Author Archives: Paula

Multiple Challenges

Posted on July 6, 2020 by Paula

How my parents managed to create a nurturing and stable environment for us is a mystery to me. Both Marie and Paul were hard workers and took their parenting responsibilities seriously. It helped that they liked each other and worked … Continue reading →

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Miami Springs: The Edge of the Everglades

Posted on June 21, 2020 by Paula

Marie had grown up on “the Beach”, but it was too expensive for a young couple to buy a home on that island for their growing family. And the GI bill, which offered mortgage assistance, only applied to new housing. … Continue reading →

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Start Smoking at Thirteen–How Does This Happen?

Posted on June 11, 2020 by Paula

We are still focusing on the late 1940s and early 1950s when I was a toddler. Marie and Paul were young parents of four children. Like many in their generation, both of my parents were enthusiastic smokers. These were the … Continue reading →

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Dressed for the Occasion

Posted on June 6, 2020 by Paula

I’ve been a collector for as long as I can remember. I’m especially drawn to fabric items like these unique TWA uniforms. Occasionally, I’ve seen this uniform for sale online, but I have no space for more fabric. Instead, for … Continue reading →

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Hollywood Styled, Subdued Elegance….1944-1955

Posted on June 1, 2020 by Paula

I’ve been fascinated by the design of this 1944-1955 TWA hostess uniform and the story behind it since I first saw it in photographs. These uniforms were designed by Howard Greer, a Hollywood designer, and are known as the “cut-out” … Continue reading →

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1945, We Need a Union Because We Deserve a Raise!

Posted on May 25, 2020 by Paula

As a woman passionate about the liberation of women, I’m weaving several threads through my story telling. I’ve recently been writing about my own family, but before leaving the 1940s time frame, I’m writing about women who paved the way … Continue reading →

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Skytrain To New York, then Rail Train to Richmond,1946

Posted on May 18, 2020 by Paula

Once reunited, in January, 1946 it is not surprising that Paul and Marie dreamed of taking a trip together. Dad had just survived a world war and the years of discipline of being a soldier. Mother had survived childbirth and … Continue reading →

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Dad’s “Can-Do Attitude” Served Him Well

Posted on May 10, 2020 by Paula

Often stories tell us more about a person than facts. In describing my father, Paul, I’m going to start with a true story. In early 1944, Paul and a few of his army buddies are walking down Lincoln Road, the … Continue reading →

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Maternal Ties: More Than Apron Strings

Posted on May 3, 2020 by Paula

Marie and Paul came from quite different worlds. Both had experienced difficulties in their childhoods. Both my parents have been major influences on me and my life choices. I’m starting with Marie’s story because she was the original resident of … Continue reading →

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Recreation: Carefully Managed

Posted on April 27, 2020 by Paula

1943, Miami Beach, Florida What do I know about these two people who grew up more than a thousand miles apart, who would meet and marry in 1944? What did I know about the social norms of that decade? I … Continue reading →

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