Some ancient pictures with hats

My mother LOVED picture taking, along with many other activities, sewing, knitting, cooking, baking, entertaining, smoking, and sharing gossip with her sister-in-laws.She had a wonderful relationship with her sister-in-laws based on their admiration of her many talents, gossip, and smoking.When I watched the movie, and later read the novel "The Divine Secrets of the YaYa Sisters", I felt a shiver of identification  as the main character and her friends reminded me strongly of my mom, as well as the era in which I grew up.

I'm quite sure Mom would have enjoyed blogging, with all that involves - the opportunity to share sewing/knitting secrets, and patterns; the opportunity to make friends; and the chance to post her many pictures.

I was reminded of some pictures of me in various hats, after reading Geraldine's weekly post over at Take a Happy Break. and felt moved to post a few in solidarity with Mr. Cheddar.So, dear Ched, thanks to my mom's love of picture taking here's a few less than flattering pictures of me - just so you don't feel alone. :)

 Well, here is one of me and my younger brother, Mike. Our coats, and my hat were sewn by Mom, and of course his toque, and both of our scarves she knit. (We have LOTS of pictures of playing in the snow.) Go figure! (Ched, actually I think you might look nice in a toque, as well).

I belonged to "Brownies", for many years, and as well Girl Guides. Really, I think it was fun, and I believe I learned some good things in these organizations. In the last few years, I ran into a friend who had been in Brownies with me, and she said she had always thought I was so good at my activities, especially how to "set a table placing". (I shared with her, that my Mom actually polished up my assignments - I love my Mom, but she was abit obsessive about performance.) This was interesting for my friend and we shared a good laugh. (Mr. Ched, this hat is called a tam or beret, like yours!)

This is a photo before my Confirmation - with my youngest brother - Jeff. I am so glad I have all these photos. They are nice to go through now and then. I notice that I always squint in these pictures. I think it's because in those days it was thought best not to wear glasses for pictures due to reflection, but I would squint because I couldn't see. (Well not exactly a hat, Ched, it is a slightly embarrassing picture of me in a head covering.)

Snow, again - a common theme...and me with Jeff. I identified myself, strongly as Nona, the older sister. Here it is possible to see the whole outfit, sewed by Mom, including the leggings. I'm thinking this was in a nice rust coloured wool, possibly herringbone patterned.

Along with all the other amazing things Mom did for her young family - she made us an outdoor skating rink, almost every winter. Here is a picture of she, me, and the youngest, Jeff. Jeff managed to develop many of her skills, through imitation. He in fact can do almost anything in the way of household renovations; another thing Mom was good at, learned from her Dad - who was often accompanied by his large toolbox when visiting his daughters.

We had countless hours of fun skating outside, and all our neighbours were always welcome!