September 6, 2014

Saturday Snapshots: September 6, 2014




 photo ThichNhatHanhquoteaboutbeauty_zps2f32ec0a.jpg


{Image source}





{It is yesteryear images like this - the ones that depict real world women wearing wonderful fashions in the most charming of settings (inspiring me greatly in the process) - that help ensure this series will keep going strong for as long as Chronically Vintage exist - which I hope is very long time to come!}





{This immensely cute snapshot of a young girl holding two darling kittens has been in my "to use" list of Flickr favourites for years now, but I don't believe it's appeared here before. On the off chance it has, no bother - a photo this precious deserves to be seen twice.}





{There's just something about summer and sherbet hued party dresses - no matter if you're a schoolgirl or sophisticated woman of the world - that go together so smashing well, as these sweet little lasses from 1956 clearly knew.}





{A newsboy cap, bobbed (or possibly simply tucked under) 'do, and rugged stripped ensemble give this c. 1920s gal such an awesome air of menswear inspired style and understated elegance.}





{Though it was written a decade after this great street scene snap was captured in Atlantic City in 1954, the moment I saw it, the opening lines from the classic song Under the Boardwalk sprung into my head.}





This wonderful 1940s group shot of several Alpha Phi sorority members instantly made me think of my maternal grandma, who was a teenager herself during the decade, and I'm sure posed for a few similar snaps with her friends back in the day (though I don't believe she was ever in a sorority).}




{You guys know I'm a big fan of vintage photos that are chocked full of interesting background details, and this fun 1950s image of two female employees at work on the grand opening day of a pet shop just such cool details in spades!}




{Unique perspectives just happen to be another type of vintage image that I've always been keen on, so the moment I spotted this lovely vacation snap of two tourists gazing at the castle on St. Wolfgang Lake, Austria back in 1959, I knew it was destined for this month's Saturday Snapshots post.}




{As with many of the most engaging vintage wedding photos, this 1930s group shot depicting a bride, groom, maid of honour, and three bridesmaids is teaming with a wide array of facial expressions - the very cheeriest of which appears to me to be the groom’s.}




{From her lovely green dress to the darling dachie, those fab white peep-toe heels to the the Chevy they're posing with, there isn't a single element of this delightful 1940s snap I don't adore.}


{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.}


♥ ♥ ♥
 


Have you ever encountered a quote that - while you didn't go out of your way to find it - came into your life at precisely the right moment, lifting up, shaping, or changing your outlook on some element of your existence, your world, or your future?

About a year and a half go now, in the midst of deep discussion with myself - and some days with my husband, as well as with a treasured online girlfriend - about my own appearance and the struggles I've encountered throughout my whole life regarding self-esteem and how (I feel) society views me from an aesthetic standpoint (a topic that I discussed last year in this post, sparked by one of the most touching, incredible gifts I've ever received), today's quote from Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk and author Thich Nhat Hanh appeared in my Facebook stream one day.

Quite literally the night before Tony and I had been waist deep, so to speak, in the thick of a conversation about my perception of myself vs society's actual take on my appearance (by which I mean my physical appearance, not my vintage attire), which really hadn't lead anywhere more productive or helpful than past discussions on the topic had proved to be.

I know that many of us struggle for some, or all of our lives, with issues pertaining to self-esteem, self-confidence, and body image. I am by no means alone on this front, and am sure that quite a few folks out there battle these things on a much greater level than I do, but they've been present with me - like unseen, nagging passengers - ever since I was a very little girl, and I am, quite honestly sick of them (which is part of the reason why I finally mustered the courage, to hone in on one of them, to show the world my crooked/bad teeth on camera via my YouTube videos for the first time this summer, as I discussed in my second ever video here).

For a very long I could scarcely bring myself to even look at my own appearance in the mirror, and if I was out and out in public (where I generally feel substantially more self-conscious and shy) I would intentionally divert my gaze from my reflection in any kind of surface for many years. This carried on until I was about twenty-five - though I still do it occasionally, old habits dying, as they tend to do rather hard.

