Same cardi…
I wore this cardigan in my very first Try It Again Tuesday! I guess that means I like it, right? The only thing that’s a little strange about it is how short it is…even on me! I have worn it with jeans as well as other dresses. There’s just something about this special little cardi! Even though it’s a TIAT post, this post is inspired by one of my subscribers, Tresi. We were emailing about memories, and I remembered this one.
Fond memories…
I’ve written so many posts about my childhood, but I’m not sure I tagged them back then. I’ll have to go back and check. I think you could find some of them if you searched for playground, Westgate, or Grandma or Grandpa Luderman. Anyway, I truly had an idyllic childhood. I wonder if kids today have that kind of life. I mean, social media wasn’t a thing, and we only had three television channels for most of my childhood with PBS and another channel coming in when I was a preteen. The point of that is maybe the scary people were out there then, but we just didn’t hear about them. For the most part, there wasn’t really any of the “keeping up with the Joneses” attitude you see today. I mean, my mom did want things she saw neighbors getting, but she also didn’t want to spend the money! She wasn’t the original penny pincher. That was her mom, my Grandma Luderman! Yeah, I had an exceptional childhood…you can read about our backyard playground here if you’d like.
Rose colored glasses…
Or, am I just looking at the past through Rose colored glasses? I capitalized that on purpose. My maiden name was Rose! I don’t know about you, but I seem to remember the good more than the bad. Now, brain theory will tell you you remember the things that scare or startle you more. Your amygdala, also known as the lizard brain, is responsible for that fight or flight reflex. And, if you startle someone, chances are they will remember that. I tried it on one of my students once. We were practicing multiplication facts. I told the class 13 x 13 = 169 and had them repeat it a couple of times. Then, I was right behind this student (one I knew could take it), and said, in a very loud voice, “C, what is 13 x 13?” He stumbled around for a bit so the class answered for him. A little later, I did the same thing (we weren’t having math at the time), and he immediately said 169! I’m not sure what subject we were in at that point, but we stopped and talked about the amygdala and how big emotions could and did connect to moments in time. But, I digress…
Not So Rose colored glasses…
I wonder how many of you and others experienced the type of childhood I did. I mean, I definitely remember the bad times, too. I wasn’t always the absolutely delightful person you’ve come to know and love. I was a brat, pure and simple. I was into things all the time. I was constantly in trouble with my mom because we had the exact same temperament. Talking back to your elders? Oh, friends! I was a pro at that! Sneak out when I shouldn’t? Why, yes, I did! I got grounded so many times in a summer…I probably set a record! And, if I had a nickel for every time my mom said, “Just wait until your dad gets home,” I’d be living on a beach in a cute little cottage! Honestly, if my mom said something was white, I’d say it was black. If she said to go, I’d stay. Anything to make her mad! I did it on purpose, I admit! And, of course, she cursed me…you know that curse, right? It’s when your parent says, “I hope you have one just like you!” I did, of course! I swore to never curse my kids, and I haven’t!
A little more…
My dad was my hero. I don’t know if, somehow or other, I knew he wouldn’t be there forever, or if we just both loved the same things. Dad planted trees and taught me how to water them. Now, here’s the thing. The hose didn’t reach the trees. They were on the lots Mom and Dad had bought behind our backyard. So, I had to lug big buckets of water to the trees. The first time, I just dumped the water over the ground around the bottom of the tree. Dad taught me you had to slowly pour it on so that the water soaked into the ground rather than just running off. You already know he taught me how to mow. Dad loved the water which is why he and Mom bought a lake lot and later a cottage. He taught me how to start the motor on our rowboat, and I would steer that boat over and over the wake left behind. I also had to row it at times when Mom got a little more strict with me. Dad taught me it was important where you put your feet when you’re in the “attic” part of a cottage. Why, you ask? Because, if you don’t, your foot will go right through the ceiling…not that I know that for sure, of course! I wish Dad had been the person to teach me how to drive. Instead, he taught me how to say goodbye, how to grieve, and how to pull yourself together for others. Damn, he’s been gone for fifty years, and I still miss him.
