tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post9182206409915360023..comments2024-03-19T19:33:25.643+10:00Comments on A Tray of Bliss: Insourcing...my value in the home...Setting an Example....Mimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-40081888427889136412018-03-07T14:51:32.028+10:002018-03-07T14:51:32.028+10:00Dear Mimi, I too enjoyed your trip down memory lan...Dear Mimi, I too enjoyed your trip down memory lane ,and the love of family and all that was passed down to you.Ive done the best I can in my 6 short years of being a grandma and my eldest grandchild says the sweetest things at times. That one day when he builds his new house (dont know where he got this idea from) would I come help him decorate , plant a garden, and teach him cooking etc. And I replied of course I would but he might want others to help. BUt he firmly said no I was the best cook, gardener and house decorator , how could I not love him :-) <br />I would say our home is more homey than trendy , my gardening skills very basic and my meals and baking is of the old fashioned kind.<br />He and his sister can't wait until tomorrow , as They are coming for dinner , after I do school pickup.Im cookign one of their favourite meals and have done baking today, can't wait !<br />Thankyou for sharing with us all , love Maria xxxAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-36300633093417438492018-03-07T08:32:20.504+10:002018-03-07T08:32:20.504+10:00Dear Melody, what a truly lovely comment. I believ...Dear Melody, what a truly lovely comment. I believe that childhood CAN still be simple and pure. I believe it's our duty to shield our children and grandchildren from the things that have potential to cause discontent. And by that I don't mean mollycoddling...more of a fall down, get back up again..that sort of thing. I'm thrilled to resurrected memories for you and your husband. Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-18119440869155149262018-03-07T08:30:31.785+10:002018-03-07T08:30:31.785+10:00Janie, I think it sometimes takes us till our 40s ...Janie, I think it sometimes takes us till our 40s and 50s to appreciate the lessons learned in childhood...or at least to be aware of them. We sort of muddle through our 20s and 30s (even though we're not aware of that either). And yes, acknowledging the cycle of life and the lessons that we learn at Grandmothers knee, becoming the ones we pass on to our own Grandchildren is comforting I think. Contentment. It's so important. Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-44090073536765968882017-07-02T18:41:35.282+10:002017-07-02T18:41:35.282+10:00Dear Mimi,
I loved this post so much that I read i...Dear Mimi,<br />I loved this post so much that I read it to my husband and we sat and reminisced of our fond childhoods and grandparents lessons taught to us. We live a very simple life and are grateful for all we have. However it's not as simple and pure as our childhoods were. Oh how I wish the world for our grandkids was as wonderful as it was for us. We can and will continue to instill in them the simple pleasures of life, and satisfaction of working hard, being grateful and doing for others.<br />Thanks again for such a beautiful post!<br />Melody in ORAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-44151437586388014212017-06-30T11:04:30.840+10:002017-06-30T11:04:30.840+10:00I agree with the other comments about looking forw...I agree with the other comments about looking forward to reading your wise words and reminisences. My childhood experience was similar too and I have to say I didn't realise it in my lovely teenage stage, that the lessons were all about being authentic, resilient and resourceful. What a gift. I do think that I have been blessed to have learned these lessons. They certainly pay off and bring a contentment and confidence that is so valuable in this day and age. There are a lot of undermining messages going on that cause people to question their choices, lifestyle and looks. I can honestly say I'm happy and content with my life and that is something you don't hear a lot of these days.<br />JaniebabeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-14162858947103985922017-06-29T13:58:22.732+10:002017-06-29T13:58:22.732+10:00Dear Jane, I am so glad to have resurrected memori...Dear Jane, I am so glad to have resurrected memories for you too. I laughed about the Chinese cooking. I think I've had a few times like that. Some things are just more trouble than they're worth...lol! Your poor Mum! What a gem Bluey is to take you under his wing. Especially knowing how important food is to the men in our lives! I know that you are the kind of person who will lead by example. And I see already how much that darling granddaughter adores you. I think you're on the right path ;-) Love, Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-83416576408584577962017-06-29T13:55:50.323+10:002017-06-29T13:55:50.323+10:00Dear Debbie, what a beautiful peek this is into yo...Dear Debbie, what a beautiful peek this is into your upbringing! I love everything that you said. I love that you didn't candy coat your parents shortcomings. I love that you acknowledged and honoured both them and your grandparents. I loved the images you invoked with your retelling of your Grandmothers routine. I love that you gave us an insight into your own heritage. Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou. Yes! Peaceful, homey, clean, organised, tantalising scents and experiences, skills kept alive, and pride. Those are the things that remain with us, and make us who we are. Thankyou so much for this comment today. It's made me so happy. Love, Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-52078440359939469512017-06-29T13:52:22.998+10:002017-06-29T13:52:22.998+10:00Dear Del, I thank you for your kind words. It some...Dear Del, I thank you for your kind words. It sometimes feels like a thankless task, when so few comment, and you really don't know who is looking! But from time to time, I get lovely people like you, and my faithful few, who see fit to bestow kind words upon my scribbles. I appreciate it so very much. I agree that despite not everyone having been blessed with my role models, there is always time to realise that you are a role model yourself and take up the baton with kindness and generosity, so that the next generation has your example to follow. I feel you see that too. Love, Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-20045648218974699652017-06-29T13:47:27.617+10:002017-06-29T13:47:27.617+10:00Dear Lynn, thankyou. Our grandchildren are all a l...Dear Lynn, thankyou. Our grandchildren are all a little piece of us, aren't they? Love, Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-2870631013826614952017-06-29T13:46:43.452+10:002017-06-29T13:46:43.452+10:00Dear Melinda, it sounds as if your Grandmother had...Dear Melinda, it sounds as if your Grandmother had her own lessons to pass along, and she did so, admirably. I loved what you said about the fly swatter, it made me laugh! Yes we got swatted a few times too! We all turned out okay, and not a serial killer amongst us...lol! Sometimes I think the best lessons are the ones taught from love. I think you definietely had that. Love, Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-12606540019125834092017-06-29T09:45:02.422+10:002017-06-29T09:45:02.422+10:00Oh Mimi you had me sitting back, sipping my tea an...Oh Mimi you had me sitting back, sipping my tea and wondering down memory lane. My Mum is not a great cook, but boy can she bake! I remember her doing a Chinese cookery course when I was about 15. Dad and us 5 kids devoured what she made. It was so delicious and it was the first time any of us kids had had Chinese inspired food. It was also the last time. Mum couldn't be bothered to spend all that prep time to see it devoured in five seconds flat!<br />My own cooking skills were rather lacking until I met Bluey. His Mum could take an old rubber boot and turn it into a delicious meal. She taught him this skill and over the years Bluey has passed this skill onto the kids and I.<br />One Grandma taught me how to sew, knit and crochet and the other taught me how to set a table and make a simple meal special. <br />Thank you for giving me the nudge to look at these special people in my life and to remember their time with me with such fondness.Janehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06964345893499561504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-52133779221194703432017-06-29T09:03:57.062+10:002017-06-29T09:03:57.062+10:00My grandparents home was my favorite place on eart...My grandparents home was my favorite place on earth. Throughout my life, I lived with them for years at a time. My parents lived in eternal self-created chaos of being....disorganized? I'm not sure.<br />My dad was forever trying to buy himself happiness and that meant my mom having to leave home and go to work, take care of kids, the house, etc. without a lick of help from him. Thus, chaos. Grandpa worked and Grandma was a housewife. We lived in Los Angeles in a very blue collar neighborhood of small bungalows. The house was immaculate and always in order. Schedules were followed daily. At 4:30am, Grandma was making flour tortillas (we're Hispanic) in anticipation of Grandpa coming home from his all-night job. When I awoke, about 5am usually, the house smelled delicious. I watched Sesame Street & Romper Room daily and Grandpa made me so many of the *toys* they used from items in his garage. A cardboard car to race around the house in, stringed cans to walk on, & others. He taught me how to make spinning wind ornaments from milk cartons. Grandma did all the traditional handiwork and always encouraged my crafting & creation. She taught me a mean game of Rummy until I could beat her by age 11, much to my family's astonishment!! I would sit on a kitchen stool and watch her sort dry pinto beans from a big 50 lb. sack, whir hot red sauce in the blender while she wore garage goggles & gloves!, and roll thousands of tortillas. She taught me how to spread the masa on corn husks to make tamales and how to tie them in little knots to keep them from falling apart during the steaming process. Oh, what I wouldn't give to taste one of those now!! <br /><br />Despite the busy-ness and lack of money, their house was the most peaceful & homey place I ever lived. Clean, organized, always smelled good, & the yards outside mirrored the inside. There was truly a pride in the home and they did everything themselves.