OK now, admit it.
Isn't that the cutest little poll watcher ever?
It's The Practical One, from a twenty year old newspaper photo.
It graced the front page of the local paper.
Do you see the line running across the middle?
That's the crease from the fold.
And do you see the wide load hanging over said fold?
Yeah, well, that' the reason I'm filing this under stuff I should be ashamed to yak about. That's my wide load, of course, and just in case you haven't figured it out, that's Sir Boney Butt on the other side.
My fifteen minutes of shame.
Just thought I would share it on this election day. Aftet all, once your patriotic patootie has graced the front page of the local newspaper, you might as well put it on the world wide web.
(Old pictures from a 2010 post)
Have I mentioned how much I love election day? Well, I do. I've loved it ever since I was a little girl. I honestly can't remember a time when my family didn't make a big old deal about it. Dad and the Duchess always had a horse in the race. They had their yard signs and bumper stickers, and the Duchess would volunteer in the local campaign headquarters.
On election night, we had a family party. They would let us stay up later than usual to watch the results, even though back then you usually didn't know a thing until morning.
Once the results were in, they taught us how to be
humble winners or gracious losers.
My first presidential election was in 1980. Since I was away at school, I had to vote by absentee ballot. I was a little bummed about that, but back then it was absentee or nothing.
My how times have changed.
Now, most states have election month instead of election day. I'm still not sure how I feel about that, but I go with the flow.
As for us? We still wait to vote until that magic Tuesday in November. Tonight, we'll stay up late and watch the results in our pajamas, just like we did as kids.
And just like then, we probably won't know a thing until morning anyway, probably longer. All signs point to this being a close one, after all. Those race horses are neck and neck. Someone is going to win by a nose.
That being the case, I hope you all get your own patriotic patooties down to the polls and cast your vote.
Just one word of caution, though...
Beware of hidden cameras.
So what about you?
What do you remember about election day growing up?
Do you remember your first Presidential election?
Inquiring minds want to know.
48 comments:
Ha! I love this post, and the newspaper clipping is priceless. What a treasure. And a great example to your offspring-citizens.
My most memorable Election Day memory of sorts was the day my man and I voted absentee in Manila, Philippines, at the U.S. Embassy...
... With Sam Butcher, the father of Precious Moments. Neat, huh? And to learn we're both Missourians! Very neat.
Mother's an election judge this year. She was at the polls this morning by 4:30 a.m. I will have a nice, hot dinner waiting for her when she gets home... at probably 8:30 p.m. or 9!
Blessed day,
Kelley
What a great photo from the newspaper! I remember taking our daughter to vote when she was about six, and the man in line behind us, trying to be nice asked her, "Who are you going to vote for, sweetie?" She solemnly replied, "It's supposed to be a secret." I almost had to wait till I was 21 to vote, but the 26th amendment was ratified in time for me to vote in the 1972 election.
I thought you looked slim and trim and cute...just goes to show you that we're most critical of ourselves.
We vote by mail here in Oregon, and I love it! I voted last week and dropped it off at the ballot box at our library. You can mail it, but I live near the library, so it's easy for me to drop it off personally.
I've got the t.v. on already, waiting or results to start coming in.
Hi Debbie,
This is such a cute newspaper clipping; The Practical One is a little doll! I love her blond hair and her sweet red, white and blue dress.
The first time our son went to the polls was with me when he was two years old. :) He's already voted today. He came home from college last night and spent the night here in order to vote in his district and get back to school for today's classes.
Regrettably, I didn't vote the first time I was eligible, and my Dad was quite put out with me -- our family is very patriotic, too. But as long as I'm physically and mentally able, I'll never miss another presidential election again. Too many have sacrificed so much for us to have this privilege.
I love your beautiful red, white and blue table; it's the perfect thing to post today.
Hugs,
Denise
That is the cutest photo! And, pardon me, but you have nothing to be shamed by from my vantage point. Looking mighty good, sister.
We voted early, and with pride.
1988 was my first year to get to vote. I was so excited to be able to vote.
