Ask Grandma

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Comment by Kenna Rogers on October 26, 2009 at 4:22pm

Hello!! I have to share!! Just had my 5th grandbaby yesterday. She is darling!

Comment by Patty Mosso on August 25, 2009 at 2:31am

Hello, My name is Patty. I am a VERY proud mom to two and one stepson. Im always seeking advice. My Gram past when I was 13 and my other Gram was gone befor I was born. So I never really had a relashionship with eather of them. I used to tell my friends when I was younger I was going to put an add in the papper " Girl seeking a Grandma, Needs advice and someone to do what grandmas are supposed to do with there Grandchildren. " My friends and I still get a giggle out of how I really wanted to do that. But I really wanted a Grammy. So this is an Awsome group. And I really hope to meet you all soon. If you want add me as a friend.
Hugs and Blessings.
Patty Mosso - Clairton PA

Comment by dee on March 7, 2009 at 1:54pm

oops sorry didn't mean you were judging. i actually thought your comments quite fair.

Comment by Ellin Dodge on March 7, 2009 at 9:48am

Hi HO Dee!...not "judging" - just want the USA - considered a young country worldwide - to be observed as knowing diplomatic etiquette and maintaining a universal language of culture. There is a universal "uniform" for women in the public eye politically and diplomatically. There is a dress code. Clothes in themselves are not important - However, they make the first impression. Sometimes - and unfairly - people aren't given a chance for a job or to belong to a social club due to that "first impression." Shallow? Maybe...but, it's seems to be human nature to be comfortable with people that we can understand...a code of manners, ethics and dress that is understood universally makes opening doors easier and requires less valuable time. Ths clothes thing" is not my obsession. I just feel that there are a few "old standards" that will work today. Why consciously change everything when so many values are have and are changing in ways that are beyond an individual's control? And, yes, I know, "judge not..."

Comment by dee on March 7, 2009 at 8:44am

it is nice that they are making the white house their home. and it must be hard to have to do everything under a microscope and still come off okay. i am sure we will see many occasions when dress is more formal even at "dinner parties" too bad women can't just have some kind of inform - like men wear suits - so there would be no judging based on style.

Comment by Ellin Dodge on March 6, 2009 at 12:03pm

My Granny point of view today...Entertaining in the White House for Michelle is not a formal state occasion...she's at home; dressing and appearing relaxed and welcoming.

I want to remember this picture: The hand-holding Obamas, hurrying down the red carpet to a White House dinner for two hundred, found Barack adjusting his jacket, Michelle in a cut-for-comfort-black pants suit accessorized with black flats giving an impression of pleasant anticipation.

Michelle made me think of the harried days when my life was kid, husband, job and keeping up a social schedule challenging. I got everything done without prying eyes that might notice my blunders and swift corrections. Michelle's got photographers popping flash at every turn and she's doing much more than I could have accomplished and and turning a previously stuffy formal house into a welcoming home.

In a very short time, The White house has become her backdrop. She's brought the life style of a family-first, socially conscious, professional young woman to the Washington scene, Michelle is getting to know her neighbors. After spending a morning serving food to the homeless a few blocks away, talking to media, pointing up the need for help for military families and an afternoon when Brad Pitt dropped in for a quiet chat with her husband, she obviously needed to dress quickly and for common-sense, comfort.

It's nice to feel that I can identify my family life with the new First Family. I still think a cover-up at formal business meetings is "correct." However, at home, she's the bright, smiling queen in her castle...she decides what's "correct." She's so "real - she's brought kitchen-table comfort to her house and anything that keeps her husband happy and keeps her doing what she's doing in her home is gonna' work for me.

Comment by Ellin Dodge on March 2, 2009 at 2:07pm

I like your 'Ask Grandma" idea...take your own advice and "give it time" to catch on...Thanks for your thoughts, Dee.

I guess you're right about giving the Obama's time...just hope Michelle realizes - in time - that she sets the "correct" manner and style for our grandchildren and worldwide observers. If it's not some form of menopause...why can't she find comfortable clothes that are appropriate to a formal state occassion - like the inauguration - like her "First Lady" portrait? Michelle's formal clothes are custom made. Why? Okay...Yes, she needs time...

...and, much appreciation for coming in out of the ether with your comment.

Too...Re: "Ask Grandma" = If the younger generation wants our advice or to know our state of mind, as always, for our kids, we're here to listen and try to be helpful. However, it's a good forum for people like me who spend almost all my time on computer working, or with clients or with friends that are twenty years younger. Sometimes I just want the thoughts of an unknown, not family, not associate with an agenda - contemporary that has no axe to grind. Again, thanks

Comment by dee on March 2, 2009 at 1:11pm

you could be right on ellin! but more likely what they call peri-menopause. she's a bit young for the real thing. btw i had little to no symptoms of the real thing but did always run hot in my thirties.
i think she and the pres haven't quite got their sea-legs yet. let's give them a minute.
and lindsy, i think they just don't want answers from people their mom's age. feels too much like "advice" you know mom telling what to do and how to do it.

Comment by Ellin Dodge on March 2, 2009 at 11:42am

Granny of three asks...As women of experience...what do you think of this possibility?
With the stock market under 7000, job losses soaring and everyday food costs getting scary, finding the headlines filled with Michelle's preference for bare arms in Winter above the fold - on a par with credit card companies blasting hurtful changes through before the 2010 Credit Card Bill of Rights is put in place, what's worse? Why are we obsessed with Michelle's dress code and not focusing on the bank's code of ethics? I know why credit card companies are in action...

...I think I know why Michelle goes bare in Winter. Could she be menopausal and melting in any weather?

The world fashion scene and nations of intelligent women are acting like they're in menopause - or approaching - by copying Michelle's pre or current bout with - I think - the sweats of menopause. Her arms are great - she works hard at keeping fit . However, I cannot believe that a woman as astute as Michelle would buck international good taste as USA First Lady consistently. The heck with establishing an "individual style" a la Jackie Kennedy...Jackie must be rolling in her grave...

...wondering, why would anyone, in early morning Winter, at the first official church service be without a stole, a jacket or a sweater ??? Jackie's been there - done that - It's cold in stone churches. Bare arms for formal occasions make people who are dressed properly very uncomfortable. And winter late at night? Too many occasions to mention. Jackie and me - It's cold! Been there, done that, too!

So, in Michelle's first official White House photo she is wearing black with pearls - so very conventional - and carries through her preference - and what she's making her signature style - bare arms. Her reason is to be comfortable. She may be comfortable, however, its unlikely that Americans' used to central heating and Europeans who wear cashmere sweaters under woolen suits 'cause they do not have central heating...will accept Michelle's explanation for her preference for bare arms as good taste or comfortable.

Women get it...late forties for some and over fifty, you get hot - sweat at all the wrong times - need bars arms and a dress that's got a low cut underarm. Gotta' stay "cool." Can't get antsy or lose confidence, particularly during spotlighted occasions. Been there, done that!

Michelle...give energy to slowing the rash of credit card interest rates, buy a light weight stole or jacket and show the world that our First LAdy sets an example of universal good manners. Fess up! I think you're pushin' it!
women of experience...what do you think of this possibility?

Comment by Lindsy on March 2, 2009 at 10:08am

I thought we could have a place where the younger Mom's could come to for advice, a place to vent the frustrations and get some answers from some of us who have been there. Doesn't seem to have taken off to well...guess they have all the anwers they need....LOL

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