Glass Wax Christmas
A mother of the 50's decorates for Christmas86 total reviews
Comment from Allezw2
Lady adewpearl,
We made geometrical stencils with scissors, folding and folding and folding a large sheet of paper and then cutting designs into the paper that expanded like a display in a kaleidoscope. Our choice was the white liquid shoe polish used by waitreses and nurses in those long gone days of white uniforms.
Colors were done with those wonderful arrays of food colors used for decorating cakes and pastries.
I well remember Glass Wax. I worked in a gas station while going to college after the Navy. When things became slow, anyone who had nothing better to do, would grab a can of the stuff and a couple of shop towels. Then it was by thenumnber on the old style gas pumps in front, the huge glass windows in the front and side, both sides of course, then the mirros in the restrooms. It did seem to keep water from spotting the windows, but did not last long.
reply by the author on 22-Dec-2008
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Lady adewpearl,
We made geometrical stencils with scissors, folding and folding and folding a large sheet of paper and then cutting designs into the paper that expanded like a display in a kaleidoscope. Our choice was the white liquid shoe polish used by waitreses and nurses in those long gone days of white uniforms.
Colors were done with those wonderful arrays of food colors used for decorating cakes and pastries.
I well remember Glass Wax. I worked in a gas station while going to college after the Navy. When things became slow, anyone who had nothing better to do, would grab a can of the stuff and a couple of shop towels. Then it was by thenumnber on the old style gas pumps in front, the huge glass windows in the front and side, both sides of course, then the mirros in the restrooms. It did seem to keep water from spotting the windows, but did not last long.
Comment Written 22-Dec-2008
reply by the author on 22-Dec-2008
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Lots of people do not remember glass wax, so thank you so much for sharing your memories with me! And thanks for sharing your most resourceful use of white shoe polish :-)
Merry Merry Christmas :-) Brooke
Comment from Dave Austin
I like your windows idea a lot, allowing the reader to be outside looking in at a wonderful Christmas scene. Love, daver
reply by the author on 14-Dec-2008
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I like your windows idea a lot, allowing the reader to be outside looking in at a wonderful Christmas scene. Love, daver
Comment Written 14-Dec-2008
reply by the author on 14-Dec-2008
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Dave, thank you for reading this poem no longer promoted - how nice of you to even review it, which not many people do once the payoff is gone! Brooke
Comment from Word Weaver
WOW! This is really amazing! And I like the idea better then those modern stuff. Thanks for sharing your mother's idea and I'll be sure to try it. Yours, Word Weaver..
reply by the author on 28-Nov-2008
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WOW! This is really amazing! And I like the idea better then those modern stuff. Thanks for sharing your mother's idea and I'll be sure to try it. Yours, Word Weaver..
Comment Written 28-Nov-2008
reply by the author on 28-Nov-2008
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Thank you for your most enthusiastic response, Brooke
Comment from Minglement
ah, this is a lovely commentary on a family Christmas tradition, and one I am not familiar with. It reminds us some of the old ways stay with us forever. Just loved it.
reply by the author on 27-Nov-2008
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ah, this is a lovely commentary on a family Christmas tradition, and one I am not familiar with. It reminds us some of the old ways stay with us forever. Just loved it.
Comment Written 27-Nov-2008
reply by the author on 27-Nov-2008
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thanks so much for your kind comments, Brooke
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You're so welcome. I enjoyed it. Happy Turkey Day! M
Comment from eveeator
Just like this wonderful piece of poetry, an artistic masterpiece as you have written it in such a way that you can see the image of the wax stencil on the window, all prepared for the Christmas cheer, the arwork you have with this is so right and again easy to understand why an all time best tag already. Good luck in the contest, regards yvonne
reply by the author on 27-Nov-2008
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Just like this wonderful piece of poetry, an artistic masterpiece as you have written it in such a way that you can see the image of the wax stencil on the window, all prepared for the Christmas cheer, the arwork you have with this is so right and again easy to understand why an all time best tag already. Good luck in the contest, regards yvonne
Comment Written 27-Nov-2008
reply by the author on 27-Nov-2008
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Yvonne, I am most grateful for your kind and thoughtful review, Brooke
Comment from Dolly78
A lovely poem and a lovely memory of your mother, especially in thsi holiday season. I always think the home grown decorations are the best; they are the ones we treasure the most.
reply by the author on 27-Nov-2008
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A lovely poem and a lovely memory of your mother, especially in thsi holiday season. I always think the home grown decorations are the best; they are the ones we treasure the most.
