My grandmother, Corella ("Kelly") Rasmussen, was a real "Rosie the Riveter" during World War II. She moved from North Dakota to California, with her husband and two young boys, to work in the ship yards. She worked days and my grandpa worked nights, saving every penny so that they could return home with enough money to buy a business.
I LOVE stories of women with true grit. Those gals, who donned overalls and learned how to weld, helped change the course of the war and shaped a generation. They planted Victory Gardens, recycled rubber, worked in factories and raised children. They learned to "make do or do without," when they needed to.
Our modern generation hasn't really had to draw upon the strength of our riveting grandmothers because of the prosperity we've enjoyed. But I like to think that if push came to shove, we'd roll up our sleeves and find the backbone that's within us, too.
Sometimes, uncertainties about our economic or political futures can paralyze us. We listen to the News like junkies and wring our hands over what we hear. I find myself feeling uninspired to make the best of my home in light of all the doom and gloom. Oh me, oh my! Why bother?
Today's Small Thing is to find your Rosie the Riveter attitude and go kick some you-know-what today!
What happens in Syria (or in your local city council meeting) won't make a hill of beans difference to the clutter that begs to be picked up. And hey, economic stress is no fun (trust me), but it's nothing new...just ask Rosie! Somehow you'll find a way to make it. Roll up your sleeves, put some Big Band music on, and fight through your To-Do list like a home-front gal!
Yeah, baby!
POINTS: 50 for showing true grit today! Dig deep and finish at least ONE task completely! You could do a laundry load from start to finish (like we did on Tuesday), dry the dishes in the rack and put them away, clean a room or pay some bills...you choose. Hair nets and housecoats are optional.
Here's a little list of Big Band music to get you in the mood:
Moonlight Serenade - Glenn Miller
Tuxedo Junction - Glenn Miller
In the Mood - Glenn Miller (Today's song)
Little Brown Jug - Glenn Miller
Chattanooga Choo Choo - Glenn Miller
Pennsylvania 6-5000 - Glenn Miller
Koko - Duke Ellington
Don't Mean a Thing if it Ain't Got That Swing - Duke Ellington
Let's Dance - Benny Goodman
Sing, Sing, Sing - Benny Goodman
Body and Soul - Benny Goodman
I'll Be Seeing You - Tommy Dorsey
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes - Louis Armstrong
Blue Skies - Ella Fitzgerald
Sentimental Journey - Les Brown and Doris Day
