July 18, 2015

Saturday Snapshots: July 18, 2015











{Heartwarming, timeless and very easy to relate to, this immensely sweet photo from c. 1918 shows three young sisters busily engaged in needlework on the verandah of their Toowong, Australia home as their matching trio of dolls watch on.}




{This photo from 1950, which has the accompanying note of "Irma at home" lands a place in today's post because Irma's red skirt suit and sophisticated bird wing adorned hat are the kind of early 50s fashions that make swoon and then go running to Etsy to try and duplicate those same styles! :) (PS: If you click though to this person's Flickr stream, you can see lots more photos of Irma over the years.)}




{A wonderful car, elegant mid-century attire, and a great getaway to the woods. Sounds like my idea of summertime heaven!}




{It was all I could do to keep my knees from buckling when I came across this delightful vintage photograph or two friends or relatives in their causal c. 1940s daywear attire. I mean, come on, just look at that A-MAH-ZING airplane novelty print sweet. Tres swoon!}




{A once common part of youth for many women that is now all but forgotten in most circles, these lovely ladies from 1954 were all debutants that year - and what a beautifully evening/party dress adorned group they were!}




{Tourists, and likely the occasional local or two as well, exploring Windsor Castle, 1949. I'm always drawn to vintage crowd shots like this - they give you such a good look a decent chunk of the population at one time and thus many outfits and hairstyles to study, learn from, and simply enjoy seeing.}




{The caption "traveling with friends" accompanies this 1920s photo of six fashionably attired ladies who all look marvelous from their elegant shoes right on up to their jaunty cloche hats. Talk about traveling (with friends) in style!}




{This photo stirs a sense of nostalgia in me. Though you need to bump things up about three decades, this photo could easily have been taken little me along with my mom and aunts or some of her girlfriends during my childhood. Not only that, but look at that crazy cool animal and cocktail print wallpaper - I had to post this 1950s photo if only for that!}




{Two young woman (very) hard at work on the war effort front, March 1943. I always seriously admire how well dressed and put together those who did these kind of demanding manual labour jobs still managed to look day in and day out.}




{The cross section of genuine facial expressions in this 1950s colour photo is more perfect than had it been staged. You're got the visibly concerned, serious faced lady on the right, the woman engaged in telling her story on the left, the sweet, excited little gal in the middle who looks like she just saw Santa Claus step into the room. }



{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.}



♥ ♥ ♥
 


Several months ago I was involved in a situation with someone for whom I went unbelievably above and beyond. I'm prone to doing this. It's in my nature not just to care, but to care incredibly deeply. I am an empath, a highly sensitive person, and INFJ, so you can likely image (or perhaps personally relate) to the fact that I quite literally feel other people's feelings and can sense a mile away when someone is in distress, is upset, was hurt - any negative or positive emotion, I'll read like a book, even if they don't say a word. In fact, it often between those proverbial lines that I pick up the very truest clues.

The details of what unfolded do not merit relaying, but the very in-a-nutshell version of things is that I did what I felt was an incredibly kind and generous thing and the person I was trying to help (who it should be noted, gave me permission to do so for beforehand) rebuked, complained about, and was mind-blowingly rude regarding what I had done.

I didn't see that coming in a million years and was floored by it (believe me, I say this without an ounce of bias, their response was incredibly uncouth, hurtful and selfish). I mean, to the point where I literally felt a powerfully crushing, gripping sensation in the center of my chest for days afterwards. I was nearly paralyzed from the trauma of their reaction and I was as good as useless to myself and the rest of the world for at least a week as I slowly began to recover from how incredibly ungrateful and hurtful they were to me.

I'm a sensitive person, there's no question about it, but I've been wronged, slighted, screwed over, used, you name it, over the years, and for all my tender emotions, I've grown quite a thick skin, so to have someone (who I barely knew) trouble me so deeply was unnerving unto itself.

Far from being bitter or even angry at that person. I felt sorry from them. Pity sprung the very core of my heart and I wondered how they could function in this world with the attitude that they possessed. I wept and in a way I grieved for them, but through it all, I never regretted the actions I had taken in my attempt to make their life better, their world happier.

