tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post5088692958670582504..comments2024-01-03T01:40:26.911-08:00Comments on Life Drawings: 7 & 8 April 1955 “Spring Fashion, a Rant, and a Confession”50sgalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09250940806307766624noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-47010553398192365782012-01-02T15:56:31.995-08:002012-01-02T15:56:31.995-08:00Wow, these posts are wonderful! Such wisdom in yo...Wow, these posts are wonderful! Such wisdom in your words. So happy to have found this blog!Christie Scibiorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09490851185595070171noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-53551405591196543982011-01-22T11:44:45.193-08:002011-01-22T11:44:45.193-08:00I'm getting to these posts late in the game bu...I'm getting to these posts late in the game but enjoying reading all the reply too! I have to get back to my own projects soon. My daughters still like Sim's once in a great while at 19 and 21, where when they were younger they spent lots of time playing. I think it has to do with being too young to have your own place and do what you want with it and it will transfer over to real life when they get there, as you have. <br /><br />I mentioned in the last post about finding you while researching for and reading my dad's journals from this time period. This all gives me a feeling of home. My mom sewed constantly it was her passion for all of us in our large family. I think you might have bought a mangle if you lived back then to help with your ironing. My mom did and demonstrated them as a part-time job to help out. Also the comment about religion is so true. Religion was a big part of life then. My mother was very involved with her church, her neighbors, being a Blue Bird leader (like the Girl Scouts) teaching them to sew, etc. All the moms in the neighborhood stayed home. There were no fences. The back yards connected and was everyone's backyard. The kids could just go out the back door and play until the dinner bell. The mom's actually rang a big bell and you went running home! Oh the good old days!Bettyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09124941987636146141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-30279914135893103252009-04-16T08:40:00.001-07:002009-04-16T08:40:00.001-07:00“But, now we have all this technology and we find ...“But, now we have all this technology and we find we have nothing to say to one another,” – I cannot agree with you on this one! I can never keep my comments for you short! ;)<br /><br />I think you should arrange a street sale this Spring, and sort out all your things and clothes you don’t want and don’t use. Perhaps you could spread the word in your neighbourhood this way. Give the neighbours in the street a written “invitation” and set a date for the sale, you could write it on one of hubby’s vintage typewriters. Then if your neighbours think it is a good idea too, you should put posters up in the local shops and hang them visible for others to see, to get buyers at the sale. I’ve tried it and it is a great idea and a fun way to see all your neighbours in the street.<br /><br />I dress vintage-style too, and buy most of my clothes at second hand shops and charity shops, therefore I spend very less on my wardrobe. And I truly love to hunt for a great bargain and nice different styled clothes, different styled from normal modern wear that is. And I have it for YEARS! I love my clothes and don’t want to change my wardrobe twice a year like my SIL does. Most people think I am well-dressed and that I have TONS of clothes, but I’m just good at matching and staying to the same colour scheme and style. I have to admit, though, that I ADORE shoes and own TONS of them, also quite a collection of vintage shoes, especially clear Lucite shoes from the late forties and fifties. Before son, I sewed almost all my clothes myself, but I haven’t got time neither energy to do that any longer. But I truly loved doing it – creating is very satisfactory. Perhaps, I’ll start doing that again when son has moved. ;)<br /><br />I cannot wait for your 1956-year next year, when you start changing your community! Really! Then you’re done with your home and need new projects, and with all those careful and clever thoughts and rants I’m sure you can do a lot. You’ve already got all of us readers in your boat. And may I congratulate you on having so many readers, impressing! I do hope your blog will continue for many years ahead, since I am so excited to see what this develops to.Sannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00961726199606387103noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-11189413833346498972009-04-16T08:40:00.000-07:002009-04-16T08:40:00.000-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Sannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00961726199606387103noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-2615795807037905532009-04-14T12:56:00.000-07:002009-04-14T12:56:00.000-07:00Thanks once again for a fabulous entry. You are s...Thanks once again for a fabulous entry. You are so kind to us to spend so much effort sharing your journey. You can do all those things in your above comment?! If you can, so can we. How inspiring!<br /><br />Your ideas, discoveries, musings and insights are so appreciated.<br /><br />Don't be too eager to involve yourself more in community (I think you contribute and help a large community all over the world already!) but just learn, grow, practise and deeply ingrain your new way of living a productive grown-up life. No rush for more outside involvement.