Well Nora,

*clears throat*

My name is Tara and I live in Chicago where I work as a Creative Director for a conglomerate media company. I used to be low man on the totem pole at a small ad agency where I experienced a lot of what the female characters at SC endure. Things haven't changed all that much in some places..
I am 29, and have always enjoyed things from the past. Clothes, music, film, art, etc. Newly married and expecting a baby, I find that watching the parallel lives of the MM women (and also the men) gives me a different perspective, even though some things never change. ; )

As for you fine folks - I am semi-obsessed with this site because almost everyone who posts here seems to be intelligent and can write in coherent sentences. Moreover, people here seem to have a sense of humor, which I find so refreshing. The way the imagination can run wild after reading these posts is part of the fun as well. Everyone here knows that when you are really REALLY into something, you want to share your thoughts and feelings with other people - and I couldn't think of a better place to share "Maddiction" than here.

Since Ipanema girl broke the ice...

My name is Russ and I do tax accounting in Columbus, Ohio. Born in '48, I can remember those years and distinctly remember what class I was in when I heard Kennedy was shot. Wife my age, two kids (22 and 17), house in the suburbs, yada, yada.

Forgot...
Pet peeves are bad grammar and worse, misspelled or text-spelled (e.g. 4 u redy?) words.

Like another site I post on sometimes, it's filled with people who know and enjoy the same TV program, speculating on future episodes, discussing the current episode and making connections. Being a typical guy, I've picked up a ton of nuances I never would have otherwise.

Hey Nora, I can't find the info about scfan on the blog. I went there, I don't know which topic that's under. Please point me in the right direction. Thanks!

....how interesting, both of you! thank you for taking the plunge.

i brought this up a long time ago, and it went over like a lead balloon. then i noticed another site doing the same thing, and people responded.

either way, it's all good.

maybe i'm the dead cat with the curiosity (so that's, what? 7th or 8th life?), but i love knowing about people.

....hey jamm54, i went through it too.

i think Nora means the AMC Ultimate Fan contest, and if i'm not mistaken, it was the one about the movie Psycho, and how many rooms made up the Bates Motel?

Born 1956 Detroit. Father automotive engineer, stay-at-home mother (she was a former Lincoln Mercury secretary until marriage). We had 5 kids in the family. Attended Catholic school until 9th grade. Then attended Univ.Detroit-Mercy (Catholic school again!!)

Married 17 yrs - divorced 5 yrs. One son - 17.
I've worked 28 yrs as an Exec. Secretary (we're now called Admin Assts.) for the company depicted in MadMen that delivers that big newfangled machine that makes the copies. What fun!

I think MM is the best thing to ever happen to TV. And I just LOVE you MM poster/bloggers. SUCH a witty, intelligent, funny, well-read bunch. Keep it coming!

I was there in the early 1960's, working as a secretary in a large corporation (not an ad agency). I looked like Joan with black hair and was built like her too. It was the best of times and the worst of times. We had a lot more fun, not worrying about eating steak, smoking, drinking, and I enjoyed the wolf whistles. There didn't seem to be as much stress. However, later in the decade I was a victim of sexual harassment which I reported to Personnel (Human Resources now) and was subtly (sp?) fired for that along with the fact that I didn't show up to serve 15 men coffee in a conference room, reason being the executive who harassed me used to embarrass me at those times in front of all the men by saying such things as "every time you wear that skirt I want to run my hand up it" and "are you as good as you smell". I also was told by another company I worked for that my IQ was higher than most college-educated men in the firm, but nobody thought to give me a higher position than secretary. I also was the victim of doctors not realizing amphetimines were bad for you when I asked a doc to give me something to help me lose a few pounds.

And although I would very much miss having a computer, microwave, cell phone, etc., I still prefer to remember the good times, especially that we didn't have to worry about locking our doors at night, etc.

Well, I don't mind sharing as I love the Mad Men site and the folks who hang out here. I am a retired secretary in Illinois. I went to work right out of high school and entered an environment not unlike Sterling Cooper. I rose through the secretarial ranks to a position of power similar to Joan's where I had total control over the other women, and men feared me (ha!). Then I retired to finally be a housewife and do the things I never had enough time for. Sometimes I miss those days when I was a career woman, so watching this show takes me back to my beginnings and reminds me of both the good and the bad of that time in my life.

This is the only site where I participate in the blogging, and it is such fun. You all are an intelligent and humorous bunch of folks, and I enjoy you comments and insights enormously.

Girl - you have opened the floodgates now. I'm 53, a provider of medical care. Former Naval officer (medical) married to retired Marine fighter (Harrier) pilot. Getting ready to retire (more time to blog!) have been in medicine since 83 but prior to that spent early youth on staff of two major newspapers and met LOTS of 'ad men' but no one as delicious as John Hamm. Was right there during the era MM portrays and cannot get enough of the show and characters. And I agree with Impanema Girl - this blog has some of the best written and thoughtful contributors on the web anywhere. I too detest text-speak and find that it has let to an overall dearth of communication skills in those who insist on using it 24/7. I don't permit my kids 10 and 13 to use text (or have their own cell phones) and sometimes pine for the 60s/70s but only because of the innocence I then possessed. LOVE this show and here's hoping that it 'lives long and prospers' and that no one ever has to 'pinch its nose'. (With a nod of respect to my other two favorite shows of all time - in a continuing series!)

Obviously, my name is Nancy and I live in Stow, OH, southeast of Cleveland, northeast of Akron. I am a PR person by trade. I was born in the early 60s in a large Catholic baby boomer family in southwestern Ohio, near Columbus. I am a single mom of two kids ages 9 and 10.

I can't begin to explain why I love Mad Men. I have never in my life been as obsessed with a TV show, not even General Hospital in high school and college when I never, ever missed it for any reason (and that was before VCRs...). As has been said on here, I love this forum because we are all obviously very intelligent and witty. But what an oxymoron - we are intelligent people obsessed with a TV show! This show has so much depth and quality and real-life drama and humor. It's escapism because it is so real - another oxymoron.

I seriously hope there can be some sort of Maddict weekend in NYC. I will be the first to sign up. And should there be any single gentlemen among us, well, let's just say we'd be a match made on Madison Avenue!

Whoa, there, Nora! I have not been chosen "Best Fan" by Clayton! It was his idea to put me in "Meet the Reader"---
The write-up by Clayton on me all started when I received an e-mail from him about a month ago informing me of the "Meet the Reader" area here on the AMC site-- that I didn't even know existed! He asked if I would be interested in being the "subject of the month". I was flattered and honored and couldn't e-mail my answers back to him fast enough. I filled out those answers to his questions and boom there I was on "Meet the Reader" There have been about four others before me, I believe. I got a Mad Men ("Fill Whiskey To This Line") mug for my participation. I have no idea why he chose me, I just am glad/honored he did.
I gushed about the show in the write-up and all of you here in our "Maddicts" club who I enjoy "chatting" with more than you could know. You are all soooo funny/intelligent/creative/ and everyone has the most wonderful sense of humor.
About me...I am a 57 year old homemaker/former executive secretary (looooong time ago) I worked in an investment company and "ran the place" (my boss' words at the time--although I never could get him to match those words with monetary rewards to match) I love MM because it so accurately depicts the time I spent working as an exec secretary in the '60's--'70's. I worked until I met my husband in college and then got the "MRS"degree and never looked back.
I have been married to the same man for 32+ years and we still go on "dates"every week and I love him even more than when we were first married.
We have a son in the Air Force and are the most boring old suburban married folks you could ever imagine. But, we "like it that way" ! (Dana Carvey)
He had withdrawal when "The Sopranos" went off and was in mourning for months until I got him addicted to MM and now he looks forward to it as much as I do. I suspect "Joan" is part of his rabid anticipation, but I am not certain. LOL

Hi gang! I'm a 25-year-old educator living in the PacNW. Single and jealously watching all my girlfriends get married and make babies (though it's nice to be an honorary "auntie"). :) As I've said before, I studied history as an undergrad and love period movies and TV shows - it's always fun to learn about another time and place. I'm from a very close-knit family and I visit my folks pretty often - my parents were kids during the '60s so I'm enjoying listening them talk about their memories of the time period. I have one younger brother who is in the Army, set to be deployed this spring, and it's hard having him so far away as he and his wife are in North Carolina right now. :(

I've truly enjoyed spending (too much) time on this site and chatting with you fine people. I'm a (quality) TV, movie, and book addict, an entertainment trivia enthusiast, and I love having intellectually stimulating conversations with like-minded people. I haven't enjoyed a television show this much in a while - snappy dialogue, dark humor, and clever writing are far too rare in this age of reality TV. Here's to many more seasons of MM!

Nancy: Methinks that behind that oh-so-sweet photo of you lurks a bunch of trouble. Drinking game, indeed! LOL!

Hello Maddicts! I am 24, I live in Tucson, AZ and I discovered Mad Men while channel surfing, which is kind of amazing. I flip through channels with lightning speed and the visual look of the show alone was enough to make me stop on a dime, so that's saying something.

I have to come here because none of my friends watch the show, and if I try to discuss it I get a lot of "Oh great, she's on about the 60's furniture again" looks. So I keep my friends by discussing other issues, and get to come here to read everyone's wonderful and often hilarious comments.

Laurie B - I ** am ** a PR person after all... You are so funny! Like scfan, I received a MM mug and cracked up about the "fill to here with whiskey" dotted line. I haven't tried it yet. Truth be told, I don't want to waste a precious second of a Sunday night episode drinking and then having to pee. I want to be sharp to catch all the finer details. I am a rabid non-smoker, but I swear this show makes me want to start!

NancyStowOH, how can we "synchronize" our bladders to fill right before the "chemistry.com" commercial--- which I hate anyway and won't care if I miss??

Wow. I'm so glad to get a glimpse into your backgrounds, and hear your stories.

The diversity is great - and I love the fact that there are so many women posting here as well.

...So funny that most of the people who decided to divulge, thus far, were ladies... Come on boys! I know they say that men use about 15000 less words per day to our 30000, but throw us a bone here!! ; )

Hey! What am I, chopped liver?

Hahaha - no way Ritt!!

You're a steak in my book!

Thank you for posting - I ESPECIALLY agree with what you said about text-speak. I can't STAND all those abbreviations and misspellings - even though my own grammar could use a touch up.

I just love your stories. I am taking them with me on vacation and really read them or re-read them on the plane and reflect. I'll have a lot to say when I land. Thanks for sharing. It really has made my all so wacky day!!!!!!!!

jamm54,
Click on"Blogs" main site.
Click on "Future of Classic".
And there she is!:
"Meet the reader scfan" (Number 1 on "Most Popular!
(and you are scfan!)

....has anyone noticed how many Corporate Executive Assistants / Administrators are posting here?

THAT is VERY interesting.

Dry Manhattan,
Did you see how to get to scfan story? I just told jamm54, check it out!
And! How do you know about the Corporat Executive Assistants and Administrators??

I'm a 72-year-old long-ago-divorced (I left my husband in 1962) gal. The marriage was so horrible (he was an alcoholic wife beater) and I never remarried. Too afraid I'd make another mistake. When I read others' blogs about the woman in those days got alimony, child support, etc. I never got either and I had a 1-year-old daughter when I left him. The police and courts in those days were not sympathetic to a lot of women in my position. Fortunately, my folks helped me to raise her. Although I never made much money as a SECRETARY, I managed to get by until I retired and am now able to take life easy and have a comfortable savings (at least I thought so until the recent horrible news about Wall Street). I was always attracted to the John Hamms in life and dated them, but was wise enough not to marry them. If someone did bad by me, I just said bye-bye.

OK-here I go: I really am a redhead born in 1964 and I sure do have the personality to go with the hair. Got married in my very early 20's but divorced him a year and a half later due to his infidelity (he still lives locally and I give him the 1 finger salute whenever possible-no I'm just kidding!). While immersed in grief from my broken heart, I enrolled in law school and became an attorney whose mission is to make sure everyone signs up for a living trust and avoids probate.

I met my current husband the Tuesday before 9/11 on the beach while walking one my (now ours) beagles. We had our 1st date on New Year's Eve 2001 where the fronds from a palm tree in the restaurant kept falling on my head as we dined and we couldn't change tables because the restaurant was at full capacity. Got married to him in 2006 (I say to him all the time how much more I like him than "my other husband"). He's 6 years younger than me (oh yes ladies redhead64 is a cougar--rarrrhhh!) and is a really good man with good values. I definitely got the better end of the deal.

My 3 siblings, one of which is a sanctimonious, elitist witch (Anita anyone?), are scattered on both coasts. My mother was probably the inspiration for The Feminine Mystique.

I have no tolerance for those who are intolerant of others, have an exclusionary attitude or are mean to animals/children. I'll be the first to say hello/welcome to the family/neighborhood/office. I'm certainly not perfect (borderline impossible) but I'll always lend a sympathetic ear to a fellow human. I'm unable to play sports that require equipment due to my being unable to commit to the right or left hand. My favorite beverage is unsweetened iced tea with extra lemon. Greek salad is my favorite healthy food. Breyers vanilla fudge twirl ice cream topped plain M&Ms is my favorite naughty food.

MM is the best show on TV and I'm humbled to be in your great company on this forum.

