Love Letters

I’m having a difficult time absorbing the fact that we’re heading into the second week of February already.  How on earth did that happen? 

I haven’t joined in with Bella’s 52 Photo’s Project since the New Year…now that I actually think of it, it was more like mid-December when I last participated…and I’ve been itching to get my camera out and play around, so today I did just that.

 

 

The theme for this week is “love notes”.  I dug out a book that I bought at a thrift shop a few years ago called Routledge’s Complete Letter Writer for Ladies and Gentlemen. by Arnold Villiers.  It doesn’t say what year it was originally published but it was updated in 1952.

 

 

It covers everything from how to write a letter to reject an unwanted suitor…to how a mother should write a letter to her daughter at boarding school to say she has had a bad report from the head mistress…to how to answer an advertisement in the paper for a lady type-writer (not typist), and every other conceivable reason one might have had to write a letter in the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s. 

It’s fascinating to see just how much our culture has changed in the last 75 or more years…we’re so much less formal and the art of letter writing has all but disappeared.  Today, unwanted advances are likely discouraged via voice mail, email or (horrors) even Facebook.

 

 

I’ve been watching Masterpiece Theatre’s series “Downton Abbey” (which I love!) for the past month and these letters remind me of the formality and “correctness” that Downton Abbey portrays in the Edwardian era in the UK.  I’ve heard that the BBC who produced this series, is quite astounded at how popular it’s become in the US and has actually sent someone “over” to investigate the phenomena.

I also read a review where it was suggested that WW1 was the end of an era and at that time people felt like they were on the brink of change with something very new and very different about to happen in the world...and that people today can identify with that feeling of great change lying just around the corner.  I think there may be some truth to that but as pure entertainment, I love the characters (especially Maggie Smith's character) and the costumes, as well as the history.  If any of you are watching this series…what is it that you most enjoy about the show?  (just doing my own little survey here )

Thanks so much for stopping by…and if you ever need to reject an unsuitable admirer, just let me know and I’ll send you the appropriate letter. 

 

Comments

[bella]

Well, welcome back!! What a beautiful blog you have (Loving the colors!) - and such a wonderful photo you posted.
And that's the point, you know.. to get you reconnected with your camera. I hope you come back next week!!
xo Bella

[tanna]

I'm 'behind' on all kinds of things, Kate!! Great photos with an interesting subject... yes, our social norms have changed.

Haven't seen that show, but you are the second person I've seen mention it in a post... piqued my curiousity. Have a great week. blessings ~ Tanna

[deb taylor]

WOW! Your photos are so gorgeous! Welcome back! I am so happy to meet you here!

[michelle gd]

what an interesting book!
and your photos...just lovely...loving the creams against the darkness of the stems {of baby's breath?} and text...

[lauren]

I love the photos. And what an awesome find at the flea market! Now I feel like I'm going to be hunting for something similar next time I go to one. Yes, times are changin', though thankfully charming "old fashioned" manners haven't completely gone by the wayside. I recently got a thank you note from a friend for a little gift I got her, and that gesture made my day (b/c I would have been totally fine with a text thank you). Have a great week

[Account Deleted]

Thanks for the love letters. They are so lovely.

http://www.cover-letters.org.uk

[urban muser]

ha! what an interesting book!

[Georgianna]

These are fascinating, Kate. Wonderful book and perfect photos. I've noticed the Downton Abbey craze taking hold. I saw the first episode and must admit I wasn't totally hooked, which is just as well as I'm so busy right now. Maybe they'll have it on one of my upcoming flights. That would be perfect.

Hope you are well – we have our first snowdrops, too! Yay!

xo – g

[tanna]

Kate, I've been trying to find out the "real" name of that pink fringe plant. So far, no luck. Everyone calls it by the "common" name of Chinese Fringe. I'll keep an ear out and let you know if I find anything further. ;) blessings ~ tanna

[Sarala]

I love the book and pictures. Great one for the theme.

[Pondside]

Last night, on the news, I learned that the US Postal Service will be broke by this October. I wonder how long Canada Post will survive? We have become a nation of tweeters and Facebook posters - unable to spell or construct a sentence. The receipt of a letter has become an event worth noting.
I enjoy Downton Abbey too. The costumes, the setting, the glimpse into another, long-past world are all hard to resist. While there are many aspects of the time to which we could say 'good riddance' there is much to admire in the way our grandparents and great grandparents lived their lives.

[Carolin Newmeyer]

I laughed out loud to that phrase: "To how a mother should write a letter to her daughter at boarding school to say she has had a bad report from the head mistress". That's why most kids are scared of goofing off or being stubborn inside the boarding house, because of this kind of notion.