Dot Robinson: First Lady of Motorcycling

source

I have a thing for motorcycles.  If nearly all the important people in my life did not exhort me to NOT ride a motorcycle because they "like me alive," I would probably be on one this moment.  Preferably looking like the amazing Dot Robinson above!

Dot Robinson is known as the "First Lady of Motorcycling" and was instrumental in the acceptance of women as motorcycle drivers, not just passengers.  Born in Australia in 1912, she was influenced by her motorcycle-loving father as she grew up.  Her father was a sidecar racer, mechanic and motorcycle designer, and dealership owner.  After her family move to the U.S. in 1918, Dot helped her father around the dealership as she grew up.  It was here that her love for and skills with motorcycles grew, along with meeting her future husband, a frequent customer named Earl Robinson, while she was in high school.

Earl and Dot married in 1931, bought their father's dealership and moved it to Detroit.  Throughout the 1930s, 40s, and 50s, 5'2" Dot competed in lots of races, particularly endurance races, on her own motorcycle.  Although she encountered stiff resistance at times, she persevered and won several tough endurance runs.

Dot and Earl

In a time where it wasn't considered proper for a woman to ride a motorcycle, much less drive one, Dot set out to change the perceptions of women motorcyclists, showing that one can still be an upright lady and drive a motorcycle.  She won endurance runs, worked as a motorcycle courier during WWII, and assisted in the creation of the Motor Maids group.  The Motor Maids traveled and encouraged women to own and ride their own motorcycles.  

female motorcyclists

One of the things Dot wanted to show America was that one can ride a motorcycle and still be a lady. She made efforts to look nice when she was out, even stopping to clean up and get presentable after races before meeting the other racers at the bar.  The Motor Maids site recounts this story:

One favorite story told by "Hap," the Honda dealer in Sarasota, FL, is a story I never tire of hearing. He tells of how he "chased that woman for two days, through mud and trees" and never caught her. At the end of the race, all the guys tramped into the local bar, but not Dot. She went to her room and got cleaned up first. "I'll never forget the picture: Dot walking into the bar in a black sheath dress and a pill box hat." Dot was always a lady.

She was also known for her pink riding outfits.  Although opinions vary on why she chose to wear pink instead of the black embraced by most males in the sport, a couple options may be her wish to avoid connotations with black leather-clad motorcycle outlaws shown in movies or to make the sport of motorcycling less intimidating to "civilians."  This was a time when very little motorcycle equipment or clothing was made for women, and her styles have set a precedent in women's motorcycle gear that continues today.  In her later years she even rode a pink Harley with a built in lipstick holder!  How fantastic is that?!

Dot passed away in 1999 at the age of 87.

Dot on her pink Harley

Dot Robinson helped break down walls for women while still maintaining her femininity.  She didn't become a man to win the approval and acceptance of men.  She didn't become a she-woman man-hater or set out to prove that women are better than men.  She simply showed society that women can compete with men equally in motorcycling.  

A woman can still be a woman and do the daring, the adventurous, and the dangerous with talent and flair.  

{Tweet this quote}

To learn more:
Dot Robinson: First Lady of Motorcycling
Harley-Davidson: Dorothy "Dot" Robinson
Motor Maids: Dot Robinson
Motorcycle Hall of Fame: Dot Robinson

Tea Latte Recipe and the Importance of Hot Beverages in Life

Perhaps some of you are not quite as passionate about tea as Mr. Suzuki up there (why don't I have a room specifically devoted to drinking tea?!), but I think as the cold weather comes around even the most Larry the Cable Guy-esque of Americans could concede that hot beverages have a place in everyone's heart.

Since living in Egypt and Sudan where tea is had more often than water, I have learned the power of a hot beverage in bringing people together to enjoy life.  Tea requires preparation (if you'd like to do it right!) in getting the tea ready, warming the water, etc.  It isn't something you can do fast.  If you've ever tried to drink hot tea quickly, you know that the result is unhappiness and a burnt tongue.  Drinking tea forces you to take a pause and enjoy life slowly.