I was born and raised in West Hartford, Connecticut in 1954 (Sept. 23rd is my 54th birthday). Went to public schools all the way through, then majored in English at The Univ. of Connecticut in 1977. I also despise the complete lack of good grammar and spelling in today's society. I'm a real Luddite -- no cellphone, no VCR, no DVD's, nothing! I do love having my little laptop computer, however. This blog has been great for me. I don't know anybody else who's watching Mad Men, and you guys have been so great in helping me to understand things I may have missed. I've said this before and I'll say it again -- I'm continually amazed at the intelligence and high-level writing ability of the people here. This show has certainly attracted a bright group.

I moved to New York City right after graduation from UCONN in August, 1977 -- it was the week after Elvis' death and the capture of Son of Sam. I went through the Executive Training Program at Macy's (hated it and only lasted 4 months), then worked in the record business for Polygram, Arista, and RCA Records from 1978 - 1986. I well remember the sexism of those days, and not lovingly. From there I went into sales and wound up working in retail, first at Bergdorf Goodman for 7 years, and now at Saks 5th Ave. for almost 9. Anyone coming to New York in the near future, come in and say hello! I'd love to meet other Maddicts in person. Some of us have talked about getting together some kind of MM reunion in New York -- I'm all for it!

As you may have gathered from my posts, I'm Jewish, never married, no children, and live on The Upper West Side of Manhattan. I love movies, theatre, reading, and all the cultural activities New York has to offer.

Mad Men has captured my imagination like no other show or movie in my life. I have never participated in a blog like this, and I only turned to it because I didn't have anyone else to talk to about the show. I'm so grateful to have found it and you. I look forward to many seasons of MM and many lively online discussions with all of you wonderful people. Hopefully, some of us will get to meet in the flesh in the near future.

hi all! it may surprise you to hear that i live in boca raton, florida. i was born in the late baby boom era and thus was a child in the 1960s. apparently i have strong early visual memories because so much of this show looks familiar in a wonderful, satisfying way that's beyond mere nostalgia. as i approach the mid-century mark year by year, i find myself drawn to things reminding me of earlier, simpler times...

on second thought, perhaps it is nostalgia...

...because if you could remove the sexism, racism and other isms from that era, it was pretty darn good. the best part was the freedom we had as kids to arrange and conduct a lot of our lives without the constant presence of parents as anxious cheerleaders and supervisors of our every move! as long as we did well in school and our extracurricular activities designed to develop us into responsible, productive adults, and didn't get into big trouble, we could do as we pleased. the parents were always looking out for us, but from a distance. a feeling of security and freedom and a sense of wonder for learning and doing new things, all at the same time. i love it! i still love it today.

was married/divorced once and have had several close escapes from entering into the portals of that institution in the succeeding years. as my late mother once said, having a husband would be great if he lived next door. i love men, but can't settle for just one (like potato chips).

by occupation, i hold a license to practice a profession which, without said license, one could get arrested for doing it. used to be gung ho about it 20 yrs ago, now it's just a living...ho hum.

i also have a background in literature and the arts.
i have to look at art every day, or i don't feel right.

i do know how to capitalize and punctuate, but it's after hours so i don't bother me about it here. like dry manhattan, i like to use lower case!

mad men is the only current series i watch and look forward to. it engages on all levels. anything that would inspire me to talk in this forum must be a unique television experience! it's great meeting and seeing all of you online.

Whoooeeee, bocaratonfan, "a license to practice..... or one could get arrested" ???--- that could be either a sex surrogate or a P.I. ..none of my business which----- if either or none...but it sounds like you have a very interesting occupation to me! LOL

jamm, since you asked...just type Meet the Reader in the search box and it will take you right there. Clayton made me sound more interesting than I am to tell you the truth! lol
I wish I could have remembered which one of you guys came up with "Maddicts" but I told Clayton about one of you clever souls coming up with it and he put that in the feature.
I wanted to mention whoever it was by name but my CRS disease kicked in when I was answering his questionnaire to e-mail back to him! LOL

Oh, Scarlett, thank you for sharing with us. I, too, missed the first season - most of it, anyway - so I am frequently pestering the other posters for information. They are amazingly patient and respond with a wealth of fascinating information on all the MM characters and plot lines. My favorite female character is Joan, and my favorite male is Roger - oddly enough, I have no wish for them to get together - or at least no further together than they have already been!

I believe, if you go back to the Mad Men Main Site, there are Episode Guides that will fill you in on what happened on each episode of Season 1. Not as much fun as watching each one, but should help a little bit.

Hi ya'll! I am Sally from Alabama ...nicknamed 'Scarlett'.

(*Question down below*)

I started watching Mad Men this year and just hate I missed Season 1. Love this show! I actually was sitting in front of the TV the very 1st episode last year, and flipped the channel to catch something else. Darn it! I now have DVR and would have recorded it.

I was born in 1960, the very year this show begins. Loving nostagla (sp) as I do, MM is utterly fascinating to watch how incredibly different this world in 1960. I adore how every detail is covered, right down to mention of the 60's soap opera "Love of Life".

I spent 15 years in Advertising, Media Buying and Marketing, so this show so appeals to me. I was the Don Draper in my corporation.

I am on a limited budget these days after my condo owner I was in a rent-to-own deal with, was foreclosed on & bankrupted. I lost all payments toward my condo purchase! Lost my $75k down payment, and $48k in payments. Only 2 years left and, now, no more condo. Nothing legal I can do, so $ is tight as I now live in an expensive apartment.

??? What I want to find out, without forking out the $ for the Season 1 DVD set, is the *summary* of Season 1. I fee like I've jumped into the middle of a good soap opera, but don't really know what's going on, but trying to connect dots.

*** Can anyone help me? I'll give my e-mail address if anyone would prefer that, as not to bore any other posters.

Favorite character/actress on this show: January Jones as Betty Draper. What awesome casting. Loved her in "We Are Marshall" and "American Wedding". Verrrrrry Gwyneth Paltrow type. She and my mother, who passed at age 33 in 1962, look amazingly like sisters. It's an incredible resemblence and gives me an insight to how my Mom lived; I was only 1-year-old when Mom died.

Many thanks to all of you. If the phrase "Roll Tide" means anything to you reading this, then "Roll Tide Roll!" (means I'm an U. of Alabama football fan!)

Scarlett in Alabama

Hi Everybody,
This has been an interesting post -- and I agree with "redhead64": "MM is the best show on TV and I'm humbled to be in your great company on this forum." I couldn't have said it better.

My name's Steve, I live and work in Manhattan, born in 1971. I work at a hedge fund, which is sort of a mutual fund for really rich people. I used to be a journalist, so this forum seems to sate my desire to write long, windy sentences telling people what I think!

Gail, I'm on the Upper West Side, if you ever want to chat about Mad Men over a cocktail at P.J. Clarke's. And I do order Old Fashioneds.

Scarlettbama, so sorry to hear about your financial troubles. If you get me your email and address, I'll send you the Season One DVD. I have an extra copy.

Visan's business will not be televised! LOL! I'm teasing....:-P

*Visan is not my real name. Took it from the DJ of the chill out CD I listened to when first came onto the AMC forum.

*I'm pro-choice in all aspects of life!

*My favorite Mad Men character was "Rachel Menken" and I'm highly pissed she's no longer on the show!

*"Don Draper" is my current favorite character because he's sexy as hell and shows affection to his kids....

*Cuba Libre is my favorite drink....

*That's all, Folks! ;-)

Greetings, Nora and fellow Maddicts,

Betty would be 76 in 2008. I am 79. From 1954 to 1962 our lives were scarily similar.

I was born in New Jersey, grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and graduated from college in 1951. After that I headed to NY and Katharine Gibbs School (1951-52), then back to Cleveland to work in the Media Department of an advertising agency (1952-54), married (1954), moved back to NY, worked in the Research Department of another advertising agency (1954-55), gave birth to the first of four children (1955), stopped working, and in 1959 moved to a suburb 30 miles north of Manhattan directly across the Hudson River from Ossining.

My husband (with a background as strange and mysterious as Don’s) commuted to Manhattan to a demanding job in publishing. He was often out of town from Monday to Friday. (Clueless me!) We lived the “good life” of the early 1960s. The infidelities, the dismissive attitude toward women, the lying, the excessive drinking and smoking, and the careless treatment of children were normal parts of every-day life. By 1966 there had been four divorces (mine included) in my small community.

When my youngest child was 13 (1976), I went back to work as a legal secretary and then to paralegal school. I didn’t remarry but enjoyed what turned out to be a 30-year relationship with a much younger man. (I was one of the first cougers!) After my children were grown, he and I moved to Las Vegas in1986. I worked as a paralegal in a law firm, and he became a poker dealer at a casino on the Strip. Together we purchased a beautiful condo in the suburbs, worked hard, gambled, took advantage of the perks of Las Vegas, and did a lot of sightseeing. Family and friends considered us a vacation destination and visited often.

In the late 90s, fate, disguised as the Internet, stepped in. The opportunity to communicate instantly with strangers on a very intimate level proved too tempting for him to resist. It escalated from casual to all-consuming very quickly. So the idyll came to an end, and I returned to the East Coast in 2002. (We are still very close, no animosity there.)

After watching the first episode of MM, my son phoned me and recommended a new show on AMC set in the 1960s that he thought I might find interesting. What an understatement! That was my life! I was Betty! I truly hope she prevails in this stand-off with Don.

That’s it. Thanks for asking, Nora.

Hi people,

I echo the comments of others as to the quality of the conversation here. My name is Mark, I am 58, and own a marketing firm that specializes in representing people like Redhead64. I love all that takes place in the MM office, particularly watching Don's creativity (the Carousel, "It's toasted" and so on), but I am less interested in the stuff about Don's marriage, or the infertility problems of Pete's wife. I enjoy Peggy for the same reasons I enjoy Don, her talent for the advertising biz. I think they are kindred spirits.

I am single, have a 16-year-old son, live in Naples, Florida and look like Tony Soprano. (Like others here, Mad Men filled my Sopranos addiction.)

I really enjoy the postings of NancyStowOH, lorantscan, Jeri18, Girl from Ipanema...enjoy posts from all of you who were secretaries, and all who worked in "the business."

Gail/Steve, Steve/Gail: Get together you two and plan a MM convention in NYC!!! :) I'll be there!

(Steve, very sweet of you to offer your DVD to Scarlett.)

Wow, all you Maddicts already up there in Manhattan are LUCKY! Wish I could go up there when you all have your MM convention...boo hoo... I'm too far away and don't have the geetus for a trip anyhow. Well, when you do have your MM party, drink up for me!!! I'll have whatever you guys are having. Rye??

.....just one thing that is so special about this particular forum is the age diversity, and that fact that everyone here feels (or should feel) completely at home.

so far, the youngest i think is 18, and the oldest 79.

i don't think it gets much better than this......but we can try!

boop, we should get your daughter and my son (26-----an "old man") together...he's in the Air Force and says he is a confirmed batchelor.....which is what I said (was going to be a "female executive"--'60's talk) thought I was a confirmed never-to-marry woman, sooooo sophisticated---- until I met my first-and-only husband (32+yrs now) and got hit with a bucket of love and changed my mind fast! It seems to happen when you aren't even looking for it.
Love reading everyone's stories!

Why are the posts showing up in the wrong order???? oh well

Greetings from the ATL! Although I am not a frequent writer on the forums,I read them from top to bottom.......especially when I am having a slow day at work.
I was born in Seattle in 1960.Graduated UW and fled the Northwest for the San Francisco Bay Area.Left San Francisco for the South,and have been here 20 years now.I've got a background in sales and I manage a large showroom where I work with designers and interior decorators.I used to be a flight attendant.I enjoy creative hobbies,painting,designing greeting cards and the like.I got onto MM last summer but only saw a couple episodes.Then this summer I was sick and was laid out on the couch where I watched the Marathon for a whole day and was totally hooked by the last episode.It is undoubtedly one of the best series on TV ever. I haven't been this devoted to a show since Six Feet Under! I love the dialoge that this board contains and I have gained some insight into episodes that I wouldn't have otherwise.
In a fantasy world it would be really fun to to meet up IRL with some of these prolific commentators here on our forum. A Mad Men Convention....can you see it now,everyone smoking and drinking up a storm! I'd love to meet Nora Paradisio,Visan,Drink-n-Smoke,LaurieB., Jolie,Remembering,60's child .Dennis,jamm54,redhead,scfan,bocaraton and wryter1 (Whatever happened to him??) If they can have a DragonCon we could easily have a MadManiFest.Like some of the other fans on here,I am part of the boomer gen and just seeing some of those items that we used to use back in the day has really been fun.Much appreciation to the Uber talented cast,crew of MM.Keep it up and hope y'all sweep those Emmy's tomorrow night!

I was born in August of 1964. I am a categorized as a Babyboomer or GenX or a hybrid? Or a lateboomer?

Just curious. Whatever the group decides, I'll go with it. :)

.......man, this is GREAT STUFF.

PLEASE don't forget to stop by the thread about Cooking Up Season Three and pour your hearts out.

you have a whole week....

McMere - thanks!!! Wish we lived closer - it'd be fun to get together for a drink!

Scarlett - I wrote up a synopsis of season one for some friends who got sick of me yammering about Mad Men all the time and promised to watch Season Two. You can email me at nancy@zealpr.com and I'll email you back.

