tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post6386815717294319737..comments2024-01-03T01:40:26.911-08:00Comments on Life Drawings: 11 May 1955 “A little News and A Big Answer to a Question.”50sgalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09250940806307766624noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-33440487268370058472010-02-19T14:25:27.025-08:002010-02-19T14:25:27.025-08:00Hi 50sgal
You don’t know me and I don’t know if y...Hi 50sgal<br /><br />You don’t know me and I don’t know if you’ll ever see this comment. <br /><br />Anyway, I've been reading your blog from the beginning so I have no idea what will happen in future posts, but I'm enjoying your story. It was wonderful to learn more about you, but I'm sorry to hear of any rifts you might have had along the way. <br /><br />I myself am a stay at home mom and although I haven't done all that you have, you've inspired me to do more.<br /><br />I want to share with you a comment someone left on my blog after I described a normal day in my life, which led me to do research on housewives and ultimately led me to your blog:<br /><br />"You have a lovely home and seem like a very nice person, but I am a little bit shocked to read that you basically 'read blogs' and 'talk to Mom for an hour' a day. While your husband works? Is that really respectful to him? Your daughter is in school, shouldn't you be doing something more productive with your days? Blogging? Not exactly the best role model for your daughter. Again, I am sure you are a wonderful person, and your home *is* lovely, but I found the post a bit self-indulgent. Sorry. "<br /><br />You can read my post here that this person was referring to:<br />http://ruespeanutbutterandjellylife.blogspot.com/2010/01/more-than-you-wanted-to-know.html<br /><br />Obviously you can see that I have some work to do in the housewife arena, but I didn't think I was that bad of a wife until I got that comment.<br /><br />I have a feeling it was more of a dislike of me staying home than what I did during the day, but what thrills me to no end is that I found your blog in the process. So, thank you. Thank you for being brave enough to do this project. I’m still learning myself after doing this “job” for 20 years. Now back to your story….<br /><br />rueRuehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18127064683340688898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-4331825888434846202009-05-19T19:31:50.792-07:002009-05-19T19:31:50.792-07:00Jen B- I just now found this response to this post...Jen B- I just now found this response to this post and thank you, I am glad it touched you. I do wish I had someway of seeing when comments are left on older blogs. The add on I have the shows the last 5 comments often doesn't work or show up. Thank again, all of you.50sgalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09250940806307766624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-67252669881589084992009-05-18T18:39:00.000-07:002009-05-18T18:39:00.000-07:00PL, I do hope you're having a better day! Down day...PL, I do hope you're having a better day! Down days are normal, I guess. It happens to all of us. Also, what about Andy Griffith Show? I do not know, maybe it's because we practically live in Mayberry ourselves, but the sweetness of that show plus the guileless characters and the whole community, a real one (for TV)...It has become a guilty pleasure in this house!<br /><br />50sgal...Firstly, it's very sad to hear about the rift opened up between you and your friend. Perhaps (we hope) it won't last long, and she's only acting this way because there's a wound there, not to mention that you're really sticking to this. Doubtless we've all been there, and taken our own disappointment with ourselves, merited or not, out on the person we see being successful at something we'd like to do. Eventually, though, it usually goes away and the scar recedes into the past along with the cut that caused it. Let us hope all returns to normal, or something close to it, soon. <br /><br />This post...It was amazing. Do you know (no, of course not...), after reading it, as I made supper, I asked Hubby to read it, because it is remarkably similar to what I went through myself. I must confess that it took my reading the comments to realize just how personal this is for you to say, because it is so...alike. In many ways. Maybe we're kindred spirits of a kind. It was a little shocking, but anyhow, it's going to be printed up and placed at my desk for inspiration. I could probably write something much like it myself.<br /><br />(Oh, before I forget, and my hair IS blonde...They call(ed) it "Home Economics" for a reason, didn't they? Budgeting time, money, food, everything efficiently? Put me head to head with one of these TV talking heads any day. Bring it, bring it to the girl with pin curls and victory rolls and gloves!)