"S" - SHE WORE STIFFLY STARCHED CLOTHES

A lot of time was spent taking care of clothes.  After our 100% cotton outfits were worn, they were re-washed and hung out to dry on the clothesline - then heavily starched and ironed.  Clothes were stiff and wrinkled very easily - especially when "smootching" with a date.

"R" - SHE STOOD UP FOR HER RIGHTS!

Girls were taught to be submissive during the Fifties.  I am very happy that has changed, but my husband is probably not!

"Q" - SHE LIKED BEING QUIRKY

   I was named after my daddy, Joel Clayton Smith.  My parents thought two children were enough, and since they already had one daughter, I was their last chance for a boy.  They added an "l" and an "e" to Joel to make Joelle.  I loved the name Joelle because it was different, and was disappointed to eventually learn that Joelle is a common name in France. 

"O" - SHE WANTED TO LIVE NEAR THE OCEAN

Water activities ruled!  Everyone swam, skied, floated down rice canals - anything to be in or near water.  Teenagers gathered at Cow Creek to picnic and swim, and sometimes traveled to McFaddin or Gilchrist beach.  There was a "Miss Water Sports - 1959" beauty contest in Orange, Texas, that most of the high school girls entered.   

"N" - SHE WANTED TO TAKE CARE OF OTHERS (NURTURE)

  I enjoyed taking care of my dolls - "Kay", a Toni doll that survived many permanents and shampoos; "Barbara", a Madame Alexander ballerina that arrived in a pink satin and net tutu, and an 8" Vogue Ginny doll that I especially loved.  I made clothes for "Ginny", and kept her outfits washed, starched and ironed.   

"M" - SHE WANTED TO BE A MOM

I could hardly wait to be a mom, although I didn't really know what that meant!   I wanted a boy and a girl as in the song "Tea For Two" - they would be twins named Jimmy and Jane.

"L" - SHE WANTED SOMEONE TO LOVE

She was in love with love.  She was in love many times and her feelings sometimes changed in one day.  She was eager to find "the one" who was supposed to be just around the corner.