I'm thrilled that we've been asked to come up with ideas for season 3... but of course my mind has gone blank. I wish I could write while I'm in the shower, blow drying my hair or mowing the grass as that seems to be when the best ideas come to me!

We MUST have a weekend together in NYC -- or in Hollywood where we get to visit the set, meet the cast, etc.

Hi all,
I was born in '51. I was a freelance illustrator for 17 years, and had agents in NYC and LA. I grew up in the "industry town". Even in my art school when I attended, girls were not really an accepted part of this world. There was a dress code to straddling those drawing benches (skirts). Men teachers would try to keep us from trying to be a part of this world.
My NY agents were a part of MM at that time. I would hear stories from my Jewish agent regarding agencies hiring Jews. I used to sign my name with only my first initial and my last name. I didn't want people to know I was a female.
Gail, Happy bday. Remembering, I am happy to know that older people blog.
This site is more intelligent, spells better (I hate bad spellers), and understand symbolism.
I can't stop loving this show. I have a crush on John Hamm. The only crush I have had since????? I don't blow over easy.
Daughter is 19 and is an art student. Wants to be in commercial art. Her dad, Photographer for toy co.

Call me MJ. I was 12 in 1962 – living not far from Stony Brook - when the North Shore of Long Island was a lovely rural area. We walked to school, rode bicycles to town or the beach, played outside, life felt safe and long. I’m eager to see how the MM writers introduce the ‘real’ 60s – when skirts were short and the Beatles were more than just a passing phase.

Schooled in NYC 1968 – 70. Subsequently discovered that photography is more rewarding as a hobby than an occupation. I’m now a certified professional in a predominately male field. I have worked neither as a secretary nor in advertising/PR, but find MM captivating. I don’t know any other person who finds this show as entertaining, so this is a great venue for me. My husband enjoys the show, but doesn’t quite share my enthusiasm for Don Draper.

The MM characters are compelling and the way in which their stories are revealed is fascinating. This show makes me appreciate the writing process, and how a story is translated from an idea - to words- to film. From my perspective: MM is the best television since the Sopranos. The only thing that would make this show better is if it was on premium cable. I wager HBO/SHO are kicking themselves now.

I highly recommend digital video recording. We may watch any MM episode any time. ‘The Wheel’ is by far the best – it provides insight to many characters, especially Don.

I particularly enjoy gauging an actor’s range based on other roles.

Oldfashioned: May I call you Steve? Would love to meet you, fellow Upper West Sider and Maddict!

Please contact me at ghklein@att.net and let's make a plan!

Hi everyone! OK, here are my stats:
Real name: Janet (Jolie is my cat)
Born: Jan 3, 1953 in Tucson, AZ. Still live here.
(HomeRun Ballerina: I found MM while channel surfing, too!)
Career: Husband and I own a home health care company. Technically, I suppose I'm a Corporate Executive but I feel more like a Beast of Burden (Medical Biller, Accounts Payable and any other project that no one else wants). My most favorite job was working in a plant nursery. I also worked for Ma Bell and AT&T during the 70's and 80's.
Degree: Interior Design
Children: My son is 26 (The Golden Child), his daughter is 22 (High Maintenance Princess) and our daughter is 14 (Teen Angel). Both hubby and I have been married 4 times. I guess we'll stop now.
How I got here: One Sunday afternoon, while toiling away at a house I'm hoping to sell, I was surfing thru the channels (I usually watch TruTv cuz I like true crime) and saw MM doing a Season 1 marathon. I've been Maddicted ever since.
Other shows I like: HBO's Big Love, HBO's In Treatment and Showtime's The Tudors.
I really enjoy all of you! MM is the joy of my Sunday nights.....and the rest of the week In Demand.

Wow. I feel like we're all standing here in our underwear now. Remembering, that was a fascinating post. The cougars of today should thank you for blazing a trail. Seriously, nice to 'meet' everyone.

Gail, I'll drop you an email tomorrow. We'll make sure to get together.

LaurieB, it's funny. This notion of a 'convention' of sorts isn't out of the realm of possibility. There's actually an annual 'Big Lebowski' convention, and obviously the Star Trek stuff. Mad Man seems to be cultivating a pretty devoted audience. But conventions like the Star Trek or Comic-Con ones scare me a little, though I've never been. As long as I don't have to dress like Chauncey or something and can just go to drink and meet interesting people, I'd be in. And thanks for the kind words.

My daughter, Sally's age, asked me last nite why I like Mad Men so much, so I was forced to formulate an answer:
It reminds me of when I was her age--how things looked and felt, my parents, myself, what's different for her, what's the same--how things got to be the way they are now.
And I told her the characters seem very real to me (something she understood a bit less).
I've always been interested in advertising: what makes people do what they do; how advertising, better than anything else, reflects the spirit of the times.
I worked in publishing in Manhattan from 1977-1985. Feminism was in full force, but political correctness hadn't been invented--at least not at the beginning: you could drink and smoke in the office; people didn't take themselves so seriously.
Then I went to med school (I'm an ER doc). I can't resist posting about some of the anachronisms regarding medical care on MM, but that's part of the fun.

wow, we really have some interesting posters here! and such variety of ages, backgrounds, geography, and life experience! i'm impressed. no doubt you would all be fascinating people to meet in person.

those of you who do meet, i hope it goes well and let us know.

that's what makes it fun to post here. i, too, have never done this before. if the others' posts weren't so good, i would never have returned!

1960s Summers -- Let me know if anyone can relate.......
When we were kids during the fabulous '60s, our moms threw us out of the house after chores were done and we weren't seen or heard from until dinner time. We'd busy ourselves with kickball, baseball, fort building projects, lemonade stands, hot dog day (we'd sell hot dogs to other kids) and the annual Skit-Revue in someone's garage (admission was 3 cents). I sang "Soldier Boy". :) Around 1968 our neighbors got an above-ground pool which was in use day and night (with no parental supervision I might add). And after dinner, there was usually a good flashlight tag game going on until around 9pm. Ah... summers were the best.

Redhead: You are an offical Baby Boomer - yeay!! The boomer generation spanned 1946 to 1964 officially.

Old Fashioned Steve: By "convention" I don't mean invited speakers and exhibit booths. I mean "to convene", to meet, to get together and match faces to the names and just enjoy meeting each other and basking together in our commonality, our shared addiction. Maybe instead of convention, we should just label it a bar night -a MadBender of sorts.

I'll leave it to you and Gail to come up with a plan.

It's too bad there isn't an Emmy viewing party in one of our towns where a few of us Maddicts live. I know I'd be up for meeting people on this site.I agree with bocaratonfan that the majority of our posters here are intelligent and thoughful with their comments and insights.
None of my friends watch Mad Men so I rely on this site to provide the extra commentary post show.I've tried to convert a couple friends to the show.....but they don't have AMC or something else is going on. I am wondering what type of "withdrawal" some of us are going to face when Season 2 ends and we don't have our fix of MM @10:00pm on Sunday night! Any suggestions out there?

@Laurie B
I left a post on another thread here about our "liberating" days of summer in the 60's.We would be outside all day long,playing games,hanging out at the local park that was 1 block away and had all the playground equip.with a swimming pool.I remember drinking lots of Kool Aid, eating popsicles, hearing the ice cream truck come down the street with more treats.And I don't think we had a hovering parent nearby,yet we managed to stay out of trouble and harms way.I mean we didn't need playdates arranged,we managed to create our own activities. I actually think my mom preferred we stayed out of the house until suppertime.
I was the one who suggested a MMconvention,partly in jest,but not like a a Star Wars type of thing. I meant more like a nice big party where all of us could meet each other and discuss all our favorite mad mannerisims.It would be great if we could have a cast member attend...I know dream on right? I was in L.A. 3 weeks ago wishfully thinking I'd have a Don Draper sighting!

The ice cream man! Our Good Humor man was Nick. He had a JimmyDurante nose and only one arm! We were only allowed to get ice cream on my dad's pay days. (I guess it was a budgeted item - LOL)

This feels redundant for me. I was born in January 1954 in Grand Forks, ND. My parents moved to Seattle in 1957, and it's been home ever since. Never really knew what I wanted to be, but have degrees in English and Drama. Just kind of fell into things. Advertising for about 18 years, did crafts and art on the side for commission and as a volunteer, and lots of secretarial jobs in between. Caretaking of my parents for the last 3 years. Never married (probably best that I didn't with some of the men I dated), and kind of gave up on dating 15 years ago and focused on business (like Peggy), until a strike sprung me from the prison of corporate America.

Love to golf, handicap the horses, and used to have a monthly poker game for about a decade (ended up being more like a potluck - we ate more than we bet). Would like to "date" again, but don't have a clue how to do it, am nervous and shy around men (unless my attention is on something else like golfing, etc). So......and don't have a clue about what to do next. If I ever get free of this estate stuff, would like to travel again and see the eastern side of the US (been to Europe and the middle east). Maybe a safari? Or over to Australia or Hong Kong? Who knows? Just know I need a couple of months of non-estate time or anything for a while.

Or McCainiacs.

@Jolie10: we're a year apart. My birthday is January 4, 1954.

I'd be all in for a mini-convention in NYC. I have never been to New York and do want to see it. I was just talking to someone about going there in December (if I ever realize my funds). My stepdad was born in Brooklyn, and grew up there, and my parents had wanted to take me back there, but fate intervened, and it didn't happen. So, yes, I'd love to go there, especially because of my stepdad. And, being a movie lover, hit all those "sights" that are shown in the movies, and famous the world over! It'd be a hoot to meet all of you! I might even resort to my old drink of choice double Manhattans straight up for the occasion.

laurieb, madmen4ever, and others: the 1960s childhoods you describe are so much like my own. i didn't live i florida then; we came here in the 70s and i was in high school. but in the 60s, every year, before school ended, we'd get brochures from the city with all the summer activities available for kids through the municipal parks and recreation system. nearly every afternoon was to be spent swimming at one of the big municipal pools until closing time of 5 pm. for our morning activities, we'd choose what we wanted to do from the brochures, and get ourselves to and from the activities by walking, riding bikes - whatever method we preferred. the charges were usual minimal. for example, pom-pom lessons, tennis, arts and crafts, tumbling lessons, etc. then back home for lunch outside on the picnic table. then to the pool. home to change and play outside until dinner. outside again until dark. inside after dark to watch the special summer shows or reruns. a great life!

A Mad Men party in a bar would be just the ticket. Manhattan would be the place. I'd let one of the (current) manhattanites pick it. But...they won't let you smoke. It's not the same without the smoking.
I don't usually smoke, but I'd want to light up for this occasion.
Anyone know if we could get a waiver?

Here is one suggestion:
Get a sports bar to broadcast MM, and all of you meet there in your fashions. You will be drinking all of those drinks we never had. The bar might be on Madison Ave.
That would be my ideal thing to do. I wonder if I could find a bar here that would do that.

Scarlett:
To find out what happened last season go to:
http://www.amctv.com/originals/madmen/episode208

Then on the upper right portion of the screen, click on Season One. Click on Episode One: Smoke Gets in Your Eyes.

Go down the page and below the credits is a snynopsis of the episode. After reading the synopsis, click on Episode Two: Ladies Room at the top of the page...

That should bring you up to date. Getting all the thoughts and comments posted as each episode was shown... That's an entirely different matter. :-)

MadBender - great one! I plan to have my very own little Emmy party right here in my living room all by myself. I have a little split of Moet & Chandon just for the occasion.

Redhead, like you, I am a "late" Boomer also. My siblings are all older so I grew up in a boomer household, but personally I have a lot of Gen-X tendancies. My kids are on a similar cusp - they are technically millennials (born in 98 and 99) but they will be much closer to whatever this generation of babies ends up being called. With luck they'll be known as the Obamas!!!

@bocaratonfan.Your sumers sounded almost identical to mine.We lived 1 block from a large city park and they did have extra activities where you paid a small fee to join.I think one summer we had a bead making class,like the summer of 68.Beads were in that summer.We would walk or ride our bikes everywhere.I actually miss the days of hearing children play outside....it's almost spooky that my old neighborhood had lots of kids on the block,but you'd rarely see or hear a peep out of them.Sort of like a ghost town! Those were golden days back then.It's probably another reason why I have gotten so attached to MM.It evokes a time I had filed away in the back of my mind.
I am wondering if there are any Maddicts here in the greater Atlanta area....I think the idea to "convene" in NYC is great.It would take some strategic planning for sure.I will be up there for business in early December and wouldn't be opposed to meetng fellow fans. By that time we will be reduced to watching old episodes On Demand and I will most likely break down and buy a Season 1 DVD.
Do any native Manhattanites have any suggestions as to where to go that might be a "period" type of atmosphere....Lever House? Is PJ Clarke's history?

If we ever do get to the point of setting something up, I suppose the easiest place to do it would be on Facebook or would that attract a lot of non-Maddicts?

LaurieB, 'to convene' sounds much better. Maybe after season one, as the holidays approach. I love Manhattan when it looks like a giant Christmas tree. If we give everyone enough time, a few travelers can make it.

demolino, there are a few cigar clubs, like Club Macanudo on the Upper East Side in the '60s, where one can smoke. It's not too far from the original PJ Clarke's in the episode where Pete tells Peggy 'I don't like you like this.'

