First of all this is not merely a book of tips but a manual of how to keep your home..not how to decorate, or how to entertain, or even how to organize, but how to take care of your home from top to bottom.
When I grew up I had chores to do. I cleaned my room did the dishes and dusted the living room but I never was taught how to keep a home. This is not a negative reflection on my mom, she taught me how to clean but actual scheduled maintenance of the house was not as necessary because of all the modern conveniences afforded my generation. Or so we thought.
What this book teaches is just how important and necessary it is to have a plan and purpose in keeping up with the nitty gritty details of your house. It explains why chores were done on certain days, why spring cleaning was needed and how to do each task.
I am fascinated so far and I have only finished a couple of chapters. I thought it might be fun to share my journey with you and to compare what our mothers and grandmothers taught us. I am sad to say that I did not teach my children much in the way of keeping a home and I'm sure I am not alone. What a disservice we have done to this next generation of women by creating such a disposable society. Instead of upkeep, we replace. If this generation is all about going green, I can't think of a better place to start than our homes. What do you think?
Sorry this is such a wordy post for a Monday morning. I would love to hear your thoughts on the subject.
xo, Patty
Sounds intriguing. I will look forward to following your journey.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to read that book.....as you can see from my blog post today....I'm all for re-using!
ReplyDeleteI love keeping house!
Melxxx
I'll have to read your postings on this. I need more of a plan, get back to the basics. It will be interesting to see the reasons on why people did the things they did. (certain days, etc). After the vac breaking and me breaking a statue today cleaning I gave up! Afraid to touch anything else. :((Maybe I shouldn't be on here! lol) Hopefully I have better luck at work tonight!
ReplyDeletePatty,
ReplyDeleteFor years I endured the sneers and the nic name of "Martha"...as in Martha Stewart! I loved her magazine...in the front of her magazine was a calendar of the month with just such scheduled maintenance! Once she went to prison...her magazine became quite lacking! I always pick up something new along the way...just last night I stated..."an ounce of prevention is worth pound of cure"! to which "Mr. Ed" only rolled his eyes! Ha! Enlighten us, dear friend!
Fondly,
Pat
I was never "taught" home keeping. And I haven't really taught my girls either. Unfortunately now that they are older I wish I had and can only hope the saying, "Lead by example!" kicks in soon. They are on there own, except for one and I'm working on her! Wish me luck!
ReplyDeleteI think it's a very interesting book! Lucky you!
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds very interesting..I would love to hear more about it. In fact I may have to see if my library has it.
ReplyDeleteMy mom always had a schedule for cleaning and her home was always spotless. But like you, I only had a few chores that I was responsible for. I never learned how to truly "keep house" and I never taught my daughters how to do it either.
You are so right...we are such a disposable society. I guess there's no time like the present to try and change that!
Bring it on! I used to be able to do this house in one day a week. Now, I seem be be all over the place with things and nothing is ever finished. ~ Maureen
ReplyDeleteSounds like a delicious read, I've ordered it at my local library - can't wait to get my hands on it! Hugs ~ Mary
ReplyDeleteI agree with all you said. I was not taught much of anything but home keeping is awfully important. Joe was taught to maintain and not to replace because his parents lived through the Great Depression. I never mind wordy posts-I adore words Patty.
ReplyDeleteThis is exciting indeed! Share on! Love keeping house and re using!
ReplyDeleteI am looking at this book on Amazon. My kind of book! I should check it out at the library. Love it.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a book I would enjoy! I would like to hear more!
ReplyDeleteI have had this book for years but honestly, I have never read it cover to cover. I really need to take the time, because it is a good one!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you totally. I remember as a child being taught housekeeping. In fact, over drinks and dinner this evening with friends, we were talking about ironing and our mothers' teaching us how to iron pillowcases, tea towels and my Dad's handkerchiefs ;) (now that tells you how old we are) J
ReplyDeleteWaiting to hear more about your thoughts and more about this book.
ReplyDeleteHow interesting.
I will check it out after you return it okay?
ReplyDeleteSounds like an interesting book!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds fascinating - can't wait to hear what you think. Would LOVE to hear about certain chores on certain days and why. Any good tips are always welcome! Glad to have found you. Paula x
ReplyDeleteI have that book and it's just terrific. I think they should have a class in school for all kids to learn about HomeKeeping.
ReplyDeleteGretchen
sounds interesting..I'm all for maintenance..the old stuff is better anyway..
ReplyDeleteI ordered a copy from my local library as soon as I saw your post. I also, so like many others, love a clean house and also want to rid our world of so much garbage. We definitely are a 'buy another' society. Thanks for passing this on.
ReplyDeleteHi there!
ReplyDeleteI have this book... and I loved it as well. I was not taught homemaking skills either. It has been a journey for me.. one that I have really enjoyed. Nothing makes me happier than learning these skills. I can't wait to see your posts on the topic.
Blessings,
Amy Jo
Sounds like a great book, something I would check out at a library, too. :)
ReplyDeleteI remember a section where the author compared the approaches of her two grandmothers to making the bed (to air or not to air). It's an interesting book.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this post and look forward to your future ones regarding this topic. I'm afraid we have raised a 'throw away' generation of adults who really don't know how to be frugal or green and how to 'keep' house. Great topic!
ReplyDeleteI love that book! My mom also did not instruct me in keeping a home either and that book is so wonderful. I refer to it often. She also has another one about Laundry. I have not read that one but it is on my wish list. I am looking forward to your posts on keeping the home fires burning!
ReplyDelete