I've been writing up a storm on the third and final book in my Sisters of Bethlehem Springs series. The book got a new title about a week ago: A Matter of Character. It's such a perfect title for this story about a female dime novelist who writes under a male pseudonym.
I left the house exactly twice between church a week ago and church yesterday. Once to go to the doctor's. Once to do some "can't wait" shopping. I got in a bit of exercising (not enough), ate moderately healthy food (chocolates a vegetable, right?), and did manage to shower semi-regularly. But mostly I was glued to my MacBook, typing, typing, typing. I still have more words to go than I have days to write them in. Thus, it's kind of hard to come up with anything inspiring or funny or profound to share with my blog readers.
The economic lot of working-class families had improved considerably as a result of the high demand generated by World War I, but monotony and drudgery still characterized everyday life. The urban working-class family tended to live in cramped, dark apartments; ate large amounts of bread with little jam or butter; wore remade and mended clothing; stayed mostly within walking distance of home except perhaps for going to work; attended church or temple as their main social activity; and had little money to spend on treats or gifts. Severe economizing was required to attain even this austere life-style. Any economic mistakes, such as buying uncomfortable shoes or a cut of spoiled meat, meant temporary deprivation for the family since their budgets could not accommodate the replacement of these items. The bleakness of everyday material life provided little relief from the difficult physical labor of husbands and the exhausting housework of wives.
Like most Americans, I have machines to wash and dry my clothes, towels, and bedding. I have a stove and a microwave to cook my food. I have a refrigerator and a freezer that make it easy to keep food fresh. I have a vacuum that cleans up my messes. I have a spacious home with electric lights throughout. I have an air conditioner to keep me cool in summer and a gas furnace to keep me warm in winter. Although I still have my own kind of stress and I have to stick to a budget like anyone else, I have to admit that I'm very grateful that I live with the conveniences — not to mention the medical advancements — of 2009.
~robin