It's odd to be planning/participating this. I imagine many of you are like me -- I am not much of a 'joiner.' That said, I love to meet people in bars and strike up conversation -- maybe it's the Irish in me, or just leftover from being a journalist. It will be nice to rig the deck with people who have similar interests!

this might actually happen, since a number of us are planning to be in nyc in dec--me included.
club macanudo seems good; i'll check it out regardless.

Hi, my name is Bob, and I'm new to the forum. I love and am TOTALLY addicted to 'Mad Men'. I think the writing and acting are wonderful and mesmerizing. Since I have not seen the actors of the show in any other series, movie or play, I am still getting familiar with who plays who. I love the actress who plays Peggy, and I think she should have been nominated for an Emmy. Her role definitely seems to be a foreshadow of the Womens' Lib movement of the late '60's. The relationship she has with the Catholic priest is intriguing, and I wonder where it is heading. I also wonder if the Art Director will come out of the closet at some point, and, of course, when Betty will learn of Don's true identity. Each episode leaves you hungry for more ! Having been born in 1962, this show also holds particular interest in its setting.

I seriously believe this is one of the best drama series in the history of TV, and I'd even put it ahead of 'The Sopranos'. I hope that at some point, it attracts the recognition and ratings that 'The Sopranos' had, because it certainly deserves it !

Bornin62, welcome to the Maddicts! Your wish (and ours!) just came true tonight! Emmys won by both M. Weiner and Mad Men as a show, plus all those other Emmys MM folks won even before tonight's prime time show...I second your comment that it/they all certainly deserve(s) it! YAY! I just wish Jon H. and John S. had won theirs...can't have everything, I guess. JUST WAIT TIL NEXT YEAR!!!!

They always say Capricorns start out as "old people" and get younger as they age! We do rule!! Two Capricorns together - I don't know about that! Stubborn!

The dichotomy in my life has always been conformity and bohemianism. Can't quite chuck the practicality of life, yet chafe at the conformity of it. If only I could accept true financial insecurity, then I would've been okay. Never could stand poverty, otherwise, I should have gone towards the arts.

Jamm54: Capricorns rule!! My husband was born on Jan.12, 1952...another "goat"...no wonder we always butt heads. LOL!

Hi! My name is tbc and I am a Maddict. I was born in 1964. I was adopted through a Catholic adoption home in Brooklyn that year - oh, the irony! I grew up in a beautiful Long Island Community and now live north of NYC. My mother and Joan were born the same year. My mother passed away this Feb. My parents, their friends, my aunts and uncles were the smokers and drinkers that I see in MadMen (Dad stopped smoking in the 60's, Mom in the 90's).

I am a substitute teacher and a happily married mother of 3, ages 12, 11, and 8. I started watching MadMen because after I saw a commercial for it, I thought it looked interesting. I also saw an interview with Matt Weiner about the setting and details and how long it took him to get the project started. I was hooked the very first episode. I watch and tape it and then rewatch it during the week. I know I will be suffering from major withdrawal when it's over, it happened to me last season too.

I discovered this forum last month. I enjoy reading the post and getting everyone's angle of the show. Most of the posters are intelligent and make me rethink or confirm my viewpoint as well. I, too, abhor the text abbreviations.

Have a wonderful day my fellow Maddicts!

Congrats on the Emmy wins! As the Brooklyn Dodger fans used to say, "wait 'til next year!" (Regarding the losses of Jon Hamm and John Slattery).

I think a holiday get-together in New York would be fabulous! Club Macuando and/or P.J. Clarke's sound good to me.

Oldfashioned/Steve: Please contact me and let's see if we can make this happen.

I am a Mad Men addict from the get-go! Born in '64 in MA, I can remember all the little details of the 60- the colors, decor, geometric shapes, smoke filled rooms and high ball glasses sloshing and clinking at 4pm! When I watch Mad Men the odors are almost palpable from my memory. Those very sharp, pointy breast dang near put an eye out, were worn by every woman in my family...and those shoes: No wonder my grandmother's feet are so bad! I look forward every week for Don's continued (or hopeful) character development but oh- what a man! He EXUDES sexuality! He makes good women WANT" to cheat! He is such a lion in the jungle!! Bets is developing and following the generation (like my mother) of independent women...we shall see where this all ends up......just TRY to keep me from watching!!!!

hi everyone. i hope the series gains viewers with the emmy exposure, though not all nominees won. as gail said, wait til next year!

on another note, i was just thinking about what regular people (not gorgeous modern tv actors) really looked like in the early 60s. the sleek hairstyle like don's and other men on the show was achieved by applying stuff like brill creme ("a little dab'll do ya") and other pomades and cremes ("greasy kid stuff"). my father wore his hair very short so he never used that stuff...but i noticed it on other kids' dads' hair, and i hated it. men often had so much stuff in their hair, if they sat in a chair with a high back, the chair was stained by hair oils. there was also quite a bit of dandruff, especially on men with that horrible slicked down hair.

women kept their do's in place with lacquer-like hairsprays and later with gels like "dippity do". people didn't wash their hair as often as today, probably because the shampoos were so harsh it dried out the hair.

not only the hair products and personal hygiene, but the the haircutting techniques were not as advanced as today's.

i'm glad hairstyles have progressed and that "touchable", clean and well-cut hair is in style.

It seems that the arrival of JFK as president, even though it took until about 1963 for the effects to start showing, started to slowly change things on men. Men stopped wearing fedoras (JFK NEVER wore a hat), and Bryl Creem started going away too (JFK's windblown, non-slicked look).

Boop and Demolino: Are you New Yorkers too?

O.K. Who Are You?? And what brings you here??

hi everyone. i was born in 1957 and live in North Canton, Ohio. i became enthralled with Mad Men during season 1 when i just happened to come across the show one evening. it is rare that i am intellectually engaged in a tv show so imagine my surprise when i quickly became interested in watching. watching House is similar; however, the writing on MM is exceptional. i do hope the writers continue to create such immensely smart dialogue for these actors. i also did not know any of these actors when i first began watching, with the possible exception of John Slattery; i know he has appeared on Desperate Housewives. so, i was interested in who they are outside the series. i enjoy reading your posts and i post to threads when i can.

Hi. I am a 28 year old stay at home mom from Michigan. I have two kids, a boy and a girl. I love the show because it gives me a 'peek' into what life was like for the American woman before free love and women's lib. My own mother was a definite hippie, graduated HS in 69 and went to Woodstock that same year. She has tried to tell me about how it was "back in the day" (of the 50's and 60's before the Beatles). This show has really opened my eyes as to how stiff and proper things were, at least on the surface, but what dysfunction lie beneath.

Beyond the political/societal/sexism aspects of the show, I identify with the character of Betty Draper in many ways. I get a personal insight from the show as well as historical insight.

hi MsDMAC. i have a boy (young man of 22) and a girl (a young lady of 19) too. i was a stay at home mom until both kids entered school. and i am grateful that i was able to do so with my husband's support. i am now working on completing a PhD degree in Education and i teach part-time at the university.

i grew up listening to Led Zeppelin, Tommy James & the Shondells, and everything in between. my heart was rock-n-roll and still is.

i don't know who i most identify with on the show. i do know i felt Joan's stinging disappointment at hearing that she would not continue assisting the media department. it is interesting that as Peggy is promoted and assumes more responsibility, Joan is denied ascent (though Harry is respectful and kind to her). although Joan has indicated she has no desire to join the administrative ranks, in assisting Harry with reading scripts and participating in meetings, she has had a taste of being respected for her intelligence and ideas. not that being office manager has not garnered her respect for her attention to business protocol and her competence. yet, she has experienced business on "the other side" and may come to want more of same.

Laurie,
I grew up West Coast, Bev Hills/Studio City. but I do travel. I did see 2003 come in at the Rainbow Room atop Rockefeller Center. Very Memorable. I did drag my daughter to NYC. She needed to see the heart beat of advertising.
Madison Ave was so much a part of my life as a freelance illustrator.

SC fan, Yes, lets get our children who don't want to marry together.
I, too, never really wanted to marry. I was a confirmed bachelor-ette. My father was dismayed.
Daughter is independent, and artistic. She has my disturbed sense of humor.
"separately together".

NORA, WAS THERE AND REMEMBERING:

Nora: I live in a small community in the San Gabriel Valley, about 22 miles east of LA. We call ourselves "The Pride of the Foothills"

It seems that there are at least three women posting here who are contemporaries of MadMen Characters. "Was there" is 72, "Remembering" is 79 and I am 77. It seems that most of the posters are children of the 60's - we are the mothers of the 60's.

I am sure that there must be more of us in that age group who watch MadMen. I can't imagine one who lived in that time would not find the characters and the challenges they faced some how familiar and compelling.

It is difficult to explain my fascination, I have never committed myself to any TV program. This one is an absolute MUST SEE for me. I watch each episode over and over.

I was an only child, born in the midwest during the great depression. My father moved us to Southern Calif. in 1941 where jobs were plentiful and the weather was wonderful.
He was a very ambitious man who hated the idea that he was a "nobody". He, like Don Draper, reinvented himself over and over, always tailoring his "past" to fit whatever situation he was trying to fit into. He, like Don could talk his way through any situation. He achieved a great deal of success in his business life, but as a man, as a human, a
husband and a father he was a dismal failure.

In 1956, just a few weeks after my first daughter was born the woman he was living with at the time had a daughter. In 1972, when she was 15 years old she ran away from home and found me. She lived with me for awhile. And now I am grateful to him for that one wonderful gift he gave to me. My sister. She along with my two daughters, her daughter and my grandsons are the joys of my life.

I married in 1954, just as Betty did. My first child was born while my husband was away on sea duty, during the Korean war.
When he got out of the navy we bought a house,(on the GI Bill)) he went to work for the telephone co. And started to college (also on the GI bill) He worked days and attended classed at night and on weekends. That took almost 10 years. For the most part I raised the kids alone. Through all of the experiences a marriage can encounter in 54 years we somehow stayed together. He had an affair when I went back to college and got a job that gave new meaning to my life. I had a couple of very interesting "Flirtations". There were times when I was sure that our marriage would not last but when one of us was ready to give up, the other stood fast.

In the early 70's I found myself living next door to a new family. It became very evident very that there was a great deal of violence going on. At the same time a domestic violence hot line was asking for volunteers, so in the hope of finding a way to help my neighbor I signed up. That was a truly life changing experience. The goal was to open a shelter for battered women, a goal that I helped to achieve.
It was one of the first in Southern California, it is still in operation and has been instrumental in getting laws passed that make it some what more hopeful for women and their children who find themselves in that unbelievable situation. I was especially touched by WAS THERE - as she related the story of her life with her husband and of the lack of legal help that women of that time had.

So now I have a view of what the Happy ever after adds up to. More successes than failures, more joy than regrets. Children who have grown into wonderful adults that I respect and admire and learn from. I am still excited about life, I am seldom bored, I am busy and productive. I am optimistic. And even in the face of the serious problems plaguing our country and our world I am optimistic.

Boop: I love the Rainbow Room! Lucky you! NY is my favorite city. That's why I hope we can plan a MadBender there soon.

Miss DMac: Nice to see a fellow Michigander! What area?

Hello to ChattyCathy....and to Dana- Great story about the domestic violence shelter...times change and so do our problems...unfortunately DV is something that I do not think will ever go away :( but kudos to you for doing your part!

Hey Laurie I am 20 miles north of Detroit, near Mount Clemens...you?

About 30 miles NW of Day-twah. Milford/Commerce Twp.

Ah yes, I know the area, used to do deliveries out that way, Jay Chevrolet...loved that run because it was so far away, took half a shift to go out there! Driving for a living was my favorite job EVER. Now I sell Tupperware and I love it. To think it has been around since the times MM takes place, and longer! We still do parties too, it is so fun.

Anywho I am so psyched about the next episode of MM, I can't seem to find out how many episodes there will be this season??? anyone know?

Born Dec 1961 in Grundy Center, Iowa. Whopping population of 2,700! Small town girl with big ideas. I couldn't wait to get out. Moved to Seattle in 1985. Been here ever since. Performer, Writer, visual artist. Chanteuse in a lounge duo. Paycheck comes from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

I find absurdity in nearly everything, which keeps me sane. Vintage clothing is a long time passion. Never wanted children, feared I'd resent them for taking away my freedom.

jamm54, you said: "The dichotomy in my life has always been conformity and bohemianism. Can't quite chuck the practicality of life, yet chafe at the conformity of it."
I could write the exact same thing about myself. Unbelievable. I still dream of letting go of financial security enough to live more freely as an artist. We'll see...

I'm sincerely rooting for some of the characters in Mad Men to live their truth, to free themselves from the box they may be living in that no longer serves them. I identify with that.
Mad Men is a work of art. It's beautiful to look at, but not necessarily pretty. I embrace it's dark side, much like I do my own.

I appreciate many of the insights, perspectives and humor on this blog. It's stimulating and fun to participate. I've never done such a thing before. Mad Men made me do it!