Debbie, I remember the first time you showed this newspaper article, and I thought "I wish my bottom looked that small - especially in the newspaper and while leaning over! I love this picture, because of your little one with a hand on each parent, watching them do their patriotic duty. I don't recall this patriotic "vote" table, though. What great stuff you have for an election day tablescape! I guess voting is the only event that I don't feel I have to follow any traditions when it rolls around. I love voting early and not standing in long lines on election day. I will be watching results tonight though. I'm so glad it will soon be over. I'm like you though. Afraid it will drag on for a long time. laurie
You are so blessed to have so many wonderful things in red white and blue and God Bless our Country - loved your photos.
I remember voting in high school for President Kennedy. So when I became of age, I voted and have every since.
My first election was 1980, too, but I was able to vote in person. BOY was that a long time ago! Growing up, our family always voted, but we weren't as actively involved or as prone to party as yours. Tonight I'll be home alone watching the results come in. I wonder what the morning will bring...
LOVE your tablescape!
Being a foreigner, I only got to vote in the USA for the first time last election so I'm new at this :) But living in the South election time is a nightmare (don't know how it is in the rest of the country). People get very ugly and mean and I'm just glad it's almost over.
On a different subject, why do you always write your best posts when you close comments? I usually end up reading those out loud to my hubby so someone can hear my deep, insightful thoughts ;) Yesterday's was one.
Wow you are famous! this is such a neat post about the election...I remember my Dad ranting and raving about politics...maybe too much
What a cute photo! I'm just glad that wasn't my "patootie" being showcased. :)
We did early voting but we will be glued to the tv tonight along with you and the rest of the nation.
Praying for God's will in this important election...
Debbie,
Since you and I were born the same year, (although you arrived months after I did) our first election was the same one. 1980, Ronald Reagan.
I was a student at WVU and registered in WV, although I was a MD resident. I was excited to vote in a voting machine, so I was disappointed when I was handed a piece of paper and a pencil to vote for a PRESIDENT!
and, btw, you do look good in the photo. I recognized your hubby by his lotsa hair!
Oh that is a great photo! I would frame it and display it. No shame there. And you taught your daughter a valuable thing. I first voted in the autumn of 1970 something. Did I say that? Oh dear. I work so hard to keep my age hidden. I also had to vote by absentee ballot.
I do not share your enthusiasm for the day other than recognizing the privilege it is. It's proven to be quite nervewracking through the years.
Oh my goodness I LOVE the photo. I am with Vee, I would frame it and display it!
I voted early for the first time ever this year and I got to tell you, I am not sure I liked it. I love going to the polls ON the actual day, haha. But either way, I've cast my vote.
My first election was in the mid 1970's! wow...can it be? haha
Loved your table setting btw...soo cute.
Cute post! I love the great newspaper clipping and Red White and Blue always makes me smile:@)
Debbie, that is one adorable photo, you look very good and I would recognize your hubby by that head of hair! My first election was the very first year that 18-year-olds got the right to vote. I am dating myself. (1972).......I do not like the new voting system. xo
Little wonder why the Practical One pursued politics. LOVE that picture!!! Precious! I relate to being a wide load next to a bony butt, but that's neither here nor there. ;)
My first election was for MD governor in 2002. My candidate won. I had to vote absentee, as well, but I didn't mind. I was thrilled to have a chance. After all, I'd been so passionate about the 2000 presidential election and I was a mere 17 at the time. It was a real bummer not to get to vote in that one.
I'm still learning how to be a gracious loser. And I try to be a humble winner. It's getting harder and harder to be either. You'd think I'd get wiser in my old age...instead I just seem to be getting grumpier. ;)
I'll be up in my pj's, praying, and peeking through fingers. Until I get grumpy enough to turn it off, anyway. Hope you get some sleep tonight!
Guess we should have figured Miss Practical was destined for life in DC after that adorable front page pose. She was so cute, wasn't she?
