Today, we are going to have a little coffee talk, shall we? The other morning I was sitting at the counter having my morning coffee and flipping through my phone, on facebook, instagram, and checking my emails etc. All of a sudden a bit of sentiment ran through my mind.
My husband’s grandmother is 86 years old and is in a care facility for dementia. She has been there for 3 years now. She has no recollection of her family, or ever being married for over 65 years. Her whole life wiped away from those memories. It’s sad to say the least.
When Mike’s grandmother was of sound mind, she gave Mike and I this beautiful photo album filled with pictures of her family. She marked every page, naming the people and telling us a little bit about them. Mike’s grandmother has 3 children. She chose to give us the book, and I am assuming because we are probably the most sentimental of the bunch. My husband and I have been passed down many family treasures, old films, trinkets, and many things I can’t even think of right now.
I brought out the photo album and started paging through each picture one by one. Reflecting on their era, their way of life in comparison to what our way of life in this current generation is. There truly are no comparisons.
Social media, trends, values, morals, our homes, all of it, has changed. Sunday dinners with family are a very distant memory, if at all in most homes. A hand written letter, and even a simple phone call, all of it a distant memory. It has been replaced with text messages, facebook statuses, and who hates this one and that one. Not to mention political and religious social rants.
One thing still stands true today. Everyone wants to be and feel a part of something. That’s how organized religion began. There is always the sense of wanting to belong.
I’ll be completely honest with you. Although, I very much care what people think about me as a whole. I want to leave a legacy of being kind, considerate, honest, loyal, loving, a good mother, a homemaker, a hard worker, a good wife, a good daughter and a good friend. Here’s the thing though, not one of us on this earth will ever please the masses. Today, it’s even harder because so much nostalgia and the feeling of the good ole’ days simply is not there. Outside our homes is a world of trouble brewing. Hate, conflict, words spoken, actions taken, that will forever be out there in the universe.
I’m not the most “popular” blogger out there obviously. I am not sure who really even is, because I don’t care HA! What I am getting at is the fact…I’m just not trendy, I don’t buy into the latest of everything, and I am somewhat of a loner out in the community. I simply can’t keep up with everything and the daily changes.
I have seen young gals start off in blogging and hit it out of the ball park. They knew exactly what to do, how to start and their style appeared to be more “popular”. How in the world do they do it ALL? They have children, husbands and homes to take care of. When my boys were little, I was too busy making memories of time spent together, teaching them, playing, and really enjoying the moments of being a MOM. I am not saying these gals are not, but I am questioning how in the world they can do it all? Is there some super mighty formula or supplement they have out now? I think the feelings today of really wanting to belong and feel a part of something are taken to a whole new level. In other words, people are trying so hard that they are losing all the little things in life that someday they will regret. It is starting when they are toddlers. Kids are given way more, they have much more in terms of electronics, toys, clothes, etc.
Oh and have you seen the amazing birthday parties these kids have today? They are like mini weddings. Mothers are trying to outdo the last kids birthday party they attended. It’s insane to me! What happened to cake, ice cream and a splash at the pool? The best cupcakes, cake pops, props and decor. After a while is it really about the kid? Everyone is trying so hard to keep up with everyone else that they have lost the total meaning of family values and what memories are truly made of.
In the inner worlds of blogging it all comes down to the every day struggles, your stats, your social media following, how your Facebook page is growing, etc.
I will tell you truthfully, all those things can contribute to the success of a blogger. If I have to see one more thing on how to be a better blogger, how to grow your numbers, how to do this, how to do that, etc.! It’s overwhelming to say the least. I have never bought into any of it, not even once. To me, it’s always felt like a rat race, who is getting there first. At the end of the day personally speaking, it has always been quality over quantity. I’m not here to chase a dream, I am here to make my dreams come true and do it on my own time now. There was no time when my children were younger and it was not even a blip on my radar to think of. I’m not judging the younger generation, I am feeling actually quite sorry for them. Their thousand dollar birthday party, just won’t be good enough.
Many of you will recall the days of the Mom and Pop Pharmacies. You walked in and the Pharmacist called you by name, because they knew it first hand. My Pharmacist is fantastic, and he very much reminds me of the good ole’ boys from back in the day. I’ll talk about him at a later time:)
I feel like in a sense my new business venture is sort of like the old days. I have no major corporation backing me, and I can’t produce mass quantities of my items at one time. Many of you helped me in the right direction with my line. I am very grateful for my friends and readers here. We are all very like minded folks for the most part. I see a lot of old fashioned values in you as well.