<br /><br />Thanks for the trip down memory road! I could picture it all perfectly, down to Grandma's favorite aprons!!Debby in KShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10678580135625880717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-55273134855964567582017-06-29T09:00:15.531+10:002017-06-29T09:00:15.531+10:00Dear Mimi, Thanks for all the time and effort you...Dear Mimi, Thanks for all the time and effort you put into sharing this lovely blog with us. It is like sitting down for a chat with a friend. I relate to so much of what you say and sometimes the memories come flowing back thick and fast. Your photos are beautiful and you have a lovely way with words. I absolutely adore the way you write about your memories of your Mother and Grandmother. This is the way it should be although unfortunately for some, it isn't. As adults, most of us are fortunate enough to be able to make our own choices in life, so we can steer our life in the direction that we would like to see it go. I think it's important to have a guidepost to see the way things can be and the beautiful memories that can be created for our children and grandchildren when we live our lives this way. I am grateful for your kind and generous nature that you give your time so freely to share your life with us.<br />Regards<br />DelAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-86733691124482258762017-06-29T08:41:32.344+10:002017-06-29T08:41:32.344+10:00Yes, Penpen, indeed it is 'off', and the s...Yes, Penpen, indeed it is 'off', and the stench will manifest itself for a long time! It's so sad. The 'old' days weren't perfect in many ways, but the challenge is to bring the best of them with us, and improve the lives of our families in doing so. Nobody is saying let's all be Stepford Wives (as in the Ira Levin book and subsequent films). I'm simply saying let's not lose the beautiful skills that make a house a home, and a family unit, a family. Love, Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-19514668918778225372017-06-29T08:39:46.698+10:002017-06-29T08:39:46.698+10:00Jlynn, how lovely to meet you. I am thrilled that ...Jlynn, how lovely to meet you. I am thrilled that you enjoy my humble blog. I LOVE what you said about 'there wasn't anything she couldn't do'...yes! That was high praise indeed. And not something you hear often these days. So many heirloom skills are being lost and it pains me to see everyone striving for 'more', when I think what they're really missing is the simple satisfaction that those skills bring. How can you know you love baking, if you buy every cake for your family celebrations? How can you feel the simple joy of harvesting herbs or flowers from your own garden, if you've never grown anything? Yes these things are hard to begin with. So was writing, walking, talking, mastering all manner of skills in our lifetime. Why wouldn't you give the same effort and energy to the things that sustain us beyond money and possessions? I love your take on mastering those skills. Upholster a chair? Done it. Make drapes? Yep. Cut hair? Of course! A meal from nothing? ALL the time...lol! Love your thoughts on this! Love, Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-11181865205066730942017-06-29T08:28:18.180+10:002017-06-29T08:28:18.180+10:00Dear Cookie, I love knowing that I've met peop...Dear Cookie, I love knowing that I've met people through my blog, who share my life experiences. I know exactly what you mean about toiling in the garden and feeling your grandmother there. What a significant lesson that is, in itself. Being an example for our own children and grandchildren, impacts on others in good ways too. Even if we don't realise it. Thankyou! Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-2937511311108553712017-06-29T08:26:37.051+10:002017-06-29T08:26:37.051+10:00Dearest Rachel, we are all your Grandmothers and i...Dearest Rachel, we are all your Grandmothers and isn't the internet a wonderful place for this! Who would have imagined even a decade ago, that you and I could have this conversation, and that I could be your Grandmother-in-cyberspace! Well, maybe I'm a little young to be your granny, but you know what I mean...lol! It's a powerful tool in that respect. Thankyou. I'm glad you enjoyed my post. Love, Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-45298722911738263272017-06-29T08:24:43.483+10:002017-06-29T08:24:43.483+10:00Dear Annabel, what goosebumps I got imagining that...Dear Annabel, what goosebumps I got imagining that my Grandchildren might remember me with the same fondness with which I remember my Nanna. That is what I'd like of course, but you articulated it in a way that I never have. What a privilege that would be. I do believe that so long as someone carries you in their heart, you are never really gone from this Earth, so that would be lovely. And yes, who would want to miss out on the joys of generating those memories for the future. I agree with what you say about being an encourager. It seems these days that children are mostly meant to reflect well on their parents. They're meant to excel at school and at work, marry well, produce adorable grandchildren, and buy big houses and European cars. I wish I could communicate to some of my own friends and peers, that those things matter not a whit when you are gone. Your legacy is not 'things'. It is memories, and gentle skills and lessons that one only learns through osmosis sometimes, and being giving of your time and energy to those that mean the most to you....not to a job or a 'network'. Sigh. Your Mum is like mine would be if she were here, and like the European Matriarchs of the family like my Nanna was. It's an admirable thing. You are right. What we do, and the example we set, affects our families for many generations. It's an important mindset I believe. Thankyou for your support. Love, Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-85298785046552454672017-06-29T08:15:50.717+10:002017-06-29T08:15:50.717+10:00Dear Anonymous. I wish you'd left your name an...Dear Anonymous. I wish you'd left your name and a way for me to contact you. I always wonder why people leave these sorts of comments, without a way for me to respond personally. I