<br /><br />Thanks again. From, LindaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-20436849208829245282009-04-11T08:21:00.000-07:002009-04-11T08:21:00.000-07:00PL-by all means, do tell. I think a big part of my...PL-by all means, do tell. I think a big part of my discovery is in my fine commenters, like you, who can see what I cannot. That is true for any part of any life with any connections one has. We cannot see everything and to have others point it out helps us to learn. I will not be mad, as I like to sort of be shaken by what concepts I may think are true and to look further to understand it. So, any of you, definitely point out those idea. ON this point, one thing I love about our discussions here, is when any of us agree we do it very courteously and will allow ourselves to consider anothers opinion and reavaluate our opinion based on that. Common courtesy and respect CAN be a part of debate. I think that element is really missing in the modern world. I think I might go into this more in today's post, though I have been busy WITH my remodeling. I have felt bad as I have not posted any particularly fancy foods or desserts as of late as I have been so busy tearing down walls, and weilding a hammer, that I still find time to make food and desserts, but the are not always picture worthy. But, with my new skills, I can tear out a wall, put up trim, paint a cabinet and still get dinner on and throw a peach pie in the oven before hubby gets home AND clean up and get back into my 'comfortable clothes' (usually something with a petticoat).50sgalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09250940806307766624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-8237118694471015432009-04-11T06:31:00.000-07:002009-04-11T06:31:00.000-07:0050sgal (I like calling you this),I thought it was ...50sgal (I like calling you this),<BR/><BR/>I thought it was interesting when someone in an earlier comment had mentioned how you were being affected by the 1950s advertising. I wondered if you would catch what she was saying, but I didn’t comment because there’s a part of me that feels like it’s good for you to learn many of these things yourself as you are going through your project…your discoveries. How much do you want us to point out to you? Really, I don’t want to interfere with what you are learning, but it is sometimes hard not to comment on something. I normally try to comment about something you’ve already discovered for yourself; adding to the thought, but do you want us to point out our own observation of things that you haven’t realized yet, etc.? <BR/><BR/>Another poster commented about not being on the same page as her husband on this issue. The same is true for me. We agree in general ways, but he doesn’t totally agree about buying local, etc., so there is a compromise. When I go shopping alone, I like to buy local, and when we go shopping together, we normally end up in the bigger stores. We have discussed this issue over the years and he is more open to my ideas now than he was before. We have been out of town for a while, and while driving, it provided us the opportunity to discuss this issue again because of the current book I’m reading (the title that I gave recently). He wanted to know what I was reading so we ended up talking about it. He didn’t outright agree, but he did say that he’ll have to look into more to decide what he thinks. I think he came to realize that what I was saying had legitimacy to it, and he couldn’t outright disagree with me. Part of his willingness to look at things differently has been my ability to explain things better as I have come to learn more and understand things better over the years myself. Anyhow, how I live my life and the things I own are not a direct reflection of my ideas because I live with someone who thinks differently. If I was living by myself, my house would look totally different, and how I live my life would be different as well. My relationship with my husband is more important than the things that surround me, so I don’t worry about it. <BR/><BR/>In the owning of things, I think the key is not being swayed by advertising. The things I own are not from a particular time period, they are a mix of things from different eras. The things I own, and personally like, are things that are just that….things I like. I don’t care if it “goes together”. I don’t decorate my house to fit a certain time period or “look”. My house is just simply filled with the things I like and have a use for. Like I said before, I love the good things of the 1950s. I try to incorporate the good into my life, and leave out the bad (unnecessary consumerism, etc.). I imagine the same for you, 50sgal. You are a 50s gal in all ways that are good, but, by 2010 you will be a smart 50s woman who does not live her life according to advertising and the lure to buy buy buy. You will live a contented life surrounded by the things you like, and things you like to do, and have learned to live a simple, happy life… not being on the mindless hamster wheel of life… no matter what décor surrounds you, or what clothes style you are wearing. If you truly love the 50s décor and see yourself surrounded by those things after this year is up, then go for it. But, if you feel like the 50s advertising has affected what it is you truly want surrounding you by the year’s end, then pause to consider what it is you really like, and not allow this project to determine that for you. I personally love the simple styles of the 40s/50s, and would love to see how your remodeling goes if you do decide to continue in this fashion.PoppyLhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06007494773180914306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-4514670328020115072009-04-10T20:57:00.000-07:002009-04-10T20:57:00.000-07:00Your comment about "living up to that person&...Your comment about "living up to that person" is really interesting. What captures my imagination about that is that in the 40s and 50s...Well, there was a sort of ourtward-projected tidiness and happiness, and it almost seems like it was a herd instinct for everyone to live up to that, and it was a joy, because it wasn't about showing off, the way it seems to be today. My best friend looks down upon me for sewing clothing & home things and for hitting up the thrift shops and ebay. Today it seems like the fashion is more geared toward one-upping everyone else, in a way, instead of looking very nice, presentable, and attractive.