POV - Writing from a different perspective:

[oggbashan]

Ogg

You bring back memories of the Lyon's Corner House off The Strand, the first place I took a girl on a date.

Will's

That was an institution.

In the 1930s, Lyons Corner House 'nippies' were as much sought after by young men as actresses were. The staff entrance was as frequented as many stage doors. Lyons had to employ an ex-marine to beat the admirers off the 'nippies'. They featured in Picture Post - almost the same as being on the cover of 'Time'.

Becoming a 'nippie' was as sought after as later generations sought to become air hostesses. Now both types of jobs are mundane and those employed are abused and insulted by the public.

'Nippies' were young ladies who deserved respect. Modern burger bar staff should also be treated with courtesy for doing an unpleasant job serving the public yet talking to any of them will reveal just how badly treated they are - by the public and often even worse by their employers.

Og

 

[McKenna]

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[Black Tulip]

I'm questioning, I suppose, if a person's nationality has much to do with their personality?

That's a very interesting question. I never gave it any thought, but is my writing noticeably different because I'm not English or American? Apart from odd grammatical structures maybe.
I never give detailed information about a country or a city because of it. Can you tell from my characters?

If you can, that will give you part of an answer then.

Except for one or two supposedly more common traits among the Dutch (i.e. being stingy with money, or "zuinig,")

Will you watch your language!

 

[oggbashan]

Ogg, thank you. It was interesting and informative to read about tea time from your perspective.

Do you think it's a shame the trend has died out? It seems so much a part of English history.

It hasn't died out. It is practised by consenting adults in private.

Og

 

[McKenna]

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[McKenna]

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[Black Tulip]

 

[oggbashan]

Now that only makes me curious to know what one must do to procure an invite!

The other thing I'm curious about, if you English/British won't mind humoring me, is what the deal is with women and hats? I think I saw a blip once on TV where English women buy and wear hats for fancy occasions? Was this utter nonsense, or based on some kernel of truth?

Hats are essential for weddings, funerals and invitations to Royal Garden parties. Every woman must have several.

I'm NOT JOKING.

Og

 

[Guest]

Hats are essential for weddings, funerals and invitations to Royal Garden parties. Every woman must have several.

I'm NOT JOKING.

Og

And horse racing, most notably Royal Ascot.

The only time I've ever worn a hat was to my brother's wedding. It was a very big one and got blown off. It ended up in a muddy puddle.

Lou

P.S. Btw, Mck, my offer still stands. I'm reading Raphy's NaNo novel at the mo (cheers bud for a great treat!), but I'd love to read through yours and give you my impressions of how you are handling the "Englishness" of the MC.

 

[McKenna]

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[lucky-E-leven]

I'm trying to think of an American equivalent....


Anyone have any ideas? I'm drawing a blank.

Corsages and boutineers?

~lucky

 

[McKenna]

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[ABSTRUSE]

Hats are essential for weddings, funerals and invitations to Royal Garden parties. Every woman must have several.

I'm NOT JOKING.

Og

I am a firm believer in hats, Sir Og. I have several and love to sport them at said occasions. They are quite elegant esp. with gloves.
~A~

 

[Guest]

Mack, I grew up in the hat times. I used to get a new hat every year for Easter. I've always worn hats (bought two handmade when last in Venice).

I miss men wearing hats. My brother in Vienna still does.

Perdita

 

[fifty5]

Somewhat. Thank you!

Interestingly enough, in my regional American dialect, (maybe familial register?) we call lunch dinner and the meal you eat in the evening supper. I've confused more than one person by referring to them in that way.

- and 'snap' is what you eat in your break...

Fifty5: Cherioh! Sound posh to my American ears. I take it it was used by a larger portion of society than the "elite?"

Oh yes. The way to tell (from the words, rather than the accent itself) is what follows.

"Cheerioh, old boy / old man / old chap!" would be in a posh accent.

"Cheerioh, mate!" would be working class.

The middle classes, of course, didn't drink...



f5

 

[McKenna]

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[McKenna]

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[Guest]

Corsages and boutineers?

Gosh, I'd forgotten those. Both for proms, and a corsage every mother's day for my mom.

thanks, P.

 

[McKenna]

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[McKenna]

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[ABSTRUSE]

I'm envious, really. I've been told I look quite nice in hats, but never have an occasion to wear them except when trying them on in shops.

I used to have a couple of hats that were my grandmothers from the 20's. I wish I would have realized their worth, instead of using them for "dress up," (which is why she gave them to me, to play dress up.)

Sweetie, if you can't find an occasion, make one up.
I agree with perdita, I love men in hats. Not those stupid baseball caps, but a fine fedora.
~A~

 

[Guest]

I've been told I look quite nice in hats, but never have an occasion to wear them except when trying them on in shops.

Mack! You don't need an occasion (those are for 'new' hats). I wear mine anytime, to work, to shop, to take a walk. And I'm certain you look good in a hat, it would frame that lovliness!

P.

 

[lucky-E-leven]

Gosh, I'd forgotten those. Both for proms, and a corsage every mother's day for my mom.

thanks, P.

My family seems to get them for everything. Baby and wedding showers. Weddings, funerals, milestone birthdays, mother's day...the works. It's simple and thoughtful and I kinda like it. I've saved most of mine. Too bad my prom one didn't keep well. Orchids are finicky that way, I guess.

~lucky

 

[McKenna]

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[ABSTRUSE]

Maybe a nice big floppy straw-type hat, for in the garden, with a sheer or lacy scarf tied round the top.



Yes, I'm a romantic through and through...

Fabulous!!!!!!!!!!!!