My grandmother was labeled a 'Homemaker.' But Nana's role was more than a curated ideal. She was a community builder through her hard work, talent and compassion.
I LOVE this post, Diane!!! As someone who lived a real version of Trad-wifyness (milk goats, egglaying chickens, farmers market stall, homeschooled kids and a massive garden) I can attest that in the real world of "traditional" wife, there is no time to dress-up and video tape!
I love your comment about needing purpose. Perhaps if our modern "tradwives" had a community focused purpose instead of personal gain, there would be a lot more support for them.
And one more point :) That trad-wife image of your entire life's purpose being husband and home, is simply false. I don't believe there was any point in history where that was actually the case. Women have always done so much more.
I LOVE your comment!!! and I am glad you enjoyed it. It's the personal gain (alone) that bugs me - and the setting up of impossible standards for other young women. I'd love to see videotapes of you with goats!!! that sounds so much more exciting.
Haha! I don't have videos, but I do have some pretty funny pictures of myself and my goats. It was a different life than my current computer-centric existence and sometimes I miss it, even with all the headache and heartache.
This was wonderful!! So often the housewives of that era were more active than anyone realized. They are the unsung heros of history. This story had me stop and think about my own grandmothers and how amazing they were. Thank you.
"Today’s trad wives borrow the aesthetics without the struggle. Their kitchens are sets; their gestures of service, performative. But Nana’s world was a real one. And her influence? That was earned, not curated."
Great analysis!
And the photo of you next to her from you wedding is so wonderful. A pleasure to read this tribute to your Nana.
You have truly missed your calling until now. This is the first time I've heard your narration and trust me--you put the folks at the New York Times audio to shame. You are captivating, engaging and instructive, and your family stories are truly inspiring. Sending you and your men all the respect and good wishes you all deserve. Keep being amazing--some of us have known this is the real you for decades
I LOVE this post, Diane!!! As someone who lived a real version of Trad-wifyness (milk goats, egglaying chickens, farmers market stall, homeschooled kids and a massive garden) I can attest that in the real world of "traditional" wife, there is no time to dress-up and video tape!
I love your comment about needing purpose. Perhaps if our modern "tradwives" had a community focused purpose instead of personal gain, there would be a lot more support for them.
And one more point :) That trad-wife image of your entire life's purpose being husband and home, is simply false. I don't believe there was any point in history where that was actually the case. Women have always done so much more.
I LOVE your comment!!! and I am glad you enjoyed it. It's the personal gain (alone) that bugs me - and the setting up of impossible standards for other young women. I'd love to see videotapes of you with goats!!! that sounds so much more exciting.
Haha! I don't have videos, but I do have some pretty funny pictures of myself and my goats. It was a different life than my current computer-centric existence and sometimes I miss it, even with all the headache and heartache.
This was wonderful!! So often the housewives of that era were more active than anyone realized. They are the unsung heros of history. This story had me stop and think about my own grandmothers and how amazing they were. Thank you.
Thanks for another great read Diane. Your “musings” are fantastic!!
So glad you enjoy them!!
"Today’s trad wives borrow the aesthetics without the struggle. Their kitchens are sets; their gestures of service, performative. But Nana’s world was a real one. And her influence? That was earned, not curated."
Great analysis!
And the photo of you next to her from you wedding is so wonderful. A pleasure to read this tribute to your Nana.
The love of history passed on.
She really was a force. And I had no idea how many newspaper mentions she had!!!
You have truly missed your calling until now. This is the first time I've heard your narration and trust me--you put the folks at the New York Times audio to shame. You are captivating, engaging and instructive, and your family stories are truly inspiring. Sending you and your men all the respect and good wishes you all deserve. Keep being amazing--some of us have known this is the real you for decades