<BR/><BR/>As far as your dining room redo...This must be a cathartic thing. It reminds me of the scene in CS Lewis' "Voyage of the Dawn Treader", where Aslan tears the dragon's body off of Eustace. Afterward, Eustace finds that a great deal of his former selfishness and general meanness is gone; it's still there to a degree, but it's easier to fend off. Your home makeover seems to be similar...Like you are ridding it of the vestiges of the consumeristic lifestyle and simultaneously paying homage to a lifestyle and the people you admire. PLease don't be too hard on yourself for it. <BR/><BR/>One area it is difficult for me not to spend is BOOKS. Many say, "Oh, the library!", and that's great for candy books (which I've no time to waste reading), but I read a lot of philosophy and history, and also write notes in my books as I read them, as well as refer back to them for my work. They're scribbled in, sticky-noted, and even cross-referenced to other books in my library! That said, my hope is that it's all right to be happy with myself because I wait for the price to come down on used copies at our local bookshop or Amazon. It's difficult because some books are so time-dependent, but I do try! <BR/><BR/>The points others have made about post-war consumerism being a result of the way things were previously is quite good. It must have felt quite freeing to consume in such a madcap fashion. Many do not realize that the Great Depression was "great" only in the United States; it lasted around ten years, and then there was the deprivation resulting from the war and FDR's misguided ideas (slaughtering sheep and letting them rot; letting vegetables rot in the fields, all to "help" the economy by driving up prices amongst a population already stretched thin). Altogether it was nearly 20 years of "making do" and not having enough, much less too much...People must have felt like they were in some sort of recess!<BR/><BR/>Also...you're forgiven. :) Besides, it clearly led you to some deep thought and insights.Jenhttp://libertyimages.etsy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-40195782023348542702009-04-10T09:22:00.000-07:002009-04-10T09:22:00.000-07:00Cheryl- I have seen 1940s house (not this year, th...Cheryl- I have seen 1940s house (not this year, though) and recently commented in one of my posts how I started to associate with the feelings the grandmother in that program had once she tried to come back to the modern world. She couldn't go back the the way she was, spending needless, paying prepared foods, not shopping locally. She began saving more money, shopping at local stores, only using cash and getting to know her local shop owners and volunteering. It seemed she changed for the better, though your grandkidst thought she was no longer the 'cool grandma' but then, one should live as an example as a grown up and not to please a 10 year old. It was a good series.50sgalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09250940806307766624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-32982548744836781162009-04-10T07:53:00.000-07:002009-04-10T07:53:00.000-07:00HI 50's Gal-My husband said to me the day you post...HI 50's Gal-<BR/>My husband said to me the day you posted this "Don't you wish we could all behave like it was in the 50's?" This was just after we had gone to the store and spent money that in the past we did not have (like in the early days of our marriage). <BR/>I think while you are right about consumerism, you also have to remember that Post-WWII that folks were also coming out of having to scrimp and save, as well as the depression immediately before that. The 50's were a time of the rise of consumerism. Husbands were back from war to be husbands again, earning money so wives could stay home, by 1955 entrenched in their careers. Wives wanted their lives to be easier than it was during the war times. The rise of goods that made life easier was good for the country, men made them, women urged their husbands to buy them to make their lives easier. So, we Americans are a consumerist culture by nature and upbringing, but we should learn (as you are doing) from those who had to do without immediately before.<BR/>I think it would be difficult for you to completely unplug from 2009 unless all of your friends and family did also. I think you are learning (and sharing) great things about your adventures in 1955. <BR/>One more thing... Have you ever watched the PBS series 1940's house, 1890's house, or "frontier house" (i think it was called that). Those might give you a great insight how isolating it was to remove yourself from the modern world. The 1940'sone might be particularly interesting to you.