This week has been pretty low-key for me. I’ve done a lot of work, watched several documentaries, read, slowly worked through summer plans, and once again I am making my way through Downton season 1 with my mom.
I’ve come up with a new series for my Instagram that I am really excited about. It’s called “Throwback Thursday: Nostalgia Collection”. The photo above is from this week’s post. I am always inspired and captivated by old black and white photos. I have heard it said that the reason for this is because they are not relatable, simply because they are in black in white; there is a bit of mystery about them…they really feel as though they are from an unreachable, bygone age. I always feel that no photo today, clear, crisp, perfectly in focus, quite captures the same effect of a grainy, faded polaroid. Even though I know this isn’t true, there is almost less adventure…less thought put into the life that is happening in front of the camera, simply because it is so relatable, it is harder to aspire. Something about an old photograph of skiing in the 1930s is far superior to any shot taken on the slopes now days. While part of it might be the amazing vintage ski clothes, a big part is the unattainable quality of the photo that black and white gives it. I have always looked at old photos and thought that the people in them are so much more adventurous and exciting than I am, and that photos of my youth will never look that interesting.
So this is the point of my new Thursday series, to turn past photos of my life and adventures into grainy, black and white, faded images, that conjur up the same feelings I get when searching through the endless boxes of old photographs at antique stores. Along with every photo, I will have a story to go with it, almost like a digital scrap book, explaining what is happening in the photo, where it was taken, when it was taken, etc. I’m very excited with this new idea, and I hope it turns out the way I envision!
And now for my weekly roundup!
MARY PICKFORD DOCUMENTARY
I grew up with a major crush on Douglas Fairbanks Sr. I loved his silent films, with him sliding down a ship’s sail, or leaping off balconies, riding horses, sword fighting, and doing all his own stunts to boot! This guy had major talent. And while I knew he was married to Mary Pickford, and I knew who she was, I am embarrassed to say I really knew nothing at all about her. This week I ran across this documentary on Youtube, and I am fascinated by her! She really was in motion picture industry from the very beginning (I’m talking 1909, people!), and she is probably the most powerful woman that the industry has every seen, to date! She owned the rights to her movies, co-creating United Artists with Douglas Fairbanks Sr., Charlie Chaplin, and others…she was a force for her time!
While her marriage to Douglas Fairbanks sadly started and ended with divorces, it’s quite astonishing the life they built together. They were the first Hollywood Supercouple. Before Brangelina, before Bennifer, even before Desilu…there was Pickfair. There beautiful Beverly Hills home really started Beverly Hills, and it was endearingly called Pickfair, and had amazing visitors such as Amelia Earhart, Princess Margaret, and Charlie Chaplin. Pickford and Fairbanks were the first footsteps in Grauman’s, and they really were the parents of “Hollywood”. They worked well together, and I wish I could go back in time and be a guest at Pickfair…oh to dream…
HOLLYWOOD COLLECTION
As I said, I’ve been watching a lot of documentaries of old Hollywood actors and actresses. Some of my favorites are part of the Hollywood Collection, and you can stream them on Amazon Prime. Some of my favorites have been Robert Mitchum: The Reluctant Star. After watching Cape Fear (1962), I had an intense dislike of Robert Mitchum, he always creeped me out…but after watching this documentary, I have much more respect for him, and he really seems like a genuinely nice guy.
Another favorite is dating fat, and meet educated singles. I highly recommend all of the documentaries, especially if you don’t really know much about the actor or actress in the first place!
dating a single mom long distance
Don’t you just love these two? They recently made the cover of Yankee Magazine’s May/July issue, and I loved reading older single mom dating!
dating app designed to be deleted
While hunting for a vacation spot in Maine this July, I ran across this amazing piece of history! Migis Lodge has been open since 1916 with the main lodge and 7 cabins. It now has the main lodge and 35 cabins, and it is seriously the cutest, old fashioned place, and the perfect summer retreat for families! While I am not staying there, it’s definitely on my radar for the future!… My favorite touch is that there is still a dress code for dinner! *swoon*
L.L. BEAN 25% OFF SELECT OUTDOOR GEAR SALE
Check out the sale going on right now at L.L. Bean! Until April 22, select L.L. Bean brand gear will be up to 25% off! Right now loads of their kayaks, canoes, and SUP are 15% off! I’m really excited about this, because I just bought their Atlantic SUP, but I was able to get it for an amazing deal at one of their outlet stores, and not everyone has access to an outlet, so here is the chance to nab one at a great price online. They also have camping, hiking, and fishing gear on sale too. L.L. Bean doesn’t have sales very often, so here is your chance!