And what better time to pause and enjoy life but in fall?  The leaves change colors so quickly, and if you don't take the time to enjoy them, you'll miss them altogether!  Perhaps you can take time this week to make a tea latte with the recipe below, sit outside in a scarf and mittens, and sip and chat with a loved one and just enjoy how pretty the world is right now.

Tea Latte Recipe
I credit my discovery of the drink to Eurasia Cafe, the company whose delicious tea I am also using for this recipe!  This fantastic company not only produces amazing tea and coffee products, but the box explains the good they're doing with their products: "Handpicked quality teas are sourced directly from gardens that guarantee livable wages and better opportunities for farmers and their families."  As well, the company gives their profits back to social justice causes in 44 countries and territories.  These causes include sex trafficking prevention and rehabilitation, education, addressing poverty & spiritual emptiness, helping refugees, and healthcare for those with HIV/AIDS.  Check out their site to learn more and take part in their awesome business!

Ingredients:
1 tea bag (I recommend a berry or floral tea.  I'm using Eurasia Cafe's Jasmine Green tea.)
vanilla flavor syrup
hot milk
hot water

Directions: 
- Put the tea bag in the mug, and add just enough hot water to give the tea something to steep in.
- As the tea steeps, heat up the milk.  (If you're doing this on the stove, the secret is to never stop stirring so the milk won't burn!)
- Add 2-3 pumps of vanilla flavor syrup to the tea-steeping water (for a 12 oz cup).
- Lastly, add the hot milk, stir, and enjoy!

You can also use an espresso machine to heat and froth the milk!

Eurasia Cafe has not collaborated with me on this, and I spent my own money for their tea.  I truly love the company and all they do, so I wanted to share about this company with you guys!

6 Reasons Vintage Suits Trump Modern Suits (and Giveaway Winners!)

Lately I've been on a major suit kick.  I just swapped for my first vintage suit at a vintage store a couple weekends ago, I'm in the process of making one, and I love drooling over pictures of them on pattern envelopes and fashion ads.  It is my belief that in the area of women's suits, vintage completely kicks modern-day options in the face.

Just what is it that makes vintage suits so fantastic?  I will tell you, using vintage patterns as illustrations.  You know what's even better?!  All of the vintage patterns are available for purchase now at Midvale Cottage Etsy Shop, so you could actually have a vintage suit for your very own!

1.  Vintage suits accentuate the waist.  {1950s Suit}

Modern suits sort of do this, but not to the same effect as a good 1950s or 1960s suit.  Even without foundation garments, the cut, styling, seam designs, and fabric of vintage suits accentuate the waist in a way very few modern suits do.

2.  Vintage suits can be extremely fabric-efficient.  {1940s Suit}

Especially suits from the 30s and 40s!  The suit I made for my wedding (which is actually an entire sundress underneath, not just a skirt!) took only a little over TWO YARDS of fabric!  Try THAT with a modern suit pattern!

3.  Vintage suits give you options.  {1950s Suit}

They often include lots of separates, different ways to wear a collar or cuffs, or other easy-to-change features.  Vintage designers realized suits need to be versatile, and what lady doesn't like having more options when it comes to a clothing item?

4.  Vintage suit silhouettes have stood the test of time.  {1960s Suit}

If a suit design still seems good to your modern eye, it's probably a good design.  We've had decades to look back and decide which suit designs are truly timeless, and the shape of vintage suits (especially those of the 50s and 60s) continue to reappear in modern designs.

5.  Vintage suits are higher quality.  {1960s Suit}

Whether following a vintage pattern or buying a vintage suit, they include tailoring details and techniques not often found in modern suits, such as bound buttonholes.  Vintage suits that have survived until today are their own testament to quality!

6. Vintage suits have unique details.  {1930s Suit}

Modern suits can't even compete with vintage ones in the details department.  Whether utilizing buttons, creative seams, pleats, drapes, fabric, or color, vintage suits take the cake on unique details!