I saw no beauty in my face or body whatsoever for most of my life. I could, after a certain age grant you cuteness perhaps, but beauty was as illusive as a unicorn, and I longed to have even an inkling of a sense of what that word - that single little subjective adjective - actually felt like.

I wish I could tell you that reading Thich Nhat Hanh's endlessly wise quote delivered that sensation my way, that I woke up the next morning and felt gorgeous, self-confident, no longer at odds with my appearance, but I didn't - well, not entirely. Something had changed that following day though, because I was suddenly more at peace with the face looking back at me in the mirror (much as I was after I received Lorena's beautiful aforementioned gift). I liked how I looked a whole lot more, and I honestly felt like I cared considerably less if others viewed me as aesthetically pleasing or not (again, I'm absolutely not talking about my fashion choices here, happily, I'm very confident on that front).

I am not shallow, and I try never to judge another person based on their looks, but we all critique both ourselves and each other, if only on a silent, internal level sometimes. In the Hanh's words I found the permission to stop judging myself so harshly, and perhaps just as importantly, had a light bulb moment of realization that being myself is its own kind of profound beauty.

Miss Universe I may never be, but I am my true self, as best and honestly as I know how to be each and every day. I am a wife, a sister, a best friend, a chronically ill individual, a blogger, a crafter, a pet mama, a photographer, a daydreamer, a bookworm, a vintage lover, an Etsy shop owner, a traveler and so very much more, and each of these things conspires to make me beautiful in my own unique way.

Just as the passions, stories and telltale characteristics that make you who you are - who each of us has been since the dawn of time - transforms you into a deeply, perpetually lovely individual, too.

Many months have passed since this quote appeared in my Facebook stream, but it hasn't left my side for a day. I turned it into my desktop background image for nearly a year and have reflected on it scores of times since then, trying to embrace and better live its message on a deeper level each morning, noon and night.

Few snippets of sagely advice has resonated as profoundly with me, and so I knew that the time had come to pass it along to each of you, in case you're also in need of the important reminder it carries, and the powerful feeling that comes with accepting yourself right here, right now, exactly how you are in the moment. Beautiful, in more ways than you will ever possibly know.

36 comments:

  1. I simply adore all those moments-in-time snapshots!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much, dear Sascha. It's been a good long time (I think July, but don't quote me there, I'd have to check to be sure) since we had an edition of Saturday Snapshots, so the first Saturday in September seemed like high time for another. I'm delighted to know that you enjoyed this roundup of photos. We all the changes Flickr has made in the last three or so years, a lot of folks have left the site, others have made their accounts private, and fewer are posting vintage images, I find, so I'm really glad I'm still able to find enough photos that I've never shown here before and which I think my readers will enjoy for this longstanding blog post series.

      Have a splendid weekend!
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  2. Jessica, what an amazing post, on so many different levels. First, the pics are all so, so wonderful. I loved every one of them. Secondly, this post is so insightful and thoughtful and profound. I think so many of us think we don't measure up in one way or another, face, figure or mind. As I am growing older, I am finding I do not like the changes which are taking place, but short of plastic surgery there is not much that can be done ;) But I have been thinking about this lately, trying to be more introspective, spending more time in prayer and have finally come to the same conclusion as you. Beauty really does come from within. It is our spirit and joy in our heart which makes us beautiful. Is there anything more beautiful than seeing Mother Teresa (certainly no beauty by modern standards) smiling and holding one of her orphan children, or consoling one who is dying, or any face filled with the joy of love, laughter and life. We must give ourselves the permission to be who we were created to be, and stop trying to be someone else. It is much too hard, don't you think to be constantly trying to conform to something else. Jessica, I am so glad I found your blog. I have found a wonderful place to indulge my love of vintage and in the process discovered such a wonderfully, sweet spirit.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello dear Cathy, thank you deeply for speaking from your heart and sharing your wisdom on this very important topic with me/us. I could not emphatically agree more with you about the true beauty - not to mention grace, generosity, and humility - of Mother Teresa and other such people whose actions are more beautiful than any physical body could ever be. And likewise that we must give ourselves permission to just be who we are - why do so many of us think that's not enough? That we're not beautiful, worthy, important, special, or otherwise the grand and glorious beings that we are?

