About the blog title

I probably should have started here, but that shows the scattered state of my mind. The title for this blog may seem to have nothing at all to do with the journey of my research, dissertation writing, etc.

The title is actually an old title that was conceived long before I knew of Blogs, Internet, or even owned a computer. It came about over the course of numerous conversations around the costume shop table at ASU, somewhere between 1982-88. As we stitched away, we chatted as all good costumers are wont to do. We shared our interests and talents, and somewhere along the way I mentioned that I enjoyed tatting. Others commented on their desire to learn to tat, and we sighed as we thought about what a civil occupation that would be on a lovely afternoon...to share a cup of tea and to tat away. The title "Tea and Tatting" came first, but was followed quickly by the current title, as we envisioned brainstorming and co-authoring sordid romance novels as we sat and sipped and tatted.

"Tea, Tatting, and Tawdry Tales" became the symbol for the lovely vision that never quite happened. I claim it now to describe the way I see this blog--as a place to share time and ideas with others that may be interested in what I have to say, that may add their own thoughts, and may be willing to wile away an afternoon together.