THE PINK TIME IN MY LIFE

Recently, I  came across this little green box on a shelf in my closet.   It holds something I had nearly forgotten about. . . a treasure from my mother many years ago.

My mom often included a note with her really "special" gifts.  I am so glad she did.  :)

 

 

 I loved her "style" when it came to printing. . .the way she mixed upper and lower case letters always made me smile.

Yes, this was my very first watch.   I received it when I was in high school.

My dad had attended "watchmakers and jewelers school" when I was a  child, so he knew the value of a good time piece.  This watch is a GRUEN.   I don't know how he came to have the watch, because it was not new at the time I received it; however, he did get it "running" and proudly presented it to me.   He had even engraved my name on the back of it. . . . just in case I lost it. :)

I wore that watch for years.  I don't recall when I gave it back to mom and dad. . . .at some point after it had quit working.    In fact, I  had forgotten about my first watch,  until mom had her cousin repair it many, many years later. . . . after my dad had passed away.

The other day, as I pulled the watch out of the box, I once again turned the little "crown" on the side a few times . . . . .then held it to my ear. 

The soft little "ticks" I heard  sent shivers down my spine.  . . . stirring  memories of the "times" when that GRUEN was frequently on my wrist. 

That first watch was with me while I nervously sat in the backseat of our family car on my way to college.  Life was about to take a drastic change from my experience of growing up in a tiny town  where I was so sheltered from the real world.   Soon I would be exposed to a whole host of new and exciting (and sometimes NOT so exciting) experiences.  During that period of life,  I looked at my watch many "times". . . while waiting for the "time" for a  class to be over,  or waiting for the "time" when  the buzzer on my dorm room wall to go off signaling my "date" was  in the lobby. . . or while anxiously watching the minutes tick away when I only had one more hour to "cram" before I took a test. . . or looking forward to the "time" when the dorm cafeteria opened so I could grab a bite to eat.  You know, really important stuff like that!

 I still wore that watch when I met my husband to be. . . . and I had it on the day we wed.

As my mind was swept up with thoughts of that first watch of mine and the many "times" it shared with me, I realized I still had a few other "pieces of time" stashed away.

Like THIS beauty!! 

This  keeper of time given to me by my husband . . . . during the seventies.  I remember how COOL that watch was!  I  was new at my job as a speech therapist in a public school. . . . and those little kiddos I worked with LOVED my watch as much as I did!

I just HAD to display it on a piece of vintage gift wrap paper. . . also from that "time" in my life.  It was used on a gift I received at a shower given for me and my baby!  In the Olden Days, we used to keep gift paper and "recycle" it. . . .like lining drawers with it.  This, at one time, had been in our nursery furniture.

My mom and dad gave me this next watch for Christmas one year.  It was one of those neat "light up" watches!  The face is dark red and to see the time, you had to push the button on the side. . . then PRESTO, the time appeared . . . in LIGHTS! 

It was also my FIRST battery operated watch.  I wore it during the "time" I was a "stay at home mom".    I  know, that unlike my life which revolved around keeping up with two small children, the watch  was uncomplicated.   It just told me the time.  It didn't tell the date or the rate of my heart or emit audible and irritating tones at certain points during the day or night.  It just told me the time. . . plain and simple. 

 This watch wasn't mine.  It belonged to my daughter when she was about ten.

I believe we gave it to her for Christmas one year.

She wasn't very careful with it and I'm  certain I had found it one too many times in a spot where it shouldn't have been . . . and I hid it.  Actually. . . I  don't think  she ever missed it.    In fact, she probably would have preferred a Hello Kitty watch or one with Garfield on the face. 

Hmmmmm.......maybe I'll get a new battery for it and give it back to her with a little note!  Maybe . . . .  :)

After my kiddos reached a certain age, I returned to work part time for several years.  It was during that "time" that I purchased this watch.   By that point, I needed the numbers to be  larger because my eyesight had started to go.   That watch was with me during many enjoyable "times" spent with children from preschool to high school ages.  It was also with me during the "times" my own kids were in high school and college.  In fact,  it still works, and  I  still fall back  on it when other watches fail. 

I loved the two tone silver and gold on the band.  Over the years of use, lots more faux gold has appeared as the silver wore off.  That's OK. . . .it just means it has been around and working for  a long period of "time".

 

This is the watch I bought to wear during a very special "time" in my life. . . . my son's wedding six years ago.  

The wedding reception was held at the Kansas City Royals Stadium Club.  Here the bride and groom were on the baseball field, posing for more pictures.  The old Royals scoreboard is in the background.