Someday I may share how this whole business venture got started for me. There is no doubt there was a lot of fate involved here. It’s been a journey for sure. In fact, if you ever had a dream yourself like this, it can happen. After a few months I may just share from the beginning. My long term goal is to build my brand with sentiment, and in turn earn just enough to throw into the college/wedding funds for our boys. They truly were not the kids that were given everything and had everything. What they were and still are given is a whole lot of love, support, guidance, security and the confidence to go out and earn what they want in life. To have families of their own that they can pass down these simple values and reflect on the true meaning of home and family.
I knew when I started this venture I wanted all things heart and home related. Comfy, cozy, family, all the things we pride ourselves on. Nothing trendy, or just a fad. Things that can and will last a lifetime and give more sentiment memories to our current generation. They need this, BADLY!
Speaking of which, my stencil and apron will be available very soon. This one even comes with a little bonus. I kept this stencil more in the winter theme that you can use starting in November straight on through to February.
Thanks for listening to my ramblings. I am not the greatest writer as you well know. I always speak from my heart and off the top of my head. There are many grammatical errors, typos, run on sentences, and well, you get the gist.
What are your feelings on today’s generation? I really think we have a chance to turn it around. But we have to start NOW before it’s too late.
Thank you so much for visiting with me today.
If you are new here, I am also very excited to share my new stencil line with you.
Farmhouse/rustic stencil line by Debbiedoo’s HERE
Thank you for your visit today!
I share all things, thrifty home decor, crafts and a recipe or two on occasion.
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Amen, I am not one of the trendy or popular bloggers either, just a simple old fashioned lady who loves my home and family and has tons and tons of old fashioned values.
I know Marty! It’s all good too. Would not change it for the world.
You are so on point, Debbie! It is amazing how they do it all! I’m just crafting along, enjoying myself and that’s the way life should be! I did joined AdSense to help pay for my craft needs and it seems to be working out. But other than that there’s no rat race here to get ahead!
Oh gosh, and well you should! We all should. We share our ideas often and let’s face it, they cost money too. The point is, the day to day lost in the day of the rat race. Let’s bring back the moments and comforts of our homes and family again. XO
Maybe they never sleep?! I am with you though, can’t please everyone, but I just need to get this to the point where I can blog full time and quit my back breaking day job. I guess I have to start with where to start making the money first. Haha. I wonder if I could still make as much money not being one of the trendy ones.
That’s a tough call Alicia. I have made enough to “help” the family. With that I have been content. I didn’t have to go to an office anymore, I was still there for the kids after school, during school, volunteering etc. It’s been a win win situation. Could it have been more? Probably, but then I am compromising all the rest. That was not worth it to me.
Dear Debbie, I so feel your words, very well said. I live my life with the same frame of mind. I realize there are some very positive things about social media but I am in my late sixities and enjoy livivg my days with my hands not my my phone. I so enjoy your blog and your words, please continue as you have, being you. Blessings, Judy
Oh I will Judy! I’m too old school to change now. What’s the saying? A leopard can’t change their spots. Well, that is me for sure. I’m content with my family and my life. And there is nothing wrong with dreams, but like I said, you have to prioritize when it’s the right time.
When I retired, I had visions of turning my seven year old farm blog into a money making blog. That lasted about 3 months when I realized I really only blogged to have a history of what happened in our lives! I am still blogging… but it is still a record of what we are doing. It’s fun to go back and read the stories.
I don’t visit your blog daily, but I have always enjoyed it! I also can’t keep up (and sometimes can’t tell apart) the “popular” bloggers.
Like I said, I really don’t know who they are.I can tell you who they think they are LOL!
Well said and well written, Debbie. I don’t understand
why everyone is racing to get ahead? What’s wrong with slowing down and enjoying the simple things in life? I try to enjoy each and every day and find the positives in each situation.
Donna, there typically is a a positive in most situations.
Hi
What you said is sad but true !!
‘Someday’ it will catch up to them… I hope it will not to late !!
I did another stencil project (flat this time) on old seasoned deck board… GREAT !!
take care. 🍁Linda
Nice Linda! Please share some pictures!~
You are totally on point Debbie. There are many blogs I don’t care to visit because all they share is what the latest piece of furniture they purchased and on and on. I am older than your mother and was raised to not worry about “keeping up with the Jones” and am so happy for that advice.
