Just Who Do I Think I Am?

Hi there.

My name is Courtney.  I am a married mother of two with two dogs living in the suburbs of Tucson.  And that would be the only similarity between myself and a 1950's housewife. 

I work part-time, eat most meals over the counter, and have no problems with the fact that my husband does his own laundry.  I like Radiohead, Wes Anderson films, and I used to like to travel, back when it didn't take two carloads of crap for a weekend vacation.  I have a very small tattoo, I abhor going to the mall, and I don't cook as often as I'd like to. 

On the other hand, I'm kind of an old soul.  I'm learning to quilt, and I have been know to exclaim things like "Jeesum Crow!" and "Criminy!"  (I am also currently trying to bring back "Hell's Bells!" and "What a maroon!")  I have researched my family tree for years, and have an unwavering fascination with the recent past, especially in regards to the women that walked before me. 

Thus, I am using my Etsy shop and this accompanying blog to explore the relics left behind by generations of female pioneers who paved the way for the way of life I enjoy today.  And in this way, I hope to give a silent nod of appreciation.  Thanks, ladies...

Bold Sparrow Vintage Grand Opening!!

Welcome to the blog of Bold Sparrow Vintage.  Bold Sparrow.  Bold Sparrow??  What was I thinking?...

Let’s start at the beginning:

Here’s what started my fascination with the recent past.  I have had this August 1946 issue of Seventeen Magazine since I had a subscription myself.  I’ve thumbed through it (oh so carefully) for years, then wrapped it in plastic and stored it away.  I rediscovered it recently and was just as enamored as I was when I was sixteen.  The fashion, the articles, and the way of life that the words and images depicted was like reading a fantasy novel.  I would stand over the counter eating microwaved leftovers while my mom was at work, pondering a world where at age seventeen I might be considering both college and silver patterns.  Where I could go see a new Audrey Hepburn movie at the theater.  Where feminine hygiene involved belts (what?!?).

As a wife and mother today, the fascination has definitely been rekindled.  But I’ve graduated from Seventeen to Woman’s Home Companion.  Hello, 50’s housewife. 

How did these women do it?  If I am to believe magazines, TV, and movies, they made sure their children were well-behaved, kept a spotless home, and had dinner ready when their husbands walked in the door.  All while wearing heels and a smile.  How did they do it??

And…could I?  I'll admit I haven't watched this video in its entirety, because it annoys me to no end.  However, to inaugurate and celebrate the grand opening of Bold Sparrow Vintage, I will be spending 24 hours as a 1950’s housewife.  Sun-up to sundown, I will be in heels and a dress, taking extra special care of my home and family with a smile.  I proposed this idea to my husband and he was all for it, with plenty of his own suggestions.  I quickly reminded that I was NOT, nor would I ever actually be, a 1950’s housewife, and I told him where he could stick his “suggestions.” 

So for the next couple weeks, I will be researching the day to day life of the average 1950’s housewife and putting it into action for one day.  At this point, I’m thinking heels and pantyhose, dress, up-at-crack-of-dawn, house clean, dinner ready…any suggestions?

So back to the name.  Bold Sparrow was not my first choice for the name of my Etsy.com store.  In fact, it wasn’t the second, or the third.  It was a name I settled on when I simply had to.  At first, it sounded great.  Twenty-four hours later, however, I thought it was terrible.  Ridiculous.  Meaningless.  However, in light of the 1950’s housewife, I now find it quite befitting.  The perfect little housewife is the sparrow, and I am the bold part…but more on that later.  This post is long enough.

Enjoy, and happy shopping…

Hello and welcome...

Hiya!

With this site, I intend to truly explore the antique and vintage items I am selling in my etsy shop:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/BoldSparrowVintage  Most of my interest centers around the life of the 1950's housewife, and many Bold Sparrow goods and wares reflect this interest.  They include such items as: women's magazines, jewelry, housewares, textiles, accessories, etc.  At this point, there will be a bit of flux as my venture finds its footing. 

Thanks for coming along for the ride.  I appreciate your company, and your patience! ;)

-Courtney <3