During that rough patch in my life, I thought and meditated on the quote that launches today's edition (the first this year, believe it or not) of Saturday Snapshots, hailing from the mind of that wise philosopher (amongst other things) of ancient Rome, Lucius Annaeus Seneca, who said "It is another's fault if he be ungrateful, but it is mine if I do not give. To find one thankful man, I will oblige a great many that are not so."

Each time I read it, my soul calmed. My nerves relaxed, my heartbeat slowly returned to normal and the invisible elephant sat up and wandered off from my chest. It would be easy to let an experience like that one jade or sour you. To turn your spirit harsh, your heart cold. To make you stop remembering that there is good in many and that there are some people who can never truly be pleased or who lack the ability to experience genuine gratitude.

I could have, but I didn't. For I did not do so each time (with other people) at earlier stages in my life, and I will not when something similar happens down the road in the future. It is bound to. There are too many human beings on this planet to not run into at least a handful more before my mortal time expires that will cause similar feelings, provoke such agonizing reactions, and who have as little clue about how to be grateful as that aforementioned elephant does about flying a spaceship to the moon.

Today, a relatively long time after this experience unfolded, I share it with you here to let you know that if you're currently facing, have dealt with, or will one day encounter something similar, that you're not alone. This problem predated even our good man Seneca (not to mention all the lovely folks in these vintage snapshots) and it will far outlast each and every one of us here.

When you encounter ungratefulness, and I promise you that you will, think not of that individual but of those for whom your actions, words and caring soul were appreciated - and of those who stirred in you those very same feelings.

The next time someone does something from a place of love and care for you, make sure your look them straight in the eyes (or write a heartfelt thank you letter/email) and make sure that they know just how very grateful you are. Believe me, Seneca, would approve, and so will the rest of the people in today's world that you will actually want to be around as you move forward with your life after having been dealt a painful reminder that it truly takes all kinds!

53 comments:

  1. Such a thoughtful post and I felt for you when you described how you felt in the aftermath. I too am very sensitive but find it so hard to let go of the hurt.

    But to pleasant things: such lovely pictures! I love the ones taken at the tower and that wallpaper is incredible, who wouldn't want that! Those wee girls sewing, what poppets they are.

    Have a beautiful weekend xxx

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    1. Thank you deeply, sweet Melanie. It is not always an easy thing to do, but it puts a heavy weight on our souls hold onto hurt, so working to free ourselves from it, when possible, is so very worthwhile. I fully realize of course that this is often easier said than done, believe me.

      Indeed, isn't that wallpaper something else! It's been ages since I last penned one of these posts, but I'd had that photo tucked away for when I eventually did next as I had a feeling many people would be as enthralled with it as I am!

      Wishing you a sunny, fabulous weekend!
      ♥ Jessica

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  2. You are one of the kindest, most thoughtful people I know. Even though we haven't met in person, I can't imagine anyone being mean or rude to you but people will be people. :(

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    1. Stephanie, that is so incredibly sweet and touching of you to say. A million thanks isn't enough to begin to express my gratitude to you for what you wrote here today. It will stay with me and make me smile for a long, long time to come.

      Huge hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  3. I'm sorry about your bad experience, Jessica. I feel your pain. I'm equally sensitive and capable of emotional hurt. It's good you have been able to learn from the experience, to get something positive out of it.

    I love Irma's above outfit and, even more, am nostalgic about the tiles in the third-to-last photo. We had those; they were common in finished basement 'cause of their low cost, ease in application (the adhesive was already on the bottom) and nice design. Reading your blog is often like returning to my childhood.

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    1. Thank you very much, Ally. I have always senses that about you and think its one of the many reasons why we have - to borrow an Italian word - such a sense of simpatico.

      I truly love knowing that my blog often sends you on a journey down memory lane. In many ways, even if I didn't live in the decades I'm writing about, it does for me, too, because the mere act of so frequently focusing on history often causes me to reflect on my own past (good, bad, and plenty of otherwise) as well.

      Thank you very much for your lovely comment. Have a fun filled, wonderful weekend!
      ♥ Jessica

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  4. I am swooning over that wallpaper. I hope it still exists somewhere.