It’s the best advise..and it’s free, and ON POINT!
I am so glad you posted this! I love crafting and enjoy selling my wares, and I work full-time and have a family. But regarding my blog and crafting, I have felt that pressure to do more, be more “involved,” etc. It has just been over the last 6 months, during a self-imposed hiatus, that I have been rethinking why I craft and what I want to get out of it. This post is so on point to what I have been coming to realize. Thank you!
I’m glad Jen. I have been at this for 7 years. If I were to chase my tail and do everything that was told to do out here, well, maybe I would be more “popular” or maybe I would be a sucker who spent tons of money trying to get there just because someone told me I could. Only YOU can make your dreams happen. ONLY you can create your own destiny. Always, always, always make your family first. That is what you and they will remember! XO
I raise 80’s kids in today world. I have teens with no cell phones, TV time is Saturday morning and only old shows, we still eat dinner together. My kids friends always want to eat over to eat together. When friends come by we have a basket for cell phones. Your here to visit not stare at your phone. My kids run, drink from the hose and climb trees. Dad and I talk to out kids and play with them. Other parents criticize us and our parenting all the time. I’m not here to make others happy. I’m here to raise a happy loving family. I don’t like to judge others, however I would love to go out and see parents with their kids not staring at the phone or tablet.
Now you super rock Veronica! Family dinners have always been a big thing in our house. TV was off, and it was chat about your day time as a family. We have no video systems or games in the house anymore. The one we did have,my son made the decision a year after he had it to sell it. He made the decision it was not a good influence on his mind or his personality. He was way too consumed with it. I love the way you are running your home. You keep it up. Someday your family will reflect and be so grateful for that. Thanks for sharing.
Amen on today’s post Debbie. I agree with everything. I
see fellow Youtuber channels growing by leaps and bounds . It’s goes from genuine to a professional studio productions. These people are fueled by greed. It reminds me of the tortoise and hare. I’m creeping along as they whiz by. However, I’m staying true to my hobby channel. Im still winning when followers are continually inspired . Sending love from TN
Thanks Cindy! Like I said, its quality over quantity. I have some serious quality readers and friends I have made here on my blog. People come and go and then you are a distant memory. Don’t get me wrong, it would be nice if a professional studio came to me and set me up, and then wanted to buy my stencils and home goods, etc. That’s never been a part of the dream though. Just being fun and sharing homey craft ideas is all I need and LOVE.
Debbie, this is a great post and I know exactly what you mean. I have subscribed to many blogs over the years, and some of them stressed me out so much, that I unsubscribed! How could I possibly do all those things? My kids birthday parties were all so simple; as you say, cake and ice cream, pin the tail on the donkey, dropping clothespins into a milk bottle, etc. and a dip in the pool for the warm weather birthdays. They always had a blast! I feel for the young mothers of today….the pressure to do it all, it makes me sad. I see mom’s out with their children and the majority of the time is spent having the little ones pose for pictures to post on facebook….nothing wrong with picture taking, but when do you put the camera/phone down and actually interact with those precious faces?
I enjoy your blog because you are REAL. Keep it up!
Another great point. What happened to pushing your kid on the swing and chasing him around that park? Nope, let me show the world how perfect and well dressed you are today. Pictures are great that I see on facebook, but how much time did they spend on the pictures opposed to the moments??? Always the questions I have. It is sad, very sad.
Personally, I don’t think ‘pleasing others’ is even a consideration. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, even those who do not agree with our own. To answer your question, what do I think of today’s generation? I’m sad for them and not sure it/they can be turned around. There is so much negative distrations for and to them…. that are important to todays generation. Their thoughts make no sense to me just as my opinion would make no sense to most of them. The saddest part is that I doubt each of them have mentors, someone who they admire greatly… adversely, they band together with nonsense (as I see it). Not having mentors and those to whom you show respect leaves them wandering aimlessly… Adulthood for them will render a bunch of robots (as I see it) to be manipulated by the ‘popular’ thinking of that day.
Whew, you sound a mouthful. And I agree with your opinion whole heartedly. WE are the mentors, as PARENTS..not their friends. What happened to being able to say NO, you can’t do that, you can’t have that. Our college son still seeks our opinions. He has told us many times that as long as we are OK with something he can carry on. For him to value our thoughts and opinions means the world to us. We did something ok in my eyes. Because I have always told both of them, we are on your team, and always will have your best interest at hand. These kids that bad influence, could care less.
