She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. Proverbs 31

Saturday, November 22, 2008

A Worthy Endeavor
from Apron Memories

I adore aprons and all that they represent for me ~ keeper of the home, service, and beauty are just a few. I read about the National Tie One On Day on at EllenAnne Geisel's journal, Apron Memories.



Here is a wonderful tradition that she has created. I felt it so worthy of my attention. She encourages:

"On the day before Thanksgiving, ... pause in the preparation of our own meal, wrap a loaf of bread in an apron, tuck a prayer or note of encouragement in the pocket, and tie one on...an apron, of course!, and deliver the wrapped bundle to someone in need of spiritual or physical sustenance. No matter which way you turn out of your own front door, someone who is deserving of a hug is very close by."

Wednesday will be a busy day for us as we prepare to for the long drive to my parents to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas. But I already have someone in mind for my special package and know I can make the time to hopefully shine a little light into someone's day.

If her story has tugged at your heartstrings, you can read more about it on her web-site, Apron Memories.



Here is a little apron history that my friend, Julie, shared with me. I thought it so lovely and hope you will too.

THE HISTORY OF APRONS

I don't think our kids know what an apron is.

The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath, but along with that, it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven.

It was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears.

From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven.

When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids.

And when the weather was cold, grandma wrapped it around her arms.

Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove.

Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron.

From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls.

In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees.

When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much
furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.

When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the men knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner.

It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that 'old-time apron' that served so many purposes.


Don't forget to check my sidebar for lots of wonderful new giveaways. Seems everyone is sharing this time of year. I hope to host a Country Farmhouse Giveaway on December 1st, too!

Wishing you joy,
Lea

25 comments:

tam said...

Very nice Lea! Thank You for this post!
~Tam :D

TO BECOME said...

I love aprons. They bring back such good memories to me because my Grandmother and Mother always had one on. They use them for many or the reason mentioned and many more.

That is a really beautiful idea,Lea. I am sure many around you appreciate your friendship so much. I barely know you and I have great respect for you.

I will pray that you all have a safe and very good trip to where you are going for Thanksgiving. Hope yours is a very good one. connie from Texas

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

I enjoy seeing all the beautiful aprons. I do not have one and I think they are so pretty....Have Thanksgiving...m.

basketsnprims said...

Lea, what a wonderful post. I remember when I was a little girl my mom wore an apron. When she was 15 (1944) she worked as a waitress on Mackinac Island & there were only 48 states then. There was a governor's convention & she got an apron from the Grand Hotel to work the convention. I have the apron now & it is in excellent condition. My mom passed away 2 years ago. What memories you brought back.

blessings,
~ Pam ~

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing that wonderful story on Aprons Lea! I have made an apron every year for the past 10 years or so for my wonderful MIL for Christmas. She just loves them and has quite a collection she proudly displays in her country Kitchen :)
Many Blessings,
Shannon

Kim @ Home Is Where The Heart Is said...

I also love aprons so I really enjoyed reading the history of aprons.

Thank you for coming by my blog and leaving such a nice comment...I appreciate it!

Farmchick said...

Lea~ I too love aprons and remember my Grandmothers always wearing them when cooking big fammily dinners. I have an apron from each of my Grandma's and they are so very special to me. Have a great day my friend.

Farrah said...

Oh, how I wish I was in my own home with my aprons. I will be cooking Thanksgiving preps on Wednesday and will try to get one from my MIL.

Thanks for sharing!

Beemoosie said...

What a beautiful post. I click on your blog and it just feels like home!!! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving dear friend!
love,
Bonnie

Linda ★ Parker's General said...

very nice----I love the story, and aprons

Carrie P. said...

I have an apron that is 30 years old that a friend gave me. It has seen a lot of recipes being made. EllenAnne came to speak at our guild several months ago. It was great fun. Thanks for the little history of the apron.

Lanny said...

Great thoughts on aprons. You have inspired me! My girls will be making beautiful bread and I'll round up a few aprons, in the pockets will be words of encouragement! Thanks.

carolyn@simple~primitive~devotion said...

What a wonderful idea! And I really enjoyed reading the history of the apron.
I hope you have safe travel for your holiday trip. And may you and your family be blessed beyond measure during this time and always.

Unknown said...

What a wonderful idea, I just love it, too bad I don't know how to make a apron yet, shame on me, I haven't had the time to sit down and figure out the pattern, it's been too long! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, have a safe trip!

momstheword said...

I remember my mom had some real pretty aprons. Mine are more "servicable" then pretty. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment!

Tammy ~ Country Girl at Home ~ said...

That's a great idea...and I'll always feel differently now about aprons...especially after reading Grandma's apron. I loved that! I have always liked aprons, but this sheds a new light on them for me and makes me appreciate them all the more.

And I wanted to thank you Lea, for the comment about "magical" concerning our home. That is a word that I've used to my husband before about our home and you are the only other person I've ever heard say that. When I said it, I was referring to the way the inside of our home transformed during Christmas...an air about it, so it's special to me that you would say that! Thanks!

Have a safe trip to your parents home for Thanksgiving and a great time! I'll be looking forward to a giveaway if you decide to do one!

Tammy

Audrey said...

You've been TAGGED!!!
Come to my blog to get the rules.

Audrey

Yesteryear Embroideries said...

Just love the history and all of what you have written. I really like the idea of wrapping bread and a note inside of the apron. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! blessings, Kathleen

Renna said...

I loved reading about the aprons, Lea. It brought back memories of both my grandmothers, wearing their aprons, and the many ways in which they used them.

Kay-The Rustic Cottage said...

What a precious post!! I love, love, love aprons. Have a safe trip and a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

Shannon said...

Very nice idea!

Primitives By The Light of The Moon said...

Love the idea of the apron! What a very thoughtful idea. You hardly ever saw my great~granny without an apron. She carried everything in the pockets and did wipe away a tear or two or even cleaned up a dirty face.
Stop over at my blog when you have a chance I have an award for you!
Happy Thanksgiving!
:)Ginger

Julie said...

What a very nice post. I loved reading about the apron. My Mom still wears an apron when she is doing housework and cooking. I love it because it is such a childhood memory of her. I think I need to start wearing an apron just for what it represents. Loved your post!! Have a great day. Julie

Toby Parsons said...

I LOVE this idea!!! Thanks Lea!

KKJD1 said...

Lea, I just enjoyed this post so much. I love aprons too. I hope and pray that you and your family will have a safe trip to your parents. I will keep you all in prayers. Have a blessed Thanksgiving dear one. Karen