      Life is so fleeting and finite. Objectively, it is a profound waste of time, energy and the happiness of our spirit to entertain such thoughts, and yet so very many of us do - at least to some degree. I too notice signs of aging that I'm not keen on (much more than wrinkles, which I do have some of, at this point, what I dislike most, about my face at least, is that I see it getting rounder as I age, even though I haven't gained weight), but aging - as they say - most certainly beats the alternative and I'm getting better with accepting and embracing how I look at any given moment in time - especially because I know, I know, I know (yes, I felt that warranted saying three times :)), that I will look back in even just a few years time and think that I looked so young/good - I already do that with photos of me in my mid to late-20s (when at the time, I'm sure I could have written at length about things I didn't like about my appearance, but would now not care much or at all about).

      Here's to the hope that with each passing year, we'll both love ourselves and see the beauty in we possess, which others no doubt see in us, more and more.

      Many hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  3. I wish I had known when I was younger that those images of perfection in women's magazines have been airbrushed to a considerable extent. I used to wonder why they had no pores or any imperfections on their faces anywhere. How was that possible?

    You've written and spoken about your teeth. I wonder if you've ever had a consultation with a dentist. At least it would give you an idea of what would be involved and the cost. (My daughter is a dental assistant so I've heard a bit from her on the topic and her fiancé' is a dentist).

    I'm going to the Victoria vintage fair also so maybe I'll see you there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello my dear, how awesomely exciting that you're headed to Victoria Vintage Expo/Fair as well. I would absolutely love to meet up with you there. I'll most likely be attending on the first day, but may be there for both, we'll see. :)

      Yes, I've consulted with multiple dentists and orthodontists over the years and know that - and these quotes would be a touch old now, I'm sure with recent inflation in every sector, they'd be higher now - to achieve a beautiful - or at least considerably better smile - I'd be looking at being in the range of $10,000-$15,000+ (my teeth are more crooked, and some back ones were pulled years ago and thus missing, than you see on video - which I guess is a good thing, but I still feel like you can see plenty there all the same). This a large sum of money for sure, but one that I do believe I will be able to afford later in life, when our finances have improved further and we're no longer in debt (which obviously takes priority). I can live with with my teeth how they are, if I must, but I don't want to forever, if at all avoidable.

      Thank you very much for your comment - have a wonderful weekend,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
    2. When I was living in Egypt, a very wise British man said this to me, "Why do all you Americans straighten your teeth and make them such a bright white color? Now teeth with a bit of crookedness here and there, THOSE are some teeth with character!" (Which is why I have never whitened my teeth! I always hear his voice in my head and think, "Yeah, why should I whiten them? I'll keep 'em natural.) :)

      Delete
    3. That is thoroughly interestingly, dear Em. It's great that some other cultures aren't as focused on having a "Hollywood" smile as we are in North America. For me though, getting mine fixed is a life goal. I have never, not since the age of about seven years old, been able to smile (showing my teeth) in photos or to speak to people in person (save for my absolute closest loved ones) with out feeling mind blowingly self-conscious amount my teeth.

      They have added to my struggles with self-consciousness and self-esteem, held me back from doing some things I would have otherwise tried (especially as a teenager), and actually even hurt my tongue a bit 24/7 (a front tooth is far back behind the others at a sharp angle and it digs into my tongue constantly), so if it's ever even remotely possible, I will be getting them fixed and hopefully far more than just my teeth themselves in the process.