Long time, no “see” Debbie! It’s your old Slightly Shabby friend! You were my very first blog visitor and comment so you’ll always be special to me:) I so agree with you on all this stuff! I’m glad cell phones, Facebook, Instagram etc. weren’t around when my boys were little, I feel like it really takes time away from truly enjoying your kids. Something interesting, when we were still in our apartment (we bought a home of our own 2 months ago BTW!) we had the cutest young couple living below us. Super attractive, in great shape with an adorable baby girl…if you look at her FB page it’s filled with photo’s of what a “perfect” family they are, professional family shots of her, her hubby and their beautiful little girl in matching outfits. Well, she was arrested in August for drunk driving, possession of cocaine, she had a man in the car with her who was NOT her husband but some guy she picked up outside a Circle K store and had sex with in the backseat of her car because she’d “never been with a black guy before”…so little Ms. Perfect on social media is just an image, not always the reality behind the facade they put out there! Needless to say she lost her job and ruined her marriage, lost custody of her daughter etc.
I backed off from Instagram for a while last year due to some ugly behavior by some grown women on there but will have to look you up again and follow:) Hope your boys are doing well!
WOW! That is a crazy story, but sadly one NOT hard to believe Victoria, not one hard to believe at all. It was great seeing you today. Congrats on the new house. That is wonderful. Thanks for visiting me. XO
Debbie,
I love your postings. They reflect my life and the way I feel. I’m glad you have made this a labor of love rather than a labor for money that I’ve seen. I am very glad you do say what’s going on in your life and how you feel because I’ve often felt the same, So, PLEASE keep on writing how and what you feel, you have become a good friend.
Thanks Nancy, I like being a good friend to everyone I can be. Not a perfect friend, but a good one:)
You are so on point, Deb. I just like to tell everybody who cares to read where I am that day and what I have to share. My kids thought I would take this to a money making level, but I already do that every day at an office that I can count on a paycheck from. I get great ideas to take from and make my own and share some of our family recipes and lots of memories. Not to mention the new memories in the form of 5 grandchildren, a daughter and 2 sons in law who belong to my 3 precious children. As I say “memories is what it is all about.” You have wonderful ideas and share them with a smile that transcends the world wide web! Keep it up!
Linda
Thanks Linda! What a wonderful family it sounds like you have. I will keep on keeping:) XO
So spot on Debbie. I love your simple ideas. I have even limited my TV on DIY projects & home shows because you start to feel overwhelmed. You feel as if your home is not that perfect decorated place. I have always enjoyed doing things to my home, but I have gotten to a point in life where “less is more”. Simple & clean. Don’t have to have all the latest & greatest. I enjoy much more spending that money on those I love. Maybe buying our granddaughter one of her expensive college books, as she works so hard studying, holding down a job to pursue her dream of Nursing. I almost feel guilty if someone compliments me on our home. I don’t want anyone to feel as if their home is not good enough. I’m so thankful for your sweet, simple ideas, that are affordable to most. Keep doing what your doing! We love you!
Thank you Kelley so much. I am not sure we will ever get to the simple and clean look. I think that would drive me crazy honestly. I think that is the most thoughtful of ideas for your granddaughter and one I am sure she appreciates so much. Thanks for your visit and kind words.
Debbie – your creativity & contributions to the world at large & the blogging workd are great. No loner you have friends and many readers who applaud you, respect you & love all you do! Your sense of peace about what can be maddening is enviable . Keep it up and enjoy every minute!
Thanks Kelly! I appreciate that. I love the friends I have made here for sure.
You certainly did a wonderful job with this post I am proud to say that I am your mother you are then an old-fashioned girl since the day you were born you were meant to be successful and I love you very much
I love you too Mom! Thank you for all that you are and all that you have ever been to me and my sister and our family! XO
Well said Debbie, there is so much i can relate to in your article, i sometimes feel that life is passing me by so quickly and i am running of out time! putting your foot down in a way got me thinking too. thanks
Here are a couple of my thoughts….. if I have entered the rat race, I’m the last one crossing the finish line and I’m blissfully oblivious which keeps me happy if I’m competing and losing I don’t know it. That goes for stats, I rarely check them. As far as kids and the younger generation, I think it still boils down to the same thing it did when we were kids and when our parents were kids…… you reap what you sow. Which means there is a whole fantastic younger generation of excellent parents who also think a thousand dollar birthday party is out of line. And I know this as a fact, because I’m proud I’ve reaped what I’ve sown. You’ll see too!