Comment Written 27-Nov-2008
reply by the author on 27-Nov-2008
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thank you so much - I recognize your name - I recently voted for you in a contest!!! You're a talented young woman. Brooke Happy Thanksgiving :-)
Comment from Adam Smith
Clearly it's as much the time spent with your mother in this annual tradition that makes the memory special. I liked that you started with the contrasting modern decorations and eased us into nostalgia. This was gently and effectively handled and even though I'm not familiar (not too young, though, I'm sure) with the craft or materials, I think I got a very good indication of what they're all about. Thanks for the memory! :) Adam XO
reply by the author on 27-Nov-2008
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Clearly it's as much the time spent with your mother in this annual tradition that makes the memory special. I liked that you started with the contrasting modern decorations and eased us into nostalgia. This was gently and effectively handled and even though I'm not familiar (not too young, though, I'm sure) with the craft or materials, I think I got a very good indication of what they're all about. Thanks for the memory! :) Adam XO
Comment Written 27-Nov-2008
reply by the author on 27-Nov-2008
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Adam, I am surprised that quite a few folks old enough to remember do not - I always thought glass wax was like Tide or Windex - just a staple in a certain era. Enough people remember, at least, that I know I didn't imagine the whole thing. LOL One reaches 57 and starts to doubt one's facilities sometimes. ;-) thank you so much for your lovely review, Brooke
Comment from rama devi
So precious and wonderful! You are blessed with exquisite memories and the grace of parent with values and charm.
The commercialism around x-mas and all holidays in America is very sad. Your poem brings a sense of the real flavor of the holiday season.
Well done. No nits.
Warm Regards,
rama devi
reply by the author on 27-Nov-2008
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So precious and wonderful! You are blessed with exquisite memories and the grace of parent with values and charm.
The commercialism around x-mas and all holidays in America is very sad. Your poem brings a sense of the real flavor of the holiday season.
Well done. No nits.
Warm Regards,
rama devi
Comment Written 27-Nov-2008
reply by the author on 27-Nov-2008
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rama devi, thank you so much for your lovely words, Brooke
Comment from artsygal
Oh yes, Brooke, I remember those thingies! And then the spray cans started, which are what people use now (who cares about the environment?)
I liked the touching way you presented your mother's tradition. So much love went into her simple acts of joy!
"Each generation finds ways to express
what they hold dearest and want to impart." I think this is a great line for coming to terms with our generation's different view of mothering, while showing great respect for our own mothers' generation.
Well done!
reply by the author on 27-Nov-2008
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Oh yes, Brooke, I remember those thingies! And then the spray cans started, which are what people use now (who cares about the environment?)
I liked the touching way you presented your mother's tradition. So much love went into her simple acts of joy!
"Each generation finds ways to express
what they hold dearest and want to impart." I think this is a great line for coming to terms with our generation's different view of mothering, while showing great respect for our own mothers' generation.
Well done!
Comment Written 27-Nov-2008
reply by the author on 27-Nov-2008
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Thanks so much for your thoughtful comments - yes, who would buff a window with wax today?? Happy Thanksgiving!! Brooke
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I don't Do windows. If you ever saw mine, you'd know!
LOL
Comment from Charles Keith
Hi Pearls,
Yes you ere right, so often the old ways were more fulfilling.
I recall my family used to buy pack of colour papar strips with glue on the end in Woolworths. Then we'd spend hours --- well, days really - making paper chains to go in all the downstairs rooms.
Nice work, good rhymes
Keith
reply by the author on 27-Nov-2008
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Hi Pearls,
Yes you ere right, so often the old ways were more fulfilling.
I recall my family used to buy pack of colour papar strips with glue on the end in Woolworths. Then we'd spend hours --- well, days really - making paper chains to go in all the downstairs rooms.
Nice work, good rhymes
Keith
Comment Written 27-Nov-2008
reply by the author on 27-Nov-2008
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Keith, yes, the paper chains, made them as a child then made them with my children - I plan to someday make them with grandchildren. Some classics deserve to be preserved!! Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving, Brooke