      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  4. Nice pictures!! I like the one of Atlantic City because I've been there a couple of years ago and recognized it immediately, but of course it's the kitten picture that I love the most!! Can't imagine my own life without cats!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Never a truer word spoken - I just hope someday I can truly accept them x x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I do as well - for both of us, dear Philippa. I know that I've made monumental strides on that front in the past decade and sincerely hope I'll continue to as I get older. You are such a beautiful person in countless ways inside and out (for example, you're kind, thoughtful, giving, easy to chat with, talented, and smart) and I will always be here to tell you and remind you of such anytime.

      ♥ Jessica

      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  6. A set of beautiful images. Your accompanying quote and thoughts are thought-provoking too, and interestingly, when I looked at the wedding photo, my mind went to a similar place. I thought that the groom probably looks the most cheerful because he is the least worried about how he will look in the photo.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Very good point, my dear - I think that's something which has likely rung true for most grooms since the dawn of time - okay, at least since the dawn of weddings involving dressing up. It's one of those unspoken elements of life that we rarely discuss, but which is definitely true.

      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  7. Apologies if you get two very similar comments from me - I'm on my work computer and I'm not sure whether my comment went through or not so I wanted to type it out again to be on the safe side.

    The 1930s wedding photo is so charming; the groom looks like the happiest man in the world with his new wife.

    So happy to hear that you are feeling more positive about your appearance as well. I'm sure it goes without saying but self-esteem is such a funny thing in how it causes us to judge ourselves so much more harshly than others. Your personality and beauty shine through in your photos and writing, and now your videos too. I hope you continue to delight us through Chronically Vintage for years to come.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello sweet Helen, thank you, dear gal, don't worry at all, I only received one comment - so it's great that you decided to send it a second time.

      I truly appreciate and have taken to heart every kind and meaningful thing that you said. You wouldn't believe how much I needed to her your last sentence in particular right now. Thank you deeply.

      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  8. Dear Jessica,
    I think you are beautiful. If I saw you on the street,I would think, "I want to look like that girl!" And yes,I did see your video.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello dear Piper, thank you very much for both of your kind, uplifting comments. That is an incredibly lovely, meaingful thing ("I want to look like that girl") to be told - it will stay with me always.

      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  9. Oh, and one more thing. My new mantra is going to be; smile like you are holding kittens.

    ReplyDelete
  10. These pictures are wonderful, thank you for finding them! And what a wonderful quote. And for what it's worth, from the first time I saw this blog and pictures of you, there was no doubt in my mind that you are beautiful! Perhaps it won't be a comfort or help, but I've found that as I care for myself as I get older I have fewer and fewer problems with self esteem or whatever you want to call it. I guess I don't care what others think anymore, though of course it's lovely when they think kindly toward me. I too got a dental estimate that was even after insurance way up into the multiple thousands, and realized hey I'm healthy without that and who cares if I look a little different....Thanks for your wise and beautiful site.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you deeply for your supportive, caring words - they do indeed mean a lot to me and bring a dose of much needed comfort. I have made massive strides in learning to love myself more (and care wayyyy less what others think of me) in the last decade, especially the last five years and adamantly believe that this trend will continue as time goes on (thankfully). Hopefully in another decade or two, I won't even notice the things that I now see as "flaws" or wish were different.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  11. my beautiful friend!
    what a wonderful post! all i know is that beauty lies not in perfect teeth, body, hair or skin! ok., there is a common ideal - but statistically this ideal looking human being does´t exist!
    i always hated photos of me - it was hard to pose for the blog the first time. but what is bad if i don´t look like claudia schiffer or carla bruni? would i be happier if i starve to be thinner or use 100€ anti-aging-cream? i think not.
    lots of hearty hugs!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Absolutely!!! Chasing perfection is like going out looking for a unicorn. You can spend your whole life doing it, but will ultimately come up empty handed and will have wasted a great deal of precious time that you'll never get back. Best to just enjoy our bodies, faces and flaws/best points exactly as they are and focus on even more important things in this wonderful world of ours.