I was born in 1961 in a now-rust-belt-seen-better-days small city in NE Ohio. The steel mills and other manufacturing facilities were booming, everyone went downtown to shop at the big department stores, and women absolutely wore gloves and hats to church. My home life seemed to be very typical of the late 1950s/early 1960s: we had a tidy Cape Cod style house with, no kidding, a white picket fence, 2 children, and a dog; supper was on the table when Dad got home from work at 5:30 pm every night; he used Brylcreem and had a tiny pompadour, Mom had a tiny perfect waist and pin curls around her face. When I look at the sets of MM I see many, many items that were exactly what were in our house (and some still are.) At first I started watching MM just for the Jon-Hamm-Eye-Candy factor, but I by the third episode of the first season I realized that I am really watching it as a kind of healing therapy.

The back story here is that, by 1965, what appeared to be an idyllic suburban family life was really a mask for the physical and emotional abuse happening to me behind closed doors, and this continued until 1980 when I left to go to college. For reasons that I don't understand, and which have nothing to do with what is actually possible, I feel that if I could just go back to between the time my parents were married in 1955 and when it all started in 1965, I could change my their lives and somehow help them to become warm, loving, and nurturing. The clothes, sets, make-up, story lines, etc. of MM are powerful and concrete in helping me to imagine what their lives were like, what they saw, felt, tasted, wore, andexperienced. I don't know if this self-invented "therapy" is actually useful to me, or just wishful thinking that I can change my past and subsequently who I am now. But I can feel that it is allowing me to access a deep, sad, dark place and maybe it will help me to heal.

Wendey: Thanks for trusting us enough to share your story. I hope watching MM helps you work through your past. :)

ok,ok, I am in. I am a baby boomer born in l956 in a small town called Elmira, New York, the 5th child of a young couple. Love the details and it brings back alot of memories for me growing in that time frame. Got really turned on by the promos for the show last summer and could not wait for the show to start. I thought I was the only one who saw it back then. Here I am , 52 years old, happly married to a wonderful man for 29 years-actually will be 29 years on Sept. 29th. I am crazy about John H. and LOVE the show. Reminds of the old 40 style movies and the lead actors such as Gary Grant. I think we miss those kind of men. This is a first for me-actually writing in this medium. I guess I enjoy reading all these comments cause there isn't anybody i know that watches the show and I feel like I can continue my fix after watching the show . Oh wow- am I finally a groupie. Ya. Go MAD MEN>

ok,ok, I am in. I am a baby boomer born in l956 in a small town called Elmira, New York, the 5th child of a young couple. Love the details and it brings back a lot of memories for me growing in that time frame. Got really turned on by the promos for the show last summer and could not wait for the show to start. I thought I was the only one who saw it back then. Here I am , 52 years old, happily married to a wonderful man for 29 years-actually will be 29 years on Sept. 29th. I am crazy about John H. and LOVE the show. Reminds me of the old 40 style movies and the lead actors such as Gary Grant. I think we miss those kind of men. This is a first for me-actually writing in this medium. I guess I enjoy reading all these comments cause there isn't anybody i know that watches the show and I feel like I can continue my fix after watching the show . Oh wow- am I finally a groupie. Yeh. Go MAD MEN>

Hullo Everyone, nice to meet you!

I am a kindred spirit of bocaraton, as I too am a 60s child and live in Florida.

Everything about MM grabs me: the costumes, the sets, the acting, the storyline(s), the nostalgia...what the hell's not to like??

I keep trying to get my friends to watch Mad Men...so far two have bitten. I'll be sure to tell ppl. about the upcoming marathon/SNL-Jon Hamm thangs.

So, so, SO GLAD this show got the due recognition it so richly deserves, and that in turn will be the impetus (and provide the moolah) for more seasons!

wendey- I think your self-invented therapy could prove to be very valuable to you. You came about it serendipitously, which is wonderful, and it's speaking to you. Keep paying attention. It's a beautiful thing when something resonates with you so powerfully from the most unlikely source...like a TV show. We have different stories, but many of us know the deep dark sadness you've experienced. We are drawn to Mad Men for many reasons, but we see this sadness in the characters and can identify with their pain. Matthew Weiner and crew are doing us all a great service. It's a masterpiece.

wendey- I think your self-invented therapy could prove to be very valuable to you. You came about it serendipitously, which is wonderful, and it's speaking to you. Keep paying attention. It's a beautiful thing when something resonates with you so powerfully from the most unlikely source...like a TV show. We have different stories, but many of us know the deep dark sadness you've experienced. We are drawn to Mad Men for many reasons, but we see this sadness in the characters and can identify with their pain. Matthew Weiner and crew are doing us all a great service. It's a masterpiece.

damn, I double posted!

peg4prez, welcome to the florida delegation here at mad men talk!

Hello all:

I'm 72, a Pennsylvanian......and a Capricorn! Watching Mad Men is like walking into a time warp. I love it! I particularly love the posting sites -- a "first" for me.

Rarher than doing a mini-bio, I'll just chime in on various subjects as appropriate.

So nice to have new friends with similar interests!!

@Wendey: thanks for being brave and sharing your story with all of us. Anything and everything that helps a person come to a place of peace and understanding about their past is worthwhile in my book.

There's a joy for me in watching this show because it's reminding me of an era with my parents, who are now both gone. It also reminds me of their personal troubles, long over now, since they are both deceased. So, it's like touching the chords of an instrument that resonate both happiness and sadness, but ultimately I can place it where it needs to be - in the past. My heartfelt best wishes to you in finding the same peace.

Hey Glamara: thanks for saying that - I've met so many people in the same mindframe. Creative, but practical too, who have just as hard a time as I did in "conforming".

Just like the lyrics from an old U2 song (can't remember which one):

"but I still haven't found what I'm looking for"

I'm really going to try and catch your show on November 15 at Columbia City.

@Wendy: I hope I didn't come off sounding condescending. I had counseling for myself, but I also was very visually oriented, and found alot in movies, books, and tv that also helped me, that's all I meant. Shalom......

@ jamm54, Jolie 10, Sandy--- and any other "Capricorns"--I ,too, am a Capricorn...born January 9,1951.
Us "goats" are pretty well represented on these MM blogs, huh? and yes, like you said, jamm...stubborn stubborn stubborn! lol
Jolie, no wonder you and your husband are "always butting heads"--- both Capricorns!
But, then again, my husband is a Scorpio and we still butt heads! lol

Giamara: I'm a former tightly wound-up, materialistic, control freak, and I've found myself changing gradually over the past several years. Money and stuff are just not important anymore. (Good thing too, huh? Since the govt and financial world has screwed us over again anyway...sighhh) I'd like to change my looks along with my new attitude. You might know: are there any websites that sell vintage clothing? Or should I just troll around resale shops? Where do you shop?

Wendey: You're among friends here. Thanks for telling your story. It really touched me.

As you can probably tell, my name is Lisa, born in '52 I was named for a character on As the World Turns and so had a huge chuckle during Joan's dissertation on the 'stories' (which is by the way what my mom called them so bravo to MM for that phrasing.) I was probably around Sally's age in '62 and used to dance for company, yet another wonderful memory relived. I live in the Boston area.

Although a fine arts major in college, I had to get a real job when I got out of school and was a secretary for a few years. I was blessed to have had a terrific and enlightened boss who never asked me to get coffee and who recognized some spark of intellect in me and sponsored me for an internal training program to become a computer programmer. I do industry market research now but was in IT for a number of years and always think back to that boss with deep gratitude.

Love this show and really enjoy the intelligent discourse in this chat. Thank you for sharing the obsession.

Laurie B. and anyone else interested - for online vintage shopping here's where I go:

http://www.ebay.com

ebay has wide range of vintage - fun to browse - if you bid on stuff, know your measurements, because vintage sizes are way different. In today's clothes, I'm a 4 or 6, in vintage (40's 50's some 60's) I'm a 10 or usually 12.

AFFORDABLE (lots of crap but some good):
http://www.rustyzipper.com
http://neldasvintageclothingcom

MORE EXPENSIVE: http://www.tias.com/stores/midnightsparkle/
http://www.vintagemartini.com/

DESIGNER VINTAGE - fun to look at but I'm too cheap to buy!
http://www.chelsea-girl.com/day.html

I have this bookmarked but haven't looked much: http://www.vintagetrends.com

jamm54: I'm also performing at Egan's Jam House in Ballard Oct. 24th at 9pm. Not a variety show, just my duo, Mengerie of Extravagance.

...yes, do troll around in scuzzy thrift stores like St. Vincent dePaul, Salvation Army, etc. You can find a diamond in the rough if you have the patience...vintage is usually mixed in with regular clothing. Also have handwipes in your car or purse, because your hands will be filthy after shopping there... Or just don't touch your face until you can wash your hands! I'm a bit germaphobic. Church rummage sales and estate sales are good, too. And actual vintage stores are great because it's all vintage and you can find lots of stuff but it's more expensive. In Seattle we have a few nice ones. Where do you live Laurie B?

Thanks for the great tips, Glamara. Is it GLamara? Or Giamara? Hard to tell in turquoise :)
I live outside Detroit, so I'll surf the internet and see what shopping opportunities there are around here. BUT, if I come to NYC soon I'll be sure to shop there -- there are alot of vintage shops in NY.
Also, check out this online vintage site. Pretty cool.

http://neldasvintageclothingcom.storesecured.com/

It's an "L" as in GLAM. My real name is Tamara. I do know of Nelda's Vintage and have bought dresses from that site. Reasonable prices. I nearly fell over dead when I first saw the fashions on Mad Men. All the women (except for Peggy at her most dowdy) wear amazing vintage. Not only is it difficult anymore to find pieces like that in great condition, but you pay a fortune. I'd like MM's wardrobe area to be my final resting place...

I LOVE Betty's swing coats, and the beige one she wears to the stables. I also like Bobbie Barrett's suits, especially the one she wears into Don's office towing Jimmy along.

Duh, now I see that Nelda's was one of your recommended sites.

Laurie--thanks, I am a bit older but can identify with your summers, and above the ground pools and actually I played stick ball with the boys and went fishing at the local park (caught mostly snails) and rode bikes through 4 connected parks...hey we never were afraid of anything back then.

It was hard to sell elmonade on a dead-end street, but we tried...ha...we drank most of it anyway. We also played a lot of board games in the summer.

During high school we worked during the summer---
I too, can remember being a sophomore when Kennedy was killed--I cried for the whole weekend! Even the nuns were crying when they announced it.

Love this show, I used to wear gloves to and from work all the time!!!!!!! oh and 2" heels!
me

Laurie-----I am a bit older than you but had terrific summers, riding bikes, playing board games, playing stick ball w/the boys, riding bikes through 4 connected parks and some swimming. It was hard to sell lemonade on a dead-end street but we tried!

This show brings back a lot of memories as to how I personally dressed for work! I took the bus everyday and wore gloves and 2" heels. All my outfits matched and I wore rollers in my hair everynight to bed.

I also remember in HS when Kennedy was killed, even the nuns were crying. I think everyone cried that weekend!

This show is really the way it was..wow, right down to the liquor decanters in the livingroom of Don's house!!

Sorry for the duplicate entry---screen told me it didn't go thru.......

The lemonade stands!...I had one one hot summer and one of the neighbor kids stopped by on her way to the store on a ?bread and milk" errand from her mother (remember those little "mom and pop" neighborhood stores?) and started buying up my inventory (I had to go in the house and mix up some more!) and she ended up spending all the money her mom sent her to the store with (only about $1.50 total) on my lemonade/grape kool-aid (I gave 'em a choice! ha) well, her mom called my mom to gripe about it and she told her that she should have told her kid to drink something before she left home so she wouldn't be so thirsty!

.....nice comments glamara and wendey.....people are here for a lot of reasons. not everyone talks about all of them, and i'll bet there are some big stories there. i really appreciated wendey's candor - that was very brave.

maybe just the act of hanging out here causes people here to discover all their reasons.

i thought i came to this forum for one reason, found out there was another, then another. all in all, it's a revelatory reflection looking back at you.

sorry for changing the subject - but you already know how i feel about Grape Kool-Aid!!

Grape Kool-Aid!! (same tone as Homer Simpson saying "Donuts!!")----the signature drink of the '60's!!!! YUM

Hey, if anyone is interested in reading a great book that relates our lives to the different roles we assume, read:

"The Hero Within: Six Archetypes We Live By" written by Carol S. Pearson. Pretty interesting theories about the different roles/mythic heroes we assume and discard in the journey of our own lives (the innocent, orphan, wanderer, warrior, altruist, magician).

Wendey, dana, Glamara, you guys sound like true survivors...Cheers (to borrow a favorite expression from D&S!) to all of you.
As Laurie said---you are--- most certainly--- among friends. Welcome!!

I think what I've loved about the forum is finding out that everyone, I mean everyone, has their own stories, some of them certainly not easy, and yet we all soldier on. It's a kind of positive affirmation about people: their ability to endure and survive, to still be open to others, and love life, no matter how difficult it's been. It's wonderful to discover that about everyone!

My name is grinandbearit, and I am a Mad-Men-aholic. I've been hanging out on this blog since the beginning of the show, and am currently a little miffed because Jimmy and Bobbi usurped my essence, without giving me a shout-out!

Thank you to everyone for being so supportive about my story. I haven't disclosed that information before and this was a safe place. All of you are intelligent, respectful, and thoughtful. I am lucky/blessed to have found you.

It's lovely to hear from women who were there:
Was There, Remembering and Dana. Thanks for sharing your stories. And there's no greater compliment to MM than your loyal viewership. Had I been an adult woman then, I'm quite sure I would have been Betty on the outside and Helen Bishop on the inside. Probably would have been quite depressed, and even institutionalized, like my mother was. I would like to think I would have had the fortitude to chuck convention and been more like Midge, but I doubt it.

