Some Things we Love Stay With Us

Isn’t it interesting how some of the things we loved when we were children still appeal to us mightily as adults?  Fortunately, I guess, we lose interest in most of what kept us spellbound as children.  However, I’ve noticed there are a few sacred items that still capture my undying attention as an octogenarian.

Ballet

For instance, although I haven’t been in a ballet class in fifty years, yesterday I watched an hour long documentary about young women who have devoted their lives to the dance, now faced with the reality of the written -in -stone selection process in the ballet world that is essential to get to the next level and go on with a career.  Too busty?  Too bad!  I was riveted.  I felt their pain when they had to confront the reality that their long dreamed of career had hit a brick wall.It’s a fascinating story and revelation for all dance lovers; a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of professional ballerinas.  Silver Feet.

While watching it, I found my feet doing the combinations and my face smiling for the young women when things went well for them.  Over identification, perhaps?

I let ballet “go” when I was about 14.  It was a tough decision, but made easier because asthma had made completing a typically vigorous class difficult for me.  But the years have not diminished my appreciation of its beauty, nor lessened my desire to be able to participate in a class again!

Nantucket

Nantucket, a tiny, isolated island off Cape Cod,Massachusetts, is a summer destination with dune-backed beaches. It’s marked by unpainted cedar-shingled buildings, many surrounded by manicured privets. The wharves and cobblestoned streets of the Town of Nantucket are lined with restaurants, high-end boutiques and steepled churches. The town’s Whaling Museum recounts the island’s role as a 19th-century whaling hub.  google

I might be disappointed by all the growth that’s happened on the island in my absence. It will be interesting to see.  I know my days of biking to the be aches from town has ended. 

What about collecting multi – colored scallop shells at local beaches? Treasure!! I doubt that I’ll be able to resist.  I also know I can no longer lay about in the sun for hours as I used to.  Bring the sun screen, lady and a good book to read under an umbrella. 

I loved Nantucket because all beaches had public access, unlike most of snotty New England.  I loved the architecture, the dunes, the wild roses, the ferry ride over, the fresh swordfish, the long bike rides, the strolls through town.  There was little I didn’t like.  In the early days, for several years, we were able to rent a small but usable cottage for $100 per week, which was manageable and meant that we returned year after year.  Our move to CA ended the idyll. But not the desire to go there.

Flowers

I’ve always loved flowers.  So did my Mom.  Our landscape  overflowed with them when I was a child. My mother could hardly wait to get the first pansies in the almost frozen ground. I always shared her happiness once they were planted.  It meant winter was over!!  I still haunt the nurseries.  This is a love that will last my life time I am sure!  When I first moved to CA and walked through a plant nursery, I was truly a kid in a candy store!I still enjoy the experience.CA is the Garden of Eden.

Vintage, but not precious

Growing up in New England, I was never far away from antiques.  You guessed it; my mother loved to go antiquing.  Me, not so much, but I could be easily lured to join her with a promise to look at the antique dolls. I somehow understood that they were too expensive for us, but I never gave up hoping.

I always enjoyed looking at vintage ads and papers.  In those years, vintage paper items were almost a giveaway,  so I soon had a very small collection of my own.

I’ve somehow managed to keep some of these papers.  I still  enjoy rifling through them when I come across them.  Somehow they transport me instantly back 150 years or so.  Oh those dresses!  and petticoats!

Dolls

A subcategory of antiques are the antique dolls.  They made American made dolls seem primitive by comparison. They still seem exquisite to me, but fortunately, I’m beyond wanting one, although if one of my grandkids twisted my arm….Maybe it’s the glass eyes?

Milernery flowers

Another sub category of antiques are milernery flowers that once adorned women’s hats.  Nothing seemed too frivolous or extravagant to be used to enhance a hat!  I have managed to buy a few old hats covered with milernery flowers, as well as a few tied old corsages made with daisies.  Every once and a while, I’ll pin a little charmer to something I have on.  (not underwear)I’m never sure whether it looks as charming to other onlookers, or just looks stupid, but I do it anyways.

I still love these flowers and have found a few websites that sell them. When I figure out something clever to do with them, I’ll let you know!

FYI, in case you think all I do is keep adding to the pile, here are some things I’ve let go!   Strawberry ice cream sodas, ruffled anything, crinoline petticoats,  big sleeved blouses, too much pink, circle skirts, high heels, playing the flute, Superman and wonder woman, ethnic clothing, deep crush on Yul Brynner.

Funny, these images still look damn good to me.  Maybe it’s time to revisit??