What are some of your favorite things about vintage suits?  Do you own any suits you especially love?

Lastly, here are the winners of the Giant Two Year Anniversary Giveaway!

Shopping Prize: Lee Cate

Blogger Prize: Sam

Seller Prize: Tanith

Hair Prize: Amanda

Accessories Prize: Alecia

Tinkering & Ties Prize: Angie

Winners should have an email from me in their inbox at the email address they used for the giveaway!  All the info you need to claim your prize is there!

Midvale Cottage is a sponsor of Flashback Summer for the month of October, and this is a sponsored post.

Sponsor in November!

1898 Sign painter, source

Kathleen of Midvale Cottage Etsy Shop says:
"Flashback Summer is a wonderful blog with a growing fan base... It was delightful working with Emileigh who supports her sponsors with flexibility, enthusiasm, and dedication.  I am happy with the increased traffic to my Etsy shop as a result of my ad and her post that featured my shop.  I look forward to a continued relationship with this rising star in the vintage sewing and fashion world!"


Don't forget about Flashback Summer for promotion this holiday season!  People are shopping, getting inspired and geared up for the upcoming couple months, and Flashback Summer is a great place to catch their eye!

There are plenty of affordable options including sidebar ads, social media packages, and sponsored posts.  Feel free to check out the Sponsorship page or email me for more information!  I'd love to work with you!

Vintage in Context: the 1900s

Ah, the 1900s, the first decade of one of the most influential centuries in history.  So much has happened since then, although 100 years is nothing in comparison to all of history!  In the past century, so many new inventions have been created, so many world movements started, so many events on the global stage have occurred.  The 1900s is so different from today, but it has impacted us so much!

Here are some events from around the world from 1900-1909:

photo source and e-version of book

Sigmund Freud's book The Interpretation of Dreams is released in 1900, and he's paid $209 for his work.  It is the first serious look at dreams as indicators of inner psychological issues.  It was received coldly and critically but is now considered one of Freud's most prolific and original works.  The ideas of wish-fulfillment theory, symbolism in dreams, sexuality in childhood, and the connection between hallucinations and dreams comes from this book.

Chinese woodblock print showing the capture of Tianjin in June of 1900

After a disastrous war with Japan, the Boxer Rebellion in China reaches Peking, the capital, in 1900.  At first, the Boxers attempt to overthrow the Chinese Ch'ing Dynasty currently in power, but as the Empress Dowager begins to back them, they turn their attention to ridding China of all foreigners.  Japan, Britain, the U.S., Russia, Italy, and France send in a force of 2,100 soldiers to attempt to protect their citizens, but the Empress orders all foreigners to be killed in June of 1900 and many foreign ambassadors, missionaries, and laypeople are killed.  The rebellion is subdued by August, but it weakens the Ch'ing Dynasty and hastens the arrival of the Republic of China in a few years.

source

Thomas Edison produces the first narrative silent film, "The Great Train Robbery" in 1903.  Lasting 12 minutes, it portrays a train being robbed and the thieves being shot by a posse that comes after them.  It included many revolutionary film editing techniques such as panning a camera to follow characters and shooting in more than one scene.

source

In 1904, the New York City subway system opens.  Although not the first in America, it quickly becomes one of the largest and most famous systems in the country.  100,000 people each pay a nickel on opening day to ride the new transportation!

source

1907 sees the convening of the Second Hague Conference in which world leaders such as Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, President Roosevelt (U.S.), and forty three other delegations discuss different world issues, including the decrease in armaments and establishing international protocol for peacefully settling disputes.  Not much is accomplished, for power blocs had already been established between European countries, and this tenuous balance of power later leads to World War I.  However, the Ten Rules of Warfare are, ironically, agreed upon.

source

The Young Turk Revolution occurs in 1908, attempting to overthrow the Ottoman Empire with the hopes of introducing a constitutional government and promoting all-Turk equality (at the expense of minorities).  Led by the young Turkish bourgeoisie class (made of mostly intellectuals and military officers), the revolt is eventually subdued but sets the stage for the more successful Kemalist Revolution to come.