Again, I love the combined silver and gold look on this watch, but the face is so small. . . . .I have trouble seeing the actual time.   It looks great for "dress up" purposes. . . . just don't ask me what time it is if you see I'm wearing it! :)

I'm  very much in the practical "time" of my life.  I wore this Timex for several years.  It's an everyday kind of time tracker.  I love the leather band and the big face and the second hand.  The little calendar on it, however, is worthless for me.  First, I have never been able to set it. . . and even if I did get it set to the correct date. . . the numerals are so danged tiny I can't make them out.  That's OK, I pretty much usually know the date.  I just need to know the "time".

The band was scuffed up, but it still worked just fine, so I continued to wear it for day to day time keeping.  However, when the band finally broke, I figured it might be "time" to just go ahead and buy a new watch.   SOOOOO. . . . .

I bought the SAME watch. . . . again!  It's been with me during the "times" of the last six months. . . performing at the expected "top notch" style I had become used to with my old TIMEX.  One day, I realized it was an hour SLOW. 

Hmmmmm. . . .

I  reset it and it kept me on track in a "timely" manner until BAM.......a few days later, it was slow again.  I reset it and hoped for the best once more, but alas, that watch just gave up and quit running!

Six months old and it had QUIT on me.

I'm hoping it's as simple as replacing the battery. . . . we'll see!

 

My friend Bonnie (pictured on the right below) has taught me many valuable lessons over the "time" I've known her.    Like, how to smile and keep going when things are really rough in your life and . . . . .

how to have fun with watches!!!  She taught me that watches don't NEED to always be PRACTICAL!

She gave me this swell Halloween watch one year.  Who couldn't enjoy their "time" while wearing such a festive item?

With my new appreciation for fun watches, I branched out to Christmas!!  The green one in the foreground was found at a local sale. . . the replacement battery costs more than what I paid for the watch!

The snowflake and snowman watches have a great story.  A couple of years ago, maybe three, these watches were for sale at our Jones Store, which is now a Macy's.   Anyway, I bought two snowmen watches.  I gave one to Bonnie for a Christmas gift and kept one for me!  On the day she opened her watch from me, I opened a box from her.  It contained the snowflake watch!!!  She had bought two. . .she gave one to me and kept the other one.  :)

  This brings us to the "time" now.  Since my TIMEX is on the "fritz", I've been wearing my ancient, but still working, old watch again.  That's OK . . . .it's another PRACTICAL thing to do.    Except recently, I was really in the need for a bit of "perking up". 

That's when I recalled the watch I saw a young waitress wearing one day.  She told me where she bought it and how super cheap it was.

So, off I headed to our nearby Walmart and returned with . . . .

 
this vision of plastic loveliness.

Yes, this is the PINK "time" in my life!

  Sometimes, spending twelve dollars to boost my morale IS a practical thing to do!  

NOW, if I could only figure out how to set it. . . .

without having the alarm go off in Church! :)

  DANA

For lots of PINK Saturday fun, please visit Beverly at HOW SWEET THE SOUND.  She will have a long list of bloggers with PINKS to share!

If you haven't had a chance to visit Nan from RETIRED IN ALASKA.......you should!   She shares so many beautiful and interesting sites from her lovely home!

Comments

[heather]

what a cute post! i had a mickey mouse watch like your daughters when i was younger too! in fact, i think i still have it tucked away somewhere.
love the new pink watch!

[kayellen]

I love your Mickey Mouse watch!!and your new exercise pink watch that stone rabbit took from you:)

Have a great weekend:)

xoxo
Kay

[Barbara]

Dana, I too have had many watches in my life time and have enjoyed looking at all of yours. Some I have kept, but most I gave away. Thanks for sharing. They brought back lots of memories.
Happy Pink Saturday.
Barbara

[Beverly]

My goodness, Dana. I didn't know that you were a watch girl. I certainly am happy to read that you are in the pink time of your life. Maybe TSR can help you with setting your new pinkie.

Happy Pink Saturday.

[Sandra]

Just love your posts and how you can take a simple theme like "time" and make it so interesting and personal. Makes me think of the watches I've had. Might have to go see if they are still around.

Have a wonderful Pink Saturday.

[Kate @ Sensational Color]

What a wonderful post! I have rarely ever worn a watch but seeing for you how they 'mark time' in a different way has me thinking about getting a watch. Happy Pink Saturday!

Thanks for visiting my Pink Saturday post :-)

[Ceekay]

I have a whole box of watches like this with a story. One of the first things my future husband ever did for me was get a watchband fixed. The watch no longer works...but I wouldn't part with it for anything!

[Sandy]

How neat is that...you still have the note that your mom had included with your first watch. Thanks for sharing your timeless memories.

