Since several readers have emailed wondering if I have fallen off the edge of the earth, I thought I’d better post and relieve everyone’s collective mind. The truth is, I have a massive case of writer’s block. I did not realize how just being out in the world inspired my writing here.
I have been doing a lot of reading, but I hate for every post to be about a book. Nevertheless, I will be sharing a few more over the next few weeks.
Because of the shutdown, I missed my favorite shopping opportunity of the spring, the Liberty Antiques Festival. Actually, everyone missed it, as it didn’t happen. Maybe the situation will be different in September. I have been doing a lot of online “shopping”. Actually, I should say online looking, as I haven’t found a lot to buy. I’ll be sharing a few things in the upcoming days, or weeks, or months…
The postcard above was bought on the last real shopping trip I took before the current unpleasantness fell upon us. Such a romantic view of sailing! I know from experience that sailing is a lot of work. I once spent a week on a schooner sailing around the coast of Maine, and I had no chance to wear my Edwardian sailing suit. I’m kidding as I had no Edwardian sailing outfit, but trust me, sailing is hard work – very hard. That is unless you are rich and can pay others to do the line pulling and such.
I just read the Wall Street Journal report on how the cruise ship industry helped spread Covid-19 around the world. I had pretty much given up on the idea of cruising once the ships got so huge, and so many intestinal virus and bacteria upsets became rampant on the ships. I actually took a cruise through the Aegean in 2001, and I enjoyed it. But never again.
Fortunately, I have had the time to work on a new research project that I hope the present to the Costume Society of America next year. The topic is how pajamas were adopted by women for sleeping, and how they then became acceptable beachwear. I will, of course, post the paper here as well.
And I’m taking book recommendations.
The Vintage Traveler 
I totally agree. Sailing is really hard work. Nothing like an “afternoon sail” to knock you out!The postcard is wonderful. Seems to have been a “trend” in the 1910’s? I have a couple with photos on them of family. Thought it was a bit strange. Yours makes more sense.Take care. 0
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Will be very interested to read your PJ research project. I know you do your homework and it will be thorough and thoughtful.
Husband and I completely agree about these big cruise ships. Not for us. Ever.
Reading and enjoying Boys in the Boat. Not sailing but rowing – also hard work!
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Looking forward to reading your research paper!
I love all the pictures you post and your commentary, but I also love all your book reviews. Please continue them.
As to sailing, you might be interested in a book I am reading “The Last Time around Cape Horn, The Historic 1949 Voyage of the Windjammer PAMIR” by William F. Stark. This was a 128-day voyage from Australia to Europe through icy storms of the Drake Passage on the more-than-300-foot-long ship with sailors climbing to adjust sails on the yard arms 150 feet above deck, plus other details of commercial sailing. Wow! As you say, sailing is hard work!
All the best!
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I enjoy your individual “voice” no matter what about, so book review to your heart’s content. Its sad how few occasions I have had to wear an Edwardian sailing suit, and I don’t really anticipate any in the near future. Oh well.
ceci
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Cruises have always frightened me, and the only one I’ve ever given thought to is the Nile River Cruise aboard a small 1920s boat.
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After seeing The Poseidon Adventure, I’ve never been enthusiastic about them either!
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