<br /><br />The biggest surprise and thing most often dealt with, though, as you note, is the reaction from others, especially women. They really do seem to think we're sleeping in, shopping, watching television. It's remarkable. They always seem to ask, "So, what's next?" as if "homemaker" isn't...good enough. At first it was really hurtful, because it even comes from family, and even church people, who supposedly put such a premium on the home. My father is always suggesting I go get a job here, or here, or wherever (when I have a job, plus trying to start my own small home-based business). <br /><br />Your suggestion that it was really some sort of conspiracy to get women out of the home, making money so they'd consume more (some, granted, by necessity so they COULD work) sure sounds right to me. I have my own theories...lol<br /><br />Now, it has seemingly become ingrained, and a woman who wants to stay home and keep her home and family and spend less in the process is laughed at, mocked, and looked down upon, especially if they don't have children. Never mind that we make goodies and casseroles for the neighbors while the laundry runs in the background.<br /><br />"Women today, for some reason, will often react to this decision as if you have lost your mind or as if you are ill. They may treat you as if you have contracted a disease and they certainly don’t want to catch anything that means they have to iron and cook. But, and here is what is important, If you find that you love it, as I have found, it won’t really matter." <br /><br />It's so true. That said, it helps to have others who see it as a good thing, or who are trying to make the same life. And to think women have a nesting instinct...Goodness, it's seen as an insult today, but it's true! Maybe not all women have it, but lots of us certainly seem to. We're just the quiet ones, perhaps.<br /><br />Lists are awesome. It's an idea I started, dropped, then took up again because of you, and now the list is with me throughout the day. It's amazing what scratching something off does for the soul!<br /><br />Oh, and you mentioned women in different eras. Even in the Proverbs, chapter 31, we see a woman who runs her household, the servants, oversees the plantings of vineyards (or she buys one, I can't recall), raises the children, did the marketing, and makes beautiful clothing for her husband. I found it fascinating to see that a woman had such power back then considering how backwards it was all supposed to be! You might want to check it out, it's pretty fascinating. Of course, Proverbs has all sorts of good advice about running one's home and wallet, too. ;)<br /><br />Anyhow, I could chatter and chatter, as suggested earlier. Ultimately, it seems that doing this is rather like swimming against a very powerful tide, and it requires a plan, confidence, fortitude, and a place to commiserate. Dealing with the reactions of others also requires a sense of humour!<br /><br />BTW, based on your recommendation, I picked up "America's Housekeeping Book" and LOVE it!<br /><br />And thank you for this blog. It is truly an inspiration and just plain fun to read.Jen Bhttp://flickr.com/photos/zachsdame/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-69252597334199946032009-05-15T08:00:00.000-07:002009-05-15T08:00:00.000-07:00Thank you for responding to my post, Ladies. I do...Thank you for responding to my post, Ladies. I do feel a little better today. Yesterday, I put my Doris Day music on and listened to her happy voice while I finished doing chores. Last night, our PBS station had a program on Carol Burnette. Aside from the sad parts of her life, it was very enjoyable and funny to watch, which helped to lift my spirits some. It reminded me of my childhood years watching the Carol Burnette Show with my parents and and how fun it was to watch my Mom laugh so hard. It wasn't very often that we got to see her belly laugh like that. It was as much fun and enjoyable to see her laugh so hard as it was to watch the show. Maybe it's time to check out The Carol Burnette Show from Netflix.PoppyLhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06007494773180914306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-40908691917439590202009-05-15T04:47:00.000-07:002009-05-15T04:47:00.000-07:00Sarah-I am so glad my answer helped you. It made m...Sarah-I am so glad my answer helped you. It made me reflect upon myself and how I am where I am right now, so you, too, helped me. I think one of the wonderful things about we women, rather vintage, homemakers, mothers, professionals, etc, we give advice but we also listen. The very skill of quitely taking in the world and digesting it, then parlaying it into ACTION, is what makes us so darn good at our jobs especially homemaking. I do alot in a day, it might seem, but there is not measure for what is the 'right' amount. Believe me, when I get into a project, sometimes things don't all get done. I will be happy to hear about your progress so come back and tell us. I am excited for you. Good Luck! We are all behind you!50sgalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09250940806307766624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-72774086368034022142009-05-15T02:48:00.000-07:002009-05-15T02:48:00.000-07:00Dear 50sgal
