tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688526164999265223.post4228895492545618988..comments2024-03-29T00:15:14.289-07:00Comments on Jenny Matlock: The Writing of the ListJennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12462124067637610359noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688526164999265223.post-62678084550126236532010-12-05T18:57:22.234-08:002010-12-05T18:57:22.234-08:00Well Jenny, I remember oh so well the WRITING OF T...Well Jenny, I remember oh so well the WRITING OF THE LIST :) I did it, and also had my 3 girls do it when they were smaller. I think I will share your post with the 2 grown ones, just to make sure they don't forget the significance of THE LIST. Thanks so much for your wonderful story, it brought tears to my eyes and made me want to HUG you!!!Ginahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09825351936773011230noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688526164999265223.post-25998748459892363452010-12-04T17:11:50.241-08:002010-12-04T17:11:50.241-08:00What a wonderful post. I'm always wishing and...What a wonderful post. I'm always wishing and I don't reserve it just for Christmas. In fact my son and I just had a blast with the Thanksgiving Wishbone!!! We all need to do more wishing, believing and laughing. Having read your post, I'm inspired to make a new wish list!!!Jojohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09843762553010099404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688526164999265223.post-77612822507375663432010-12-04T07:06:39.807-08:002010-12-04T07:06:39.807-08:00This is such a sweet memory Jenny.
Love your list ...This is such a sweet memory Jenny.<br />Love your list analogy....perfect.<br /><br />I loved the sears/Penney's catalogs too...I would sink into deep daydreams reading them.Busy Bee Suzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18115487928147732314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688526164999265223.post-49647043372140954762010-12-04T03:10:40.762-08:002010-12-04T03:10:40.762-08:00Yeah, um....a couple things: Change the AF guy to...Yeah, um....a couple things: Change the AF guy to a Navy vet, take away the paper, pencils, catalogs and the mother green lighting the activity....replace it all with childhood dreams that Santa really existed and anything was possible.....and our childhood Christmases were identical. I always knew you were my long lost sister. MWAHAHAHA!<br /><br />I still dream of endless possibility even when reality tries its darndest to shut me down. Reality can be such a butthead sometimes.People Who Know Me Would Say:https://www.blogger.com/profile/04621641188403948733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688526164999265223.post-80856895891592120962010-12-03T21:45:11.036-08:002010-12-03T21:45:11.036-08:00This is a really nice take on the whole Christmas ...This is a really nice take on the whole Christmas list experience. I suppose the catalogs promoted consumerism just a bit, but they were also a way for us to figure out who we were and what we might be passionate about... how to set priorities and communicate information. We never got everything we asked for, and we knew not to expect it, but we got some things, and we were delighted.Nancy/BLissed-Out Grandmahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17223278142557533175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688526164999265223.post-70607598480242001572010-12-03T21:18:07.015-08:002010-12-03T21:18:07.015-08:00That was beautiful! What a stunningly good piece o...That was beautiful! What a stunningly good piece of writing.<br />My granny had us pour through the catalogs also. Of course, she called them "wish books." I handn't thought about them in so many years! <br />nice job...Pat Tilletthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17699973774273291205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688526164999265223.post-65884845392789867272010-12-03T19:58:45.097-08:002010-12-03T19:58:45.097-08:00What a great story.