I was lamenting to my husband this morning how much I miss Dad during election season. He was so fun and perhaps a bit intense. But we did love it. He always made a party out of the election.
My first presidential election was 1980, too. I voted in person because I was close enough to home to bop over and vote.
Great post as always.
I'm sitting here in my pj's too, watching and waiting. Tonight is a good time for me to remind myself that God created both donkeys and elephants, and that He is in control no matter what tonight brings! :)
This picture is priceless! ... I mean, it practically shouts "Americana." No wonder the newspaper chose to run it on the front page!
My oldest granddaughter just cast her first-ever vote, and I told her, "This will be a day you'll remember the rest of your life." Heck, I'm sitting here north of 60, and still remember being excited to "Vote the Ticket" in '72.
I am applauding your post...you know how to take any subject and make it just great...we are watching the returns right now...we voted early, no cameras, thank goodness...and you have raised your daughter's well
Great table! As always!!! Talented one!
Yes, I remember my first election day. It was the 1972 race between Nixon and McGovern. Gosh, it seems like yesterday!
I have been keeping up with results tonight online. The biggest thing that discourages me so much is the very LOW percentage of voter turnout. Really gripes me - voter apathy is such a sad thing, in my opinion.
I need a soap box...
And personally, I think the patootie above the fold is pretty cute - just sayin'
GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Debbie~ What an adorable photo! I love your patriotic transferware table, three cheers for the RW&B, complete with your Georgia peach sticker!
I'm trying to be upbeat and think positively about this election but it is hard, 'nuff said.
Debbie, I LOVE that photo! Your load is not wide!! I love that your daughter was with you... and that your family holds its privilege and responsibility so highly. Amanda texted me a photo of the boys in their wagon outside the polls waiting with her to vote. Yes, we like standing in line on the "real" day, too. Now, I'm just trying to be gracious. :(
First vote for me was the first year 18 yr olds had the vote...and I was 18.
I have only missed one vote in all those years and it was due to delayed receipt of absentee ballots when we were overseas.
So I relish going IN PERSON on election day to the polling sight.
I had my 20 yr. old with me. Nick was voting for president for the first time. Behind us was a mom with her 8 yr. old son. I remember bringing Nick with me when he was that young.
Both girls voted too and kept me posted to their responses via text. : /
It was my dad, too, who greatly influenced my enthusiasm for the electoral process. Lots of political speech at our dinner table growing up. I like to think I've had a similar influence on my 3.
We, however, do not lose well. I will pout, bitch and moan to the next election. : (
But I still LOVE the process!
Cheers!
Enjoyed this post and love the clipping! Thanks for sharing. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Hello fellow Georgian! :D You have a gorgeous blog!!!! :)
Love the ballot casting picture! I too voted for the first time in 1980. It was an honor and a privilege at 18 and still is today. I am just leaving this re-elected president thing in God's sovereign hands.
Oh I remember ! Election day sometimes falls on my birthday, it did this year.
Well I think the photo is wonderful and ya'll look great from behind.
(())
Wide load? Seriously? No way!
My first Presidential Election was for Reagan's second term. I was happy about that!
Deanna
Well, today I am in the gracious looser category. I think it is so crazy that I don't remember my first election...Lord what a brain blip that is. BTW I don't see any wide load in that picture!
Carol
My mother was a city clerk when I was growing up, so I would never dare not vote. I had the honor of escorting my 18 year-old to vote. On the way there I talked to him how people have died so that we are free to vote. After voting, we went out to lunch to celebrate his first time voting. We could have studied up better on a few issues, but just glad we could vote. I don't have a lot of memories about voting, but just remember that if I wouldn't have voted some lightning might have come down from my mother. LOL! that picture is so precious, and I think you look very fashionable. Joni
Here I am again! I just wanted to say thank you for your post about peace. I really need to acquire some. I know you turned your comments off, but I wanted to thank you! I have tried just praying with thanks,but not asking, and that is a wonderful experience. Joni
Trying to picture if you voted for Carter or Reagan in 1980??
Great legs in that photo!
