A Heritage Life
Every season has its buzz-word and lately I’ve been noticing the word “heritage” a lot. It seems the more I see it, the more I see it.
It began when I asked a friend who is a great at-home chef, which cookbook she turns to most. Her answer was The American Heritage Cookbook which belonged to her mother. When I flicked through it at her table one night, I could see the book’s influence on my friend’s menus. It was filled with classic recipes with a deep tie to Americana and I realized that what came from that book was reassuring delicious food that reminded me of home. Not my home per se, but the comforting homes of my childhood – my mother’s, my grandmother’s and also my friends’ families when I was lucky enough to be asked to stay for supper.
But heritage is not just about meatloaf and mashed potatoes because “Heritage” has also cropped up in advertisements for fashion, jewelry, and furnishings. I believe that many people are searching for something old-world, genial and gracious again. And I don’t have to elaborate here as to why that is – in this off-its-axis world, it seems we are searching the past for something lovely to hold onto.
When I first contemplated the word heritage, I initially thought of the store in my hometown that carried the mid-1960’s style of colonial furniture. I recalled their rod-iron wall decorations, standing clocks, and their tasteful soft furnishings that were quiet but made with workmanship and quality – all of it evoking a sense of legacy and pride as the floor manager would have no doubt expressed to his 1960’s customer.
Somehow, heritage also reveals a subtle principle of standard; that there’s something “out there” that keeps us from utter chaos and debauchery. I don’t mean this in an elite or “snobby” way but perhaps just the thinking of heritage can give us the standard or floor upon which to stand, to keep us on our paths, to be kind and to be fair…
So I’ve been thinking about what adding heritage to my life’s repertoire would be like. It could be selecting a pair of quality winter boots that would last many seasons or it could just mean wearing a “Victory Red” lipstick as the homefront honey’s did during World War II to show-off their patriotism. It could be using the “good” napkins everyday, even if they have be ironed regularly. It could be going back to a heritage way of cooking and eating like the Campbell’s Chicken Soup and Saltines I had for lunch last week when I was down with a cold. It could be watching quality thoughtful films that inspire us to reach for our higher selves. Ditto, books.
I felt very “heritage-y” when I placed my robe at the bottom of my bed before I went to sleep. Almost every heroine in my favorite vintage films does that but I first learned it from my grandmother who said that ladies went to bed with their robes at arms-length and their slippers peeking out from the bedskirt. One can have heritage passed onto them…
And just maybe, thinking of heritage will make us better women – the kindly sort who behaves and comports herself with a refinement that seems to be slowly disappearing in our world today. The kind of woman that lets others pass in front of them, brings food to grieving or sick friends, volunteers in some meaningful way. Perhaps the heritage woman will return to the church of her youth, use her library more frequently or host a special tea. Hospitality has always been a thread of heritage as in the past, women counted on female connections to help with loneliness and seclusion. For me heritage may mean taking a gentler stance when dealing with others, unfollowing those groups or people who display blatant consumerism and other vagaries. And for this time of year heritage may also mean embracing the holidays in a softer way. Enjoying the aspects that remind us of our childhood joys (more on this in my Feminine Christmas) and not letting the world-at-large shuffle us through Thanksgiving to Epiphany like human pinball machines, trying to slam into every seasonal milestone.
Last week I came across a short gentle poem that touched me very much. Reading it outloud helped slow me down both physically and mentally. It made me remember how much I love reading poems from long-ago. Our ancients could build a world in just a few well-placed words. It too, was a heritage moment.
~
PS: I can no longer find that poem!
14 Comments
Robin
When it comes to calming poems, do you recall the Ideals magazines that usually had a seasonal theme? They can be quite nostalgic for our generation, and sometimes show up at a thrift shop or book sale.
A Lovely Inconsequence
They were beautiful Robin. It’s sad that magazines like Ideals are no longer available.
Donna Nance
This post gives us all encouragement to seek a slower, more meaningful life. Many of us are tired of harsh words, inconsideration of others and yes, dressing like a bag lady. Your phrase “that there’s something “out there” that keeps us from utter chaos and debauchery” says it all. I agree with Miss Tracy, this post exemplifies civility, dignity and grace. Wishing you and your family a splendid Thanksgiving.
A Lovely Inconsequence
Thank you so much Donna!
Dana
This is so beautifully written. Lately, I find myself more and more seeking solace in books, music, home cooked delicious meals. Heritage is a lovely word and I hope to see it more often as well. I would love to know the poem that brought you so much joy. Can you share it?
A Lovely Inconsequence
I am still looking for that poem Dana. I will be doing a post on poetry in the new year…
Tracy H
One of my favorite posts from you ever.
Many times during the day I stop and wonder what in the world is happening.
Has everyone gone mad?
And the next day it worsens.
I would love to take your words to the bulletin board at work, people on the road, the mall, etc..
and say “Please read this.”
This post exemplifies civility and dignity and grace.
Thank you for so eloquently reminding us of better times and the hope of recapturing those lovely values again.
A Lovely Inconsequence
Thank you so much Tracy, my faithful reader!
Jan Quercia
Thank you Donna for sharing your thoughts so, so eloquently…our generation’s heritage is worth preserving. Thanks for the reminder!
A Lovely Inconsequence
Thank you my old friend!
Cherre Henderson
Hi Donna,
Thank you for this beautiful post. It really had me thinking about alot. Especially the rushing from one holiday to the next. I really despise that. I myself need to learn to slow down.
A Lovely Inconsequence
Thank you Cherre!
Karen Marline
Reading this charming post is like watching a flag being raised and unfurling over a chaotic field of battle–a flag that is a standard of love, joy and peace. Thank you for sharing these beautiful thoughts with us. They make me want to burrow into the heritage of family happiness and simple pleasures that was passed down to me by a flurry of dear aunties and my mother’s own gentle spirit. Now, you’ve simply got to find that poem! Meanwhile, we’ll sing Christmas Carols, surely one of the most joyful of heritage moments during this wonderful holiday season. (Okay, maybe Harvest Home first, then swing into It Came Upon a Midnight Clear and The First Noel…) 😉
Debra Rodgers
This is so timely, intuitive, and brilliantly thoughtful.