Yellow, 2013
"If you are wakeful some night, and don't want to take a sleeping pill but don't want to just lie there, either, try to figure this out: why do women spend time and money on their hair, face, and hands, presumably to make themselves attractive, then, as style dictates, wear unbecoming, even outlandish clothes? And when you have that settled, work on this one: why does it occur to so few women that a mode of living which doesn't push her around will reflect itself in her face and manner, and do more for her appearance than make-up and hairdo?
By the time you have those two questions solved it will be time to get up and get breakfast, then wash and iron the living room curtains."
-Ruth Stout (1961)
But we (women) are different now, right?
I never quite figured that one out either. If it was not for "the others", I would be always barefoot, un-make-up'd, comfortable, probably muddy...and actually, I generally do. But i have those restless nights, like you. What a mystery, human nature
ReplyDeleteMuddy. I like that, Amelia. Ruth's restless nights made me think about my mode of living. I'll be avoiding the mode that tries to push me around.
DeleteMaybe I could call one of you when I wake up at 4:30 and an plagued by demons?
ReplyDeleteBut rest assured they're not fashion demons.
I draw a line on my top eyelids and put some rosebud salve on my lips,moisturizer, sunscreen and I'm good to go.
Then, and only then, do I make my granola,plug in the yogurt maker, pick fruit from my garden and make my breakfast.
I think we make more work for ourselves now.
xo Jane
I hope the grace of your breakfast ritual squashes those 4:30 a.m. demons.
DeleteThis is a particular trap I have not fallen into, although I think it has also put me on the outside of many circles (esp with son's school, etc). There are many other traps out there for me, though .....
ReplyDeleteAnd we certainly have not come very far.
What an interesting quote..and reflection. We do continue to choose things that push us around, don't we? I think the most important thing is to start to be aware of those moments of friction (and contradiction) in our lives.
ReplyDelete"a mode of living which doesn't push her around will reflect itself in her face and manner"
ReplyDeleteThis is the section that held the most meaning for me.
I do know women (and men) who embrace this concept, avoid the dreaded push, and see positive results. I try to do the same.
that's ever the struggle, because life is pushy. how complicated--or not--do we want it to be, or will accept, and be happy, and of service?
ReplyDeleteon a side note--I noticed "Leaping Poetry" on your reading list. I haven't seen this in a long time. I had a poetry teacher who introduced us to Bly and poetry that leapt. It has always stayed with me: poems that made that unexpected shift-a leap-taking you to another place of awareness.
I just found Robert Bly's book at my favorite used bookstore here by the bay. It's very thought provoking so far. Have you read Madness, Rack, and Honey, Nancy? I think it is a book you'd appreciate.
DeleteI have not, Denise, but will look for it. thank you.
Delete"a mode of living which doesn't push her around will reflect itself in her face and manner"
ReplyDeletethis resonated with me too. good thoughts for sleepless nights or daytime dreams.
I suppose thinking of the opposite of being pushed around is the way to go. I'll have to work on defining that mode. No need to bring the negative into our daytime dreams. Wishing you long nights of good sleep and the best of daytime dreams, Diane.
Deleteoh, i'd like to think so much has changed. but i'm not convinced. hi you.
ReplyDeleteToday is one of those days I'm not sure what I think. Thanks for stopping by, Katrina.
DeleteOh I like this very much. My girls have been reading The Twits, in which a very wise Mr Dahl tells them about how ugly thoughts make ugly people. This has fascinated them. I won't be washing and ironing the curtains in a hurry though.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to take a look at The Twits. Ugly thoughts, they are useless.
DeleteGoodness this is apt for me now. The restless nights and a certain internal pressure that indicates I need to push back against those forces trying to squeeze me into something I'm not. You have a gift for guiding me ;)
ReplyDeleteNow to guide myself...
DeleteAh - getting up to wash and iron the living room curtains - those were the days :) Your posts are wonderfully thought-provoking. Sadly we women have not changed, or perhaps we have - in some ways there is far more diversity as far as what is considered beautiful now that perhaps 10 years ago - but not enough. I do think the last question so perfectly sums up what makes a woman beautiful - and while I have the best intentions I think I would do well to remember this more often.
ReplyDeleteI hope the summer is treating you well Denise.
Annie x
I try and remember that last question more often, too.
Delete