Ever since I was a little girl, I Love Lucy has been one of my very favorite television shows. I have seen every single episode numerous times and have most of the seasons on DVD (must finish my collection!).
Lucy was hilarious, spontaneous, courageous and so much more. Let’s take a look at a few lessons we can learn from her.
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5 Lessons From Lucy
1. Accessories make the outfit.
I adore the way women dressed in the 1950s. The clothes were so stylish and I truly wish hats and gloves would come back in style.
Even at home, Lucy was usually dressed attractively and always had her hair and makeup done.
In my opinion, women have become a bit lax in their at-home wear. I think we should ditch the yoga pants and consider bringing back the house dress.
2. Maintain a tidy home.
I’m always checking out the decor details in television shows and movies. The Ricardos lived in two different apartments during the series and a country home in the final season. The apartments were quite simple in design and Lucy kept a very tidy home.
In the “Men are Messy” episode, Lucy is seen finishing her daily tidying up. She runs a feather duster over the mantel and is fluffing the sofa pillows when Ethel calls and asks what she’s doing.
“Oh, just straightening up. You know I can’t stand it if the house isn’t neat. A place for everything and everything in its place. That’s the way I like it.”
Ricky comes in and manages to destroy the place in less than two minutes. Of course this leads to one of her schemes which backfires.
Some of my favorite episodes dealt with the homemaking aspect of Lucy’s life, including this one which takes place after Little Ricky is born and she tries to hire a maid to help out.
3. Always be willing to try something new.
Lucy is forever getting herself in crazy situations but she never shies away from new experiences. Whether it’s making wine in Italy, chocolates in a candy factory or tossing pizza dough, Lucy never lets lack of experience get in the way of giving it her all.
4. Cherish your friendships.
One of the most endearing aspects of the I Love Lucy show is the close friendship between the Ricardos and the Mertzes. Like most friendships, they have their ups and downs but when all is said and done, the friendships endure.
5. Never give up on your dreams.
A major ongoing theme in the show is Lucy’s desire to be in show business. She is always scheming for a way to get in one of Ricky’s shows. Despite the fact he is adamantly against it, she never lets Ricky rain on her parade, though. Even after Little Ricky is born she continues to nurture her dream of performing.
I think that’s one of the most important lessons we can learn from Lucy – never give up on your dreams!
Bonus:
6. A strict schedule may not be the best way to run a household.
I had to throw this one in because it’s one of my top 5 favorite episodes. After being late to dinner at his boss’s home, Ricky decides to lay down the law and put Lucy on a schedule. It backfires, of course, and ends with the boss saying that’s no way to run a home…but it’s exactly how to run a nightclub and gives Ricky the promotion he was seeking.
A general housekeeping plan is an excellent idea but we all know that there are too many interruptions and unforeseen circumstances to be able to run a home on a tight daily schedule. That’s simply a recipe for stress and disappointment.
Are you also a Lucy fan? Who is YOUR favorite television housewife?
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Yes! Huge Lucy fan! Fav episodes: Vitameatavegamin and the classic, “Job Switching” (the Chocolate factory).
Those are such wonderful episodes. Classics!
I’ve not seen more than an episode or two, and that was so long ago I only vaguely remember even having done so. It’s on my, “Maybe I should watch this,” list though. Along with so many other things I wish I didn’t have to sleep so I could use all those extra hours to try and catch up with it. But at least it’s on there. 😉
Anyway, those are great lessons. I especially like the bonus, and know that one all too well.
Oh boy, it has been too long since I’ve watched Lucy. Like you, I’ve seen every episode several times and have the whole series on DVD. A particularly memorable one for me is in the last season when they are out in the country and Lucy wants to enter her flower garden in a contest but accidentally mows them down…her solution is just more trouble to come!
I have to comment to say that I happened upon your blog via Pinterest and seeing your posts on books, homeschooling, and now Lucy, I know I’ve found a kindred spirit! I love what you do here, thanks for sharing!
I’m so happy you “found” me! I’m always happy to meet a kindred spirit.
I certainly do recall the episode you are referring to with the melting flowers. Lucy is so zany!