What They See Is What You Get

Children absorb what they see at home, whether parents plan or not.

At one time my pre-teen daughters squealed with excitement when we came upon a Norman Rockwell display. Now I like and respect NR, but I didn't teach and preach him. However, we had a Rockwell art book--a book so large that it merited a prominent spot on the bookshelves.

Likewise, we bought and framed a bright poster to put in the boys' room. I wanted a hot-air balloon but had to settle for the flying something or other, which was at least colorful--a paraglider.

Then there was the world map. We papered it to the wall and placed the TV in front of it. I comforted myself that all that time spent in front of the set might yield some geography knowledge. It did.

Now, I'm not certain about the last example, but I'm convinced that the first two illustrate the idea that children are soaking it in, whatever it is.

Robert Wallace and Julia Groberg Blair

Here we all are at the BYU in Provo, watching Roger as he takes a picture with my cell phone. Ben's father was honored as one of ten BYU Alumni Emeriti for 2007. I love to see all the Blairs and be reminded once again that my grandchildren belong to so fine a family.

We had a wonderful visit, seeing old friends and acquaintances and being on campus. In fact, as we walked through the Law School Building, on the wall we spotted this other photo.


















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Revolutionary War

I've loved reading David McCullough's book this past week. I'm awed. What some patriot soldiers went through, only to be killed finally, leaves me feeling nearly worshipful. Can't wait to read more.
Parts of the war took place in familiar sounding towns: White Plains, Mamaraneck, etc. (It looks like Hoboken is called "Hobuck" on old maps).

Hoboken Houseguests

Jared and Liz came to town! It made me SO HAPPY to see them. They're looking at property in Utah. I took this picture with my new digital camera, my Valentine present.

Paper Clutter

How do women manage their paper--the mail, the phone lists, newsletters, etc.? My neighbor uses a notebook, a standard 3-ring binder. She puts the phone lists, soccer schedules, book club rosters, etc., under tabs., and keeps the book by the kitchen phone. A good idea.

Incidentally, in McCauley's Motel of the Mysteries, archaeologists of the future excavate a motel from our day, buried along with the rest of civilization under--not volcanic ash but--a glut of paper.

Happy Valentine's Day

Valentine hugs and kisses to everyone today.
Love, Mom

Dansk at D.I.

There's a theme going in my life, at 62, not so much aging of people but aging of things.

I loved the pottery-like finish of my dishes when I married. I chose Dansk over fine china, both in the same price range. And I have liked them since, despite the cheap knock-offs that jammed the market. I didn't consider how their little clay lives would end, beyond standard breakage, so I was surprised last week to see four Dansk saucers like mine, fifty cents each, at D.I. Thrift Store. Who could not want them? Who would give them away?

Looks like the answer is: "Just about everyone."

Fruit bowl pictured is similar to mine; plates have additional blue trim.

Harvest Gold

In sorting old papers I came across this 60's ad for kitchen and bath fixtures. I kept the ad all these years presumably because I was in love with the graphics, the girl's outfit, etc. I'm amazed at what "stylish" things look like to me in retrospect. I mean, since that time we've seen plenty of years of Harvest Gold and Avocado Green applicances and plumbing, complete with orange and brown decorating accents.

I remember my Aunt Emmy laughing uncontrollably at B/W snapshots of herself, family, etc., twenty years after the pictures were taken--the outfits, the hair-do's--everyone in the photos feeling pretty cool about themselves. We can all look back and laugh.

The one thing that still impresses me about the ad is the work designers went to, back before you could download 50-million fonts and every graphic under the sun.

Car Blanket

This is for Gabby. I don't see a pattern I like better for a little boy's blanket. It's still marketed by Marimekko but hard to find here.

Piano Lessons

It's good to see children taking piano. The progress may seem slow, but it's a wonderful thing.












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Lucille Urquhart

Great to be in St. George for Lucy's baptism. It's exciting that they're moving; exciting to talk about all that Steve is doing.


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