1900s pictures from around the world:

Yemeni jewelry made of metal, coral, and old Islamic coins, early 1900s

Mbo, King of Bali, early 1900s

Pablo Picasso helps introduce Cubism in 1907 with his piece "Les Demoiselles D'Avignon"

Dancing girls and musicians in Dehli, early 1900s

Don't forget to enter the Giant Two Year Anniversary Giveaway!  It ends November 1st!

Introspection: My Weekend Outlook Overhaul

This weekend I had a really great overhaul on my outlook on life.

I realized that I've been forcing myself to live in a state of make-do limbo until I am in the "meaningful" life circumstances I'd like to have.

For example, I haven't organized some places in our house, even though we've been there months.  I've caught myself saying, "Eh, well it's good enough for now" about things in our home that I could change.  I haven't been putting forth the effort to completely unpack and settle in because "we aren't going to be here that long anyway."  Why buy holiday decorations?  Who cares?  I clean to keep ants out, not to make my home a comfier place to be for myself and Jacob.  Just doing the minimum.

I've been putting all of my emphasis on the future when I'm at that job doing the purposeful work I'm supposed to do, not the pay-the-bills work I'm doing now.  I've focused on the nebulous future instead of the here and now because the future is where my important work is.  This stuff right now is mediocrity.

I realized that I've been looking at my life all wrong.

I've been putting my hope in having an adventurous, adrenaline-packed career as a linguist, helping bridge gaps between people groups.  I looked at that as being my life of purpose, a life of meaning.  Not the day-to-day plodding I'm doing right now.  Someday when I get to that job and that life, then I'll be doing important things.  Then God will proud of me because I'm doing lots of obviously good things, trying to make a difference in the world.  My value will come from that job.

Jesus really cut through that ridiculousness and clarified things for me this weekend.  (Yes, Jesus and I talk often.  I know some of you don't believe in that sort of thing, but I definitely do and I'd be glad to talk about it with you should you ever wonder about it.)

God showed me that living a life of purpose and meaning isn't about doing a certain task or having a certain job.  He showed me that living a purposeful life is about taking the circumstances He gives me now and making them the most beautiful I possibly can.

I don't have to wait until I'm at my "dream job" to live a life of value.  What if I never get to that job?  What if life just takes a different course?  What if my life isn't an action-packed thriller full of intrigue and adventure every day?  What if my life is more about the day-to-day, normal life stuff?

If you had asked me how I felt about a "normal" life only a little while ago, I would have told you I had extreme disdain for it.  I wanted adventure!  I wanted adrenaline!  I wanted a more "noble" task than just comfy, normal life!  Don't tie me down, man!

I still want those things, but I no longer find my life's value in them.  I have realized that I can live meaningfully without them.  There is a wonderful art to taking normal, everyday life and making it beautiful, and that is the kind of life God is asking me to live.  He is proud of me for being a person of character, not for doing a bunch of good tasks.

I know it sounds ridiculous, but this is totally freeing to me.  God isn't waiting for me to hurry up and make something of my life that he can be proud of; He's already given me a life he's proud of, purpose and meaning already included.  I make him proud by doing the daily life things I need to do with integrity, intentionality, and grace, by being faithful to my commitments, and by loving the people he has put around me.

For me, one way this is intentionality put into action is by taking pride in my home, not just making do with it, and opening it to others.  I'm motivated to make it truly beautiful, to add little decor touches, to keep it organized, and to make it really work for Jacob and me.  Heck, I bought a Christmas wreath the other day!  I'm motivated to re-do some things in our home and I'm actually excited about it!

How do you feel about your "normal" everyday life?  How do you cope with what can sometimes become dull routine?  What gives your life purpose and meaning?

P.S. The Two Year Anniversary Giveaway is still going on!  Don't forget to enter for lots of prizes!