Comments on: Reclaiming the Home Arts

By: Heidi

Heidi — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 21:45:13 +0000

Second row, second from the left. And it helped that the last name was legible enough to confirm it!

Keenly felt subject matter, very close to home – pun intended. And it sounds so much more pleasing when paired with food….now what about laundry?

By: Jan

Jan — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:43:28 +0000

Elizabeth, you’ve pushed a button here. It’s not that your mother was ahead of her time, because that suggests that homemaking, home cooking, or “the home arts” (that’s a new one)are some bright new idea. People have been–in essence–taking care of themselves forever. It’s only been in very recent times that it’s been a possibility, or even a thought, that a person wouldn’t. And by “taking care of themselves”, I mean the very basics of life: cooking, making a “nest”, cleaning up after ourselves, clothing ourselves. “Back to the land”? Look at the 70s; it’s not new now. After World War I there was a huge migration from farm to the city, or the new suburbs. I am a woman who was a homemaker during the 80s and 90s, and believe me there was no prestige in it. What there was, was this: flexibility, creativity and gratification. Also, occasionally, smug satisfaction those times when I knew it was good to be home for my kids after school. The “home arts” can be the domestic equivalent of being a file clerk, or of being a rocket scientist. It’s a job that can be well done. It’s not a trend.

By: Gale

Gale — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:35:39 +0000

I’ve also read that Pollan article. And even though I’ve always enjoyed cooking, I’m doing more of it lately.

Back in the spring I had a loaf of bread on the baker’s rack that I forgot about, and in six weeks it NEVER molded. I was more afraid of that than if it had turned completely green and consumed itself. So, I’ve started baking my own bread, making my own granola, and only eating homemade desserts. It’s not as much work as I’d have expected. And I really enjoy the process.

By: Nikki

Nikki — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:30:20 +0000

There’s a big back to the land movement taking place and shift in consciousness. These are exciting times.

By: Anne

Anne — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:19:18 +0000

I concur…VERY good article!!

By: elizabeth

elizabeth — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:56:07 +0000

My mom mainly grew up in Seattle, but went to high school at BCC (her stepdad worked for NASA in DC). I remember you being from MD! Too funny that you mailed that article to Anne; I thought it was so well-written, and such an interesting subject. Sunday NY Times Readers Unite!

By: Meghan

Meghan — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:47:24 +0000

Elizabeth—your mom went to Bethesda-Chevy Chase and grew up in that area?!?! I grew up in Baltimore and worked in the DC-Bethesda area after college. Crazy! Loving the similarities. I also agree with the nostalgia for a simpler time. I’m feeling that a great deal myself these days. And, I snail-mailed that Pollan article to Anne. We are simpatico, my friend.