I'm so sorry that I have been so late...Dear 50sgal<br /><br />I'm so sorry that I have been so late in writing a response to your beautiful post. I'm afraid that I'm a very poor writer and have been trying to think of a way to communicate how humble I feel that you put so much time and effort into your answer to my comment.<br /><br />Your explanation of how you came to stay at home was very personal and I just wanted to thank you for welcoming us into your life in such an intimate way.<br /><br />I am really going to take your advice on board. I think my main worry was that I wouldn't be a good homemaker but you have shown me that actually I have no reason to be - I haven't done it before! I wouldn't expect to walk into any other job and be good at that from the beginning. <br /><br />I am now planning to start slowly, with the essentials, and take it from there. There are so many skills and crafts that I would like to be good at that I was completely intimidated by it all! When I read how much you do in a day I am daunted by the prospect. I think I 'll try to start with a routine that provides the basics and then hope, as I get better at things, to be able to add in baking, gardening and decorating etc.<br /><br />I have printed your wonderful post and put it up in our kitchen so I can read it and be inspired!<br /><br />Thank you again for your kindness, consideration and honesty.<br /><br />SarahSarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03782673822478141780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-54879930831411798692009-05-14T16:27:00.000-07:002009-05-14T16:27:00.000-07:00I do, sometimes, have those days. I used to have a...I do, sometimes, have those days. I used to have a close friend who did like the vintage life, but, though we are still friends, that portion of our life is sort of gone. I feel very bad, as I had intended to write my blog today and then I cut my finger this morning and have been so busy, now I feel I should have pushed myself to do it, as it would be one more 'friend' moment for you. I hope you do feel better. It is funny, too, to have you mention the isolation of women at home, as I have been thinking of that of late, perhaps I will address it tomorrow in my blog, yes I PROMISE There will be one tomorrow.50sgalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09250940806307766624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-35592681974201389032009-05-14T16:18:00.000-07:002009-05-14T16:18:00.000-07:00i have those days too. i think there is a certain ...i have those days too. i think there is a certain degree of isolation to being a SAHW/M. much of it is all you, all alone, dealing with YOUR LIFE and YOUR FAMILY. so it's nice to find kindred spirits, where ever they may be. i hope that as more women get in touch with their inner homemaker, we will all have more real life friends to share a cup of coffee and a chat right at our doorstep. :) until then, we can dream! ~kkellynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-54201787253492466942009-05-14T13:36:00.000-07:002009-05-14T13:36:00.000-07:00PL,
I have those days too and it can be very lonel...<B>PL</B>,<br />I have those days too and it can be very lonely. <br /><br />It's nice to have friends in RL that enjoy some of the same things as you do and can be supportive of you when you are having a bad day. <br /><br />Hope you are feeling a little better by the time you read this.Hairball T. Hairballhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07406688058887590058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-78398703008726193002009-05-14T11:12:00.000-07:002009-05-14T11:12:00.000-07:0050sgal, I hope you don’t mind me sharing with all ...50sgal, I hope you don’t mind me sharing with all of you that I’m having a boohoo day. :( I try not to let the fact that I don’t know any other women like me get me down, but I’m having a down time right now. I love reading this blog because it’s nice to connect with like-minded women, but none of you live in my neighborhood, so I’m still lonesome for that real life connection. I try not to get on the internet too often otherwise I find myself “living” in the computer and not living my real life. I mean, I can’t take you out with me when I go hang up clothes, or having you here to chat with while baking and then sharing the end result while taking a break to talk about life and how to live it in a more real manner, etc. It sure would be nice to have a good friend over on occasion to visit for the day, to hang out with me and do those things together. So, today is one of my sad, lonely, depressed kind of days. Do any of you have these days as well? Is there anything you do to make getting through them easier? I am grateful to be able to come here for a “visit”, but it just isn’t the same as having someone “in the flesh” to visit with…know what I mean? Thanks for listening.PoppyLhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06007494773180914306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-27613791691651641042009-05-14T03:36:00.000-07:002009-05-14T03:36:00.000-07:00It's funny that you should mention when does a per...It's funny that you should