LOVE and WAR Valentine blog hop prizes galore

 During World War One (1914-1918), wounded soldiers, recovering in hospitals made Sweetheart Pincushions. It was a way to pass the time while recuperating from war wounds, and worked as occupational therapy.These little treasures were sent home across the miles, especially for Valentine's Day, to wives, mothers, and loved ones letting them know that they were thinking of them, and no doubt with hopes that someone out there was thinking of them.

"Forget Me Not" and "Remember Me" were favorite phrases, and even more elaborate verse was used to express the feelings of the soldiers far away. Now these wonderful homespun objects of art have become pieces of history.   

When the golden sun is sinking,

  And your mind from care is free.

  When of others you are thinking,

  Will you sometimes think of me.

   Some British soldiers stationed in India even made quilts, and throughout history sailors of all kinds often extended their sail-making efforts to recreational handiwork including putting needle and thread to work. 

Some were purchased as kits containing printed fabric, threads and beads – all the materials a soldier would need to handcraft a memento for his loved ones . Some were made from whatever fabric and doodads could be scrounged up or bartered for, even feed sacks and reused thread. 

So lovingly made in the midst of the horror, tragedy, and chaos of war, they are truly a symbol of the human spirit and resolve. What hope and love must have gone into each stitch. 

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$50 AMAZON GIFT CARD

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To WIN prizes, collect freebies, and meet awesome authors simply visit each page below

1.	The Perfect Time For Love ~ Casi McLean	2.	Spunk & Hunks ~ Anna Durand
3.	Love in the Month of February ~ Mary Morgan	4.	Love Potions and Charms ~ Sorchia Dubois
5.	He said he wasn't the romantic kind of guy, but... ~ Peggy Jaeger	6.	Love and War ~ Gini Rifkin
7.	Sexy Chocolate Cakes ~ Kayden Claremont	8.	50 Great Date Ideas ~ Devon Mckay
9.	Hearts Abound ~ Tena Stetler	10.	Love Every Day ~ Darlene Fredette
11.	Importance of Valentines Day ~ Maureen Bonatch	12.	Souls Forever Bound ~ Judith Sterling
13.	Mysterious Origins of Valentine's Day ~ Barbara Bettis	14.	A Romantic Valentine Dinner ~ Jana Richards
15.	Steamy Romance Meets Spooky Suspense ~ Kathryn Knight	16.	Book Bling ~ Elizabeth Alsobrooks
17.	Sweet Romances ~ Katherine McDermott	18.	Historical Heartbeats ~ Brenda B. Taylor
19.	An Awesome Bewitching Author Valentines Day ~ Lisa Voisin	20.	Idea City ~ Kitsy Clare/Catherine Stine
21.	Welcome to the ABA Valentine Hop ~ Linda Nightingale	22.	Bridie Hall YA Author ~ Bridie Hall
23.	A Time For Love Valentine Blog Hop ~ Amber Daulton	24.	'Out Of This World' Romance ~ Hywela Lyn
25.	Time Travel For Love ~ Karen Michelle Nutt	26.	Valentine's Day - A Family Tradition ~ Holland Rae
27.	Historical Heartbeats