Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Way Back Wednesday - 1973

Welcome to the first installment of what I hope will be a weekly feature at Just Bee 'n Me: Way Back Wednesday! Each Wednesday I will travel in the way-back machine to a particular year from my past and share some personal memorabilia, photos, artwork, and anything else that might be half-way intersting with all of you - and invite you to share your memories from that year too.

The first inspiration piece for Way Back Wednesday was a no-brainer - my parents have been doing a lot of clean-up/de-cluttering lately, and lots of goodies have been turning up in the process - and this still life painting of mine, from 1973 (when I was 12) emerged, much to my delight. I had forgotten all about it... (I guess I loved robin's eggs, robin-egg blue and nests all the way back then too - here's my contemporary still life with similar elements)


I painted this during the year that my Mom and I took oil painting lessons together at the Parks and Recreation Department in Pasadena, Texas. Our instructor was a quirky, artsy, tad-bit flambouant gal who knew her stuff and was great fun. It was a wonderful time for the two of us - painting together in class...as well as at home, where we got to expand and experiment. Thanks Mom for ALWAYS encouraging me in my art!!!

Mom and I, circa 1973

A box yielding tons of painting instruction books, old calendars, catalogs, greeting cards, magazine clippings and other imagery that we collected for inspiration was also found and I've diplayed a few of the painting books here along with a page of written color formulas for a still life in my Mom's handwriting. Lots of great memories there... (in a future post, I will share some photos of my Mom's paintings as well as one my Dad painted when even he got in on the lessons!)



Since 1973 is the featured year, I thought I'd throw in one more bit of early 70's nostalgia - my hat, sash, and handbook from Girl Scouts - I believe the Spring of '73 was my last year in scouting. I LOVED being in Girl Scouts - the campouts, the crafts, the badges, selling cookies, wearing the uniform to school - good times....

SO - now it's your turn - what were you up to in 1973? (if you were even around then :o) I'd love to hear from you! Please share a comment - or if you'd like, make your own Way Back Wednesday post and share it here!





7 comments:

  1. Anonymous10:13 AM

    Ah, Becky~ what adorable pictures! That was maybe, 3 years before we met? We moved to Conroe in '71 and didn't move back until '76.

    I took twirling at the Pavillion in Strawberry Park in '69 or '70. Pasadena was always so good about offering classes.

    We've got to talk, girl! Love you~!

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  2. This is a most precious post, Becky! Sweet memories! Wonderful talent - at such a young age! Love, Esther

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  3. Hi Becky

    I've been reading your posts just haven't commented lately.
    I love seeing what people have done in the past knowing where they are now. fun post.
    Ah 1973 well goes to show I am older than you ha. I was pregnant with my oldest son!

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  4. Anonymous4:07 PM

    Becky,
    What memories!!! You went on to be a great artist and greatly gifted by God. I am so very proud of you and your life. I know God has wonderful things in store for you.
    Your Loving Mom.

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  5. 1973----dating my future exhusband. Thinking of Prom. Graduation......

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  6. Hi Becky:

    Thanks for visiting my blog and I am happy to visit yours. Let's see, in 1973, I was 7 years old and in comparison to the 7 year olds of today, we lived without Xbox & Gameboys and Wii's. What ever did we do all day long? How about, playing outside (with all the neighbor kids), helping our stay-at-home mother bake cookies, reading, riding our bikes. What ever happened to those days and ideals? I pray that even with the technology we are given in today's society, I am raising children who see life through their heart and not their text messages.

    Just my thoughts,

    Debbie Kay

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  7. 1973, I was 8 years old, yep, wore those barrettes in my hair too. :) Groovy. lol Only I looked like Jan Brady, no lie. :) lol

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