I remember those days of makin...What a great story.<br />I remember those days of making "the list for Mom and Dad to check over before sending it off to Santa.<br />What a wonderful memory.<br /><br />MelindaMelindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03686645083942652050noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688526164999265223.post-82115169501935485842010-12-03T19:46:59.931-08:002010-12-03T19:46:59.931-08:00A fantastic story that brings back great memories....A fantastic story that brings back great memories. By the way, I want you to know that my father (May he rest in peace) was the real Santa. Thank you!JJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14692103477055483000noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688526164999265223.post-53676584160330326712010-12-03T17:50:40.747-08:002010-12-03T17:50:40.747-08:00Thanks for bringing back memories, Jenny! My sist...Thanks for bringing back memories, Jenny! My sister and I used to race to the door for the Sears Christmas Wish Book every September when it arrived!Marlenehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14877001080913199818noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688526164999265223.post-63613733541279288772010-12-03T17:39:29.336-08:002010-12-03T17:39:29.336-08:00Oh, I remember combing the pages of the Sears Wish...Oh, I remember combing the pages of the Sears Wish Book, too. So many possibilities! We used to laugh at the photos of men in those pyjamas that looked like satin smoking jackets, and I longed for a black velveteen suit with a ruffled lace collar. <br />Looking forward to things is part of the magic of life, isn't it. I love the build-up to Christmas because of the possibilities you describe. It is so important to keep some of that girlhood wonder in our hearts.Rebecca S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/16409572371302109142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688526164999265223.post-34590254517925306292010-12-03T17:26:24.247-08:002010-12-03T17:26:24.247-08:00That was exactly the way it was for me in 1962, Je...That was exactly the way it was for me in 1962, Jenny. We had the Simpsons-Sears and Eaton's catalogues and they were dog-eared from use.Pondsidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02407539138546412482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688526164999265223.post-35544781233407126712010-12-03T15:57:15.844-08:002010-12-03T15:57:15.844-08:00Jenny-there are times when I read what you write a...Jenny-there are times when I read what you write and I just wish I could walk across the states and give you a big old hug. This is one of those times. I remember the thrill of that catalog for both me and then again for my kids (they aren't nearly as thick these days). I can still feel the excitement in my stomach on Christmas Eve, hoping that my new stack of Nancy Drew books would be waiting the next morning. <br /><br />I really do think that maybe those were the good old days. Our expectations were much lower...our thrill of the small things much bigger. <br /><br />Hugs to you my friend. Now head on over and sign up to win free cookies at my place!Suehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03190096917851087676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688526164999265223.post-25397922808766503732010-12-03T14:54:46.872-08:002010-12-03T14:54:46.872-08:00I still write the list to this day...just isn'...I still write the list to this day...just isn't for me anymore. You speak my heart more times than I can count Jenny. Those memories are precious to me too. My list making day wasn't thanksgiving day (being canadian), but sometime in dec. My mother would say "it's time to make your list"! I would grab the Sear's catalogue (canadian version) and others and just dream dream dream! <br />P.S I do not know how to link my email to this blog, can you help me."Alone again.... naturally!"https://www.blogger.com/profile/06167073103570984949noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688526164999265223.post-56269205954857549942010-12-03T14:05:13.489-08:002010-12-03T14:05:13.489-08:00In themidst of battling with a burst water pipe, a...In themidst of battling with a burst water pipe, a house without mains water and more snow beginning to fall outside, it is good to be reminded that life is a possibility, not a problem.Hhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13357761230206692089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688526164999265223.post-63794518519452169422010-12-03T12:14:26.301-08:002010-12-03T12:14:26.301-08:00Now I will go make my list - I am allowed to use m...Now I will go make my list - I am allowed to use my choice of catalogs right? Think I'll go with Nieman Marcus ;-)<br />loved your post jennyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688526164999265223.post-76186653682746979452010-12-03T12:04:13.374-08:002010-12-03T12:04:13.374-08:00Jenny, this post is one of your best ever. Not onl...Jenny, this post is one of your best ever. Not only is it absolutely wise and true, but it goes down like buttah. So well-written!<br /><br />I am going to read it several times more and then send it to every single one of my children.<br /><br />Thanks!<br /><br />=)<br /><br />PS. I loved the Sears thing too, by the way. <br /><br />PPS. I am going to make a list like the one you describe very soon. (The life kind.)Susan Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16049586085703324088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688526164999265223.post-34980090897879288422010-12-03T10:51:47.701-08:002010-12-03T10:51:47.701-08:00Oh! That was beautiful! I love that you actually...Oh! That was beautiful! I love that you actually wrote it out and opened so many people's eyes to the possibilities. I try to live my life that way. My Norman Rockwell Life as I call it. It will never be so picture perfect. It isn't even close. But if I keep wishing and hoping and dreaming, maybe one day it will be. So I wear skirts and aprons. I bake cookies and sit down and read stories with my son. All because if I act out my dream, my heart's desire, maybe one day it will really and truly come true!<br />I hope your marigold pencil and fresh sheet of paper can make your dreams a reality, or at least lift your spirits and give you something to believe in again! :)Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09670661525139676900noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688526164999265223.post-33915774979372032292010-12-03T08:59:32.524-08:002010-12-03T08:59:32.524-08:00Jenny,
