ancient pinterest.

One of the great things about the Phoenix Art Museum is the incredible research library in the basement of the Admin building. It's opening to the public three days a week, but to valued staff members like me, it's always available. Not only do they have a massive collection of books relating to past and present exhibitions and all sorts of files on local and famous artists, but they also have a nearly complete collection of Vogue magazine (since it was founded in 1892) as well as an impressive collection of other fashion magazines like Harper's Bazaar and Godey's Lady's Magazine. The latter is the one that we shall concern ourselves with for this blog post, and we shall refer to it by it's full and official title: The Lady's Magazine or Entertaining Companion for the Fair Sex Appropriated Solely to Their Use and Amuseument. 

Perusing.

Now, I was browsing this 19th century monthly magazine searching for information on trends for capes. It's the fall show. But as I was flipping pages (wearing protective gloves, of course - these things are 100+ years old!) I had to laugh. Here is an article all about taking care of your baby. Here is a recurring article on entertaining your children. Here is an article with engravings of the latest trends in dress and descriptions detailing what they are and how to get them. Here is an article on how to turn an old hat into wall decor. Suddenly, Oh my gosh, I think to myself. It's 100 year old Pinterest. Seriously people. DIY and all. See pics below.

Fonts to spice up your embroidery.

Anybody else recognize this hair-do how-to?

Like I said, DIY wall decor from a recycled straw hat. Who knew?

This one is just for fun. First fashion model? Hipster.

One of the things that really killed me was the language. It's all so prim and proper, but when you dissect it, it's essentially the same thing. Please humor me and labor through the chunk of text below. You won't regret it. It's from a set of instructions on how to make a marvelous child's toy which is basically a cheap homemade parachute.

 "When a light breeze is blowing, these toys can be tossed into the air, and they will float away, winning great admiration from the infant observers. If attached by a slender, long thread to a balcony, railing, or to a window-ledge, they will float to and fro in wayward flight, obedient to every current of the air. When constructed of of tinted paper, the toy may look  quite gay and pretty, and furnish many moments of pleasure to the little folks who are weather-bound within the confines of their nursery walls."

People don't talk like that anymore, right? Now it's, "So cute! Def making these with the kiddos!" Except that I don't know many kids these days who will be that entranced by a piece of paper on a string... Now let's take a look at the classifieds. Did you know that homemaking used to be considered "Domestic Arts and Sciences?"

Read it. Please read it.

Now, besides the obvious hilarious-ness of all this, I had another reason for sharing it. The Lady's Magazine or Entertaining Companion for the Fair Sex Appropriated Solely to Their Use and Amuseument was intended for exactly what it sounds like - a magazine to keep women entertained by improving homemaking and domesticity and entertaining skills. Sort of sad when read in today's context. I don't meant to start any major controversy, but I couldn't help but think that if I can call Godey's "Ancient Pinterest," does that make Pinterest "Modern Godey's?" In other words, is Pinterest just a virtual pinboard full of ideas on ways to improve DIY skills and domesticity that most of us will never actually try? A concentrated creative outlet for women quote unquote "trapped" in the home? An imaginary world where we envision things we could/should/would do instead of taking advantage and getting out and doing them? Or is it more expressionistic? Inspirational? Motivational? WHAT IS PINTEREST?

Seriously. I'm not starting an argument, though I'd enjoy hearing politely expressed views. It was just an interesting thought that I had as I perused these delightful magazines.

You should know, I found a lot of other really great things in my browsing. I also spent some time with Harper's Bazaar and some really old Vogues. Even found the image I wrote about for my senior thesis, right there in print, in its original publication. Totally awesome. Excuse the cliche of a hashtag, but I find it appropriate here. #nerd

prelude.

Arizona is really quite beautiful. This post is coming at an awkward time because I'm actually in Utah spending time with all the people I love most in this world at the moment, but I've had a few complaints about the lack of updates on my blog so... Here's a rather bland post with some colorful pictures and some excuses.

Arizona is really quite beautiful. It's easy to be overwhelmed by the vastness/barren-ness/desert-like-ness of it all. But there have been quite a few occasions where I have been driving home from the Museum, or simply sitting outside and I am really quite impressed with its beauty. I have to say, AZ wins the prize for the most beautiful sunsets, even if they have the most discourteous drivers. Sample:

What I always experience on my drive home - skies darkening ahead, sunset in rear view mirror.

Mesa, Arizona Temple under a full moon.

No words.

In other news, I'm working on a rather extensive post about Godey's Lady's Magazine and Pinterest, which is really why I haven't posted. So this is a teaser, hence the title, "prelude." It should be interesting. Get excited. Actually don't. I don't like expectations. Also we had some shoplifters at the boutique where I've been working. Made for an exciting shift. And last but not least, I learned how to do a shoulder stand at aerial yoga. Makes me feel like a total champion.

Normal. You wish you had my core. And my awkward looking toes.