asked about is a pic that i found on some web site somewhwere ( can't remember) and copied and frame... She is one of what i call my Instant Relatives!! LOL!!!

    Thanks for stopping by again and I forgot to mention that your blue glassware in this post is to die for!!!!

    Many Hugs,
    Deb

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  29. Congratulations with your 200...now 206 followers, good for you! I have to say your bluw glassware is stunning. Suzy x

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  30. Cute post.
    Mable is in quite the form.
    Congrats on 200 now plus followers.

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Your comments are so special to me...Judy