A lathe…
I bet you’re wondering where this is going…bear with me! Our garage was a wooden affair about 50 yards away from the house. It had a door on the side, but it was always locked. I don’t know if there was even a key for it. I loved snooping around in the garage even though I was always in there. Of course, Dad had a workbench in there as well as all of our bikes. He took baby food jars (remember the glass ones) and screwed the lids upside down into the bench at the front edge. He would then fill the jars with various nuts, bolts, nails, etc., then screw the jar into the lid. Genius, right? Anyway, one day, this lathe showed up attached to the workbench. I have no idea why Dad bought it, but he also bought the tools you needed to turn wood on it. In no time flat, I was turning wood blocks into all kinds of cool blobs! I had no idea what I was doing, but I loved that lathe! It was so cool to see how just a little pressure here or there would create different shapes. I eventually made little cups on it. And, then, as often happens, the thrill was gone. I don’t remember anyone else ever using that lathe…not even Dad. When Mom sold the house, the lathe was still there. I wonder if I could get Nigel to buy one! I need a new hobby (like I need a hole in the head)!
The outfit…
You probably recognize this Anemone cardigan. I’ve worn it many times, twice on the blog (here and here). It’s now on sale and available in three colors in limited sizes. I don’t have any affiliation with Gudrun Sjödén, but I thought I’d let you know about the sale. The Höstanemone dress is no longer available. But, sometimes, things pop back in stock so keep checking if you’re interested (it’s on super sale). I added a slip in “olive oil.” While I normally wouldn’t have thought to put this sweater with this dress, I really liked the combination. I love the way the slip adds that punch of color!
The Lewk!
These Brandy colored Leighton boots from Miz Mooz were a splurge, but I wear them quite often. They were comfortable right out of the box. I haven’t even put my orthotics in them. They are just that good. The leather is like buttah! The earrings and necklace are an early fall purchase from J Jill. Is there brown in my outfit? Nope, not at all! But, there’s something organic about the stones which seems to work with the dress and cardigan.
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I hope you had a wonderful childhood. Mine wasn’t always a bowl of cherries, but it was definitely magical. My little brother and I were always in cahoots and got in trouble all the time. I bet you can’t guess who was the ringleader! I wonder if that lathe is still at Mom’s old house. I haven’t been there since the day she moved out. I would love to see how it’s changed. So, can we talk? How would you describe your childhood? Was there a special item you’ve forgotten but now remembered? How do you miss someone you only knew for 16 years and has been gone for 50 years? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as quickly as I can.
Thank you!
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That sounds like a fabulous childhood. And I wished I had you as my teacher when I was a child. I can hardly remember any good things about my childhood, it was a difficult one. Love your outfit! I think these kind of colours and layered looks are amazing on you.
Thank you, Nancy! I complain about red and here I am wearing it. You’ve made me cry with your comment about wanting me for your teacher! I loved teaching and hope all my students liked being in my class. I just didn’t believe in kids sitting still and listening to a lecture. We danced and sang and did all kinds of crazy stuff. Luckily, my classroom was at the very end of the hall, far from the principal’s office! I’m so sorry your childhood was difficult. I’m glad you found Gerben and have a happy life now.
Happy memories Marsha and a pretty outfit too.
Thanks, Rosie! I am lucky to have these memories!
I have lots of happy memories of childhood too and I know my boys do as well as they often talk about it too. I love your outfit; it’s so cheery! The colors and patterns go so well together.
Thanks, Joanne! We took these photos on the first day of December so it could have been a Christmas look, right? I am sure your boys have had wonderful childhoods! You are so active and doing such cool stuff!
I love this cardigan and the layering in this look! Thank you for sharing the wonderful memories of your Dad. I miss my Dad too.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you, Kathrine! I really love this cardigan, too. I wonder if it’s harder for girls when they lose their dads. I know my brother misses my dad a lot. He was only 14, I think, when Dad died. I’m sending you a hug, my friend.
Sounds like you had a wonderful childhood! Sometimes I look back and think mine was fabulous and other times not so much – depends on the day I guess. But I do think being outside and playing was a good thing. My mom didn’t work and that was a good thing too – no day care for us. It’s a different life today for sure.