mention when does a person finally feel like an adult. It was a defining moment for me. I knew I was an adult when I went out and finally bought an ironing board rather than huddle over the floor trying not to burn the carpet. It wasn't a job or an apartment or bills. It was taking care of my space and my clothes. I've never looked back. As a single girl living abroad I'm not a homemaker but I still take great pride in turning my small studio apartment into a home. (Although I moan about the lack of a garden or real oven.) <br /><br />I understand the confusion and hostility though. I get it and the surprise as well when people learn about my choice to pick up and live in a different part of the world where I don't speak the language. I think some people just can't think outside of the box that society has put us in. It used to be that people were surprised when women wanted to work outside the home full time. Now that it's the norm they are surprised when some women want to stay home. We should follow our passions. And some women's passions are at work. And other's are at home. Or abroad. <br /><br />Anyway, I enjoy reading your blog! Greetings from Japan.Jen in Japanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08975708898231198536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-42821707220952120852009-05-13T17:39:00.000-07:002009-05-13T17:39:00.000-07:00Thanks for sharing this, 50s gal. I hadn't realize...Thanks for sharing this, 50s gal. I hadn't realized that you once owned your own business, and was interested to read more about your journey. I'm trying to figure out my next move in life. I'm not sure yet that I would want to stay at home full-time, or could afford to, but I would like very much to be able to afford to work less. I really enjoy cooking, baking and gardening and find great satisfaction in them and keeping a house. Your column was great food for thought.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-21486937397503868222009-05-13T10:51:00.000-07:002009-05-13T10:51:00.000-07:00I don't have the luxury of staying home, atm I'm l...I don't have the luxury of staying home, atm I'm living alone and even when I don't a third of my boyfriend's wages go on alimony and child support.<br /><br />But even if I did I think I would work part time, not because there is anything wrong with not working but because I flit from hobby to hobby and find that I need work in order to make sure I don't sit doing nothing when the house is clean.<br /><br />The past two days I've been finishing work very early, I've headed home made lunch, done the dishes and tidies up but after all that, I end up with a "now what?" feeling.<br /><br />But women who do stay at home have my total respect and admirationAngelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11514436596464212948noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-56943963455682425972009-05-13T07:14:00.000-07:002009-05-13T07:14:00.000-07:00“So, we became vagabonds.” – SO exciting! :)
I’m ...“So, we became vagabonds.” – SO exciting! :)<br /><br />I’m SO sad to hear about your best friend turning her back on you. Isn’t it possible to invite her and have a talk with her about what went wrong, perhaps she misses you too? I do certainly not hope it is Gussie/”vintage friend”? Since she has been so supportive and I think it has been so good for you having “vintage friends” in your project. I truly don’t understand the reaction of these friends, since you could have had a homemaker club instead of talking behind each other’s backs. So sad!<br /><br />Thank you for this very clever and heartwarming post – which just made me more envious! ;) I play homemaker each day when I come home from work, but I would love to be a fulltime homemaker. I am so tired and stressed at my new job, and often feeling stupid when I go home. Not the best feeling, but this is how it is when starting a new job and being bombed back to stoneage, ough. I know it will be better soon, and that I will gain more energy to do my tasks at home, but it may not happen for a long time to come. No more blubbering from little Denmark. Enjoy your homemaker job, you lucky gal! :)Sannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00961726199606387103noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-31370025290220427762009-05-13T06:01:00.000-07:002009-05-13T06:01:00.000-07:00Thank you everyone for your kind comments. I am gl...Thank you everyone for your kind comments. I am glad that you enjoy my ramblings. It is very nice to know there are so many of we like minded women out there. It does make a gal feel good. Today is a sunny day and there is alot on my plate, so perhaps today's post will be about today's ACTIONS. Thank you again.50sgalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09250940806307766624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-41343733118535445642009-05-12T17:29:00.000-07:002009-05-12T17:29:00.000-07:00Thank you so much for the window into your home an...Thank you so much for the window into your home and heart. You really help my attitude. A lot of times I procrastinate about dinner...and believe me, most days I don't look forward to the task.