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    1. Definitely! It is by far one of the most amazing wallpapers, past or present that I ever seen. If a company could replicate it today, I have no doubt that it would sell well - especially amongst vintage fans.

      Have a marvelous weekend, dear Dawn!
      ♥ Jessica

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  5. Point of order #1: in the animal and cocktail photo, the woman in the pink looks just like my maternal Granny! HA! I love these old photos!

    Point of order #2: What the heck is WRONG with people!?! Sheeze. You're the nicest person in the world ... it's really like kicking an adorable puppy. I just don't understand how people can be so rotten and mean. sigh ... if it make you feel any better, I adore the heck out of you. Seriously. I know that I dropped the ball with our emails, but I promise to pic it up again ... maybe in LETTER form! WAHOO! Sending you so much love, sweet friend.

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    1. I hope you can feel a warm, gentle squeeze right now, because that is me giving you the biggest virtual hug ever. Seriously, I don't know if anyone has ever said a nicer blog comment to me than yours here today, my very dear friend. Thank you so much. You're awesome and your kindness means the world to me.

      Huge hugs - and tons of excitement over the prospect of a snail mail letter (yippee!),
      ♥ Jessica

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  6. Love, love, love your blogpost today! The photos are brilliant and definitely tell a story about the time that each one was taken! fabulous! Appreciate your sharing your story also! I am also an INFJ and sometimes I think it can be a curse! LOL Very few people "get it" and always ask, why do you care so much? I have been hurt many times, and have had to put a wee bit of a wall up, and sometimes ignore something which is hard to do! So sorry you were hurt but congratulations for realizing how miserable this person must really be! Keep on doing what you do so well! Have a great day! Jennifer, Calgary, Alberta, canada

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    1. Hello my lovely fellow INFJ, thank you very much for your understanding comment. I know, even though I've moved past the pain of this situation, that I will never, ever forget it. There are certain negative actions and behaviors directed at us that linger with us forever and this is definitely one of those times for me. Thankfully though, I don't dwell on it, but it does still cause me a stabbing pang of hurt if I stop and rehash what played out in my mind. That's life though and one just has to keep on, keeping on, no matter what comes their way.

      Big hugs from sunny Penticton,
      ♥ Jessica

      *PS* You live in my favourite Canadian city ever! I resided there for 2.25 years in my late teens and truly adore it with all my heart and soul.

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  7. I'm sorry you had to endure such an experience! x
    fashionismyfirstlanguage.blogspot.ie

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet dear. I find blogging to be deeply cathartic in general and this post was no exception, so hopefully I can put the memory of this experience further behind me thanks to it.

      Have a fabulous weekend!
      ♥ Jessica

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  8. My second try, My sweet friend, how unfortunate that another treated you so poorly as you had treated her with kindness and care. It makes my head spin. Knowing You like I do, it breaks my heart a bit that you endured such cruelty and that it took so much out of you. I'm glad to know you've moved past it. Now about that wallpaper! How cute is that. I am lucky to have photos of my great grandmother through the years, and of my grandmother in candid black and white shots from 1910 and onward. Such treasures. I happen to have in my possession my Aunt's Tiny Tears doll from the early 1950's. It's raining right now here in Redondo Beach, a perfect time to take out the vintage photos of my family and display the vintage dolls. Have a splendid weekend my dear friend. Christy

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  9. Wow, 3rd try! Jessica, I am heartbroken knowing that another person treated you so awful. I am glad you have been able to move past this ordeal. Knowing you personally, it's making my head spin. Now about that wallpaper, how cute is that! And the ladies having a ciggy and a drink very informally in a circle with no table between them. Oh to be a fly on their wall and get just a glimmer of what they were talking about. I have so many vintage photos of my family from the late 1880's to present day. My favorites have always been the black & white pictures taken of my Great Grandmother and her siblings in the roaring 20's. My Grandmother Fairy Dawn was born in 1924 and the pictures of her as a teenager are priceless. My family took a lot of photos. Candid's and portraits. I've learned early on not to avoid the camera and smile! Have a splendid weekend my beautiful friend! Christy❤️

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    1. Hi sweet Christy, I'm sincerely sorry that Blogger is still giving you troubles. I didn't get the first version, but your 2nd and 3rd tries came through. Thank you very, very much for your caring, beautiful words.

