Right in the middle of Roosevelt’s New Deal program of the 1930s, one woman suggested that homemakers adopt their own new household policies. Today, 85 years later, I still think they’re applicable for today. Enjoy.
I, for one, think it’s high time that we hear something about a New Deal for women. I make the motion, second it, and unanimously decide that we women initiate the following New Deal to begin on the next sunshiny day.
1. A couple of hours off for rest and recreation each afternoon–and by recreation I don’t mean darning socks or struggling over Junior’s homework.
2. A discard of all those faded, shapeless house dresses we’ve been wearing and some new ones of bright gingham, print or lawn (pink’s a nice color. So’s yellow. And don’t forget the ruffles.)
3. Less attention to dusty corners and more to face and figure–after all, John doesn’t notice a shiny house so much as a shiny nose.
4. More smiles and less spanks for Junior.
5. More kisses and compliments for Friend Husband–“My, you’re good looking this morning, darling.”
6. A rousing, peppy song several times a day, even if it does frighten the cat (she needs some excitement.)
7. One meal a week of everything that you like instead of cabbage for John and cheese straws for Junior.
8. A beautiful verse or quotation committed to memory every day.
9. Time off to attend home demonstration meetings, club pow-wows, and other things, “just for myself.”
10. Less worrying–after all, what difference will it make a hundred years from now?
And remember–good humor is to a home what salt is to soup.
I am thinking that number #3 is the one that I should wrap my thoughts and actions around.
🙂
I love this! My favorite was number 6. I don’t know if our cat likes to hear singing or not but she sure meows like crazy when she hears it,
That’s funny! She prefers duets, I guess!? I need to apply #2 to dishtowels, washcloths, and linens. Somehow they’ve all gotten stained and ratty-looking, and all at the same time.