<br /><br />Your attitude is contagious and instead of rushing through housekeeping duties, I'm learning to slow down and enjoy the process. I remember as a kid looking forward to when I would have my own home to take care of. What a shame that housekeeping has come to be a burden for so many. <br /><br />Your encouraging words are good for scores of women to hear. I think the feelings you reveal are how many of us truly feel, deep down into our real selves.<br /><br />The comparison between maturity and not caring so much what others think of you--incredibly insightful and also good for many of us to hear!<br /><br />I have been disappointed by friends, too. So many women I meet seem to only want my friendship to use to their advantage, like a free babysitter. Are these women insensitive...or just stretched too thin and grasping for help? I don't know, but I miss the true and sincere friendships I had many years ago.<br /><br />And, even though I don't comment every day, please know that I look forward to each post. I'm sure a lot of readers are the same. <br /><br />We appreciate what you do so much. You are vintage, but yet...a pioneer into the future!<br /><br />Kris7<br />Working hard at www.sccworlds.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-30493209300694915762009-05-12T14:20:00.000-07:002009-05-12T14:20:00.000-07:00Thank you for this very detailed response to the q...Thank you for this very detailed response to the question you received. I really appreciate what you are doing and it's helping me make these decisions in my own life. I am finding there are a lot of people out there with questions like this. Generations of women have grown up without ever even considering staying at home without working and keeping their home life running smoothly for their entire families. <br /><br />I hope to be in this position soon.Stephaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09289348366926684135noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-28246042964506059822009-05-12T14:12:00.000-07:002009-05-12T14:12:00.000-07:00I know I'm something of an oddity but I really don...I know I'm something of an oddity but I really don't understand women who don't want to stay home. I know some WOHMs who constantly complain about not having enough time to do stuff and tell stories about dropping off their sick kids at daycare. They claim they can't afford to stay home then in the next breath talk about the expensive new car they're buying or the fancy vacation they're going on. I've heard women claim that they need to work so they can afford to take their kids to Disney world every year yet if you ask the kids they'd much rather have more time with their moms than go to Disney World. Really, I read a study on the very subject a few weeks ago! <br /><br />It's amazing how quickly attitudes have changed towards housewives. When I was a child it was very much the norm for moms to stay home. I only knew one mother who worked and that was only during the day when her kids were at school. Now I'm a freak of nature for staying home and I'm not even 30 yet! It's absolutely mind boggling.Rhondanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-89968005501055027392009-05-12T11:59:00.000-07:002009-05-12T11:59:00.000-07:00You are right. When I first quit my job to stay at...You are right. When I first quit my job to stay at home, I thought it would be like when I stayed home with my children years ago, but now my children were all grown up, so my days were not as full. I didn't experience any persecution, as most of my work friends wished they could be a stay at home wife, too, and said so. The first two weeks, I was lost. I felt unproductive and isolated, although the isolation I liked, as I'm rather introverted at times anyway. After the first two weeks, I began to get into the flow of being at home and filling my time. I spend way too much time on the tv and on the computer, so you are right in that not starting those habits is probably best. Being at home gives us much more freedom to pursue personal interests, and I've gone from Native American flutes to painting to playing the mountain dulcimer, writing short stories, recipes and cooking, etc. etc. When you said your husband was used to your schemes and whims, well mine has had to become used to it, as that is just part of me. I can say there is no feeling I've ever had in any business, even running my own, that compares with the satisfaction I get of having my WHOLE house clean at one time, a hot meal on the stove, all the laundry done, and myself showered and made up. I just need a good swift kick in the behind to get rid of all of my excuses. <br />I was thinking today that my grandmother never accomplished any newspaper worthy things with her life, but she was a great mother, grandmother, cook and housekeeper, and for her, that was enough. I think I can be happy just to be half as good at those things as she was!Forest Ladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02028811987699227162noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-10761743118892454452009-05-12T11:37:00.000-07:002009-05-12T11:37:00.000-07:00I