      Big hugs coming right back at you,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  12. A very poignant piece, sweet gal. I know for myself that it's easy to say "Oh, I look somewhat cute today" but to actually accept my face and body as it is, and be able to one day find that 'beauty in the contentment of the soul'... Well, not so much. That is always a struggle.

    There is always something to pick on, pull apart, or simply wish would go away. And I think as women, learning how to love ourselves is one of the most common battles we all share. But we are more than the sum of our parts, and by looking out I think we can remember that. I hope you remember it always, as your positivity and gentle, thoughtful writing makes an impact around the world. ♡

    xox,
    bonita of Lavender & Twill

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Isn't it though? And why is that? Sure, I've known men who were very self-conscious, vein, or even flat out narcissists, but generally it is us ladies who tear ourselves to pieces in our heads about our appearance and always feel like we're failing to measure up to some invisible bar. It's such a shame and we all deserve to treat ourselves better and with far more love on that front.

      Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your uplifting, incredibly lovely words - I swear, they will always stay with me.

      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  13. these pictures are lovely. Nothing beats a gorgeous every day vintage image, better then a screen star any day. I also agree with lavender and twill your posts are inspiring and lovely. You are a major self esteem inspiration for me. As I get older I become more comfortable in my own skin and I feel more confident in myself and I think vintage dressing has been a big inspiration for me

    retro rover

    ReplyDelete
  14. I love the photos that you have selected so well, and I love your words, Jessica! Once more they reveal your sensitiveness and add to you an extra special beauty! It's not too easy to feel beautiful, but...you really are wonderful!! :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you deeply, dear Dan - that means a great deal to me.

      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  15. Isn't it a shame that we struggle to replace the negative phrases in our heads with the positive comments that people make about us? We are our own worst critics and would never say to other people some of the things that we say about ourselves. I am trying to learn to be kind to myself, both in actions and in words and trying to switch off those negative voices is one of those kind things. If we were to meet in person I think the things that would make an impression would be your energy, friendliness, intelligence, kindness, style and sense of fun. Your teeth wouldn't even get a look in.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It truly is, sweet Kate. Just imagine how much happier and healthier a place the world would be we all stopped being so terribly hard on ourselves. I think it would be an almost unrecognizable place.

      That is immensely kind and touching, thank you so much. I swear, all of those things would jump out at me about you as well, in addition to your whit, gentle spirit, passion, and loveliness.

      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  16. Oh, the little girl with the kittens! I want my little one to have a hairstyle just like that. When she finally grows some serious hair, that is.

    It´s so good to read that you are growing more comfortable with your own body. There´s nothing more important than loving your own self, inside and out, to live a happy life. The journey to self love is long, maybe endless, so every inspiration comes in handy. What I always find helpful is the fact that everyone only gets one body to live in, it houses all the important stuff we need and like, it keeps us alive and going, even if it has its flaws. It does some pretty amazing things for us, so we shouldn´t treat it like our enemy. Instead, we should give it some love, embrace the parts we love and accept those we aren´t all happy about. Sure, we could spend our lives worrying about those parts that don´t fit the recent standards, OR we spend our lives enjoying ourselves and the great people around us who very often don´t even notice our "flaws". You know, when we look at other people (esp. women, because that´s what we are taught to do) and think "Oh, she´s so perfect, I wish I had her *insert random body part here*" and that particular person stands in front of the mirror every morning and complains about that exact body part.
    Does that make any sense?
    What I´m trying to say: You are a wonderful person just the way you are (as far as I can judge from the almighty internet ;)) and it´s great that you are coming to peace with your body because there is no reason to be unconfident about it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It most certainly does, and I completely agree. Astutely, wisely said, dear gal. Thank you for sharing your positive, wonderful attitude on accepting and loving one's self/body with me, sweet dear - it really means a lot (as do you incredibly kind, meaningful compliments).

