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Sue Sutherland-Wood's avatar

This was excellent - and your mum is gorgeous! I do not understand (at all!) how most women during that time slot (my own mum included) managed to have consistently beautiful hair styles and look BoogieWoogieBugleBoy ready! I asked my mum this once (with her sleek Lauren Bacall hair in all the pics) how this was possibly managed and she just shrugged and said they "wound it round their finger to make a curl and put a pin in it." I will never be un-impressed with the women of this time slot. xo

Lesley Riley's avatar

And all before Women's lib! Some wonderful things have been lost, and so much gained. We are women, hear us roar.

Lynne Oakes's avatar

I'll bet you get a LOT of comments on this one!

Well now, where shall I start? I'm in my 80s now and I've seen quite the span of clothing/makeup over the years. When I was a little girl, I don't recall there being any jeans, and I was dressed in dresses. When in high school, each fall I went with my mom to Lord and Taylors or B. Altmans and picked out my school wardrobe. Everything matched. Plaid skirts, cardigans over the matching sweater. Saddle shoes and socks. NOT PAJAMA BOTTOMS FOR GODSAKE.

Make up is an interesting subject. For me, it is sort of how I wake up, finding my face in the mirror after washing the sleep crumbs out of my eyes. But listen, I find dressing nicely (not fancy) and putting on my face to be a mark of respect for those who have to look at me during the day, my man, my students, my guests. When I don't have all that happening, then it is a naked face day. And definitely easy pants.

Lesley Riley's avatar

I guess I am somewhat of that generation when I feel it necessary to look my best for my man. But that's not why he loves me. It's my soul shining through my eyes that means the world to him, all 57 years + 1 month since we met, lol. I don't even think he realizes there's a difference between dress-up and easy pants. 🤣

Terry Grant's avatar

My pants wardrobe consists of “standup pants” and “sit down pants”. The former are worn almost exclusively for art show openings and the latter for almost everything else. I have even made myself a pattern for “sit down pants” because you can easily be fooled by appearances of comfy looking pull-up pants that don’t properly provide sitting space—akin to shoes that, technically, fit, but have no toe-wiggling room. It’s the little things…

Lesley Riley's avatar

Great to hear from you, Terry. I totally get the stand-up vs sit-down. The little things are so important.

Karen Rand Anderson's avatar

Easy pants-- yes please! What a wonderful portrait of your mom. I had a wonderful one too. They were of the same era and did it well, with a bit of pizzazz and plenty of grit and practical advice. Your quotes this week hit the nail on the head for sure!

Lesley Riley's avatar

Thanks so much, Karen. What she didn't have in childhood, she sure brought to and shared wisely with her two girls.

Janet Gelwicks's avatar

Your mother was one of my favorite people in the world, she always made me feel good about myself and was ALWAYS kind and loving to me. I will NEVER forget her and how proud she was of her girls❤️❤️❤️

Lesley Riley's avatar

Oh, how she would love to hear that, Janet. Yes! The key is how you make people feel - all people. She was a friend to all ages and walks of life. I'm not as chatty as she was but I hope I've lived up to her way of making others feel good. Thanks for popping in.

Susie Dahl's avatar

What a beautiful comment to share with us all. Thank you❤️

Susie Dahl's avatar

Our Mothers really were something: gorgeous, intelligent, interesting and gave us an incredible example of being a woman. I know not everyone had that gift for a Mother, but you and I did.

Thank you for a reflection back to who my Mother was. I feel so very grateful for those beautiful years.

Lesley Riley's avatar

How lucky we are to have the mothers we did.

Sara Jordan's avatar

Oh man, my "easy pants" are my UNIFORM! I can so relate! I love your writing musings! :)

Lesley Riley's avatar

Thanks, Sara. We all deserve easy pants after so many years of trying to look cute in tight ones.

Chris Kaitlyn's avatar

I agree with you a 100%. I'm of the age where I want to decide what I wear not from pressure by society. We live in a state on the west coast where casual attire is the norm and I am good with that!

Lesley Riley's avatar

Yay for casual attire! Sadly, who's looking at us anyway. We get to do whatever we want to do now. A gift well earned.

Margaret Abramshe's avatar

Charming story about your Mom.

Lesley Riley's avatar

Thanks, Margaret.

Nancy's avatar

I enjoyed your thoughts about style. As a teacher for over 40 years, I had/have some beautiful clothes. Now I don’t have the daily need to wear them. But I have them for when I do. I already bought my outfit for my trip to fly to Ireland and be with you.😍

Lesley Riley's avatar

A travel outfit - how fun to prepare for our wonderful trip. I'm sure you'll look sharp!

Jan's avatar

I'm participating in a 30 day journal prompt event with Sulieka Jaouad. Today's prompt was to write a letter from your body to your mind. Well....didn't that bring up a few things!! My body reminded me of how strong it's been and how I've counted on that strength. And it asked for patience and gentle care as we begin treatment for cancer #2. My body also thanked the mind for feeling pride over it's appearance in our younger years, but was quite firm that in our seventies, comfort and warmth is most important. It spoke about eating sugar (less please) and walking (more please) and resting when it needs to. All and all a very eye-opening prompt!

Lesley Riley's avatar

I'm glad you have Sulieka in your back pocket. Isn't she wise and wonderful. Cancer #2? Sending healing light and love your way.

Jan's avatar

Diagnosed two weeks ago. It's looking like it's small and caught early. We have an appointment Monday morning; with the awful storm headed our way, not sure we will make that. Anyway, it's all unfolding, scary, but unfolding. (I had cancer five years ago...so #2)

Lesley Riley's avatar

Wishing you all the best, especially with the snow & appointment. What's meant to be, weather-wise, will be. As for the CA, you've got this!

Barbara Wise's avatar

Amen, sister. You nailed my mom's background and my current way of dressing, e.g., easy pull on pants and a comfy top. Only challenge is going to a "special event" and not being able to find the "proper" clothing. thanks for your posting.

Lesley Riley's avatar

Fortunately, I have a closet full of "old" clothes from when it mattered...and they all still fit! I'm sure you always look "sharp."

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Jan 19
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Lesley Riley's avatar

👍🏻 Thanks for writing.