[Kellie Reynolds]

Hi Dana,

What a well told story of memories. Thank you so much for sharing them with us. I stopped wearing a watch and pretty much use my cell phone for time. Haha!

Sending you fairy magic for Pink Saturday today. May it be perfect in every way.

Cheers! =D
~Kitty Kellie

[Sheila]

Oh, what a fun walk down Memory Lane, Dana! I love your watches... all of them... and the stories behind them. This reminds me that one of my first watches (actually my second one) is in the bedside table that was my bedside table from childhood. It's an antique sewing table that has all sorts of little compartments inside. My watch has been there since I took it off many, many years ago. I also think my retainer is in the bottom drawer! LOL! My mother and I were sentimental like that. It's BRIGHT green and was MOD. ;-) My first watch was a blue Cinderella watch that disappeared into the mist of time.

Thank you for this lovely post, and Happy Pink Saturday to you, friend!

XO,

Sheila :-)

[Julie]

I love your watch collection. I had thought about getting rid of my old watches, but maybe not.
My mom includes notes in gifts! I try to keep the notes even if I can't keep them with the gift. It is fun to read what the importance is.

[caren]

Love this post! Probably because I am obsessed with clocks and time. We have more clocks around our house from grandfather to alarm and everything in between. One thing, they better have the exact correct time! Obsessive? I know. I think your first watch is my favorite - maybe because of your mom's note. My Mom used to do the same - I love to see her handwriting - oh, how it makes me miss her!

Happy Pink Saturday!

[Nancy]

What a perfect post to remember different "times" in our lives! I swear Dana, I can match you watch for watch. I save them too whether they work or not and I have my mothers, dads and sisters that I put on my Christmas tree. Your 70's wrapping paper brought back memories - we wallpapered my son's nursery in a paper called "who me" that looked almost like that. Wow - this is one of my most favorite posts you've ever done. Love, love, loved it! xoxo Nancy

[Anne Fannie]

Hi Dana
I love that you have saved all your watches! I too have saved mine but I don't have that many!
Happy Pink Saturday
~Ann

[Betty @ She's Sew Pretty]

I loved your travel through "time". Have a wonderful pink weekend. I hope you get that watch set before church! LOL

[Nancy Jane York]

Dana thanks for visiting my blog and also for featuring me here on yours. I loved reading the story of your watches. It made me think of my watches of years back and wonder why I didn't keep them like you did. It's funny what we hang onto and what we let go in life. Nan

[Rose Broadway]

Dana, I had a fun TIME reading your post, and I'm sure you had a great TIME writing it! I will WATCH for your entry next week. (Oh, it's great to be older with so much TIME on our hands!)
Hugs, Raymore Rosie

[CC]

Hi Dana,
I always so enjoy my visits with you and that most handsome fellow,the Stone Rabbit. I loved the watch story of you and your friend exchanging watches... Your minds run so close as only dear friends of many years does..it's wonderful to have such a friend.
Happy Pinks..have a great weekend..

[Mary]

Funny how "time" passes when tou're having fun. Today's post was both cute and clever and I loved every "minute" of it. Have a wonderful Pink Saturday. Blessings...Mary

[Lynn @ the Vintage Nest]

I swear girl, your watch drawer looks just like mine. I have so many fun ones and always wear my gold and silver one that looks just like yours. I also have some pretty fancy ones that I can't even read the time on. LOL. I love this post Dana...It brought tears to my eyes. I loved your Mom's note. Laughing again as I tend to leave notes for my kids too on the antique pieces I buy....just want to make sure they don't sell them at a yard sale for 50 cents. xoxo

[Terri Morse]

Hi Dana. What an incredible way to mark the times of your life. I enjoyed reading your account of your life through your watch collection. Thank you for taking the time to share such a cool story. Have a wonderful weekend. Please stop by for a visit if you're able. Terri

[Denise West]

great post. love the christmas watches and the pink.

[Terri Steffes]

This is my favorite post yet. Don't be surprised if you see a similar post on my blog someday. I have some special watches, too, and I would like to preserve their memories on my blog, too.

Snow on Friday? About three inches for us.

[gracie jewellery]

Being a jewellery and watch fanatic I loved your post. Bet if you look on the back of the Gruen you'll see a gold stamp, most likely 14k. Happy Pink Saturday.Please don't forget to visit me. It will be your only chance to enter my giveaway.
Nancy

[Betty Jo]

Dana what a super post! That pink watch is so cute. I can't wear a watch. They stop working on me, isn't that weird? So I gave up a long time ago. The only watch I own was my mother-in-laws given to me after her death. It is cherished. ♥

[Dixie]

Dana, you sure know how to tell a tale found myself thinking of the watches that I have owned and worn. When our house was broken into a couple years ago, the thief got all my jewerly, including about a half-dozen non-running watches... I wonder where they are now... and if they'll end up in someone else's story...