WeeColleen: Trying to sell lemonade on a dead-end street. You guys were geniuses! LOL. That's very funny. Thanks for sharing your story.

I just love these forums and all the great stories.

@Glamara: I would like to be Midge! I tried/was for most of my 20's, but somewhere around 32 I told some b.s. to myself that I needed to buckle down and be "adult". What a load of crap I told myself!

jamm54,
On your recommendation I have just reserved the Carol Pearson book at my local public library. Will pick it up tomorrow. Sounds very interesting. Thanks for mentioning it.

Hi, all:

The book "The Best Of Everything" was a favorite back then. Light-weight novel, of course, but fascinating just the same. The movie by the same name was also excellent.

Sandy, I own the fifties hard back edition of "The Best of Everything" and the movie with Hope Lange, Suzy Parker, Joan Crawford, etc. I love it! Whatever happened to Rona Barrett? Didn't she have a tv celebrity gossip show or a column? She just kind of disappeared off the radar....

@Remembering: I hope you like it (and not bored by it, but I found it interesting).

Jamm54: "The Best of Everything" was written by Rona Jaffe, not Rona Barrett. Rona Jaffe was a great writer who died a couple of years ago.

I loved the movie too. One of these days I'll get around to reading the book.

I also loved "Valley of The Dolls" by Jacqueline Susann. It's probably the reason I moved to New York!

Jacqueline Susann, Helen Gurley Brown, Rona Jaffe . . . all great pioneers of the women's movement.

Hello everyone,

I am new here- a newbie.
I am 50 and live with my husband in SW Florida. Born and raised in northern NJ. Lived in San Diego for a while before this.

Went to an engineering college and worked in tech for a while. Also went to school for music when my kids were little. My dad wouldn't pay for college if I was a music major (what I really wanted to do). So I went as a chemistry major as it was easy for me in high school (not in college). I thought I could change the world and be a cancer researcher but was really burned out after 4 years of going to such a difficult school.

Later, went to school for music, taught some music classes and basically got it out of my system. Had a good time and still enjoy it without having to make a living at it.

Love the show because it reminds me of a simpler time. The quality of it is great. I saw similarities in the writing and other things to the Sopranos. Then was not surprised to learn that Matt Weiner worked with David Chase.

The people here seem to be really interesting and intelligent.

@jamm54 Love Midge. I have an inner Midge and sometimes an outer one. And when I'm in alignment with that part (and actively engaged) I feel free, or truly myself. I just recently went back to therapy to work on integrating my two distinct selves - the Midge part vs. Betty/Peggy (or basically my fearful, repressed part). I've worked through a lot of stuff but still carry old beliefs from childhood that block me. You mentioned the U2 song "I still haven't found what I'm looking for" and I relate to that. I think I do know, but I have yet to fully believe in myself and have the courage to create the life I want. I have this little nagging habit of constantly giving away my power to others, which keeps me "safe" but frustrated. Much is yet to be learned. I have to say my 40's have been the best years yet, so I don't mind 50 being around the corner. Even though my feet are messed up and menopause is approaching. I really like "talking" to all you fabulous women.

Talking about books, I loved "Minor Characters" by Joyce Johnson, who was Jack Kerouac's lover with a strong voice of her own. It seems many of you would appreciate it. I read this in a review of the book about "Beat" women:

"These female friends and lovers of the famous iconoclasts are now beginning to be recognized for their own roles in forging the Beat movement and for their daring attempts to live as freely as did the men in their circle a decade before Women's Liberation".

Right up our collective alley!

Hi Wendey: "I was born in 1961 in a now-rust-belt-seen-better-days small city in NE Ohio. The steel mills and other manufacturing facilities were booming, everyone went downtown to shop at the big department stores.."

We are neighbors in NE Ohio (CAK). Yes, our state has very definitely seen better days as an industrial giant. So many jobs gone from what what once considered the rubber capital of the world. I remember my parents driving along Main St. and going past rubber company parking lots (lot after lot). One particular memory stands out--seeing workers on strike out in the cold weather, huddled around a fire to keep warm. Growing up, my family went to downtown Akron to shop at Polsky's. One favorite memory is going downtown to see holiday window displays at both Polsky's and O'Neils. Thanks for posting.

@Glamara: I can totally "relate" to what you're saying. It's been the schizophrenic "leit motif" of my whole life.

I had so many other personal issues to work through, that a "career" or anything like that had to take a backseat to resolving problems. Now, at 54, I'm free of any issues of family or the past, and am facing that existential question of "what kind of life do I really want, and what do I want to do".

I'm really at a tabla rasa moment, and kind of at a loss. Am completely free and unencumbered, and ideally, I would prefer to spend the remainder of my life just traveling and living in the moment, and doing art, and re-learning how to have "fun".

I'm 50 and live in northern NJ.

Currently I'm an "office nobody" that's currently looking for another job. haha, Joan is right: these high fallutin bosses with admins are looking for something that's something between a mother and a waitress. I am currently trying to figure out what i want to be when I grow up. haha -- at this point, an admin or any other type of office nodding sheep job is the last thing I want to do.

I guess I was about Bobby's age in 1962 -- I'm guessing he's about five or six years of age.

Hi all!
I have a smile on my face reading this thread! I haven't had access to the web since I came to Orlando, Fl. last Friday. I loved the Emmys and what MM won.
I'm battling with some very bad news about my father right now. It's not a good prognosis, I found out just Monday. I felt like Pete I swear, just in shock and trying to keep him going is really wearing me out so hope you can send some good thoughts and I'll write again soon. I know I don't know you all but I send you my love for all the wonderful stories of your lives. They are great!!!!!!

Nora,

About your dad- don't give. Try and be positive. I know that this is easier said than done. I was in shock when I found out about my dad having colon cancer. Well that was about 9 years ago and he is doing just fine. Sending prayers your way...

Nora,

About your dad- don't give up. Try and be positive. I know that this is easier said than done. I was in shock when I found out about my dad having colon cancer. Well that was about 9 years ago and he is doing just fine. Sending prayers your way...

Ooops, double post. I thought that might happen. Clicked on submit then stop as I wanted to add the "up" in "don't give up". Added it and clicked on submit again- double post. Sorry.

Thanks Jersey girl, you give me some hope!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh Nora, I'm really sorry about your dad. All my blessings and prayers for you and your father. Take care of you, too, and peace to you and your father.

wendey- this is the first step. Keep telling your story, you are not alone. I hope you can find a therapist to talk to, it helps. First thing to know is It's not your fault. I've been there.

So sorry about your news about your dad, Nora. I join all your other MM friends (and we are all friends here most assuredly) in sending you my hopes and prayers for your dad's health.

Hi jamm54,
I know you've been through this from your posts and I know how well you understand. Thank you! I want to add a bit of story about myself too to add to this thread which has become so beautiful, but can't find the words. I will soon. I do want to share my story. It's like finding some wonderful friends on this website and I can tap into you wherever I go. Thanks, you are all in my good thoughts...

scfan,
It seems like some of my erratic behavior recently has been caused by the thought of "what if " with dad. I even wondered if I could make it myself and anything I said didn't matter. You are right there are some good friends and kind hearted people on this site. This is why MM fans can understand the characters that Matt so beautifully depicts because you all care so much. Thank you scfan for your kind thoughts!!! Talk to you tomorrow.

Wendy,
I just read your story and I truly understand how this show and this website delving into the characters of the show can help heal. Particularlly with the first season, I always felt fulfilled after watching all that our newly introduced characters were enduring. I don't know, I can just relate in so many ways and Matt has made these characters so real you can pick them off the pages.It's very fulfilling to watch this great show. You take care. And, you have a friend in me.

Nora, Sorry to hear about your dad. I think many people here can understand what you are going through. The illness of a family member is painful and it's so frustrating when there isn't much you can do about the situation but try to stay positive and still somehow deal with all the other aspects of life. Sending positive thoughts and prayers to you. :)

Yes, the MM people here are and have been exceptionally kind, and very welcoming. I know I've mentioned my losses many times (it's still pretty fresh for me), and many others who have gone through so much. It is a comfort. We'll all be thinking of you, Nora, and you, too, Wendey.

In getting older I realize that means loss will be more and more familiar...of course, it's life....but the thought of losing some people in particular can be unbearable. How can that person not be in the world? I felt that way about my dad. Then he died in 2001 of a stroke at 86 (He was 46 when I was born in 1961, my mom 44) and I was there. It was one of the most beautiful moments in my life. Being with someone dying and sitting with them after they are gone is perhaps the most intimate, meaningful thing I've experienced. Nora, hang in there. This could be a lovely time for you and your father, though difficult.

@Glamara: isn't that so true?! Your parents are there to usher you into the world, and you are there to help them pass out of this world. It is beautiful, and agonizing to let go of someone you've loved so much.

Oh, my how true! I got to be with my Mom when she passed over (I saw her crossing the "lake"!) in 1997 and it was the most precious gift! It didn't help right then (when having to give her up) but it did turn out to be a comfort (after) knowing I did get to see her go to Heaven. Too long a story for right now--- but what blessing to get to be there with a parent at their passing to offer small comfort compared to the lifetime of comfort given by them.

Oh, and jamm, you should feel free to talk about your losses here in our MM forums' "safe haven", and I'm glad you do. It really does help to "unload". My mom's been gone since 1997 (Dad outlived her about 9 years, died in 2006) but one never ever stops missing them!

I think the hardest thing for me was that my parents became ill and died in essence back-to-back, and doing the caretaking and estates for both of them without any family support (even though I have siblings/step-siblings). My mother was diagnosed with Lou Gherig's disease and died 6 months after the diagnosis (mercifully). It's like she waited for me to move home to take care of her, and once I did, she died (2006) within 3 months.

My stepdad I brought home from the nursing home, 3 months after her death, and he survived my mother a little over year (2007), but he certainly suffered alot during that time.

And I lost my step-brother, whom I adored, at the end of 2004. So three family members all died within the space of 2 1/2 years.

There was a time there, for a while, where I just wept every single day for a couple of months. Especially, after my mother. I didn't think I would ever be able to go on after her death.....but I cherish the fact that I loved her so much, and she loved me just as much. So......it's not a tragedy, but part of the cycle of life to lose our parents, and I have to remind myself of that often.

jamm: My heart goes out to you. I hope you seek solace in the memories you have of your time with you mother. Care-giving is so very hard, especially when it's your family member, but it is a GIFT. They don't tell you that you will one day be the parent-figure, taking care of your own parents one day, but it means so much to be able to do that for them when they need you. It's like you come full circle, taking care of them like they took care of you.

It is the one gift you can give to your parents to show your love. I think it's probably a blessing that we can't "see" what's further on down the road, especially when it comes to something like the deaths or our parents, otherwise we'd be quaking in our boots and not be able to do it.

jamm: I've found that God never gives you more than you are able to handle. Sometimes you don't think you're strong enough and then you somehow find the strength to move on. The hard part is asking for help when you need it (from friends, family, support services, God, etc.), but if you're willing to seek guidance and support from others, you don't have to do everything on your own. :)

Well, I've always been a very strong person, but I'll tell you, this was emotionally, spirtually and mentally crushing for me.

I'm starting to "come back" now (and this forum as a diversion and entertainment has helped me alot - thanks MM posters, it's deeply appreciated!). What will finally close the chapter on this will be the sale of my parents house (where I'm living now), so I can move on.

Thank you, hanna, for your very kind and soothing comments. They are very comforting!

jamm: You're welcome! The year my beloved grandmother was dealing with terminal cancer (also my senior year of college when grad school and my capstone project was on my mind), I spent a lot of time on another message board. It was a very nice distraction from the reality of my stressful life at the time. It doesn't help you get things done, but it's fun and stress-free!

jamm54: My situation is a lot like yours. My dad died in a hospice, and 2 years later my mom followed after she came to live with me. The caregiving and estate handling is a HUGE responsibility, I know. I'm still fixing up their house to get it ready to sell (usually every weekend by myself). My 95 year-old mother-in-law lives with us now. She's a tough woman who'll outlive us all, I think.
Bless you for caring for your parents. Many aren't so lucky. And, you've got to take time for yourself now. You deserve it!

Oh, I can completely understand Jolie10! It took me 8 months to clear out my parents' house (my stepdad was a packrat and my mom threw in the towel fighting that) and a whole year to renovate it for a sale. Unfortunately, when it finally came on market this spring the market here was sinking! I own half, and the other half goes to my stepdad's estate/beneficiaries (a slug of them).

My heart goes out to all of you guys. As my mom used to say: "....stars in your crown" (in Heaven, from all your trials in life)...and you all have certainly earned them...God will surely bless you all for your unselfish, kind and loving hearts.
I did not have back-to-back deaths of my parents/brother...there was 9 years between mom (lung cancer--1997)and dad's (bladder cancer/COPD--2006) passing, with the resultant standard financial, property matters to be handled, house cleared like all you guys talked about--- after my dad's death, and then my older brother, and only sibling, died this past April of liver failure at only 61. So, I at least had time to grieve for each one individually and not all at once. I still can't believe my brother is gone and am having that "start-to call-him-on-the-phone-then-realize-he's-gone" thing still happening , which I finally got over (mostly) long ago for my parents. It's lonely being the sole survivor of my "original family" in a way that is impossible to describe. I would have curled up in a ball and cried myself to death after each one if I had not had my gift-from-God husband of 32+ years to lean on during it all. He's the greatest blessing of my life, along with my son now 26 (in Air Force) I thank God for them every day.
jamm, I'm so glad you are finally getting to see a little light at the end of your tunnel.
God Bless you ALL with love, joy and peace...you every one deserve it. I am honored to know you guys on our little Mad Men Haven of Security!!
God Bless all of you with love, comfort and peace!

