I loved this — thank you for articulating my own complex relationship with Ballerina Farm so clearly.
During a particularly dark winter, I found myself comforted by the “simplicity” of homemaking. Ballerina Farm (along with Nara Smith and Little House on the Prairie) offered an escape — if the hardest thing I had to do in a day was get yeast to activate, I’d gladly take that over my “modern problems.”
Part of the appeal, I think, is that I could step into this world and step right back out. I could romanticize it precisely because I had the option to return to my real life. I’m not relying on my wheat harvest to feed eight children.
The problem comes when the “tradwife” lifestyle isn’t a choice — or when its historical weight is brushed aside — because that’s where power enters the picture. The fantasy is comforting only because I can leave it behind. And that’s exactly why I have no desire to actually live it.
That's such a good take! You are right, it is appealing to me also partly because I can get back to real life where I can order a take out and binge watch a whole season of some show. I do however fantasise of owning a giant property and a lovelt house
I really loved this honest take. The aesthetic is what’s alluring (even to me, I’ll admit!). The lifestyle itself, when you really experience it, is anything but sexy. And the privilege to afford it all keeps it rare but disguised as a type of “simplicity” available to anyone.
I loved this — thank you for articulating my own complex relationship with Ballerina Farm so clearly.
During a particularly dark winter, I found myself comforted by the “simplicity” of homemaking. Ballerina Farm (along with Nara Smith and Little House on the Prairie) offered an escape — if the hardest thing I had to do in a day was get yeast to activate, I’d gladly take that over my “modern problems.”
Part of the appeal, I think, is that I could step into this world and step right back out. I could romanticize it precisely because I had the option to return to my real life. I’m not relying on my wheat harvest to feed eight children.
The problem comes when the “tradwife” lifestyle isn’t a choice — or when its historical weight is brushed aside — because that’s where power enters the picture. The fantasy is comforting only because I can leave it behind. And that’s exactly why I have no desire to actually live it.
That's such a good take! You are right, it is appealing to me also partly because I can get back to real life where I can order a take out and binge watch a whole season of some show. I do however fantasise of owning a giant property and a lovelt house
I want to watch real housewives *and* harvest my own produce. Is that too much to ask?
I really loved this honest take. The aesthetic is what’s alluring (even to me, I’ll admit!). The lifestyle itself, when you really experience it, is anything but sexy. And the privilege to afford it all keeps it rare but disguised as a type of “simplicity” available to anyone.
I don't get how people don't understand that if they really do all they do, it's beyond HARD. Yes, the picture is gorgeous, but come on