Happy Tuesday...
"Whenever I get one of those questionnaires and they ask what is your profession, I always put down housewife. It's an admirable profession, why apologize for it. You aren't stupid because you're a housewife. When you're stirring the jam you can read Shakespeare."
--- Tasha Tudor, "The Private World of Tasha Tudor"
Illustration by Tasha Tudor
I ran across this Tasha quote last night while trying to come up with something to post about for Tasha Tuesday and loved it immediately. It surprises me that someone we would identify as one of the most beloved American authors and illustrators identified herself as a housewife above all else.
But I admire it.
For a few decades now, the connotations of the word 'housewife' or 'stay-at-home mother' have implied that you don't work....that you've given up your dreams. You're living for other people. Well, Tasha certainly did nothing of the sort, and I am happy to see a new generation of housewives out there that care for their families with pride-- while pursuing their dreams.
Not to get political on here, but I think the most pro-feminine thing we can do is take pride in what is traditionally 'women's work.' Things like knitting...embroidery...handcrafts...all these things are making a strong comeback among a new generation of mamas who do it with pride. I think for many women of the past few generations, they mistook these skills as things that frittered away a woman's time when she could have been doing 'more important things.' But they didn't realize that--- they are important in their own right.
And I might not be reading Shakespeare while making jam, but I paint during nap time, started a business between laundry loads, and spending a day with my little gal is the best spent 8 hours I've ever spent during a work day. I don't miss that bored and futile feeling I used to feel while sitting behind a corporate desk. Since I've become what one would call a 'housewife', I feel like I've been the most productive and creative I've ever been in my life.
I think Tasha was too.
27 comments:
Amen to that sister! It is indeed sad that society still has little respect for what we do. There is no harder or more important job that being a mother!
so enjoyed reading this, thank you so much for sharing...xx
Heather,
My grandma was a sweet wonderful woman, and when asked what her profession was she would reply "I have helped my childrenand grandchildren become the people they are today...thats all" She did not give herself enough credit for the things she created! Love your post and it really hit home. That is one of my favorite quotes!
And here a little wisdom from the Wise Woman's Hut. The best thing women can do for one another is to support them in WHATEVER they desire to do. It is not necessary to justify our choices. We do not need to multi task to prove that we can still do it. Simply being in the moment while making the jam is enough. Appreciating, the smell, where the jam came from, who picked it, loving the fact that you have the ability to make the jam. :)Bea
Me too, these past few years have been the most fulfilling and productive so far! I just hope it continues when the kids are all grown up ;)
Micki x
You have struck a chord with me on this post! I love that you stated that it is "pro-feminist" to do and take pride in "women's work". It seemed to be like an almost dirty word when I was growing up to want to be a stay-at-home mom. I'm sure you remember that not so long ago they tried to make gender neutral toys for kids. They eventually deemed it a failure to raise kids this way. When will the same be true for adults? Not everyone wants to work in a corporate environment. My best decision was being there for my children when they needed me most. :)
I agree this stay at home woman I have become is definitely who I am supposed to be! Enjoyed your post today~Blessings Heather
Hurray for your post! We should take pride in each task that we do! It brings e joy to care for others in ways that the Lord has enabled me to, whether knitting, sewing or even writing a letter...in my own handwriting...with a pen and not a keyboard!
You have done such a great thing in enjoying being a homemaker....the payback is wonderful!!
EXCELLENT POST!!
thank you, thank you, thank you!!
I cannot tell you how many times when someone asks me what i do...i worry "what are they going to think of me when i tell them i stay home with my kids??" but like you, i have worked in the corporate world and still feel this job is tougher but SO much more rewarding!! i feel as you do and love that you shared all about it!!
xxoo
k
www.heartwingsisters.blogspot.com
Dear Heather,
That is one of my favorite quotes from Tasha~what a disservice to women everyone to discount work that is done at home, simply because it is at home. I've never felt more free than when I've been "tied down" at home, raising my little brood.
I've read so many more books, and learned so many skills, than I ever did in college!
Love,
Marqueta
Dear Heather,
I have done more for myself during this time in my life - a housewife - that I ever did during my time climbing the corporate mountain.
I take pride in my life and the examples I am giving to my children and the women I meet on a daily basis.
Excellent post Heather! Thank you so much for sharing.
Blessings,
Maria
I struggle sometimes with being a feminist and a stay at home mom. I often find myself telling old friends and acquaintances that I "just stay at home with Ruby", somewhat apologetically. I hate that I do that! I'm trying really hard to own the fact that I'm a full time mama and homemaker, on top of being a creative, artistic person, and that my contributions are just as important to my little family as my husband's paycheck.
I'm with you--this is the happiest and most creative that I've ever felt in my life, and I feel like all the things I'm doing are valuable and meaningful. Now I just have to find a way to confidently tell the people that ask me what it is I do these days. :)
Wonderful post, Heather!
I love this post. I love the quote. And I'm so glad I found your blog the other week. You are divine.
Love this! Fantastic quote and concept! Couldn't agree more. :)
Oh how I love your post, how right you are! Thanks for sharing. Have a great week.
I agree~ it's a very important job-and one of the most fulfilling. I feel so fortunate to be able to stay home.
What a great inspirational quote.
Heather,
What an inspiring post! I really relate to what you said about that futile feeling you had sitting behind a corporate desk. Amen! It wasn't till I stayed at home that I found fulfillment in my kids and my writing and gardening and cooking and simple things...
I agree wholeheartedly with all that you've written in this post. I LOVE being home - I hold a "regular" part-time job, but I am truly the most happy when I'm cooking a great meal, spending quality time with my pets (aka kids), creating, and (yes)cleaning. There is a great deal of WORK involved in maintaining a healthy harmonious household, and it is a job to be treasured. :) Thanks for the great post, Heather!!! Theresa
Oh dear Tasha, she knows how to hit the nail on the head. She also understands the work and beauty in making a home. Clarice
You go, girl! You have the most important job in the world: raising that precious little daughter. The memories you build together now will bless you both your entire lives.
I really enjoy reading your Tasha Column and so glad i made it this week! Such a lovely quota and thanks for sharing it here. Have a lovely merry happy week and love to you!
jacqueline
http://www.jqlinesocuteithurts.typepad.com/
Great quote! It took me a while to get confidant telling people that I'm a housewife, but now I do it with pride...doesn't stop some people from looking at me cross eyed, but that's their problem, not mine. I love my job as a housewife, and all the time I get to spend with my family....and I sure as heck don't miss my cubicle.
Here, Here!!! Very well said Heather and oh so true...we should be proud of being housewives & mothers.
Such a wonderful post.
Hugs, Doreen
WooHoo, love this post! I was a housewife first, then was a nurse, then retired and became a housewife again. I have worked harder at being a housewife. LOL Love it and like you said I have been more creative etc. when being a housewife. Some women I have known think housewives are lazy, sit around all day and watch soaps and just nag their husbands. Boy they don't know anything about my life and most housewives I know. Thanks for this post. You said it well.
Dear Heather,
I love that quote of Tasha's and have taken it as one of my thoughts for the year.
The skills we can have as at home women are just so varied. But the ones I love are all the feminine ones that have to do with having a family and running a home.
These are so precious to me.
Thanks for sharing. I need to remind myself to do one of these on a Tuesday.
I LOVED Tasha Tudor and the lifestyle she lived.
Blessings
I love this quote! And your pinkeeps are absolutely adorable. I love the materials you used. ; )
Good one, Heather. I needed this reminder!
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