My Fella got a free magazine subscription for signing up for a discount card. Just a few issues, but he could take his pick. And he chose “Real Simple” for me. Very sweet and I appreciate it. Unfortunately, I don’t make a lot of time for sitting down and skimming through it. But today I did. I sat down with the latest issue and instead of turning on the computer, I read through about half of the magazine. Turns out I really like this one.
There was a quote in there from Eleanor Roosevelt. It gave credit to “My Day” in 1938. I was not aware of what they were referring to, so I did a little digging. I discovered here what this column actually was. They describe it as:
“Eleanor Roosevelt’s “My Day” was a syndicated newspaper column published from 1935 to 1962. During those years, Eleanor wrote the column consistently six days a week, the only interruption being when her husband died, and even then she missed only four days. The column allowed Eleanor to reach millions of Americans with her views on social and political issues, current and historical events, and her private and public life. Dealing with subjects far out of the range of the conventional first lady’s concerns, “My Day” is an outstanding example of the breadth of issues and activities which occupied Eleanor Roosevelt’s life.”
Wow. She wrote six days a week for over 27 years. Amazing. (I have a long way to go.)
What an interesting representation of life through those years. I’m excited to learn that there is a compilation of her most memorable columns available. They can also be read on-line here. Mrs. Roosevelt was a “blogger” before such a thing even existed, I’m thinking.
I love this quote I found tonight as I was searching around on the web.
“NOVEMBER 5, 1958 – If the use of leisure time is confined to looking at TV for a few extra hours every day, we will deteriorate as a people.”
A woman ahead of her time in this line of thinking. Yes ma’am.
But I digress. (No surprise there, I’m sure. I seem to be chasing rabbit trails this evening.)
This is the quote from the magazine, and it has intrigued me much of today.
I’ve thought about this, and I am wondering if I agree or disagree. I’ve been talking about “just love each other” and “#bethefeather,” but maybe I should consider dosing out a bit of Miss Manners or Emily Post for myself and those I’m supposed to be teaching?
Mama instructed us over and over throughout the years, “Act like you are somebody.” This did NOT mean act like you are better than others, just act like you had good raisin’s (which we did) and carry on as such. We were not seven course, all kinds of silverware at each meal kind of folks, but we were raised to ma’am and sir and respect our elders. Speak when spoken to. Look folks in the eyes. Show respect. Please and thank you and open the doors. Be good stewards of our things and our relationships. All of that sounds like good manners to me, but sometimes I see the line between the two–loving others and good manners–as being a bit blurred. But then you don’t have to love someone to treat them kindly and with respect. Mama taught me that too.
Before I close, two more quotes from Mrs. Roosevelt–I swanee she and my Mama were kindred spirits. Mama has shared similar words over the years.
“You must do the things you think you cannot do.” –E. Roosevelt
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” –E. Roosevelt
Tonight I’m thankful for my Mama who was a strong woman and raised us to be strong, compassionate, and respectful people. I’m grateful for my Fella choosing a magazine for me, this one that has me stepping outside the box and learning something new. Doors opening to see inside the life of this amazing and strong woman, Eleanor Roosevelt. I give thanks for the life she led and the example she set, and that I can share it with my children.
Isn’t it funny the things we can learn, if we’ll just step away from the screen and do something different?
So what do y’all think–manners or “brotherly” love?
Love to all. (politely offered of course) 😉
I Might Need A Nap 
I saw that quote in a magazine today, and ended up here after searching online for it. 🙂 It intrigues me. We need both. But after some of the encounters I’ve had over the last several months, I think I’d rather have strangers just be polite.
I wonder if it was the same magazine. This made me smile. It is a beautiful world where we can find others who think alike in such an interesting way. I think we need both too, but I also agree that politeness would do just fine. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Please come visit again soon.