Thank you so much, SC! I have many great memories of my parents and I know they're still looking after me. I'm sorry for your loss, especially of your brother. At least I have my 2 sisters. God bless you, too.
(My son is also 26, btw. Was there a mini baby boom in 1982?)
Jamm54: Talk about pack rats, my sis and I cleaned out my dad's garage. He actually kept a Harvest Gold toaster, his cancelled checks from the 70's and eighty zillion other things including all 4 of The Beatles bobble-head dolls and some Barbie stuff! It was like a time capsule in there. ( I think a lot of that "saving everything" concept came from the Depression...which we heard about ALL the time.)

Speaking of Barbies and a time capsule, I was going through some boxes in my childhood bedroom when visiting my folks recently and found my mother's Barbies that she gave me when I was a child (circa the early- to mid-'60s I think). The coolest part was that my mom had a whole bunch of Barbie clothes that were HANDMADE by her grandmother, my GREAT-grandmother, all in classic 1950s- and 1960s-style. What a find! All of my mom's Barbies must have looked like Betty Draper! I wish that I had taken a little better care of the older Barbie stuff when I had it as a kid, but they hold a lot of memories, and they may very well last for at least another generation. :)

Frazier, I went to college in Elmira! So many people have no idea where it is. Do you still live in the area?

Redhead64: I was born in August '65 so we're close. I've always been crazy about anything nostalgic for some reason. I'm WAY into the celeb mag/online thing and kept reading about this show Mad Men. I didn't watch any of season 1 but saw it in Target in the catchy DVD Zippo package. Pounced on it and proceeded to watch the entire first season back to back (thank God it was the weekend or I would have -cough, cough- had to call in sick!).
I found the first 2 episodes of season 2 on demand and the rest is history.
I live in FL and have been in the mortgage lending industry since high school and am still managing to make a living. I consider myself a grammar & punctuation snob, not because I'm so intelligent but because I read so much and know proper English. I very much appreciate my fellow Maddicts who can spell & punctuate!
My mother came to NYC at age 21 from Dublin Ireland and worked in the city, very much like Peggy in dress & attitude. Also Irish Catholic so lots of similarities with other posters here.
I can't believe how much our parents smoked & drank during this time--I posted this before but there is an hysterical episode of Mad TV with 60's moms on rollerskates, smoking & drinking, while pregnant!!
For reasons I cannot fathom, I don't know anyone else other than you all who watches MM. Can't wait to see tomorrow's episode: are the guys going to see "ladies of the night" or are they going into a place for illegal gambling??

......scfan, jamm54, Jolie10....we share the same story, with a few ugly twists.

Nora, we missed you last week - you and your dad are in my thoughts and prayers.

Thank you, Dry Manhattan,
I needed to hear that. I'm reading all about you guys and what you went through and it's all new to me. We're in a delicate situation here. I can't leave my father's side. Talk to you soon! I wish you all peace!

Yes! Jolie10 and everyone, it's true they (our parents) still watch over us. I have had some kinda creepy (to "non-believers"! ha) occurances that happened after each family member's death that proved to me that their spirits are still very present in my life. I don't know if it's because I'm "open to it" or if it is unusual...anyway, "This life" is far from "it" if you know what I mean!

Just a funny joke,since we are recalling our parents' (shamefully off-topic, but whaddyagonna do?):
When my mom was hospitalized during the last 10 days of her final illness, she told me how sick and tired she was of every Tom, Dick, and Harry who came into her hospital room (you know how each dr., nurse, or technician asks the same health questions over and over and over!) asking her if she "had any sexually-transmitted diseases?" !! So she finally just answered: "Yes!! I have two!---One's a girl and one's a boy!"

SCfan, that's so funny about your mother's reaction to the all the people in her room! My grandmother had a very different reaction to a similar situation. She was not very "with it" because of a brain tumor in her final months. She lived in a nursing home across the street from my mom's place of work, so my mom would come visit her every day at dinner time. When my mom would ask how her day went, my grandma would say, "Oh, it's been such a busy day! I had so many people come to visit me!" These visitors were the nurses coming in to check on her every hour or so, but my grandma didn't understand that, so she insisted on giving them each a hug and kiss to thank them for visiting before they left her room. She was always a sweetie. :)

I'm old as dirt and I am so hooked on this show. When I was little and found out a girl couldn't be an astronaunt, I wanted to be like Darren Stevens. No joke. I was majoring in PR and marketing and speech when I realized that even in the 70's the jobs for gals were bleak, so I dropped out of school. By that time I wanted to be a speech writer. Now I'm back in school and I'm going to be a nurse. Something I would have felt beneath me back then. I love all things ironic, so I love how my life turned out. I also use to make fun of people from Oklahoma, you know, the whole Grapes of Warth thing, and by golly guess where I live now? I now am a student of nursing at a satellite campus of OU. I must have been a real "Son of a Pete" back then, but I got my come around and it's all good now. Now I'm going to sit back and read all these posts. I knew I was going to start school and didn't attempt to watch Mad Men last season because I was doing some pre-reqs and didn't want to get involved. A nice heart attack with four stints got me on board. I started watching some reruns in the hospital. I have to know more about Peggy's baby. That's was the hook for me.

Nice meeting you all!

I also can not spell woth diddly. I hope I don't make ya'll clutch your momma's pearls at my spelling errors.

hanna, what a sweet and funny story about your grandma! She sounds like she was an absolute sweetheart.

57Chevy, uuhh.. it's "Grapes of Wrath"--- and I will take it as a compliment about the Oklahoma bit (you USED to make fun of us "Okies" --- my word---I can call us that, since I am one! lol)
Many folks moving here from out of state tend to think the way you used to ...until they've lived here for a few months...then they wonder how they could have ever lived anywhere else.
Good luck in nursing school and your upcoming career...I think that is one of the most admirable things a person can aspire to be!

Oh, 57Chevy? The OU Nursing School is one of the highest rated anywhere...you'll be glad you got your training there.

SCfan, You would not believe how hard it was to get into OU Nursing. Honestly, I will be in total disbelief if anyone disses my school! LOL! We're up 21 to 3 right now...who is TCU?

I have Okie Pride now, plus both my children were born here, so it's home.
How do I get a cool picture by my posts? Love the Gidget! I want something like a pack of Fizzies for mine. The shadow head I have now looks like a guy.

My apoligies to Mr. Steinbeck for mis-spelling his wonderful work. I love to read too. You'd think I could spell better!

You can upload a digital pic if you go to the "edit profile" section at the top of the page.

TCU = Texas Christian University? (I think anyway...not sure at all) GO OU!!!!! Go Sam Bradford!!
Like Vince Gill's anthem he wrote with Jimmy Webb---another accomplished Oklahoman---! for our Centennial last year (another reason to be proud of Oklahoma--- Vince and our first 100 years!)......."when you call me 'Okie' man, you better say it loud" !!!!!!!!
Welcome to God's Country! We are a prideful (but in a good way) bunch!

Just go to Google or Photobucket, or some site where there are a bunch of images to search (Yahoo, etc....) but I happened to go to Google---- and searched their images for Gidget up there...open your "My Pictures" and save the pic of your choice to that. Then go to your "Edit Profile" in the upper rt. area of this page and down at the bottom of that page, there's a place to add a pic--- click that and then click on your saved pic from your "My Pictures" folder to add that pic to your profile. Hope that's right.

Anybody seeing I left anything out, please feel free to post any steps left out.

SC, you are the best! I am a fizzie packet for now.
I think I'm going to like this place way too much! Make sure you all run me off on week nights.

Hanna, thank you too!

God, 57Chevy...we are ALL needing to go to "Mad Men Talk Forums" rehab for our MM forums addictions. It's getting out of hand!!!!

Just ask me (oh lord, especially me!) AND: hanna, zerelda, redhead64,jamm54, Jolie10, Nora, Drink&Smoke, 60'schild, Laurie B., Glamara, oh me, I'm sure I left someone out...if I did, they are probably doing their stint at MMTFR right now!
Be careful! It sneaks up on you! First it's an hour, then 2, then....God Help You! aaaaahhhhhh....

Dry Manhattan and Ritt and Sizzie......the list goes on and on and on......; - ]

and Sandy and boop.......

Hey SCfan, it's a better addiction than most - it isn't a risk to your health .... it just keeps you from doing what you should be doing. Like laundry....or the dishes..... or work. ;)

57Chevy - Believe me, as a woman who knows how hard it is to avoid spending time on message boards when you have school work to do, you just need to find balance. If you have homework or reading to do, only spend a few minutes on the board to get caught up and then force yourself to leave. Or waste a good portion of your Saturday lurking around.... :)

Advice well given. I'm glad I am treating myself to this site. I'm caught up on my work for now, plus I have tomorrow night and a new episode and real people to talk about it with...who could ask for anything more?

I wish this sight would play music from the show in the background, wouldn't that be nice?

Hi Everyone,
I've really enjoyed and been profoundly touched by your stories. I was born in Vancouver, Canada in 1952 and share a lot of your memories, Wendey. My father was a successful businessman and it seemed we had the "perfect" family. However, we were all being abused by my father in various ways. I think that the absolute lack of places for abused women and their children at that time left an indelible impression upon me. It redefined the expression "lives of quiet desperation" for me and inspired me to later study psychology and become a therapist (after a stint in advertising). I now provide long-term psychotherapy to women who have left abusive relationships. I am often both inspired and humbled by the courage shown by my clients. I think that MM does provide a sort of therapy. It's a way to revisit the past in an almost tangible way, both consciously and unconsciously, that is very cathartic for me personally.

I have been married to the love of my life for 29 years now, and this relationship has been the source of enormous healing. Thank you all for sharing so much. Your wit, intelligence, and empathy is much appreciated. Good night!

Gail Klein: I think I may still have Helen Gurley Brown's cookbook for Single Girls. I'll have to look.

Sandy: You are my age and we both live in Pennsylvania. I'm in the Philly suburbs (Fort Washington). Are you anywhere near?

Glamara: I kinda lived a Midge life for a short time in my early 20s. I remember going to Greenwich Village to a beatnik place named Pandora's Box where "a thousand leaves" was on the menu, wild classical music was on the juke box, and a guy with a VanDyke beard, horn-rimmed glasses, beret and plaid jacket was hanging by the jacket on a coat rack and waved and said to me "Hi, man." The place was across the street from Cafe Society Downtown.

Wendy: Thanks for sharing your story.

Nora: I'll say a prayer for your dad. I lost mine in 1981 and my mom at 94 years old in 2004. But they are never out of my heart.

Hello, all:

Basking in the glow tonight of wins by the Philadelphia Phillies and Penn State!

wasthere: My husband and I live in Lemoyne, which is right across the river from Harrisburg. Speaking of the Philly area, I recently had a knee replaced at the Bryn Mawr Hospital!

This is the most amazing forum. I love the insightful comments and the kind words of the participants. I'm counting down the hours until tomorrow night when we can enjoy more of the best show ever to air on television!

You said it, hanna...if an addiction can be called healthy, this is it! lol

Hanna: Here's how I earned my first Barbie (the blond with the ponytail and that black and white swimsuit): I always wore my hair in a long pony tail, which my mom didn't always keep tabs on cuz I'd wear it that way to bed...until I got a huge, snarly bunch of hair under the rubber band. It was taking forever for her to comb it out...ouch...ouch...ouch. she said," If you just let me comb this out, I'll buy you a Barbie". I loved that Barbie so much! Wish she'd kept it.
Oh, and your story reminds me that we were so jealous because our neighbor friend's mom sewed a whole bunch of clothes for her Barbie. They were sweet!

Jolie10: I was amazed looking at the handmade Barbie clothes, thinking how does someone sew something that tiny, but I guess there were actual patterns for Barbie clothes like regular clothes in the mid-60s. They are a real treasure, considering my great-grandmother made them. All poofy skirts and dresses with lace edges. So cute. I absolutely loved playing with my Barbies as a kid. I would go over to my cousin's house and spend hours setting up her bedroom as a big Barbie mansion and deciding what our Barbies' "stories" were, and by the time my Mom would come to pick me up in the late afternoon we would complain that we barely had any time to actually "play".

Oh, I was a snarly-haired child too (very curly hair). Oddly enough, my burly father was the only one patient and gentle enough to comb my hair without making me cry.

Hello Nora, I am a 26 year old married female with two Kids 8 and 5. I live in Rochester, Michigan and is a half time student, i major in criminal justice and have a degree in corrections. Im in love with politics, reading and writing and of course MadMen! I dont like people that are nasty and dont take care of business. I love Ralph Lauren items and clothing because of the style its so me. I am 5 3 and 120 pounds at which i want to gain 10 more!! Im a soft brown with Hazel eyes. I like the fact that i found a show i can committ to. Thats a preview of me.

