Woodstock is Now … Chicken Stock
It may be too late to sing “Times they are a’changin ….” because they have already changed. Boomer columnist Janie Emaus tracks the change at an uncommon place: the dinner table, where Woodstock is now Chicken Stock.
1969 – What I wouldn’t have given to go to Woodstock. Joe Cocker. Hendrix. Joplin. Richie Havens. Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. All my favorites were playing. But I was too young and it was too far away from where I lived.
So, like a million other young adults, I watched the spectacle on TV. Next time, I told myself … I’d go next time. Well, the next Woodstock was in 1994 and by that time I was already well beyond going to a jam-packed concert. In fact, the closest I’ve ever come to attending an event with “stock” in its name involves one with chicken, vegetable, or beef. And it takes place in my kitchen.
Now, I’m not a good cook and never pretended to be one, although I can throw together a pot of chicken soup. All my creativity has gone into putting words together to form a story, not into mixing ingredients to make a meal. But in recent years (now that I live with an excellent chef) I’ve come to understand and appreciate the creativity in cooking. And I realize that that every meal tells a story.
Back in those pre-Woodstock days the meals were mostly prepared by our moms, confirming the principle that men brought in the bacon and the women cooked it. Looking back today, those home-cooked family dinners (in which all five food groups were represented) told the story of an era when families could live on one income. When moms were home in the afternoon to help with homework and watch kids play out in the street until dusk. When fathers came home from work, put up their feet, read the paper, and relaxed. When families talked to each other over lamb chops and green beans and afterwards watched TV.
By Woodstock though, “the times they were a-changin’.” As more women went to work, the crock-pot became a kitchen fixture. Meals told the story of the two income family, when mom now had less time to spend in the kitchen. But still, families talked to each other over these one-pot meals … and afterwards watched TV.
To today’s kids, that may seem old-fashioned and dull. What? No Internet?? No MySpace??? No cell phones???? No texting????? OMG! Mom, how did you ever exist?!? How did you know what everyone else was doing while you were at home just watching TV?
Well, we did just fine. I’ve made it past the half century mark and not only do I have most of my brain cells, I have most of my same friends. In fact, this afternoon as I chop carrots, parsnips, and onions, I have my CD player on full blast. Joe Cocker is singing live from Woodstock.
“Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends … I get high with a little help from my friends … gonna try with a little help from my friends.”
And this soup I’m making — it tells the story of a woman who is going to call up those friends and invite them over for dinner. Friends don’t have buttons. Or batteries. Be here by six.
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Read more of Janie’s stories … click here.
Category: Baby Boomers, Janie Emaus
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Hey, Janie, I’ll be there for chicken soup any time, and leave my electronics behind! Thanks for this stroll down memory lane…
Janie! You’re making me hungry! Just spent a dinner last night with 1 @ 75 yrs, 2 in 50s and 1 @ 18 yrs. The 18 yr old never participated in any conversation — but texted through dinner. arrggh. What’s an old fart like me to do? I was *this close* to ripping it out of those typing thumbs . . .
Janie…That was a very enjoyable trip down memory lane. Not that I’ve really forgotten any of this, but you put it in great perspective….and being about the same age as you are, my memory can always use a jog… so can my body, but that’s another story. Thanks for the trip
Hey, Janie, I like the idea of living with an excellent chef. I’m sure my husband wishes he did! I also enjoy thinking about how things used to be, as well as celebrating all the additional freedom we have to find out who we are besides being great parents and homemakers. And I’m certainly not the latter! Thanks for the memories.
Tina – Yes, dinner without the annoyance of electronics is most definitely nice.
Alexis – I feel the same as you.
Jeri – My memory needs jogging every morning!
Linda – Thanks for your comment. I’m not a great homemaker, either. So, I’m glad the world did change, giving us more options.
Janie
Janie – I think a bowl of soup…(and maybe some wine:) with friends sounds lovely right now. Thank you for reminding me about Woodstock – I must have listen to that album (ALBUM!!!) a million times.
Pam,
I think it sounds great, too. Especially the wine.
Thanks for your comment.
Janie
I can totally relate! Janie, love your blogs, as always.
Sandy
Hi Sandy,
Thanks for stopping by. Happy New Year.
Janie
Janie, reading your blogs is like eating a comforting bowl of chicken soup to me! Can’t wait to hear more..
Jen,
Thanks so much. It’s comments like yours that add comfort to my life.
Janie
Wow! Mom DID make great chicken soup, but my wife is too busy. Now I run the crock pot, I know how to run a washer and dryer (a skill my dad never accomplished) and working on a 100hp garbage disposal. You’re right, times have changed. Glad I changed with them tho.
David,
Can you come to my house and fix a few things? Happy New Year!
Janie
Hey Janie,
Once again you transport me back to a feel good time. I was 19 and went to the Atlantic City Pop Festival 3 weeks before Woodstock and that was the big buzz at our concert. But I had had enough from my momentous weekend in Atlantic City and sometimes wonder if I should have followed the pack. Happy New Year!
Terence,
At least you went to one of those big concerts. It was a feel good time, wasn’t it?
Happy New Year to you, too.
Janie