I thought about that aspect of it as well Bliss. The problem is, not a lot of reapers out there today that think like we do!
Hi, Debbie! I loved reading your post. You are so right about everything. I started my blog for fun and several years later it is still for fun. I love blogging, but it is not my first priority. As a matter of fact, there is weeks I only have one new post up on my blog. I remember you being one of the first people to leave me a comment years ago and I was so happy since I was already one of your followers and I admired you, your style and everything you always shared on your posts was so wonderful and down to earth. You have been an inspiration to many of us. Remember when I made a copycat of your stenciled recipe pillow? I was so scared to tell you since I didn’t know if it was ok to copy a project. LOL My blog is not very popular and I sure have not made any money with it, but that is ok, I am just grateful to be in the company of many wonderful people. Keep doing what you have done so far. Even if I can visit every day, I still love your blog like the first day.
That is about the sweetest compliment ever! Yes, I do remember the pillow and I actually remember how thrilled I was you copied it! I am so happy you are still enjoying what you are doing and sharing. You are a very talented lady!
I so agree!!! I’m a bit older and I find a lot of things that are OK nowadays are not OK with me. I couldn’t care less about the phone and detest texting. What is wrong with talking? I don’t care who you are, testing and driving is just plain wrong and I see it every day. The phone was not answered during dinner when I was young, but I’ve been to some very nice restaurants where people are sitting across from each other, not speaking, but typing on their phones. I don’t really want to hear people’s phone conversations they share with us all. No one looks you in the eye anymore when they talk to you because they are so comfortable staring at screens, but have no idea of how to carry on a conversation with humans. I think the rudeness exhibited by many is appalling. I was never a friend to my kids. I was a parent who loved them and gave them the skills to be decent human beings. They’ve never disappointed me. I’m all about being kind and trying to spread it around, but sometimes it’s a bit discouraging. When humans don’t communicate well with each other, we have conflicts.
If I had a glass of wine in my hand and you were here, I would be clanging your glass Kris! I agree with absolutely everything you said. It’s just not acceptable behavior, yet, it’s acceptable today. Grrr!
Couldn’t agree more with everything you said. I feel sorry for the younger generation, in that they’ve moved so far away from the basics. Everything has to be flashy, now, and they need to be constantly entertained. Thanks for a great post, Debbie!
Amen to this, Debbie! I don’t want to be part of the rat race either. Family is what it’s all about…and thankfully our children are well grounded. Our birthday parties are family dinners, and we often gather just because.
I never want to feel pressured to blog…who needs the stress? The day I don’t want to do it, I’ll be done. It’s a great creative outlet and I’ve made some great friends!
I have often wondered the same thing. I started blogging because my kids were in college and did not “need” me as much so I wanted to share recipes and tips to help others. I know that I would not have had time to blog when they were much younger. I think that while the younger generation has so much coming at them, that it may be hard for some to truly just “be”. On the other hand, I also believe (and hope) they succeed in reducing our carbon footprint, eating cleaner and living an engaged life and I truly hope they can.
I am very happy for your and your stencils. It is these new chapters that keep us young!:) I have been enjoying your blog for years and hope we cross paths IRL one day! XO
Wouldn’t that be cool! Thank you Raquel. I appreciate you sticking around all these years:)
You are right on point Debbie. Thank you for keeping it real. I’m enjoying your stencils and just ordered the new one.
I’ll keep reading and enjoying your blog.
Just catching up with your blog posts today, Debbie, and find myself compelled to comment. I enjoy making my house a home and a haven for my family. Sometimes I need inspiration on how to use things that I already own so that I can repurpose them, etc. Being in my 50’s, I already own plenty of seasonal decor. I don’t really need to buy more, but I enjoy seeing new ways to use these items in my home. Other times I need to do remodeling projects and am looking for step-by-step instructions on how to do this on my tight budget. Blogs that help me with these things are a true blessing and I’ve very grateful for them. There are some blogs, however, that I’ve had to stop reading because I didn’t want them to influence me with a spirit of discontent. I know that isn’t really about them, but rather about me, yet I still want to be thankful for what God has given to me and to use it wisely. Thank you for keeping it real.
Thanks Jen! It’s easy for even bloggers to feel discontent when looking at other bloggers. I don’t visit many anymore because I don’t want to be influenced in any way with their ideas. That’s another issue in itself. Thank you for commenting Jen!