I was right next to you on the floor, writi...Jenny,<br />I was right next to you on the floor, writing that list too! I even own a few of those Sears Catalogs from our era....we can look thru them the 17th! :) It was always magical....always! And leave it to you my friend to make me realize a brand new list is to be written again.....thank you for this post....it meant a lot in so many ways!!!!! I am starting that new list soon..... Love you! SandyAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08956372943613435575noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688526164999265223.post-52541430143780920392010-12-03T08:55:18.523-08:002010-12-03T08:55:18.523-08:00Oh Jenny Thank You for bringing back a wonderful m...Oh Jenny Thank You for bringing back a wonderful memory I had long forgotten! My dad would pile the four of us girls in the bed with him and we would look at the Sears Robuck and Spiegel Christmas catalog. ~AmesAmeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15074479473400202674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688526164999265223.post-91369524594963234792010-12-03T08:07:09.771-08:002010-12-03T08:07:09.771-08:00I absolutely LOVE this post. I love the memories y...I absolutely LOVE this post. I love the memories you trigger and the connection made. Brilliant. Thanks so much for the wonderful tale.Ei8ht Beach Streethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18189385064645046382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688526164999265223.post-3657291972186297642010-12-03T08:07:08.054-08:002010-12-03T08:07:08.054-08:00Ah Jenny...
You made me have a tear in my eye thi...Ah Jenny... <br />You made me have a tear in my eye this morning with this post...<br /><br />Not just because your memories of writing the list pretty much parrallel mine - except there were four of us little girls, and only green eyes in the bunch.<br /><br />But also because you put into words the feelings of growing up and forgetting the possibilities of hope and the longing for surprises amidst the realities of every day life.<br /><br />Thank you... it was a lovely post.Jessica Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00861658300112079021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688526164999265223.post-43024540478616855612010-12-03T07:46:21.735-08:002010-12-03T07:46:21.735-08:00Oh, Jenny...
I started reading this, and I began ...Oh, Jenny...<br /><br />I started reading this, and I began copying lines which stood out to me, to point them out to you and tell you how beautiful or poignant they were...but then I realized that I was highlighting most of the post!<br /><br />How absolutely beautiful. Your descriptions are incredibly vivid. I remember writing out my own lists and you're right - it was such an event - "the thick world of dreams enclosed between the shiny covers of the JC Penney’s and Sears Christmas catalogues" - so true.<br /><br />I wrote something yesterday, not nearly as eloquent as you have, regarding wishes. It ties in to what you say at the end, about not remembering what you got or even if you got it. It's the making of the list, the possibilities, that you remember. <br /><br />In my post I said: Throughout my life, I have found that it's more fun to want things. To drool. To, dare I say, covet. Because once I have everything I want...well, I have everything I want. Big deal. Now what to do with it? And there's the rub. It's much more fun to want things than to actually feel obligated to use all of the wonderful things I have.<br /><br />I hope you don't mind, but I'm going to direct my friends here today, because I feel that this needs to be shared. Thank you once again for your beautiful words!MrsJenBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10210080304270799102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688526164999265223.post-83346457631671200232010-12-03T06:25:54.489-08:002010-12-03T06:25:54.489-08:00I love the idea of having the exhilaration of poss...I love the idea of having the exhilaration of possibility no matter where we are in life.Jeaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04810126999695733332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688526164999265223.post-34732074414067093232010-12-03T06:21:14.056-08:002010-12-03T06:21:14.056-08:00Sweet. Oh those Christmas Catalogues! Weren'...Sweet. Oh those Christmas Catalogues! Weren't they wonderful? I'm so much older than you are, that I may well remember even more magical ones, than you do. :-)<br /><br />And I'm here to say THANK YOU for taking the time to comment a reply, to my blogging Questions. Thank you!<br /><br />Gentle Winter hugs...Auntie sezzzzzz...https://www.blogger.com/profile/16170232476926222740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688526164999265223.post-57101898073987413512010-12-03T05:52:51.595-08:002010-12-03T05:52:51.595-08:00Lovely reminder.Lovely reminder.Cherylhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14843459906469325667noreply@blogger.com