      Isn't that wallpaper out of this world? I super wish a company would study and reproduce it. I'm sure it would be a hit, especially if it wasn't ridiculously pricey (as a lot of wallpaper has become in recent years).

      It's truly awesome that you have so many vintage and antique family photos. I can't say the same, I'm afraid (my family, on both sides, really did not keep a lot of older items - clearly they didn't know that I was coming down the ancestral pipeline!), but do know that some originals still exist in the homes of a small number of relatives and that alone makes me happy.

      It's a little cooler here today, too, barely 30 C/86 F, which compared to many days lately almost feels nippy. I truly love the scorching hot heat, so I hope it comes back again this season.

      Big hugs & happy Saturday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  10. I am a lot like you, nice to a default. Sometimes we need to learn from these experiences and put our foot down in the future. I am sorry this has happened to you

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  11. Well, that sucks.

    I'm really sorry you were treated that way. Careless ingratitude is one thing, and I sympathise with it to be honest, because I can be a bit too forgetful on the thanking front at times. But when people react to kindness with anger, it does make you wonder what is going on with them.

    Still, I love your approach to handling it, and that quote is fabulous. I hadn't come across it before and I suspect I will end up thinking back to it in tough times in the future. I've always loved a good quote :)

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    1. Thank you sweetly, my dear friend. I'm leery to go into many details here, on the off chance that person reads my blog (I doubt it, but you never know), but I can share that they're not part of our usual close knit vintage group and I'm very grateful for that fact.

      Isn't it a marvelous quote? So wise and poignant - not to mention a great principle to try and instill in children at an early age.

      Many sincere thanks again. Have a beautiful new week!
      ♥ Jessica

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  12. You featured some really interesting photographs this Saturday. I like the mix of intimate and group shots, too. You definitely have an eye for picking out great details. I thought the little girls sewing with their dolls was especially sweet. As for the text....I hear you on having a tender heart, oh yes very much so, and i too have had mine trampled on over the years (although in different circumstances). I think it can be impossible for the less sensitive to appreciative the hurt unkind words or actions can do, but I don't think we can really change our fundemental nature. Yes, we can be more alert for people who might cause us damage - and that is certainly the area I am working on myself right now - but we will always be kind to the vulnerable and those in real need because that is who we are deep down. I'm glad you are processing what has happened to the point of writing about it (can be very therapeutic). Be careful out there! X X x

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Philippa. It didn't strike me until putting this post together recently just how long it had been since the last edition of Saturday Snapshots. In recent years it hasn't been as frequent a reoccurring post as some others (like 25 Vintage Deals and Vintage Link Love), but that doesn't mean that I love it any less than in the earlier years (of this blog) when it was a common sight. I'll aim to get another one up a bit sooner than the 9 - 10 months, if memory serves me right, that it's been since the last (trying to recall off the top of my head if that was last fall or if there was one around the start of this year...hmm, not sure).

      I couldn't agree with you more. It one thing to hurt a person, intentionally or not, it is another entirely to be so unaware of your own actions and how deeply they tore at another person.

      Blogging is indeed so therapeutic for me. Time and time again over the years it has been the catalyst that helped launch me past a hurt, a worry, a point of stress or some other negative and this post is definitely aiding me in regards to this situation described within.

      Thinking of you and hoping that you aren't wrestling with any sticky situations of your own this summer.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  13. I hope you feel better now! Don;t worry karma will sort it all out :)
    http://inkandlacedesigns.blogspot.com.au/

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Lorena. I really like to think so, too.

