A ROOM OF OUR OWN
Follette, Isabel B. La
A Room Of Our Own By Isabel B. La Follette THE TELEPHONE SERVICE is absolutely m-supportable!" I groaned to Judy as I clicked the instrument, resignedly trying to get the attention of the...
...A Christmas Recipe The old saw about "laugh and the world laughs with you, weep and you weep alone" was never more apt than today, just because so few people feel like laughing...
...Christmas, especially in times such as these, makes us thoughtful as We try to assess the qualities of and qualifications for "happiness...
...Contrast these two women with others whom we all know, who may have just as sterling characters but who cause our hearts to sink when we see them coming, as we wonder if we have the strength to cope with their blues...
...A friend of mine, born in Germany, returned for a visit a few years ago and was mistaken for an American...
...she sympathized...
...As we look at those about us who range from the fortunate who have no direct connections in the danger zones to those whose lives have been wrecked, we appreciate that it is not the external conditions alone which control "happiness...
...Yet they share their gifts with all who come within their range and create an atmosphere which melts the dourest soul...
...And anyway," I continued, "every time one lets loose one's own irritation it simply starts the ball rolling and passes on ugly words and feelings at a time when we can least afford it...
...Why are they remarkable...
...Everyone I meet on my daily round I determine to make laugh, and amazingly enough I end up in a good humor myself...
...When he asked why, the invariable reply was, "Because you go about with a smile—Germans don't do that now...
...But I gave myself a good shaking and pointed out to my weaker side that not only was gloom not going to help get the war over, but that buoyancy was the very thing we all need...
...I actually found myself hesitating to wish people a "Merry Christmas...
...Why, no, as a matter of fact I won't," I replied, and to her question as to why not I developed the point that while it might relieve my own feelings, it would do no earthly good, since doubtless the company is short of help and what there is, is probably inexperienced...
...Providence unfortunately did not give me a "sweet" nature, but I was lucky enough to get a sense of humor, which is indeed a god-send in this weary world...
...The two sisters run a home that is a joy to enter— beautiful, peaceful, yet imaginative...
...I groaned to Judy as I clicked the instrument, resignedly trying to get the attention of the operator...
...In my friends' work each individual meets understanding and sympathy handled with a restrained and gay touch, yet his imagination and enthusiasm are stimulated to develop his own powers in rich variety...
...Day by day there is an increasing sense of frustration in most of us...
...Use as needed, when you are standing in line at the post office or the store, for example...
...They are professional women with the pleasures and trials of dealing with all sorts of people day after day, yet everyone's eye lights at the sight of them...
...Frayed nerves, everyone over-worked from carrying extra and unfamiliar burdens, and no sign of any immediate relief, all tend to undermine the very qualities most needed in the months and years ahead...
...A well-chosen remark will change the mutterings to chuckles and everyone is the better for it...
...This thought occurs to me every time I see two friends of mine...
...Certainly we fortunate ones can take a Christmas notch in our belts and get into training so far as our own attitudes are concerned...
...So I've invented a game lately which entertains me and I hope others...
...Qualities Of Happiness All of us, although we are ashamed to admit it, are irritated by the upset in our habits of living, and as I remarked to a friend the other day, "I'm exhausted by the effort of this constant struggle to plan ahead in every aspect of our daily life...
...Interesting plants in unusual arrangement, good books, a figure half-finished in modelling clay for that soothing recreation, tempting music on the piano, beautiful and imaginative food, and over all an embracing warmth with a spicy tongue...
...Millions of us live under the constant tension of listening for the telephone or the doorbell which may either-bring almost unbelievable joy or crushing agony...
...Some have the power to rise above the most shattering casualties, and meet life with a dominant chord...
...Because, as I see it, in every aspect of their daily lives they are constantly creating and developing the beautiful...
...When they answer be sure to give them a good bawling out, won't you...
...I share this choicest of Christmas recipes with you...
...Let's cherish this precious American characteristic...
...On days when life seems really a little too-too-much and I feel like biting everyone's head off, I engage upon my game...
...They Share Their Gifts There is constant inspiration about us if we look for it...
Vol. 7 • December 1943 • No. 52