am truly sorry that you missed having the example that I did. My Grandmother was German, my Grandfather of French descent, and they and my Mother escaped Germany having lived through two World Wars. One of my Mothers earliest memories was of being in her pram, while her Mother ran for the bomb shelter. She recalled hearing the air raid sirens and she must have only been a toddler at best. My Mum suffered prejudice upon settling in Australia, mostly from her peers at school when she was still struggling to master English as a language, but on the whole, they weathered it well, and integrated into life here with no regrets. They did whatever was in their power to overcome the terrible circumstances they'd left behind, and they did it with grace and dignity. My point being, that even when our own upbringing is not ideal, even when we live with hatred and violence and prejudice, even when we've dealt with the very worst the human race can dish up, we can still rise above it. There is sentimentality in my post, yes. But that is because my Grandparents and parents worked hard to give me a life upon which I could reflect with genuine gratitude and sentimentality. You can do the same. I wish you a peaceful day. MimiMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-47038214852311378772017-06-29T06:06:34.303+10:002017-06-29T06:06:34.303+10:00I learned from my grandmother that women don't...I learned from my grandmother that women don't need school education, I learned that people of color were unhealthy and I learned to despise un-christians. I have since then learned many things my grandmother didn't want to know about and the world is a better place for it. Sentimentality easily becomes escapism and to nobody's benefit. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-21713711637173772522017-06-29T03:37:30.844+10:002017-06-29T03:37:30.844+10:00Dearest Mimi! You have said so many things dear t...Dearest Mimi! You have said so many things dear to my heart! Oh to leave a sweet legacy to my grandchildren is what I desire the most! Bless you dear one. Very well said!quakerhillfarmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05871858957570687804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-924719644830002072017-06-29T01:27:31.307+10:002017-06-29T01:27:31.307+10:00Dear Mrs. Mimi:
What a wonderful world I dreamed ...Dear Mrs. Mimi:<br /><br />What a wonderful world I dreamed in when reading your post. So lovely. <br /><br />I lived behind my Grandmother growing up. I am truly sad to say that I didn't take the time to learn how to cook, sew, garden, etc. Oh the things she could have taught that I would love to know now! But she showed me how to love like Jesus. She showed me how important reading His Word is. She taught me that a meek and quiet spirit is lovely. She did try to teach me how to make chocolate gravy. But as she never measured ingredients, it was a bit much for her to convey and I never did get it right. lol I'm too analytical I guess. She taught me the value of hard work. She taught me forgiveness, grace, and mercy. She also taught me that the fly swatter is needed from time to time on legs that run to trouble. lol I love her so, even though she is physically no longer here. Thank you. Thank you for keeping the heritage flowing through your lineage. <3 Melindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00765701939855475700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-6594680972859130602017-06-28T23:20:49.248+10:002017-06-28T23:20:49.248+10:00"In this day and age of chasing eternal youth..."In this day and age of chasing eternal youth...." THAT quote sums up for me how I've been feeling when I see some of my old friends facebook posts. When a woman's life long ambition is to 'be pretty', something is off. I love this post; it holds so much truth. It almost made me cry, while longing for the old days. I hope I can provide a little of that to my grandchildren.Little Penpenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01374048900216199298noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-43252925049823772882017-06-28T22:30:25.159+10:002017-06-28T22:30:25.159+10:00Dear Mimi, thank you for writing your wonderful b...Dear Mimi, thank you for writing your wonderful blog. I look forward to every post. My childhood was as you described. The highest compliment a women would receive was, "there wasn't anything she couldn't do". From these women I grew up wanting to be just like them. My mom, grandmother and neighbors set a wonderful example for me. Today I am passing my skills on to my daughter and to my granddaughters. Need to reupholster a chair? make draperies?need your hair cut? Nothing to eat? no problem. Today I'm making American Girl doll clothes from my scrapes. After all there isn't anything I can't do. JaLynnjlynnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12651256944533233700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-85057383085796747792017-06-28T20:47:53.689+10:002017-06-28T20:47:53.689+10:00Dear Mimi
Thank you for the lovely trip down memor...Dear Mimi<br />Thank you for the lovely trip down memory lane. We share much of the same experiences. I, too, am blessed to come from a long line of women who set the example. Every time I work in my "victory garden" I can see in my mind's eye my grandmother teaching me. Encouraging and setting the example for our children, grand children and even young people who aren't related to us is a priceless gift to give. Loved this post, Mlmi!<br />Blessings,CookieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com