I did get my patriotic patootie to our polling place. I studied up before going and so did J. We split our tickets as usual and I am pretty sure we cancelled each other out on one proposal or other. That happens with us sometimes.:-) I sat up and watched the returns, then couldn't sleep. That sleep thing always happens, no matter the outcome of the election.
We don't have early voting here. We sit at long tables and fill out paper ballots. We live up in the country.:-)
PS: I don't remember my first vote. I do remember many. My granny did not get to vote until she was 27, that would have been 1919 and we know what happened that year. I always think of her on election day. She went to the polls as long as she was able. That first vote for her, didn't come easy.
Well I think the picture is adorable and you have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of! You look great from behind! I remember my Dad staying up until the wee hours on election nights. I love your patriotic tablescape.
My first presidential election was 1960. Had some winners and some losers. I have to admit I am having a lot of trouble being gracious this time. Maybe its because I'm old and wise enough to see this country "going to hell in a handbasket" as my grandmother used to say. I pray for my children and grandchildren and what is ahead for them. The Duchess
Even though I don't live in the US....I loved watching the whole thing and how it all played out. Our elections are a bit dull compared to you guys....You guys have flair....and mostly tension....And you know what else I love...that you posted the pic and your awesome decorated table...
Love that picture! And I had to laugh at your comment on yourself, because I was thinking you looked great and how glad I was that there were no pictures of me from that angle. We are hard on ourselves aren't we?
What a cute photo! I don't see a wide anything - you look great.
My friend Tim makes a whole day out of election day. He goes to vote and then he settles in front of his tv (with a beer I'm sure) and watches the updates and news all day. Partay!
I went to bed early but got up at midnight because I had to see who won!
I love your table setting!
Well, you didn't have to stay up very late this year to get the election results! I was shocked when they called it so early in the evening! That seemed unprecedented, although it may not be. I guess I'm still stuck on the days of the hanging chad! :-) At any rate, I don't think I've ever known anyone to be excited enough about election day to create a tablescape specific to it...but I love it!!!!!!!! Get down with your bad self, girl! I coasters are really cool! I love your plate combo, too. Your parents taught you well about being humble in a win and gracious in defeat. I wish the current day families would instill that as well. I voted for the first time ever in 1976 when Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford opposed one another in the presidential race. It was really an exciting time since it was the year of our bicentennial, I was working in the Senate Building on Capital Hill, and my ex-boyfriend (who had dumped me!) was defeated in his bid for the House of Representatives. Good times. Good times. :-) As for when I was growing up, my parents were always deeply immersed in grassroots politics, so we were involved with the political arena starting at a very young age. I was probably no more than 5 or 6 when I was out putting flyers on people's doors. I remember hating it very much because it was usually cold for some reason. As an adult, I found myself constantly involved in the campaign efforts of both parents who ran for political office. My Dad was defeated in his bid for City Council by a woman who was later convicted of fraud and other charges. I remember sitting on pins and needles that election day as we waited for the count to come in. That was back in the late 80s/early 90s as I recall. My Mom ran for both the Missouri State House of Representatives and the Missouri State Senate and won every race she entered. She retired a year ago, but is still very active in politics. We never did watch parties or anything like that for her which in retrospect seems a little odd. Anyhooo...that's my long political story!
Fifteen minutes of shame? I would be displaying that photo framed in the main room if my backside looked that good!
Blessings, Debbie
That newspaper clipping is a treasure! We've had a lot of media coverage of your election over here. I hope President Obama does a good job for you all. I don't envy him his job one little bit!
Your tablescape is so good, as always!
I have been catching up here, Debbie. Love your pic, so sweet. And great patriotic table too!
We always vote, and stay up to see who won.
Murders in Benghazi , scandals, lies, Middle East chaos, Europe's financial problems , all dampen my spirit.
Throw in the falling stock market, and the financial state of this country, and I am ready for a box of chocolates.
I guess all we can do is pray, but the new layoffs announced today are alarming.
Mud, malaria and mortgage as my dear mom used to say!
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