The cardi looks like it was mean to be worn with this dress. I think it’s pattern mixing at it’s best!
xo,
Kellyann
Thanks, Kellyann! The cardi and dress were in the same collection so they work together well. I was so lucky to live in a huge neighborhood where everyone knew everyone else. And, we were outside all the time as late as we could. In general, the good times way outweighed the bad ones. Mom didn’t go to work until I was in fourth grade, and my little sister (the youngest) was in Kindergarten. She’d been itching to get a job. I’m not sure if it was financial, or if she just wanted to do something outside the home. After she started working, we took vacations other than to relatives and had two cars. When Dad died so young, she did say it was a good thing she’d gone back to work. I know she missed him even more than I did. She remarried, but it was a huge mistake. They married in May and separated by October. Luckily, she hadn’t changed her name nor had they combined their finances. She never dated again, and she was only in her mid 40s.
My childhood was a very mixed affair of lots of fun, but sometimes missing out on things because there were many kids and not much money. It taught me a lot, but wasn’t always easy.
It helped being outside all of the time with my friend, funny how much I have turned into a couch potato since then 😉
That’s a lovely outfit, the layered look is really nice.
Thanks, Cat! It’s that time to wear layers, you know? There were four of us kids, and my mom was a stay at home mom until I was ten. She was also very frugal and always worried about money. It really helped that we had that huge playground out back as well as living in a huge neighborhood with lots of kids. I used to play soccer, basketball and baseball. I even skateboarded! Now, I look at kids doing that and think how lucky they are since my Frankenfoot keeps me from doing things like that these days.
I think it’s good to remember the good times. Of course we have a little of both, but does it help to remember the bad ones?
It’s human nature to know how to push your mom’s buttons…you should see my mom and I at times. But we are wonderful enablers when it comes to shopping and clothes, LOL.
Love how you mixed prints this way!!
XOOX
Jodie
Thanks, Jodie! I kinda cheated on the mixing of prints because this cardigan and dress are shown together in the collection. I really was so lucky to grow up in the neighborhood I did. Everyone knew everyone else, and if you did something wrong, you could be sure your mom would know about it before you got home! Sure, there were bad things, too. My dad had his first heart attack when he was 38 which means I was 9 or 10. This was back when they just kept the patient in the hospital on bed rest for several weeks. But, I prefer to remember him as the fun loving guy he was. I just really wish I’d had more years to reflect back upon. My mom and I truly were cut from the same cloth, but we were also very close. When she died, there were all these things I knew she wanted that my sisters didn’t know. My oldest sister said, “You may have fought like cats and dogs, but you were the closest one to her.” And, she was right!
It sounds like you had a wonderful childhood. I was always in trouble too. I think I was looking for attention after my sister was born. This is such a pretty look! I didn’t know the green layer was a slip – it looks like part of the dress!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thanks, Jill! That’s what I love about these slips. They look like an extension but add so much oomph! I really did have a wonderful childhood, but oh, my goodness! I got in so much trouble all the time. I was the second of four children with a five year gap between me and my oldest sister. There were only about 16 months between me and my brother. My little sister (who was truly the “baby”) was five years after me. I would probably have been on ritalin today!
I recently tried to connect with a distant cousin I discovered through genealogy. She refused, writing that she had a “difficult childhood” and wasn’t interested in genealogy, so I should not contact her again. I didn’t know whether to be mad or sad. I wasn’t trying to pry into her life, I just wanted to acknowledge our relationship and learn any info she might know about our family. I can’t imagine what happened to her that was so terrible she rejects contact with a distant relation. For that, I do feel sad.
Oh, Aletha, that would make me so terribly sad, too. I would be very excited to meet a new relation, but everyone is different. Perhaps, after she’s thought about it, she’ll contact you.
My childhood was mostly happy, but it definitely had its not so great moments. My brother is one of my best friends to this day; he was one of the best parts of my childhood. We are close siblings, and that is something my mom very much wanted. And you should definitely get a lathe!
Your outfit is so pretty! I love it! So flowy and flowery and happy.
