Short Evening Frock

Christian Dior’s Little Dictionary of Fashion was my inspiration for this piece.  While the dress is lovely, the woman’s waist is about as wide as her neck.  This poor faceless woman has become a backdrop to the glory of haute couture and social propriety.

Delightful Garment

Delightful Garment

December, 1959, Glamour magazine.  A particular ad promises nirvana, (a  younger, smaller silhouette) after the purchase of this ‘delightful garment’, a large girdle.  But, really, how delightful is a girdle?  How good can this be for a body, to be held taught and crammed into a tiny space in order to produce the right curvature in the right places. 

And, after one had landed a prospective mate, what happens when the delightful garment is removed, releasing its victim to the realities of a human female body?  Maybe the delightful garment could also be used to reign in an unwilling groom?

Cinderella Suddenly Had A Craving for Pumpkin Pie

Cinderella Suddenly Has a Craving for Pumpkin Pie

Cinderella is a story told around the world.  In the Western version, she’s a good girl, upon whom life has dealt a harsh blow.  She continues to be kind and helpful, and is eventually rescued by a handsome Prince (would she have been so willing to leave had the Prince been less attractive?).

In my version of the story, Cinderella is hungry.  She’s been starving herself for a week in order to fit into her gorgeous designer gown, the one with the teeny waist.  After riding in a bumpy pumpkin-coach, she finally arrives at the ball.  But, at this point, the Prince can wait.  She’s hungry.  And the pumpkin coach has whetted her appetite for pumpkin pie!  After a piece of pie, she’ll consider the prince’s offer.

Shopping List

Grocery List

Grocery shopping can be a frustrating experience.  I keep lists of what we need, only to find that in the middle of preparing a meal, I only have one egg left, when the recipe calls for two.  Wandering up and down the aisles of the grocery store, I try to remember what we have, what we’re missing, and what we’ll potentially need.  

Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to bring home a good night’s sleep when you know that your 8 year old son is likely to need tucking back into bed at 2am?   Or having a spare sense of humor in your pantry when your dog finds that hole in the fence and is ravaging your neighbor’s back yard?   So the grocery list continues to grow!

Red Bow

Red Bow

About two years ago, my mother-in-law gave me her copy of Christian Dior’s Dictionary of Fashion (published circa 1950).  Leafing through it, I was amazed at the complicated list of fashion dos and don’ts, so important to being a well-groomed young lady.

This painting (Red Bow) was all about emphasizing the bow, while the woman and dress fade into the background.  How interesting that the Bow is the star, and the woman has a supporting role!

What I did love about the book were the fashion illustrations, and the quality of the linework.  While photography has replaced most of these illustrations, I do miss the artistry ever-present in these beatiful drawings.

Rainy Day

Rainy Day

Rainy Day

One rainy Saturday afternoon, my husband thoughtfully offered to take the kids out for the afternoon, so that I’d have some time to myself.  I was very excited at the prospect of some free time. 

However, as soon as the door closed, I started to go through a long list of all of the things I wanted to do.  And I only had two hours! 

This piece is about the realization that I can feel overwhelmed even when I find free time.  Raising children in the suburbs can easily lead to a fast and frenetic pace for families.  Downtime can become a rare treat.  You want the best for your kids and your family.  Yet, there is only one of you, and eventually, you have to say no to things.  This is my lesson, deciding when I will say ‘Yes’, and when I will say ‘No’.

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