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November 8, 2009

Saturday Snapshots {November 7, 2009}


“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson




{This candid image of a woman struggling against the forces of nature as the wind whips her umbrella inside, thick banks of snow lining the sidewalk, is a familiar scene that many of us can no doubt relate to. Snapped by New York photographer Arthur Fellig (who also went by the pseudonym Weegee) during the 1930s, this shot veers away from some of darker, grittier subject matter, such as crime scenes, that Fellig is known for, and shows instead a moment of difficulty that the lovely lady in this shot chose to meet with an optimistic smile.} (http://bit.ly/4nbrYE)



{Five people recline in deck chairs in front of what may have been a restaurant (deducted by the writing on the wall behind them that says “Coffee, Cake”), with a sixth party in the form of Donald Duck rounding out the group, all of whom seem to be enjoying a leisurely afternoon together sometime during the 1930s.}



{Aside from the words “Charter members 1954-1955” no information is provided for this photo of several young women standing in a semicircle, sporting wonderfully pretty dresses, holding taper candles. What, I cannot help put ponder, were they “charter members” of? A church group, sorority, women’s auxiliary club?}



{Her gaze hooks you in instantly. Direct and sharp, yet anything but stern, there is nothing overtly flirtatious about it, however it seems so beguiling, and instantly makes you yearn to know who this lovely young brunette woman, relaxing on the grass in her cute short sleeved dress and saddle shoes, was – and if she had any idea how captivating her eyes were.}



{A women leans in to chat with her fellow as they sit on a bench on (or in front of?) the Eiffel Tower in Paris, a lone man shares the same seat with the couple yet his staid expression would indicate he wasn’t the least bit interested what they were discussing.}



{An energetic youngster imagines he’s belting out rock and roll tunes for a cheering crowd in this smile inducing shot from the 1950s. Something about his pose can’t help but make he think that he was channeling his inner Elvis here.}



{A mother and her four young, sweater clad children pose near the doorway of their home in this endearingly sweet family snapshot, for which no background information is provided. I would guess that this photo hails 1950s England, and like to imagine that the family had a charming British surname like Merryweather or Watson.}



{Two elegantly dressed women appear to be trying to beat the heat with the aid of a large fan (although the cord across the front of the fan makes me wonder if was actually plugged in at the time), as they sit on a living room sofa, perhaps as guests (or hostesses) at a cocktail party, in this great snap that’s clearly dated April 1956.}



{Three sharply dressed women and man, all wearing hip sunglasses, glance towards the camera in this shot taken amongst a crowd sometime during the 1950s. It’s impossible not to love the jolts of red in this colour photograph, especially the lady in the grey coat’s incredible hat.}



{Entitled “Mom and Cindy”, this snapshot (dated 1959) shows a young mother and her daughter in summer attire standing directly in front of a car parked near some tall trees, which makes one think that this photo may have been captured while on a family road trip.}

{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.}


I believe that I’ve always, if only in the pit of my soul, known who I truly was – on some level we all do – but it’s really only been for the past three or so years that I’ve begun to allow myself to embrace who I am fully. I dropped accumulated pretenses and shook off (figurative) masks put on me before I was even old to dress myself; took a long, hard look at my reflection in the mirror and decided that I was going to start better loving the person I saw staring back at me.

It’s frightening at first when you realize that have the right to feel free, to be who you want, to accept what you are and also that you can work towards changing those things about yourself you may not like. Embracing that being an individual, the only “you” in the whole world for all time, complete with strengths and weaknesses, flaws and incredible talents, is one of the single greatest gifts any human being can ever bestow upon themselves.

37 comments:

  1. I so want to relax on the grass wearing saddle shoes too... :-)

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  2. I loved looking at those photos, the fashions, styles...if only we could go back in time :) And I totally agree with your message. The quote at the top is perfect.

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  3. Wow, that is an amazing quote. How inspirational, and what lovely photos. I am drawn to the dresses in the 3rd photo - inspires me :)

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  4. All lovely as always! My favorite is the lovely woman and her umbrella, she is so fabulous in that sharp coat! Happy Sunday.
    Marie @ Lemondrop ViNtAge

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  5. The picture of the gals with candles is my favorite! I love seeing color pictures of 50's clothes, these dresses are amazing!

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  6. Haha I love the lady with the umbrella!