Thanks, Erin! I just love this brand! It’s so fun. My little brother and I were often partners in crime, and though we’re not as close as we once were, I know I can count on him, and he can count on me. I would love one…Mike would be shocked if I asked for one, I think!
I enjoyed reading about your childhood, Marsha. Even though my parents divorced when I was young, I do have many happy childhood memories. We have a large family and there was never a shortage of shenanigans!
Thanks, Christie! I was so lucky to have two parents who were devoted to each other even though my dad died at such a young age.
Firstly Marsha I do love this outfit and its wonderful colour mix. I agree sometimes we do see our childhood in different ways , both idyllic and sometimes the opposite. I do think that in many ways life was simpler and material things were not so important. (or is that my rose coloured glasses).
Thanks, Jill! Both pieces were in the same collection so I was pretty sure they’d work together. Oh, I do believe life was definitely simpler when we were kids. Or, maybe we just didn’t hear about the things going on like we do now…instantly! Material things didn’t seem to be that important, but, hey, I was a little kid then! My mom and dad were just regular people who enjoyed playing cards with friends and family and having a cocktail or a beer every once in a while. I think rose colored glasses are good things sometimes.
I absolutely love this outfit: the colors and print mix are perfect! I enjoyed reading about your childhood. I was the goody 2 shoes daughter lol. I just started a no electronics during the week rule in the house (the boys can watch a little TV after dinner) and it is amazing how a little boredom is getting the boys more imaginative and in the mood to go outside even though it’s pretty cold. They were becoming couch potatoes even though they had limited time on their devices.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thank you, Mireille! It is even better IRL! Hahaha!!! I was never a goody 2 shoes! My mom would crack up at the idea. I was always, always, always in trouble! We spent every minute we could outside, but we had an amazing neighborhood and a wonderful playground. We also had bikes and rode all over. Life was definitely different back then.
This dress + cardi combo is print mix heaven – absolutely love it! Although kids today would look back at the childhoods of the age 50+ set and probably think they were boring, we were masters of creating our own entertainment – we had to, right? I definitely appreciate the freedom I had to wander as a kid, which is something current kids really don’t do very much of.
Thanks, Sally! I love both the dress and the cardi. They were part of the same collection so I think that’s why they work together so well. Oh, my gosh! We used to get refrigerator boxes and make all kinds of forts out of them! Sometimes, we’d take cardboard and pack down the tall grass to make rooms in large houses. We definitely used our imaginations. My oldest two grands live in a neighborhood that’s probably a bit bigger than the one I grew up in, but it’s nowhere near safe to just be out and about after dark. Life has definitely changed.
What a fun peak back into your childhood! I remember my childhood fondly, too. I hope my kids feel that way 20 years from now. Trying a lathe sounds like fun! Love the print mixing and color palette of this outfit!
Thanks, Laura! I was so lucky to have the childhood I did. Not everything was peachy keen, but it was so much different from what my grands are experiencing.
I would say I had an idyllic childhood. Life was simpler in that the internet and all it’s fallout hadn’t been born. My girls are trying to give their children a simple childhood, similar to their own, which was similar to mine. There is the constant pull of devices for both child and parent (sometimes it’s harder for the parent) but I see a bit of a swing back in this generation to less screens and more outside play. Maybe fewer activities as well because we all went a little crazy with the after school stuff for a while. I love everything about the outfit including the boots and jewelry!
Thanks, Joyce! I agree life was simpler back then. Kudos to your girls for trying to give their children the same kind of childhood. It’s such a hard thing to do when everyone else has one. That sounds like an excuse, but peer pressure is so very real. Oh, my goodness! I had students who had an activity every school night, and dinnertime was often spent eating in the backseat!
Your childhood sounds wonderful, as does your dad. Precious memories. I have mixed feelings about my childhood, and after my parents split when I was 10 it was pretty crap really, mainly because I didn’t like my mum’s boyfriend and I rarely saw my dad. We all get along really well now though.
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Thank you, Emma! I may be looking at it through rose colored glasses, but I really do believe it was the best. I’m so sorry yours was not as good. But, it’s nice to know all is well now.