Enchanted April
Have you ever seen "Enchanted April"? It's a wonderful film and one of my favorites. This movie has it all - beautiful cinematography, to-die-for atmosphere, amazing costumes, superb acting...
It received a couple of Golden Globes and was nominated for, but did not win, a few Academy Awards as well.
The film is about two married women, Lottie and Rose, unknown to each other, who are living dreary lives in early 20th century England. They see an ad in the newspaper to rent a villa in Italy for the month of April and hatch a plot to do the unthinkable, and something out of character for both of them, when they rent the villa for a girl's getaway. Here's a clip where the women visit the owner to secure the reservation.
One of the most empathy-inspiring moments near the beginning of the film is when Lottie stops in the pouring rain to record an expenditure in a small tiny notebook her frugal husband has given her for that purpose.
I thought of Lottie when I found this little red notebook at an antique show I went to yesterday -- and I had to have it.
It received a couple of Golden Globes and was nominated for, but did not win, a few Academy Awards as well.The film is about two married women, Lottie and Rose, unknown to each other, who are living dreary lives in early 20th century England. They see an ad in the newspaper to rent a villa in Italy for the month of April and hatch a plot to do the unthinkable, and something out of character for both of them, when they rent the villa for a girl's getaway. Here's a clip where the women visit the owner to secure the reservation.
One of the most empathy-inspiring moments near the beginning of the film is when Lottie stops in the pouring rain to record an expenditure in a small tiny notebook her frugal husband has given her for that purpose.
I thought of Lottie when I found this little red notebook at an antique show I went to yesterday -- and I had to have it.
When I opened it up this morning I googled its author, Myriam C. Garrett, and found that she was born in Colorado Springs in 1895. This notebook records her purchases beginning in 1914 and through 1918; so, she would have been 19 years old and single when she began keeping track. According to the Google entry, her father was in sales so she would have been, I think, middle class.
This was the world of 1914 - 1918 Colorado Springs:
Here are examples of some of Myriam's entries: handkerchief - .05, sealing wax - .10, calico - .30, trip to Denver (3 days) - 1.20.
Especially interesting are her entries at the back of the book, for clothing over the years.
I love how she has entries for a Voile waist as well as hiking boots! This is surely because, as my mother-in-law has said, one must be rather "rugged" to live here!
This is a photo of a woman in 1914 near Garden of the Gods, which is now a national park.
I hope you've enjoyed this charming glimpse at Myriam's everyday life!
Today I'm back to my "everyday life" -- my son's Spring Break has ended and he's at school this morning, while husband's at work as usual. This means I'm back to my normal routine. Although, since in the meantime I've finished with school, I'm not really sure what my normal routine even IS!
Here are examples of some of Myriam's entries: handkerchief - .05, sealing wax - .10, calico - .30, trip to Denver (3 days) - 1.20.Especially interesting are her entries at the back of the book, for clothing over the years.
I love how she has entries for a Voile waist as well as hiking boots! This is surely because, as my mother-in-law has said, one must be rather "rugged" to live here!
This is a photo of a woman in 1914 near Garden of the Gods, which is now a national park.I hope you've enjoyed this charming glimpse at Myriam's everyday life!
Today I'm back to my "everyday life" -- my son's Spring Break has ended and he's at school this morning, while husband's at work as usual. This means I'm back to my normal routine. Although, since in the meantime I've finished with school, I'm not really sure what my normal routine even IS!
Comments
What an amazing thing to have such an amazing old notebook in your possession! I think it's so neat that you Googled the owner and found out a little about her.
We were in Colorado about 14 years ago and visited Garden of the Gods. It was breathtaking.
Maybe I will go buy a little red book to keep track of the euros that dissapear so quickly in Venice, even though I am frugal- I really am- my friend on the other hand is a shopper!
Thanks for the history lesson, I realy enjoyed your sharing this with me.
Kris
The little red book is such a lucky find. I can't belive you were able to find information about the woman. That's amazing!
Blessings,
Christine
What a find!!!! I collect old diaries and such, and I just love to know that I'm holding a part of someone's life and hopes and dreams and just everyday living from a different time and place. You can be sure that I will be seeing "Enchanted April" soon!!! Thanks for sharing!! Have a blessed day!!!
Hugs,
Marilyn