Words and Ideas

I bought this old textbook from 1960 for a quarter. I’m not sure what a helicopter has to do with the English language, but those two teenagers on the cover are obviously fascinated by it—taking a moment to stare at it before going to the post office to mail letters.

The illustrations are pretty nice.

I skimmed parts of the textbook and appreciated how simple it is to read.

The part of this textbook I find most interesting is how it incorporates the social aspects of language—like manners…and making friends. Here’s a how-to guide of being a pleasant human being while conversing.

And here are pointers on how to give and take criticism. [Pause.] I don’t think I was ever taught this in school…although to be honest, I think many people stand to learn a few of these tips.

Things I Didn’t Buy 49

These sewing patterns all appear to be from the 1960s. This suit is very cute—very Jackie O.

This dress and coat are nice.

And I liked this suit and cape.

A more summery dress and jacket.

I liked the buttons on the back of this dress.

And these are nice and simple dresses.

Things I Didn’t Buy 48

I thought these old slides were really interesting. They looked to be religious in nature—lots of buildings of churches.

I thought this round cutting board was awesome. Okay, I just like the packaging…but you can’t use the cutting board with the packaging still on it.

Cute Kellogg’s breakfast bowl. It looks more retro than it really is—it’s from 1995.

A Suzy Homemaker oven.

A Polaroid bag—cute but in poor condition.

And a wooden box with leather straps. This I considered buying. I love wood and I love boxes, and here it is—all in one! But I resisted…good for me! [Pat on back.]

Thrifted for $5.98

For $5.48, I got a few items. First up, this H&M black and white top. I actually recall seeing this top in the store and thinking that the pattern was interesting. But of course didn’t buy it because buying full-price for clothing is something I rarely do. It does need some mending; the button for the back closure is missing, and thread on one of the sleeves has come undone, but these are pretty easy fixes. I think the top might be a little large (but it’s hard to tell until I fix the button so I can close the neckline properly).

Next up, this Banana Republic green top. Truthfully, I’m not terribly excited about wearing the color green. But the top fit me and I thought it would work well with some skirts I have, so I decided to get it.

I also got two pieces of fabric. The navy is about a yard. The floral fabric…I didn’t try to count. It’s a lot—probably a bolt’s worth.

I also got two patterns for 25 cents a piece. I’ve been trying to cut down on buying sewing patterns (as I have too many), but I really liked these two. The first is this simple dress from 1972 that I thought would be easy to make.

The second pattern is a dress from the 1971 that I really like the cut of. I love the collar and the buttons down the front. Admittedly, this looks too complicated for me to make, but maybe one day…

Things I Didn’t Buy 47

I liked these two prints by Margo Alexander. They were framed (and rather banged up), but the art was really pretty. Very 1950s. I liked the colors and the brush strokes.

A couple of Kentucky Tavern ads.

I like that this ad has this line at the bottom: There’s only one better buy in bonds…savings bonds!

An Old Dutch Cleanser ad from The Ladies’ Home Journal from 1924.

And a Pepsi ad from the 1950s. On your wedding day, choose Pepsi over champagne. Okay, the ad doesn’t say that, but it does want you to have a “light” refreshment with fewer calories. [Pause.] It’s my opinion that counting calories is the last people want to be doing at a wedding.