Merry Christmas 1965 Style

Ah, the ghosts of Christmas past!  I'm only 2 and a half years old here, in the year 1965.  I've not a clue what that Christmas was like, as most of my memories start at the age of 3.  However, judging by the smiles I'm guessing it was a happy time.  The overload of silver tinsel on the tree is something I do remember, as that tradition continued throughout my childhood.  The delights of tinsel even graced my tree after I married, and set up house of my own.  Sadly we don't fling the stuff on our tree anymore, mainly because our two fuzzy felines eat it off the tree, as if it were spaghetti! :)  Somehow, a Christmas tree doesn't feel complete to me, without silver tinsel and the forever memorable... plastic ice sickles.  I wonder why? ;)

 I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.  I hope your homes will be filled with joy, just like the joy you share with me here in blog land.  Peace, Love and Blessings to all!

The Snowman

I've been away from blog land for a bit, so I apologize for not visiting your blogs of late.  We were busy building a snowman, ice skating, and sightseeing in Taos, New Mexico.  A welcome vacation for the children, trading in the sunshine of Texas for lots of snow.  It had been decades since I tried to build a snowman. Don't you love the magical qualities we somehow perceive them to have?

He needed a bright red handkerchief, to add a cowboy touch to him.  We gave him "Milk Dud" candy eyes, to add to his sweet disposition.  He was content with sticks for nose and mouth. 

Chloe was intensely staring at our creation from behind a door, so desperately wanting to pounce on it.  I wouldn't dare let her out, for fear of the harm that might be fall our new snowy friend.  Now, we are back at home, and I'm so very behind in my Christmas preparations, but looking forward to enjoying the holiday.  Hope you are too!

Happy Thanksgiving Circa 1968

Oh, the Thanksgivings of my childhood.  Such wonderful memories.  Every Thanksgiving was spent downstairs in my Grandmother's house.  We lived in a 2 family home, Nanny Kitty and Papa on the ground floor, and our family upstairs.  Nanny would be up bright and early, with her apron tied around her waist, making all the preparations.  The wonderful aroma of the Turkey cooking in her oven, would make it's way through the hallway, and up the sixteen steps that separated our doors. 

Our cousins would join us for the family meal.  Children were always casually dressed.  I'm seated far left, in my favorite orange Red Baron Peanuts sweatshirt, and sporting my least favorite haircut, the boyish "pixie."  :)  Mom would always be wearing a skirt, blouse, and pearls, or some other type of necklace.   There were always so many things to eat.  My standard favorites were the mashed potatoes, stuffing, and the of course, turkey with gravy. 

After dinner, which was always served promptly at 1:00 p.m., the big football games were played on the television, while the women cleaned up.  Later in the evening, leftover turkey was used to make delicious sandwiches, and out came the desserts.  Usually dessert consisted mainly of various pies, such as apple, pumpkin, and pecan pie.  Only pies were ever served.  No cookies or fancy cakes.  A simple, pure, traditional Thanksgiving....with all the trimmings!  The more things change, the more they stay the same.  :)

I hope all my American friends and their families enjoy a Happy, Joyous, Thanksgiving.      

Bring Back the Matching Coats and Hats!

Gone seem to be the days of children's matching coats and hats.  The ones that our mothers made us wear, even when we obviously grew out of them.  As a child, I never understood the reason for that, other than to purposely make us look silly.  ;)

Now, of course, I understand that these outfits cost a pretty penny, and our mothers were just trying to eek out the very last day of wear, before the item was either passed down to another family member, or donated to some needy soul. 

Back in the 1960's, little girls like myself could be seen walking all over the towns and cities sporting these ensembles.  We were a dime a dozen!  Now, I do a double take when I spy one today. 

Clothes were well made back then, of quality materials.  Made in the U.S.A for the most part.  Purchased in shops downtown or on our main streets, in locally owned children's shops.  A time when there still existed shoe stores, dedicated to selling just children's shoes.  Where shoes were displayed in the window, and shoe clerks would not only measure your shoe size, but would put on and tie the shoes.  You would stand up, and he would feel for the tip of your big toe, to make sure it was a proper fit.  I miss all that pampering.  :) 

I have lived in many places over the last few decades, and sadly those places are very scarce.  Anyway, not to worry, I still have photographs and memories to take me back to the good old days!  (Photographs taken of my brother and I by my father, in 1966)  Do you remember having any matching coats and hats when you were young?

Momma Goes Hollywood!

Some of you will recognize this photo of my mother, which I shared on my very first "Mondays with Mother," back in November 2009.  Well, last year I was approached by the film director, Andy Milkis, asking if he could use this very photo in his latest short comedy film, entitled "Butterbird Hotline."  He would flashback to this photo, as my mother, is supposed to be the mother of the main character, Barbara Sue.

The official synopsis of the film states:  Barbara Sue Whittson works as a cooking counselor for the Butterbird Hotline. Butterbird, the nation's largest turkey company, set up the hotline to help customers with their turkey prep questions. Barbara Sue has worked at the Hotline for the past 17 years.

Who is Barbara Sue, and what tragic incident in her past compels her to help others?

Tranquility Base Films presents: Butterbird Hotline - proof that true love is never undercooked!

After making the rounds on the independent film circuit, Director Andy Milkis has now generously posted "Butterbird Hotline" on YouTube. 

Mom's full screen photograph appears at approximately the 2 minute mark, of the 13 minute film.

The director even graciously listed yours truly, under "special thanks" on the ending credits.  I know your going to love the fabulous retro illustrations shown in the opening credits of this funny, cute short film.  Just in time for Thanksgiving.  The funniest thing, is that Maria Bisso, who plays the main character, in many ways facially resembles my mother.  Life is full of coincidences.  Now, Momma goes Hollywood! ;)  

I hope you enjoy it!

 

Mondays with Mother ~ part 30

Just when I thought there were no more to be shown, I was delighted to come across another wedding party photograph. You must know by now, how this type of photo delights me to no end. Here we have the 1955 wedding of my Aunt Eileen, my mother's oldest sister. The bride was 21 years old, and my mom (right of bride) was 18 at the time. My mother was so proud to be the maid of honor, especially at such a young age.

A few things stand out to me here.  Firstly, the enormous height of the groomsman standing far right.  I can't fathom his total height!  Secondly, although my Aunt's wedding dress is stunning, I can't get past seeing the lower outline, formed by her wired

undergarment.  I'm not sure what the solution would have been, but I'm sure my Aunt didn't want that feature to be visible.  Nothing that a little "Photoshop" couldn't fix today, I suppose. ;)  Back then, I'm guessing no such enhanced feature would have been available.  Lastly, is it me, or are you almost waiting for the three bridesmaids on the left to burst into song?  My mind imagines them standing before huge microphones, performing as a trio.  :)  Yes, I'm crazy like that!

Have a swell day!