found this post pertinent to my life. I have pr...I found this post pertinent to my life. I have primarily been a homemaker for the last nineteen years and have four children. For some of those years, I chose to work about 8 hours a week out of the home. I was doing this as an intellectual/social challenge more than for the money but you get used to the money. In working outside the home, I missed the fun things about keeping a home while still trying to do everything I had done while home full-time. It took away from the ease of family life and made everything seem a little(or a lot) rushed. When I was pregnant with my first child, we had just moved to Ottawa for my husband's job. Often the first question people asked me when they met me was "when are you going back to work?" which I found really irritating. I have now stopped working outside of the home and our lives are all the richer. We are learning to live without the money.Jenifirhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06307720101656463930noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-51652348942868498062009-05-12T07:38:00.000-07:002009-05-12T07:38:00.000-07:00wonderful post! how interesting to read about your...wonderful post! how interesting to read about your journey to where you are now. i have been a homemaker almost since i was married and have never regretted it for a second. there are days, when i have sick chicks, or things aren't going well, that i realize this is much harder than any other job i ever held, but also the most important, both short and long term. we can change the future with our little "mundane" jobs. many blessings to you. xo, kellyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-46114285512146909662009-05-12T06:30:00.000-07:002009-05-12T06:30:00.000-07:00I am so enjoying your blog! I love all things vin...I am so enjoying your blog! I love all things vintage, particularly the 40's and 50's, because that's the era in which my parents grew up.<br /><br />I made the decision to "come home" after the birth of my second child and I've never regretted it. My own Mother stayed home, even after my sister and I were grown. She set a good example by loving what she did...her home and family were her life, and she did her job proudly and beautifully.<br /><br />I have people who wonder "what I do all day" now that all my children are in school. That never ceases to amaze me, as taking care of a husband, three children, and two cats is a more than full time job. But I am thankful for the the opportunity to do it. It gives me more satisfaction than anything else. I look forward to continuing to get to know you through your blog...thanks for sharing your life with us.<br /><br />ChrissyChrissyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08797814680740510055noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-51093344799073800842009-05-12T06:27:00.000-07:002009-05-12T06:27:00.000-07:00A great post as usual. I'm glad you decided to gi...A great post as usual. I'm glad you decided to give your answer in your blog; it was such a nice, in depth answer. <br /><br />In one of your earlier posts you talked about "action" and my mind immediately translated that as "achieve". I think the reason for that is because there are so many busy bodies that don't actually get anything done, so the word achieve just seems to hit the mark better for me. I think your posts are hitting a personal note with me because although I've been a homemaker from day one and have lived/live a simple life, my life was filled with raising kids. My life has been hitting a transition with our kids getting older and soon heading off to college, etc. It has really hit me lately that, before I know it, my life will go from the focus of raising kids to a life without them living here anymore. Your experience is giving me a glimpse of how full life will still be without kids around. I have moments when I think about what my days will look like as these changes take place, but it's just so hard to imagine. I am getting a clearer picture though by getting to have glimpses your life. It's so good to see a homemaker providing such a positive picture of how full and meaningful a life you can create even if you don't have children, or your children are no longer at home, and that being a homemaker in those instances is not an excuse to be lazy. You obviously have a full and meaningful life, not a lazy one. I dread the day when the last child leaves home and I'm asked when I will be getting a "job".PoppyLhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06007494773180914306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-89113096802653098592009-05-12T06:24:00.000-07:002009-05-12T06:24:00.000-07:00Well 50's Gal, you don't need to answer some of th...Well 50's Gal, you don't need to answer some of the questions in the letter I posted yesterday... lol.