July 14, 2012

Saturday Snapshots: July 14, 2012





"Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it." ~
Russell Baker






{Then as now, there are few ways more serene or enjoyable to spend a sunny afternoon then out on the water in a rowboat with someone special.} 







{This 1950s outdoor party photo is so fun and easy relate to, especially since me, my husband, and my little brother all have our birthdays falling on dates in June, July, and August. }
 





{I adore this 1940s snapshot, it reminds me of me a bit of my own maternal grandparents in a way, back when they were good looking youngsters, like this couple, with their whole lives ahead of them.}
 





{A small group of fifties folks, including at least two moms-to-be, gather in a parking lot in Long Beach, their eyes cast to the left at what exactly, we can only guess.}
 





{Two couples from Los Angles, the ladies in lovely summer dresses, relax in an attractive tree and flower lined backyard during the sizzling hot days of 1956.}
 





{It was the two peoples' poses, relaxed, spontaneous, and natural that drew me to this 1940s photo, the car, his pipe, her hairstyle and many elements more hold your attention there and having you smiling as much as they are in no time at all.}
 





{When one thinks of 1950s teenagers, there are certain iconic things that spring to mind: circle skirts, saddle shoes, bobby socks, and Coca-Cola, for example, all of which this charmingly delightful image of two young lasses is teams with.}
 





{This fantastic 50s photo speaks for itself: summer road trip!!!} 
 





{Three well dressed 1940s folks stand against a tranquil urban French background far off in the distance. Lovely and stylish as the grownups are, it's the super cute little girl with her hair bows and cross-body purse that steals your heart.}
 





{Muscles and aerobatics abound in this exciting, action packed 1950s beach shot of a scene that, past or present, one does not encounter every day.}


{All images above are from Flickr. To learn more about a specific image, please click on it to be taken to its respective Flickr page.}



♥ ♥ ♥


Every time I encounter the quote above from American Pulitzer Prize winning writer Russell Baker, I cannot help but grin a little and nod. Summer is a season of extremes, and heat is generally one of the things that skyrockets well beyond the range of what we're comfortable with. Yet many people - myself included - actually rather love the sweltering, soul baking temperatures, the glaring sun, the pavement so warm you fry a thousand eggs on it.

Summer, like a vixenish woman is alluring, gorgeous, bold, and in control. It seems to know what it's doing at every moment, and is well aware of the fact that for much of the year, we pine for it to no end. When the mercury drops below freezing and the world is a drab palette of dirt stained grey and white, it's summer's sweet face, powerful embrace, and vibrant voice that we call out for in our souls.

While there are times when we all need respite from the dog days, there are plenty more, especially knowing how short lived the third season of the year can be in Canada, when I'm grateful for the crazy heat, the breezes so perfectly mellow and warm they make you feel as though you've died and gone to heaven, the foods and gardens that only exist from June through August, and the vintage wardrobe pieces I get to put into rotation during the summer.

Yes, summer can make us suffer - be it via weather, bugs, sand in our swimsuits, or myriad other ways - but it also endures itself to our hearts, crams in so many marvelous memories each time it visits that we can't help but adore it, and ensures that whether in November, January, or April, we'll still be thinking about its return and yearning for the days when we can once again suffer the sweet pleasures of its sun-kissed return.

20 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness, that last shot is crazy! The smile on the woman's face in the air shows she is clearly confident that they will catch her.
    I like the fact that everyone is still so well dressed, despite the heat. I wonder where the family were off to with their caravan? And just what were those women looking at in the car park? I really enjoy looking at these old pics, and imagining what happened next.

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  2. Lovely post, and what wonderful images! Such an alluring time the 40s and 50s. I'm always delighted to go through my grandparents and great-grandparents photo archives. These pics remind me of them, especially because they all loved summertime and the beach.

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  3. I wholeheartedly agree with that quote especially now that I moved to an area where the average high during winter is in the low 30s degree F in the winter. I both love and hate summer. Hate mostly because I hate sweating. That's why I hate exercise. I've been like that since I was a kid.

    These are great summer snapshots. That one with couple next to the car is really great. You can feel their affection and enjoyment of one another. I also like the pregnant woman photo. They look so classy. Not like the modern women who want to look sexy while pregnant. It's so flipping weird.

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  4. Thank You for sharing these very interesting photos. Summer hasen't arrived here it has been humid hot rainy but not ONE day of continious sunshine and hedding for the the beach wheter. We ara very dissapointed so far with this summer in Sweden...More time for blogging though!

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  5. Oh that lil purse is to die for! Must get my lil one more vintage looking purses hehe She loves all of that stuff!

    I can feel the summertime dripping from these photos. Loved them all. I think though one thing I am grateful for being in this time and not in the past was the maternity clothes. Those poor women had to wear the most unflattering outfits. Even in the 70s they werent that cute. Thank goodness they are now and for each one I dressed in as many cute outfits that I could hehe

    Great post sweetie! Hope youre having a relaxing Saturday!! xox

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  6. I love looking at old photographs! It's almost like going back in time. The picture of the car is my favorite!

    xx Christina

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  7. My favorite times of the year are Spring and Autumn. I just love the colors!!

    I think my favorite snapshot has to be the one of the two teens sitting on the coke machine. I'm a coca-cola person and gosh those outfits are so cute!

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  8. Saturday snapshots are my favorite!! Love the surprise bright 50's pics every now and then!

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  9. Fantastic post today! The quote is spot on. I tend to prefer Springtime myself, but I appreciate what Summer has to offer.

    The photos were wonderful. Every single one is wonderful insight into each person's summer day.

    Best Wishes,
    Amanda

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  10. Australian Summer's are long and hot and pre-sick I loved them. As hot as it was it always meant bbqs, bike rides, the smell of jasmine at night at my nan's house. Good times. You are right, we complain about it but we also long for the Summer days. :)

    PS Love the photo of the couple next to the car.

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  11. oh, these shots truly make me smile. the last one is mind-blowing! SO much summer fun!

    http://meggymoo0.blogspot.com

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  12. i always love your collection of photos from the past... this post is my fave. lovely photos, inspiring fashion and happy faces...

    http://wardrobexperience.blogspot.de

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  13. I love your blog - so I nominated you for the Sunshine Bloggers Award. Read my post about it: Congratulations.

    http://vintageboomer.blogspot.com/2012/07/whoa-youre-kidding-right.html

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  14. I love perusing these photos, Jessica! So glad to have stumbled upon your blog and I also enjoy your outfit posts (would love a tab at the top that links to just your outfits!). I'm also a vintage lover and have been experimenting with the styles and silhouettes for a while now! I just finished photographing a hand-me-down '60s dress to premiere on my blog in a week or so. Greetings from Atlanta - following you now.

    Lastly, you might be interested in my latest giveaway. Everyone who enters wins a $15 virtual gift card to Inpink jewelry! No complicated rules and it ends tomorrow! ;-)

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  15. Oh, what lovely photos! I love the first picture, You can really feel the fun in the situation.

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  16. Gorgeous post, they all lovely...but my favourite is group of young people departing on their caravan holiday-I just love the car and the caravan. I also think the laughing couple look just so inlove and happy...thanks for sharing. xx

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  17. Wow..I just discovered this blog today. All I can say is what a treat! Keep up the wonderful work.
    Maureen

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    Replies
    1. Thank you very much, Maureen, I'm delighted that you found your way here and hope you find oodles of fun vintage inspiration here.


      ♥ Jessica

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