      Have a great new week!
      ♥ Jessica

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  14. The picture of the two young women working is just gorgeous. They really were on another fashion level in those days <3

    Miss Betty Doll

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    1. Really and truly, it was and you know, for all our skilled vintage dressers today and even in the world of Hollywood costuming, one can never 100% replicate the everyday fashion world of the past, because there were so many influences and factors at work that are gone, or at least no longer the same, as today. That was a generation, like many before it, that was raised with certain sartorial knowledge, various beauty skills, and who got to buy everything we now call vintage in the very moment itself. That can be emulated, by baring a time machine never completely replicated and that's okay - so much of the beauty and allure of vintage lies in the fact part of it will always be out of reach because time only marches forward, not back.

      Wishing you a terrific week ahead, my dear,
      ♥ Jessica

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  15. It´s sad to read that you experienced such rudeness and that it made you feel bad for several days. Some people just don´t know what their behavior is doing to others.

    Your selected photos are lovely as always, but my clear favorite is the one of the two women in workwear. They look amazing!

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    1. Thank you sweetly, honey. I don't dwell on this experience any longer (well, other than to think about it for the purpose of this post), but there will always be a twinge of deeply rooted pain when I do reflect on it. Oh well! It wasn't the first time I was hurt and it won't be the last, but thankfully, as we age, it often gets easier to handle being so insensitively treated - or at least (easier) to understand why some people are the way that they unfortunately are.

      Many hugs & happy wishes for the new week,
      ♥ Jessica

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  16. These last few paragraphs have really touched me. I can relate on so many levels, as I am currently undergoing recovering from a jaw-dropping, out of the blue betrayal, that I know will take years to cope with. Hence, the incredibly lack of comments, posts, and general activity on-line (including replying to your letter). But I just wanted to let you know your words have once spoke to me, and I am thankful for that.

    xoxo
    -Janey

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    1. Sweet Janey, it pains me terribly to hear that you've been going through such a challenging time and grappling with some serious emotional repercussions from it. You are a tremendously nice, caring, lovely person and I can scarcely fathom anyone having the audacity to betray you. With all my heart, I hope that peace will return to your heart and soul soon. As always, I am here for you if you need someone to talk to about absolutely anything.

      Gentle hugs & the utmost of understanding,
      ♥ Jessica

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  17. i stopped to think about that situations when people were so ungrateful - instead - like you - i look for the ones who are thankful and nice. and i got very careful who i offer my help. my time on this planet and my energies are not endless. there are a lot of wonderful people in the need of little or big help - but i would miss out on them by helping one who does´t really want it. (is this correct english??? translator does´t help)
    as always - wonderful and interesting images - want that bright red suit!!!
    hugs&kisses!!! <3

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  18. Jessica I am so sorry that you experienced the worst of human nature recently. I understand the feeling and I think that you are a much bigger person than I. I stopped caring for people in general for a long time when a similar thing happened to me nearly 10 years ago. I have since learned the lesson you so eloquently described above and forgave and moved on. But even now I am wary. You are so right - there will be people like that out there long after you and I leave the planet and it's unreasonable to think we won't encounter any more unpleasant people. Next time that happens to me I will remember this post and your wise words - and your kind heart. God bless you Jessica and never stop being you.
    Debs xxx

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    1. Sweet Debs, I am wholeheartedly sorry that you experienced a similar truly painful situation where someone blindsided you with their viciousness and ungratefulness. I hope with all my might that you never experience anything like that again.

      Gentle hugs & the utmost of understanding,
      ♥ Jessica

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  19. I can't believe anyone would treat you that way - you're easily one of the kindest people I know. It genuinely makes me feel angry. The fact you could feel pity for someone who was that horrible to you is testament to the fact you're x100 the person they clearly are. At least you know there are tonnes of people out there who do appreciate everything you do for them (and I count myself in that number!) and wouldn't dream of treating you that way xx

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    1. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, sweet CiCi. You are an incredibly kind, understanding, thoughtful, polite, caring, awesome person, too, and I would feel equally sorry if I found out that you'd been in the same kind of situation (which I truly hope that you never are).

      Giant hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  20. Oh, goodness. Well, Jessica, you have an excellent attitude. And I thought you might be interested in this episode of the NPR show Invisibilia. There's a segment about a woman who literally physically feels other people's emotions. It was fascinating and it sounds like you might be able to relate. (to some degree, at least...for her it impacted her life in some really big ways.)

    http://www.npr.org/programs/invisibilia/382451600/entanglement?showDate=2015-01-30

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    1. Hi sweet Amanda, thank you very much for your caring, thoughtful comment and for sending along that NPR interview. I will set aside some quiet, relaxing time this week to listen to it.

