Defining Nostalgia

Webster defines nostalgia as a "longing for former times or things." In today's fast-paced, high-tech world I sometimes find myself doing just that. But as I am, in fact, a big fan of hair-dryers and indoor plumbing, I don't really want to go back in time. I do, however, enjoy preserving bits and pieces of the past in my home and lifestyle, items and ideas that allow me to relax, simplify and enjoy the little things that were once so common but are now considered quaint.

In the ever relentless quest for progress, human beings have the tendency to label the customs of the past as obsolete, and in many cases (such as taking a bath only on Saturday night, whether you needed one or not) this is true; but there are also many things worth hanging onto. Antique furniture and tools generally exhibit a higher attention to detail and craftsmanship than similar items that are mass-produced today, and they are often just as functional. Plus, many old ideas are finding new relevance in today's race against global warming, such as starting a compost pile, or walking to your destination rather than driving. On a much smaller scale, making a loaf of bread from scratch can do wonders to release the stressors of life, from kneading the dough, to the wonderful smell of it baking, to the amazing flavor that no package of Wonderbread could ever compete with.

So, my own personal definition of nostalgia is more of a desire to preserve the good things from the past that cause us to stop and take notice; the items and ideas that make the day to day a little less hectic and a little more enjoyable, whether serving a practical purpose or simply adding a quaint touch of beauty to our surroundings.

With this blog I would like to share some of the ways I have brought nostalgia into my home. I've learned quite a bit over the past several years and hope to post information about everything from kitchen utensils and antique phonographs to gardening and housekeeping tips. It will be as much of a personal record for myself as I hope it to be a source of inspiration, however small, for readers. Keep checking back as I will continue to search for ways to bring the past into the present.

Thanks for reading!