<BR/>Keep up your fabulous blog!Cherylhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01775675219537436079noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-50218509823899525682009-04-10T07:37:00.000-07:002009-04-10T07:37:00.000-07:0050s Gal, I love your blog! It\s such an encouragem...50s Gal, I love your blog! It\s such an encouragement to homemakers. Have you never thought it would be interesting to have a new experiment for the next year by moving more in the past? Like 1948 or something?Or may be 1930s? I live in Holland and we have a community of people who like the time before the two world wars, there was a TV program about one of them, and this lady has a completely 1930s home, and dresses in the style, too.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-25621531936365972382009-04-09T15:40:00.000-07:002009-04-09T15:40:00.000-07:00I am glad I am forgiven and I DID notice that you ...I am glad I am forgiven and I DID notice that you said I could BUY a vintage chopping block, but I thought better not to say anything about it! It is surprising how easily we just think, "oh, I'll just buy it". Using cash, however, really makes you think and you cannot spend more than you have. I don't know if I can ever totally get to that point, but it will be my goal. It is hard right now with my dining room redo, but I am coming along. We certainly have to laugh at ourselve, or at least I do. If I didn't have a sense of humor about myself, I think I would have gone mad years ago, not that I am not already mad!<BR/>I have been busy today so I will have a new post up tomorrow. I have done alot of thinking in the past two days since my foray into the 21st century. I was thinking of how at the end of 1955 I will try to somehow make 1956 and 2010 blend in some way. It will be interesting to see the result and I have a few months, yet, to iron out the kinks. Thank you everyone for all the comments AND for forgiving me for my trip to 2009, maybe you all can now have a day trip to 1955 to make me feel better.50sgalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09250940806307766624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-20891186014221663902009-04-09T12:04:00.000-07:002009-04-09T12:04:00.000-07:00Oh, our 50's Gal, of course you are forgiven. Mus...Oh, our 50's Gal, of course you are forgiven. Must you even ask? Without your afternoon of Rock Band you wouldn't have gained the insight for this wonderful blog post. And isn't learning about one's self sometimes two steps forward, one step back? I find it interesting that it left you so out of sorts. I suppose it's better to keep about the schedule and keep the purpose of your day. I personally find that some days I am very productive and others I get sidetracked and barely get the minimum done, which takes me all day. <BR/><BR/>As for your thoughts on our immature society- very true. But What I find interesting is that the "teen"culture came about during the 1950's. Suddenly after the serious war years and Great Depression parents could let their kids BE kids. The advertising of the time helped push this idea too. <BR/><BR/>I think having one's own children helps us "grow up" in some ways but not in others. A few of my friends from college never had kids and aren't married. While they're kind, responsible people with good jobs and all they are different in that they are only responsible for themselves. They eat what they want, when they want, go out whenever, buy what they choose if they can afford it- all without thinking of anyone else's needs. You could say that these women are actually more mature because they are 100% self sufficient but it seem that way when we're together. They live in their own universe in which they are the sun and everything revolves around them. <BR/><BR/>Now I know when my college friends and I get together they think us mothers revolve around our kids but in our society this is "mature". But by doing so we are allowed a certain degree of immaturity too. It's acceptable to dress sloppily because mothers are too busy (and self-less) to worry about such things. We eat "kid" food because it's easier than making two meals or enforcing rules. Our homes can be cluttered because of the kids and their needs. Being a good parent is important but losing the adult in one's self and in one's marriage is more so, IMO. <BR/><BR/>I think a lot of the immaturity in our culture stems from the idealized view of parenthood where we give up everything for our kids. So we're all eating chicken nuggets in our pajamas watching Disney at the dinner table. Blah! Seriously, what's with the Disney store catalog's adult size clothes with cartoon characters on them??? <BR/><BR/>Donna- What's funny about the nut chopper post is I, who responded about it after another follower did, did the same thing by suggesting you get a vintage cutting board instead! The whole point is what you had WORKED. I hope you got a laugh about that too. If we can't laugh at ourselves then how do we learn anything, right?<BR/><BR/>Thanks for another thought provoking blog entry.<BR/><BR/>SAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-36667268112212025112009-04-09T08:47:00.000-07:002009-04-09T08:47:00.000-07:00What a wonderful post. Good luck on your journey ...What a wonderful post. Good luck on your journey of self discovery.Captain Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00566368228629752057noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-52468117760409643602009-04-09T01:28:00.000-07:002009-04-09T01:28:00.000-07:00An excellent post! You've reminded me of this quot...An excellent post! You've reminded me of this quote: 'How much we need to live life says a lot about us, but how much we THINK we need says a lot more.'