Photo by Stéphane Juban on Unsplash I say to myself that I shall try to make my life like an open fireplace, so that people may be warmed and cheered by it and so go out themselves to warm and cheer. George Matthew Adams A roaring fire can invigorate all...
No Plain Jane
Doris Day as Calamity Jane
One of America’s darlings left the world a much better place for our family pets. Thanks to her deep love for pet animals everywhere, Doris Day made a lasting impact. Even the full proceeds of her estate will be donated to the foundation she established: Animal Foundation
Take a glance at the history of her historic pet-friendly hotel here:
In 1989, Clint Eastwood said to her, “You were the girl every man wanted to marry, and the woman every girl wished she could be.”
My 3 Biggest “Loves” for Doris Day:
#1 When Hollywood repeatedly cast her in morally compromising roles, Doris graciously portrayed each one as a lady with class and style.
#2 After his death, she learned her third husband had squandered a lifetime’s fortune and left massive debt. Doris courageously began working soon after on The Doris Day Show, bringing joy each week to millions.
#3 Her voice conveyed emotions well beyond the lyrics of songs she sang. When I listen now to Doris’s musical recordings, I get the feeling she’s singing just for me. That’s greatness.
Hearth of the Home
This Little Piggy Went to Market
Photo: EBay The rhyming name remains a true mystery. Going strong with over 500 stores, this originator of hands-on grocery stores still operates in 17 states. And it's a beloved part of Americana we love to remember far and wide. The...
She Did it All
Photo by Dolls Magazine Model/Singer/Actress/Activist Par Excellence She was Julia, a widowed mother and professional nurse in a landmark television series. In my little girl eyes at age seven, this portrayal was her sole identity, and I adored...
Timeless March Quintet
Photo by Pavan Trikutam on Unsplash The classic story of Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is an American staple. Those who've read the book cannot imagine their childhood without its touching effects. There are plenty of stage and screen interpretations...
Iconic Style of Googie
Photos: Architecture Worth Saving Outrageous, funky, and colorful; Googie architecture swept through the country for 25 years. You could spot it at a distance and be lured into its spell for shopping, food, and fun! https://youtu.be/h3O6WTZfj64 ...
Fill ‘Er Up!
Photo by Steven Cordes on Unsplash The ding ding of a service station bell is an immortal tone that plays in my memory as clear as day. And in yours too, if you lived in the days of full auto service attendants. We're a country of services everywhere. Pet...
Memento of Epic Proportions
Photo by Jason Ng on Unsplash There it sat. A small souvenir, tucked into the telephone niche of my great-grandparents' Victorian farmhouse. A glass paperweight displaying the world's greatest waterfall. From horseback to stagecoach to trains,...
Dust Bowl Troubadour
Photo by: Celebrate America This controversial American singer/songwriter was also an activist and author. He left an indelible mark on the fabric of our country. His Legacy Lives Here Any fool can make something complicated. It takes a genius to make...
She’s a Lady
Photo by HeadvaseFinds Girls love dolls and women love vases. The marriage of the two became an American classic collectible. A Lady of the House in the 1950s was highly likely to own and display one or more of these little treasures. One of my fond...
For the Long Haul
Toy trucks are the building blocks of a well-lived childhood. - Lakie Harrod Spot a familiar toy truck on display at Dottie's Truck Stop: https://youtu.be/1za-xbANtD4 https://youtu.be/EvUOePkU_qY You'll find a brief history of the model truck here:...
Popping in For a Little Fun
North Texas Kids Irresistible to hold, to smell, to taste and crunch; these treats take us back to the fun times! https://youtu.be/7HqSO9ZauIY Which candy-covered popcorn is your favorite? Homemade balls, boxed Cracker Jack or Fiddle Faddle?...
‘Til the Clouds Roll By
Photo by Ulrika Clouds on Flikr American composers are often household names to those who think of themselves as music lovers. Yet the names of even prolific composers may elude us at times, and we go instantly to Google. The life story (both true and...
Eames on Wheels
Classics never go out of style; like the functionalism of Eames-inspired decor from the Atomic Age. The Incomparable 1959 Spartan Carousel If you are dying to see more of the same: Carousel Gallery Grand Finale: Kitschy...
Stroll with Trolls
DAM 1960s Troll Doll - Worthpoint Trolls are like potato chips. Nobody is satisfied with just one. - Eva Stark. https://youtu.be/JzfhepGvjC4 Trolls: Click this to read why the toy craze continues! ...
Tennessee is Tops
Photo by Tanner Boriack on Unsplash There's a lot more to this landlocked state than meets the eye. Let's take a breath of fresh country air as host Joe Elmore shows us why Tennessee is the place to see and be. If you love historic homes, this one will suit you...
Wild Child
Roger Miller's Hometown Mural He caught my attention with his signature song before I was old enough to tie my own shoes. His performance was as crisp and clean as the black and white hues reflecting from the TV screen. Classic cool all the way. ...
Seeds Worth Savoring
Photo by Empreinte on Unsplash Not everyone is a gardener. Are you one? A love to garden is a passion grown from being around gardening, or arising from a curiosity of nature's cornucopia bursting from Earth's soil. https://youtu.be/M2KpuAK8_zE?t=295...
Racing Leads to Romance
Photo credit: Park Circus Back in the day when caring about your fellow human being, and being neighborly to others were the norm, this philosophy was celebrated even in the movies. April Love is the kind of wholesome movie many of us seek after and...