<br /><br />Like I've said before, even if you don't stay a homemaker forever the skills you've learned, like organization, timekeeping etc will help you be superwoman if you do start working.Angelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11514436596464212948noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-11715475335458940862009-05-12T05:07:00.000-07:002009-05-12T05:07:00.000-07:00Hairball-it is so true. For some reason the decisi...Hairball-it is so true. For some reason the decision to stay at home is so strange and bizarre to other women. I have no idea why. If I said I was going to be a telemarketer, I sometimes wonder if people would think me less odd, as I am off somewhere getting paid for a task. For some reason, women seem to think if you 'stay at home' you are either a lay about watching soaps and eating bonbons, or some backward slave,doing her husbands bidding and tied to the kitchen in chains. Again, possibly media played into it. Obviously with both people in a family working more money is made and thus it feeds greater into consumer culture. How can you compeletly control a people if women are at home, being thrifty? I know it sounds very 'espionage' but I really feel that advertising used 'womens lib' to subtly parlay we stay at homes into the work force because we NEEDED the money to buy all those things we NEED. <br />weenie elise-I like that, domestic engineer. It is funny, when you are asked 'what you do' many times, in the beginning, I felt the need to explain about the project or I wanted to experiment etc, as if 'Homemaker' was somehow NOT a job. Now, I say proudly, I am a homemaker. It is odd, people seem to just dismiss this, and yet if I said, I work at mcdonalds somehow that would give me more respect? Not that working there is bad, but why is it that working in a specific job, even one you hate, somehow makes you percieved better. Of course, I may, again, be trasferring my own feelings to others and really just struggling with my own decisions. Though, I am very happy with the choice.<br />Michelle-that is amazing, as I mentioned my husband, too, has left his higher paying job in the city to work closer. I really think had I not begun to learn my 'new skills' this choice would be harder or would lead to me having to take some part time job I would loathe.I honestly think that many couples, even during the recession, could actually become one income families, but it would mean giving up things they think they NEED. There are many places to cut cost that people don't want to see.<br />Linda-thank you so much for that wonderful comment.I suppose, my story is unique in a way, but then really many modern homemakers probably have an interesting path to their career. It is not a normal path, it seems, anymore. One rarely starts university with the goal, "I will be a homemaker one day" which, honestly, is rather sad. I think the journey we take makes interesting elements in our homemaking and that is why I think we can all learn so much from one another, we homemakers and lovers of vintage.<br />Gardener B-That is very true, about looking before 1950, which I do try to do. I am actually currently going throuh my latest collection of mid 1940's magazines and am approaching some of my garden as if 'there is a war on'. It really results in a very 'green' approach. I will truly try to get more photos of myself in my outfits. I get so busy that I honestly just forget, but I will try. I LOVE my crinolins! They do make your wais appear smaller and are fun to wear. I love the 'whish' of them. <br />Girl interrupted-how lucky you will be to have that education and you will find yourself applying what you have learned to homemaking. Somehow, this career really adapts itself to your skill set and opens you up to learn more. There is something very democratic about homemaking. It takes us all in, we women from different walks of life, and brings us to a similiar place. I think that is why vintage/homemaking women really could forge such a great bond, regardless of economic, social, religious, and ethnicity. It is the great equalizer. And, when you become a homemaker, you are hungry for knowledge and realize, sometimes for the first time, that KNOWLEDGE does not always come from a book but from the lips of those who share your love and goal. I really think so much of what women have done as homemakers through the use has not been properlly documented and viewed as critical and important knowledge. Now, with the recession, people are turning to these skills to help them through. Really, I think, we should never be without these skills and then we are less dependent upon the economy and more upon ourselves and neighbors. I will be excited to see how your path 'at home' unfolds. I am still friends with my friend but perhaps we have merely grown in two directions, one never knows. It certainly was founded on a misunderstanding. I almost felt apologetic for my decisions, but then realized, I have got to live my life the best way I know how. There is no anomosity, at least not on my side.<br />Thanks again, everyone, for all the great comments. I really feel such a great bond growing with all of us.50sgalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09250940806307766624noreply@blogger.com