      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  17. Lovely, lovely!! I pinned a few of these cute pics to one of my boards and as soon as I saw that image of the girls facing what appears to be a antique castle, I knew it had to be Austria and/or Germany...boy do I have wanderlust!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. As usual, my response is quite late, but no less heartfelt, of course. You and I really are so much alike in many ways, and this is one of them! Few are so hard on themselves as women, some more than others; it can be a very deep and hard-to-heal wound.

    What is funny is those of us who are the hardest on ourselves can be the most forgiving of others, because we know how horrible the struggle can be. You are right about not judging others by their outward appearance—Dorian Grey and C.S. Lewis' words (brilliant: http://ow.ly/Bxsb3 & http://ow.ly/BxrRW) aside, how many times have each of us had our assessment of someone (we all do it, alas) change because they were kind and cheerful....or because they were snappish or moody or worse, cruel? Having struggled so with my own appearance and, as you say, aesthetic, for so long and so painfully, I think I've gotten pretty good at 'letting that go' until getting to know the person better, thank God, but will say it's amazing to reflect upon how quickly a physical Venus or Adonis can become one of the least attractive people we've ever met because their personalities are...um...lacking, shall we say? Yet they can become even more stunning with a good nature and disposition. So long as our response to people is based upon who they *are*, I think we are okay.

    So far as the oft-slung slur of "shallowness"...the more I read, the more I wonder if that is in and of itself the shallow remark. The longing for and appreciation of beauty, whether in people, art, landscape, or living environment, seems to be such an inborn human trait! It must speak to something very deep, ancient, and important within us, individually and as the human race. For instance, your desire (and mine!) to visit Niagara Falls, one of the world's very impressive and beautiful natural sights; that terrible beauty, that grand and humbling beauty simultaneously and only temporarily satisfies us, often galvanizing us to seek more sights, sounds, and experiences like it!

    So...I think our human admiration for beauty is...normal. It's very old, older than the hills (or the Falls!). It is probably even normal that all of us, who have had experience with beauty, wish to emulate it however we can. To assault a woman's desire to be beautiful, especially, is in my opinion cruel indeed, because (trigger warning, sexist remark coming) women do tend to be more sensitive to such things and appreciative of the finer details and nuances of beauty. Many if not most of us want to be considered beautiful or lovely, especially these days!

    To look back at Lewis' words, though—Jessica, I think you are certainly one of the beautiful creatures. You're nowhere near one of the nightmares he warned us of, and let me assure you, not at all dull and uninteresting (seriously, there are queens and kings far duller than you could be on the worst day of the flu in your life; I've read their biographies). I've probably said this before, but your good nature and humour, cheerful spirit, wide range of interests and welcoming heart only add to your physical beauty and loveliness. May these truly timeless & lovely traits continue to enliven and illuminate it with each and every year. :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love this : http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2013%20Chronically%20Vintage%20images/August%202013/5259625378_9c87426a01_z_zpsad45edb4.jpg

    Thanks Jessica! Your blog is both a pleasure for the eyes but also for the mind. I enjoy it a lot!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Dearest Jessica, I simply don't understand it!? What is wrong with you? Why can't you see yourself as I/we see you? You are beautiful, but not in a traditional stereotype Hollywood way. And thank goodness for that! You are the loveliest little fairy I've ever seen, so I wonder who had the heart to clip your wings. Really. When I saw your first movie and noticed your teeth, I smiled. Because that is what makes you unique. It is SO charming. And I am sure Tony is on my side here. I can understand that it might not be fun to have to wear a wig, but I think you are used to it and I never notice. Your wig is so lovely and looks like it is your own fabulous hair. I send you lots of hugs and hope you will continue to believe more in yourself and see you as I see you. You are a pleasure on the eye, dear. :)

    ReplyDelete