I just love reading everyone's "backstory".

Do people even sew anymore? It just occurred to me that I never see "sewing patterns" anymore for clothes anywhere. Do they even make them anymore? People must sew, but where would you get the patterns these days? Just curious.......

jamm54
I've seen sewing patterns in fabric stores here in Canada. They used to be sold in department stores, etc., but, you're right, people don't seem to talk about sewing their own clothes much anymore.

jamm54: I don't know if people sew clothes much anymore, but I know several people who sew quilts. Knitting and crocheting are also fairly popular hobbies for people nowadays - it's soothing, I guess. My burly, ex-logger father that I mentioned above is kind of a Renaissance man - he crochets, cooks, and sews (I got a lap-quilt last Christmas), more since he's retired. Funny guy. :)

Hi everyone,
My father passed this morning. He was a great loving man! The silence is overwelming. Thanks for your kind thoughts.
Your friend,
Nora

Hi All, longtime lurker and first time poster, except for the Candy thread - that one finally lured me into the blog!

I was born in 1962, lived in Northwestern Ohio my entire life. Married to husband #3 for eight years, one 18 yr old son in college from husband #2. I have a BA in Communications and PR from University of Toledo, worked in the business world (including husband #2's law firm) until 7 yrs ago, when I started my own pet sitting business.

I stumbled across MM while channel surfing one Sunday night (think it was actually S1/E1), and was appalled and fascinated at the same time. Snivelin' Pete was referring to women as "girls" or dishing up some other demeaning commentary, and they were all laughing. From that episode I was hooked - I've always loved good quality drama, but have never been this obsessed with a show since "thirtysomething".

MM immediately reminded me of my childhood. I grew up during the 60's & 70's, and remember the skinny ties, teased hairdos, black eyeliner, frosted lipstick, sunburst clocks, and everyone smoking and drinking. I grew up in a neighborhood full of kids with young parents, we all played at each others' houses and went to the same school. My parents would have lavish parties where people dressed up and played cards and partied in our finished basement - one of the only ones in our blue-collar neighborhood. My dad was a salesman and carry-out store owner, my mom was (still is) a registered nurse. Working women were rare then, and my mom raised a few eyebrows because she wasn't a SAHM. The moms that did work were only nurses, teachers, or secretaries. I was one of the only "latch key" kids I knew, but this allowed us to live a lifestyle a few notches above our neighbors. We always had the newest inventions, the first on the block to have a microwave, dishwasher, air hockey table, etc. We traveled a lot and took trips to Florida every winter. All the kids wanted to come to my house to play - I was an only child, so the extra bedroom in our house was converted to a play room for me. I had all the best toys and games, as my grandparents would lavish all of us with way too many Christmas gifts. Our family wasn't rich by middle-class standards, but all my friends thought we were.

Even though I came of age mostly during the 70's and reaped the benefits of the sexual revolution and women's movement, I still encountered lots of outdated and sexist attitudes in the workplace and at home. I was encouraged to find a man to take care of me, my options for further education weren't explored until I did that on my own in my 30's - a lot harder to do when you are a single mother of a toddler. The last job I had before I started my business was Marketing Coordinator/Assistant to the President of a construction management & engineering firm - talk about the Good Old Boys still holding on! Ugh, the women in the office couldn't even wear pants until we fought tooth & nail for it, finally got it approved in 1998! (Still with lots of restrictions on fabric, had to wear a jacket, no pant suits, etc.)

I am fascinated with the people on this blog - you are all so intelligent, articulate, insightful, and funny! I thoroughly enjoy and appreciate your comments and especially like the fact that there are still people out there who are capable of writing complete, correctly spelled sentences!! Love reading all your backgrounds, too - such an interesting group.

Nora, I am sorry about you and your famly's loss. I hope lovely memories sustain you all.

jamm, I use to sew, and there are still patterns and fabric at many stores, but it has gotten too expensive. I never was handy at sewing the things that I might save money on, like say a lined wool skirt or a blazer.

Hi dobiegirl, I am an only child too.
Hey to everyone I haven't talked to yet.

Nora, Having lost both of my parents in recent years, I understand about the silence. I am sorry for your loss.

Soooo so sorry, Nora. I posted something on the 'Nora Paradiso" thread a bit ago. You have my deepest sympathy. We're all here for you and I know you know that. Take care of yourself, we love you.

Hello .. all you fellow MadMen fans! My name is Jeniffer, and I just love MADMEN!! I am 25 years old, I feel as though I have an old soul. I love the 1950's & 60's. If I could of been born back in the 30's I would of done it in a second! I have watched the show since the beginning.. I really am enjoying season 2. I think Don is so fine.. and Pete just gets on my nerves! I just think the whole show is great!! I was so happy to see the show win at the Emmy's! I really hope the show continues to make season after season, because I am hooked! It was weird that the last episode (9) had Marilyn monroe as a subject, because all weekend I read the new Vanity Fair, and one of my many books about her life, I just thought it was Ironic that she was talked about alot in the episode! I am a huge Elvis and marilyn fan, well anyway .. Like I said This show is my favorite so far! Sundays are awesome LOL Looking forward to talking with you fellow fans! Take Care

Im very sorry for your lost Nora. I hope you are doing o.k. and i send my regards to you. I dont know how it is to a lose a father but i know how it feels to lose a grandad. I send my deepest concerns and as you know we are all here for you. Rest in peace to your father.

hey jamm54....!
I sew....Sewing is something I go do to calm myself and to feel accomplished.

It started in my Nebraska childhood, and I am delighted it is a talent I still have. I made my son's tuxedos for Jr and Sr balls, made all his shirts and bought his jeans while he was growing up. Always make all my own clothes, (now about 70% of the time). I have a sewing business to this day I am trying to switch to draperies and window treatments. (Straight lines are soooo much easier!) You're right, no one sews now-a-days...I usually mail order my fabric. Joann's is for crafters and quilters. I order my patterns online, too.

I didn't know the thread was the "Who Are You?" thread....I've deliberately stayed away because telling my life story would take too long. No one is really that interested to read the novelette I could lay down....lol...

Instead, I'll link you up to one of my favorite places, where you can peek in the window...
http://www.librarything.com/profile/greytone

My name is Peggy. I am 53 and live on Long Island. I am a Customer Service Supervisor. I have a daughter (Nora). I have watched this show since it began and just love it. It brings back so many memories. I think I am about the same age as Sally.

I see how each have stated their memories of this era. I didn't.
But I will.
I was an adopted child, my older sis was also adopted, we aren't related.
I grew up in a new development in Southern California. This was a town that used to be farm land, and still had un-developed areas that were still farms. After I was born (1951) dad bought this tract home on a dead end in Studio City. He had two friends/business friends that also bought on this tiny cul-de-sac. This, along with the local theatre were my world.
I had my sister's Schwinn when I got older, and spent many evenings peddling around this area. I went to school with some of "Hollywood's" children, but this was no cache then. I didn't know that their parents worked "in the business".
I remember the air alerts when the Cuban Missile Crisis was going on. We were safe in our homes, but had to drop at that sound, under our desks at school. I had a mom that was a pharmacist who helped my grandpa out at his pharmacy/drug store/soda fountain.
Mom was a grad of USC and Hollywood High.
Dad used to take us horse back riding in Burbank every Sunday. He drove to work in downtown LA to his own business.
My parents didn't drink or smoke so I didn't really "get this". My dad had a friend that would come down from San Francisco to do biz and visit. Dad made sure we had a martini glass and pitcher with a glass stick to mix his Manhattans. It felt like Uncle always needed his drink after work. I think I finally threw out the vermouth when my folks died 14 years ago. That same bottle of vermouth.

We traveled a lot. My parents would travel more and we got stashed at relatives. This meant the maid didn't come along. (we had a live-in maid, then she didn't want to live-in). She was my salvation from the physical abuse my overly huge and angry sister gave me.

Dad would send me to maid's home for Christmas sometimes (we are Jewish). I saw how young, poor black families lived and celebrated in east LA.

Grandpa's store was in downtown. He was the "doctor" for the poor black population in the area. I used to sit on wooden crates with grandpa shooting the sh*t with all of his neighbor-friends that were all black men, in the alley in the back. They loved grandpa and therefore loved me.

Those were really great memories. My sister was not apart of this because my dad would tell me later on that sis was a bit racist as a child. She asked dad "why aren't they like us?" He told me I asked "Why are people different?"
Later we moved to Beverly Hills. About the same time Beverly Hillbillies were on TV. Then it was just a sleepy little town. We lived in an apartment. They called it "on the wrong side of the tracks". We were "the poor". I didn't know this until BHHS. Then all four grammar schools merged and there were rich kids and us.
More movie star kids went to our high school. Even tho we lived in the apartment area, Mia Farrow lived a block away with her famous mom. We would see Yul Brenner come to court her along with Frank Sinatra.
I saw that fame wasn't "all that".
The houses were fun, the butlers were fun, but the kids were sad. Trousdale was the new development then. All the homes were modern, with white rocks on the roof and swimming pools with views of BH.
The truly rich were invisible.
Ahhh my memories. I am now on our committee again for our 40th high school reunion. A lot of my school mates are only comfortable with the kids they hung with when young.
Then there are the ones that don't need to re connect with their roots. They are too famous.

Boop, your story is fascinating! I love reading all these posts about childhood memories and experiences. It's amazing how much some of us have in common, yet we all have a unique story.

Unlike Teflon Don, I'll reveal my past.
I'm a Boomer, Capricorn, Irish-Catholic, only child, suburban NJ girl drawn to the Big City. I graduated NYU 1975 with a degree in Journalism and English Lit. My dream was to write "the great American novel." It made sense to get paid for writing so I worked as a reporter in Manhattan for 2 years. Hated it. Where was the glamour and excitement of Woodward and Bernstein? Thru the NY Times I landed a job on Madison Avenue and found glamour, excitement and then some.
How I found MadMen: Luckily last summer I was watching a movie on AMC when an "ad" for a new original series grabbed my attention. I tuned in to the first episode curious to know what life was like on Mad Ave in a previous generation and became Maddicted. Recently I paid my first visit to the AMC site for sneek peeks and found the talk link. I'll echo what some others have said: I'm happy to be here with other Maddicts. I enjoy reading your insights and opinions and am tickled by your humor and intelligence. This is a fun place to hang out. Now could someone mix me a dirty absolute martini?
.

Ah the memories. I'm a boomer born in Chicago 1948. Was is High School in 1962 but remember my sister talking about the working world working for a large bank in the loop. I remember when JFK was killed. I was in the Austin HS riot in 1966 which made all the papers in Chicago including the Daily News which is no more.

I never working the the Ad game but did work in the medical game. Went to Med Tech School in Chicago and did my internship at Cook County Hospital where they brought in Richard Speck in when he tried to kill himself. I was working trauma at that time. He was the guy who killed the 8 nurses in the dorm at the school. I was living at home at the time (Thank God)

Women were treated just the same then as is '62. You never saw a female intern they were all males and the "girls" were there to serve them. I really didn't see any changes in attitudes until the 80's.

I am new to this. But it is drving me crazy does anyone know what show the new girl used to be on? Help!

I just discovered this very interesting and personal site. Like many of you I am seeking to connect with fellow Maddicts. I am a child of the 50's and 60's (probably close to Sally Draper's age). This beautifully evocative show is giving me back my childhood. My parents are now deceased (making me an orphan like the Drapers) and that is why I so want to grasp my past. I can remember watching the astronauts on tv at my Catholic School auditorium and learning about JFK's assassination. At the time Kennedy was shot, I remember being surprised that Dallas did not look like Gunsmoke. TV was always my comfort and my escape. At age 10, I walked to the candy store to buy the special tv guide Fall Season Preview . I loved the Flintstones, Bewitched and Get Smart. In 1965 we moved from the Bronx to Manhattan and I attended a quasi elite Catholic school near Madison Avenue. On the second avenue bus I met Soupy Sales and David McCallum from the Man from Uncle. NYC was a cool, if different, place for adolescence. My school had ballet but no gym. I shopped at Bloomies and was intrigued by the swinging upper East Side lifestyle. I even had a date with a famous young real estate tycoon who went on to have his own reality tv show. I live on Long Island, have been married for 25 years and have two children (ages 23 and 15). I work in heath care. I have always had a passion for words, books and crossword puzzles. I learned of Mad Men from a Newsday article promoting season 2. I figured Newsday wouldn't let me down since it was Newsday that turned me on to another terrific show - In Treatment. My only problem is my husband. He's afraid my current obsession with Mad Men makes me some sort of Trekkie! Thanks to all of you for your very touching posts.

What a beautiful post this turned out to be. Restores my faith in the MMaddicts. Sorry to Nora for your loss. This Saturday is 3yrs. my Dad is gone, and my Mom went 11 months prior to him. They were 41yrs. my seniors, so pack-rats, I am well in tune with! I could become an estate attorney at this point! A nightmare & great loss it's been, but everybody's posts re: this issue have been comforting and uplifting. Thanks!
I'm from Northern NJ, by NYC, and born in '67. I've been out in LA quite a bit, back n forth. Worked in everything from finance, advertising, TV production, travel agent, to now, interior designer. (I get bored easy!) I'm not posting much anymore, but couldn't resist this nice, open forum.