It can be said that living in the past is unhealthy, and in many respects I agree. But the past not only offers lessons learned and a path to how we came to be presently, but odds and ends of a different way of doing things, helping us decide how we want to establish our personal footing in the world, and glimpses of a lost connection with something outside of ourselves.
I am those dirty words: sentimental, idealistic, nostalgic. Aka: sappy, corny, kooky. (I embrace them all!) While I am all these things, I don’t (always) live in a dream world. The reality of contemporary times and everyday life are at the forefront. I do, however, like to incorporate my love of past relics, my yearning for a more regaled approach, and my pure enjoyment of using useful yet left behind objects into my life. Technology and modern conveniences are a part of our lives now, and most of us wouldn’t know how to function without them. They do make our lives easier, but I will gladly sacrifice a little convenience for the feeling of doing something myself, the latest trend for something I enjoy that maybe no one else does, and an easily produced object for a personal touch that alludes to something special.
I started this blog to share my ideas about vintage inspired things, antiques, in general what I enjoy and use, and a peek at specific times left behind. I’m sure I’m not the only one who has to preface most things with “Yes, I know, I am a dork” or gets those sideways glances when people find out my likes, loves, and overall take on life. I can’t be the only one! I’ve been often referred to as “young at heart with an old soul.” I’ll take that. So I hope to talk about everything: music (my love of Perry Como to the lovely sound She & Him evoke), movies (I love classics, including silent film, and what most contemporary movies are lacking), fashion (dresses, hair, accessories, the need for personal fashion awareness), antiques (I peruse many local shoppes frequently), general outings (road trip stops, and taking the train for the day instead of driving), historical references and the movements that were inspired by them (art, fashion trends), establishments and structures from a by-gone era (crumbling barns on the prairies, diners), a class and a subtle sophistication that seems to have gotten lost (too many t-shirts and ill fitting clothes, nonexistent customer service, manners, and common courtesy), and much more.
Lovely Shades of Nostalgia 
“They do make our lives easier, but I will gladly sacrifice a little convenience for the feeling of doing something myself, the latest trend for something I enjoy that maybe no one else does, and an easily produced object for a personal touch that alludes to something special.”
Join the club 😀 I’d gladly give away my lappy for yesterday’s world…
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Oh yes, there are so many things forgotten from the past that need to be brought back.
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Great “About” page! I just discovered you today on Freshly Pressed, and though I am extremely hesitant to hit ‘subscribe’ on anyones blog, (too many emails jamming my box which I NEVER visit and delete!) I subscribed immediately!
I am on a vintage voyage myself. I publish a blog called ‘Salad A Day” (www.salad-a-day.blogspot.com) which mainly features vintage salads, currently taken from a 1921 book by a Maitre di’ named Henri Keleg, called -Fancy Salads of the Big Hotels. These salads are not nearly as attractive or interesting as modern salads, but I HAVE to try them all. To that end, I went to Wegmans Grocery to find truffles- $40.00 for one truffle! And special ordered, I must buy 2 ounces, at $80.00 – my dedication is such, that one day I will.
I love most all of what you do, except Perry Como. As a teenager, I listened to my old vinyl albums of Bing Crosby (Moonshadow Waltz) and Marlene Dietriech (Falling in Love Again) and loved the feeling of sinking into the black and white past, like falling into a velvet chocolate plush robe…mmmmmm.
SO, I will be devouring all of your past posts over time. My Spectrum Woman blog is brand new, not itself vintage, but if you peek at my “about” page, you’ll feel the resemblance!
Keep up the great, romantic, nolstalgic work!
– Spectra
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Thanks! I appreciate the subscription. I never thought of vintage salads! I will definitely take a look at that. I love your imagery of “sinking into the black and white past.” Couldn’t have said it better. And I like to keep Perry to myself anyway. 😉
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I own a nostalgic food and gifts company. LOVE your work. If you have any interest in a guest post or something please reach out.
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Thanks, Ben! Do you have a site or a link to your company? Would love to check it out, and if I could help in some way with a post. 🙂
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