      Many hugs & happy Tuesday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  21. I, for one, am always thankful for your sweet, generous, and giving spirit dear Jessica. I'm so truly sorry that you where on the receiving end of such a horrible experience. I am glad though that you are able to see beyond that person's attitude. Sometimes it's hard to not to let those experiences jade you, I know what that's like, but you have to not let your own behavior and attitudes be determined by others ~ that's what really lets them have the power over you. You are a fabulous example of this, showing us how to rise above, and keep doing what you know is right. Hugs! ❤

    xox,
    bonita of Lavender & Twill

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    1. Thank you deeply, sweet Bonita. That is such a tremendously kind, touching comment to receive. I think that you are extremely nice, sweet, caring, fantastic person as well and love that web led us to meet and be a part of one another's lives, even though we live on totally different sides of the world.

      Giant hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  22. Oh and my favourite photo is the first one of the girls at Toowong - only because I know where that is ;)

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  23. Sweet Jess,
    I'll firstly address the "helping hand" issue. It's happening worldwide, rest assured - it is not only located in your surrounding. We have all had such sad situations (I can't call it in any other way), so much that my people like saying: you can help a man one thousand times, and you'll never get a "thank you", but you fail to give a helping hand only once, and you'll surely get a cuss in the face.
    Sadly, I have to say: been there, had that.
    My freshest "moment" was when I gave my all to help a man get some governmental donation - and he came back to my office, annoyed and drunk, yelling at me - because "it is not enough"
    ..
    Onto images:
    My favorite: the time when kids were being kids.

    ..
    I know you suffer, clearly you do (I would, and I do - every time). Tough as you may get, a situation like the one you've described will always leave a mark.. I actually accept that.. for, as long as I hurt, I'm human.

    Marija

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    1. Oh my word, that is so profoundly true. We need the equivalent of that saying in English. Thank you for sharing that with me, honey. It's important to be reminded that these kinds of situations are (sadly) universal.

      Thank you for your caring, thoughtful comments and understanding. You're truly a sweet, dear friend who always knows just what to say.

      Huge hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  24. This beautiful quote was quite stirring, as was your experience of ungratefulness. I can definitely relate to the feelings that you described in this post. I like to think that I'm a generous person and I try to do my best to assist and serve those around me when I can. And like you, I know what it's like to have your efforts thrown back into your face with unkind words and rudeness.

    Each time an experience of this kind has shaken me, I've thought to myself "I don't know why I bother sometimes". But the truth is, the reason that I bother is because I don't want to live in a world where people don't try to help others or cheer the spirits of those who need it. I firmly believe in "being the change you want to see in the world". The quote that accompanied your carefully-chosen words, as well as your words themselves, served to remind me that you can't blame yourself for the ungrateful response of another. The only thing that would be your fault is if you didn't try to help out in the first place, and I can tell that you aren't the kind of person who could simply pass by someone in pain if there was something you could do to assist them. I hope that you and I and others like us never harden to the point that we don't want to reach out to others for fear of being rebuked.

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    1. Hi sweet Vanessa, thank you very much for your caring, understanding, lovely comment. I'm sincerely sorry that you've encountered your fair of these kinds of hard hitting experiences as well. You're such a friendly, fantastic person - it pains me to think of anyone not treating you with the gratitude, respect and kindness that you deserve.

      Precisely! I would never want to see the world become a place devoid of genuine caring and kindness either. Surely, we as a species would seal our fate if that were to ever happen.

      This experience has not hardened me - there are elements of my soul and personality that nothing could ever strip from me, and caring about others and trying to help those in need is definitely one of them - though it was a painful and powerful reminder of the fact that there, sadly, some very uncaring people in this ol' world of ours.

      Here's to the hope that neither of us to deal with many others as our lives continue onward and that we always have the strength to deal with, and rise above, those that we do encounter.