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  7. I love the Emerson quote. SO TRUE! Great message and much needed!
    Blessings, andrea

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  8. Beautiful thoughts! We often take 'freedom' for granted. When one truly knows what freedom is - one truly knows who they are.

    xoxoxo

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  9. Jessica--how beautifull said! I loved reading your thoughts on loving our selves--so very important, and SO very hard to do! You express yourself in such a lovely way--I enjoy coming here and reading your posts--thanks! Those pictures are fabulous, and your captions are such a loving tribute to the subjects!

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  10. I think you're right...it is hard at first. I've been going through something similar for a while now...sort of an awakening I suppose. I completely identify with what you wrote. Thanks for the wonderful words and pictures.

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  11. Well said Jessica!

    My fave pic is the girl and the dog :-)

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  12. Hey there. Nice post. Great photos. I really like them. Happy Sunday. Hope you've been enjoying the weekend. Take care. Have a great week ahead. Cheers!

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  13. The photo of the lovely young brunette woman, relaxing on the grass; is such a great found. Very gorgeous !

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  14. gorgeous images as always. I really relate to your statements about identity too....

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  15. Wow great photos Jessica! I always love reading your posts! Thanks for all the comments on my posts this week sweetie! Have an amazing Sunday..Kori xoxo

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  16. Finding my freedom has been life changing. Since I stepped out of the box that everyone had put me in (including myself) I've been a much happier person!

    Yay to you for embracing your individuality! Does that mean we get to see more pics of lovely you in groovy outfits? Hint...hint..

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  17. What beautiful pictures Jessica !

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  18. I love the photo of the girls in their dresses from 54-55, as I am living this year in 1955 it has a special fondness for me. What wonderful photos. I hope it is okay to share that photo on my blog. Wonderful pictures, just wonderful.

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  19. I just love the first one :) So cute!

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  20. Lovely quote, beautiful pics. Love your blog and following now ;-)
    Have a great day - Cheers Karen

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  21. Oh I just love of all of the colors of the different dresses in the third pic!!!

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  22. I look forward to these every week. Thank you so much for sharing them with us! :)

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  23. I love the first pic and the three ladies at the races, so stylish.

    That's so great to be able to know yourself and work out stuff. Thanks for sharing that darling.
    xxx

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  24. That's a fantastic quote! And so true.
    -Andi x

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  25. I love those photos Jessica !
    Just Fabulous !

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  26. Great pics, Jessica, thank you so much for sharing!

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  27. The 4th picture is my favorite. She and her dog, so cute! :) Oh, the way that you write enchanted me. Really nice. I'm from Brazil, but my blog is writen in english too, so, if you like fashion things, go there, I'll be flattered :P

    xxx,
    Marina

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  28. You always find the coolest old pictures! I really love the picture of the woman struggling with her umbrella and the lady with the little dog, so great!
    Beautiful words at the end.

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  29. tes photos sont magnifiques! une merveille cette sélection.bisou

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  30. Hello Doll, wow these are great shots! Loved them! Thank you for sharing!

    Xoxoxo

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  31. I love all of these, the dresses, hair, the settings, the mood just so interesting. I love everyday women of the past, so inspiring.

    Thank you hun for your nice words on my blog! I am happy to hear I bring you hope, the best of luck when thrifting! I like to wake up early and go to shops and go days when few people will be there like the middle of the week. Finds are out there its just getting harder and harder as more people find out the wonders of thrifting and of vintage clothes and all.

    Take care and happy blogging!

    ♥Darla

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  32. Oh my goodness, such lovely pictures, thankyou so much for sharing! They are all wonderful - I love seeing not only fashion pictures and such from the fifties but real life too.

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  33. Inspirational words, my dear! Pray you are feeling well. Love the post, especially the lady with the blowing umbrella. Sweet dreams, sweetie!
    http://girlwhimsy.blogspot.com

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  34. What that was to read. "Mom and Cindy" is too adorable!

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  35. What a wonderful post Jessica! The pictures are lovely as always, and that quote is so true. Thanks for sharing your beautiful thoughts with us!

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  36. I love your vintage photos- a simpler time. They are great!
    Thanks for sharing!

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  37. My incredibly dear friends, thank you each for your fantastic comments. This post has received one of the largest numbers of comments of anything I'm written for Chronically Vintage to date, and I love that so many of you shared your thoughts regarding these wonderful vintage photos with me. Thank you each from the bottom of my heart.


    Serenity & happiness to you each in your own journeys through self-discovery and life,
    ♥ Jessica

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