<BR/>I am finding your journey so fascinating, not just because it is a trip back in 'stuff' or back to a particular year, but it is a trip back in attitudes... I'm hoping to find, at some point, the point where everything started to go wrong (as in, to how the world is now).... but I think your ahead of me on that one!Danaehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15476148379385944367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-62767166065112642202009-04-08T22:47:00.000-07:002009-04-08T22:47:00.000-07:00You said 'How will we ever be truly happy if we wa...You said 'How will we ever be truly happy if we want to chase a false dream and only fulfill it in a false reality' and I think this is very insightful and wise. We are as a generation, quite hooked on make-believe, and while a certain amount of fantasy is a good thing, in the end it is not a substitute for really doing something. It seems that we want to live vicariously through reality tv and computer games in a way that has become a little extreme. <BR/><BR/>Also, the desire of people to consume is becoming quite disturbing. I suppose that the 50s was really the beginning of mass consumerism and advertising, but adults of that period had lived through the war, and I suppose had gone without so many things that they embraced the idea of being able to have everything you could ever want and then some. But we have been exposed to advertising since birth, and it is difficult to break away from the idea that possessions equal happiness. Every advertisment basically tells us that buying more will make us feel better, and it is quite hard to go against this. I think with the current economic climate, however, we will see and are already seeing, a return to more frugal habits. Anyway, thank you for your musings, they definitely make one think!Piroskahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06665411493895439079noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-89238665601231475232009-04-08T19:47:00.000-07:002009-04-08T19:47:00.000-07:00**Applause!** I really enjoyed reading this post ...**Applause!** I really enjoyed reading this post and your honesty and insight are refreshing. I feel the same way about feeling I should be more grown up. I need to work on this and finally figure it all out instead of being all over the place. I am finally getting closer but I'm not there yet. You are right to recognize there are mainstream things going on today that we should really consider not participating in. The video games are a prime example. You can get lost in it and ignore your real life. I know I get wrapped up in television, the internet, cell phones, blogging (new to me), and finding out what everyone else is doing. At some point we have to start living OUR lives, the ones we've carefully chosen and have our own ideals and values. I look forward to being a real grown up.Stephaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09289348366926684135noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-77407767472111348992009-04-08T18:15:00.000-07:002009-04-08T18:15:00.000-07:00Wow, thanks for all the great comments, it does re...Wow, thanks for all the great comments, it does really make me feel okay about the whole experience. I am not sure if after this year I won't be able to be a 50s gal. I think I might be in for the long haul on this one. As I said, though, I do have to live in the modern world, but I think that by learning and understanding the past, I am going to try and make a better future and present for myself. I don't think I can or want to go back to that other person. Thank you so much for all your great comments and I love the dialogue we always have on here. You're all wonderful.50sgalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09250940806307766624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-79052820899213578522009-04-08T17:26:00.000-07:002009-04-08T17:26:00.000-07:00Hi 50's gal, what you did was not wrong so do not...Hi 50's gal, what you did was not wrong so do not beat yourself up over it. Are you going to be a 50's gal when the year is over??? Have you talked to your hubby about this???? I really enjoy reading your blog and hope that you do continue but if you do stop I am sure we will understand. Remember to surround yourself with good friends and talk to family, they are a wealth of support and love.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-70938036848731327302009-04-08T15:06:00.000-07:002009-04-08T15:06:00.000-07:00Wow what a great inspiration. I remember one day w...Wow what a great inspiration. I remember one day walking around my home and feeling like " I want to live in black and white". This is because when I was yong we lived like those 50 tv shows we saw in black and white. We did not need 300 channels or skinny pills and face lifts. I remember when they talked about paying for tv and we thought that was the stupidest thing we ever heard of! Who would be that dumb? I tried to hold on to as much as i could but life over took me. I am slowly rolling my way backwards. Keep reminding me I am on the right path.Jeannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08228454366955268540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-47767467405616675722009-04-08T13:56:00.000-07:002009-04-08T13:56:00.000-07:00Good rant. I feel the same way about the being a g...Good rant. I feel the same way about the being a grown up part. A couple months ago, before I started my experiment of living as a homemaker, one of my friends said that I act too old and I Mommy my Hubby. So I dyed my hair and cut it, and tried to be someone else...only to find that it didnt fit. So I dyed my hair back to brown, letting it grow back out again, and I never mommied my hubby, I just took care of him, I always have..we take care of eachother. She turned 21 two months