      Huge hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  25. I love that orange suit and the wall paper in the photo of the ladies.

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  26. I had to cut my comment in two silly iPad. As for that rude person you are very wise to move on and pity them. I've had similar experienced with one or two co workers and I've come to pity them
    Retro rover

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  27. Lovely Pictures! My little town still has debutante balls which are very popular. I didn't have a debut, but my sister did and it does draw a bit of a crowd.

    I sometimes worry that I can be one of those people that doesn't come off as being grateful. I have to tell myself to make an effort and to say thank you because it's not the first thing I think do. I think that is part of me being shy, that if I have any sort of interraction with other humans I am kind of bewildered by that and forget all about the manners I was taught. So I would like to take this moment to make sure that you know how grateful I am for your support of my blog and for your friendship. You truly are a gem.

    It is unfortunate that you had to encounter someone who was so rude to you when you were trying to help them. Unfortunately we all come across people who are completely oblivious to the feelings of anyone else.

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    1. That is extremely cool about your town still have debutante balls! Wow! I can't say beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are completely gone here in Canada, but I've not personally heard of any being held in over 40s years now. It's lovely that your sister "came out" and got to experience this classic right of passage into adulthood.

      You have never struck me as an ungrateful person, sweet dear. Further, there's a huge difference between perhaps not saying thank you sometimes, when such is called for, and being wildly ungrateful to the point of attacking someone for helping you (when you asked for their help), as this person did to me. Honestly though, I think that you've a very lovely, thankful person and have never thought anything else on that front about you, Natalie dear. Thank you in turn for your beautiful thanks. They mean a great deal to me.

      Tons of hugs & joyful wishes for this week,
      ♥ Jessica

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  28. I really wonder what on earth you, of all polite and thoughtful people, could have done??? I cannot imagine anything. They must be deep felt rude or have completely misunderstood you, which I don't think is possible. You are always very clear. And you are so right about showing your gratefulness when you receive something, even if it is just to somebody who holds the door for you. I am often afraid I don't show my gratefulness well enough, so I might call later to thank again and tell how happy I am for a gift or time spend together with those I love. Most people are so good at complaining, we should really practise telling what we love too. Loved the photos, I always find non-Hollywood photos very interesting. Chin up, dear, you're doing so great. :)

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    1. Hi sweet Sanne, I promise you, I didn't do anything negative. I went epicly above and beyond for this person (including spending some of my own money on them in the pursuit of helping them) and they were the one who took issue with it, despite asking (virtually rudely begging, if we're being totally honest) for my help. I don't think that this person is, and I say this from a place of compassion, not judgement, completely mentally balanced, but I wasn't aware of that beforehand, because this situation was actually my first (and I hope last!) experience with them. Fortunately that was several months ago now and I've put it behind me, especially thanks to how cathartic it was to pen this post and channel some of the pent up pain I'd been feeling from this ordeal through my writing.

      Oh my word, you've never, ever struck me as an ungrateful person. Not in the slightest! Quite the opposite actually. I've honestly stopped and thought before what a kind, thankful person you are and how refreshing it is that you're that way (compared to many people in general, I mean). Please do not worry there - many, many folks could take a serious lesson from your gratefulness playbook, my dear friend.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  29. What a pity - I am so sorry to hear that you had to go through this.
    As you mention, indeed, we will have this happen over and over - and even though we may grow a "thick skin", it will always hurt.
    I loved that beautiful picture of the girls stitching, I wish I had been taught embroidery by my grandmother.

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  30. I'm sorry to hear that your kindness was not met in a kind way. It is not surprising that you were hurt, it was most ungrateful of them. I did enjoy these photos, the three little girls doing needlecrafts are lovely, as is the debutant photo.

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    1. Thank you deeply, my caring friend, that means a lot to me. It was a challenging and completely unexpected situation to deal with and I'm glad that a fair bit of time has passed between then and now, as it's aided in quelling the sting of the experience. Penning this post was very cathartic and has further helped me to put it behind me, as as the understanding, kind comments that I received here.

      Isn't that just a darling photos - it warmed my heart big time, too.

      Huge hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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