Happy Pink Saturday... and happy Pink time of life!

Hugs. Dixie

[Pat]

This was another wonderful post Dana! I hope you are making your blog into a book one day to save for your grandchildren to read when they are older..you share so many sweet memories.

When I first worked as a RN I had to wear a watch that had a second hand so I could count my patients pulse. The last few years I didn't need the watch anymore as we had more sophisticated monitoring devices that constantly told us the pulse and much more. Around that time I stopped wearing a watch and now I use my cell phone to tell me the time.

[BB from Ga.]

I loved your post. I have a collection of all my watches, too, and enjoy looking at them from time to time...no pun intended :)
I always enjoy your blog...you are so creative and fun.
BB from Ga.

[Brenda Kula]

What wonderful memories go along with that watch! I have one watch, lost the other one I had somewhere. It is a "practical" watch. Which means it has a stretch band and it is easy to get on and off. I've had it for probably 12 years, and would be lost without it. Yes, it's been awhile. I shall visit more often, Dana!
Brenda

[Jeanne]

Hi Dana, I can't believe I didn't visit you yesterday. The net was off most of the day and then I was sick with a darn old cold. Today isn't much better. I just woke up from a three hour nap. LOL. I do feel a bit better.

I LOVE your watch post. Your stories are so much fun to read. It made me laugh out loud because I too have a huge box of watches through the years. What a fun memory packed post. Each story is now a journal and that's how I look at blogging. A journal of so many events and memories. Photos to share. Your Mama Mia shirts made me smile BIG as i remembered the excitement of that movie coming to our theater. That was when I was getting to know you and love you as my new internet friend. Now it seems like I have known you for a long time. Your friendship means so much to me. I love Bonnie too and your many lovely friends.

Well I better close and try to visit some more blogging friends. I am always trying to play catch up. sigh.

I hope your weekend was a great one. When do you go to Texas?
Love, Jeanne

[Elisa]

What a great idea! I have a watch collection too! I have a lot of Swiss watches I never wanted to part with.

[Donna]

What a wonderful post! We had a few of the same watches-the silver and gold band and the Mickey Mouse. My mom still has her Cinderella watch from her childhood!

Have a great week!

[Sherry]

Dana,
I had a good "time" reading your post today! My Pink Saturday post for this week was a post of memories too. Aren't we blessed to have such sweet memories?

[Mermaid Debbie]

Wow! How time flies! I had a couple of the same watches as you. I just found my first watch today. It is only a broken face, but I loved seeing it again.

[Tracie~My Petite Maison]

Hi Dana,
How precious that note from your mom. I enjoyed reading your memories of all your watches, especially that first one with the note. Thank you for visiting me tonight. I thought about you a few days ago, I was in the grocery store and ABBA came on. You hold a happy place in my heart & I smiled when I heard the song the other day and thought of your happy Mama Mia posts. I truly believe things happen for a reason and my dad's birthday & your parent's anniversary on the same day is a very happy bit of syncronicity or as I say... It's a sign! You made my evening and touched my heart.
xo~Tracie

[Jeanne]

Hi Dana, just stopping in to say hello. I came over from Beverly's blog. I am wondering if this comment will post from her post. I am still not able to get my comments to post to typepad users unless I use Safari, a different browser.

Beverly is probably going to have her Gall Bladder out sometime today. The poor thing has been suffering for days. she will hate me for telling you this. I could email you but since she gave us a hint this morning I decided to comment on it.

We are getting snow today. It is blowing like crazy. I don't know how long I will have a connection. darn.
Have a happy day Dana

Love, Jeanne

PS: Cheri' was spayed yesterday. sigh. All she wants to do is sit in my lap. I'm going to get a lot done today. NOT! My poor little baby.

NOPE it didn't post. Good thing I have Safari

[Jean]

Dana, Not only do I have a lot of watches (needing batteries!) but I worked in a jewelry department and sold watches...many of the kind you have! I had a Gruen for many years and it was my favorite watch. I no longer wear a watch - I have my cell phone for knowing the time. Thanks for stopping by and saying "hi" - and, I really don't think I have more expertise in the cleaning department! LOL!
Hugs,
Jean
P.S. Still digging out...ugh!

[Dixie]

Dana... heard at Nancy's that you're under the weather... hope you're back in the PINK soon!
hugs. Dixie