ago, and last week signed herself up for AA meetings. And I thought to myself, Is this what you want me to be? Is this what being a kid is??? I thought to myself, Im not too old, youre too young! Youre 21, act like an adult, its time to grow up! SO GROW UP! I used to play the sims as well, and now I look back on it and ask myself what I was thinking, it seems so mindless and pointless now. I dont understand why it was fun. I feel like a grown up now, I was very timid and HATED doing things by myself. Yesterday, I went to the store by myself and bought a gallon of milk BY MYSELF! It seems childish Im sure but it was a big step for me. I dont know you, I dont know anything about you, but Im proud to read your blog. I understand what your going through. You look at everyone else acting like giant children with dirty diapers and no one to change them so they throw their hate at the rest of the world because they cant take care of themselves, that is what I look at consumerism being, A false diaper changer, so you throw your money at it asking to feel better...and you never do. the ironic thing is that once you stop throwing your money, that is when you feel complete...that is when you feel better.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-40159344893963887182009-04-08T11:32:00.000-07:002009-04-08T11:32:00.000-07:0050s gal, thank you for your honesty--you always m...50s gal, thank you for your honesty--you always make me think.<BR/><BR/>I thought of this from Jeremiah, "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls."<BR/><BR/>I see you as one who is looking and asking for the "good way."Conniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10577304198119995552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-44172729108391452232009-04-08T10:36:00.000-07:002009-04-08T10:36:00.000-07:00A profound post... one I'll be thinking about for ...A profound post... one I'll be thinking about for awhile. You always make me think, 50s gal! You have found yourself in an interesting anachronism, haven't you? Having learned what you've learned about yourself during this year - you probably couldn't go back if you wanted to.<BR/><BR/>In terms of your home renovation, I would encourage you to take it slowly. If you want to make decorating choices that will stand the test of time, take your time in choosing them. Unless your home's super uncomfortable, you don't have to have it all done by December 31.Jitterbughttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08876069477745318600noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-9024346414339195392009-04-08T10:08:00.000-07:002009-04-08T10:08:00.000-07:00I really appriciate your emotional sensitvity and ...I really appriciate your emotional sensitvity and honesty, here. <BR/><BR/>I have come to many of the same realiztions, recently, and am stuggling to overcome similar material and anti-social temptations. <BR/><BR/>I just got married last June. I am truly trying to lay the foundation for the relationship, life, and home that will make me the happiest and be the most sustaining. I see so much unhappiness, neglect, contempt, and attempts to find distraction/escapism in the world around me. <BR/><BR/>Apologies for the vague yet heavy comment, I just truly relate to and enjoy your posts.<BR/><BR/>Regarding friends, I am fortunate to have a weekly "craft night" with female pals. We pot luck a meal and work on projects or small chores together. We have been doing it for several years now, and we even take a "retreat" cabin weekend trip together once a year. <BR/><BR/>I volunteer with a local food cooperative, which gives me community involvement (as well as a discount on many great and often local foods). I am still sad, though, about the fact that there are only 2 neighbors on our street that we know by name, and we still never really socialize with them. One of my goals for this summer is to change this. <BR/><BR/>-AllisonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-31433134598513933452009-04-08T08:57:00.000-07:002009-04-08T08:57:00.000-07:00This is what I love about you. You have such a gr...This is what I love about you. You have such a great insight into what we have lost and gained since the 1950's. I find your blog such an inspriation. I'm thankful that you share so much with us.<BR/><BR/>I think I really am a vintage girl at heart. I really think we do need to actually "live" our lives, taking responsibility for the life we create for ourselves. It is so much easier to watch the t.v. or play the computer games and escape the realities of our lives but I don't think it brings us greater happiness. We have to live in the moment taking pleasure in the journey. <BR/>By the way I thought you might be interested - I recently read a newspaper article which said that in marriage and friendships we must have good manners toward one another in order for the relationships to work smoothly. It made me think of your blog. I think people are so consumed in thoughts of themselves that they fail to think of others. The article pointed out how our manners have changed over the past 40 years.<BR/><BR/>I believe if your writing makes even a few people think about their lives and to live better you have done a great thing for your Community. By writing this blog you are providing something of value for others and making a great contribution to our world. Your blog touches lives around the world. I do hope you will continue with this and perhaps one day you will also publish this in a book. <BR/><BR/>Thanks again for being you and inspiring the rest of us vintage girls out here.<BR/><BR/>MichelleAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com