Guest Post: Linda Marcov

2009

 

When Corey asked us to be guest writers for her blog,

I knew I wanted to give it my best and make it something worth reading.

I have followed her for years it seems, maybe 20 it's hard to remember

when I first saw her beautiful photos and words in Romantic Homes magazine.

When she wandered into my booth at Marburger Farms Antique Show in Round Top Texas

over 10 years ago, camera in hand, and made a comment about how lovely our things were

I looked up to find I recognized her name on her name tag she had a press pass

and was taking a look at all the booths set up. I was STAR stuck instantly.

I was meeting someone who I greatly admired and she LIKED what I was doing in our booth

WOW.

 

We connected instantly and over the next 10 years developed a cherished friendship.

With that said what oh what do I have to offer for her blog?

 

 

 

 

I have sat on this for a few days, over and over the word, "authenticity" has come to mind.

It’s something I look for in all things, antiques, fabrics, places, but it’s most important

to me when it involves the people I’m friends with, the connections that I nurture.

 

Somewhere in the ’70s, I became aware that I and most women I knew

tried to fit into categories, so many of us didn’t seem to fit anywhere.

I for one was very lost… I was divorced, with two children to raise could I be a party girl too?

Not so much-

could I be a good mother and take my children to church?

No turned out I had a conflict with that concept as well.

Could I play the swinging cool independent single chick part?

No that was not me.

 

Linda with her grandsons.

Linda with her granddaughter and daughter

 

Linda and her husband Ludimil

 

I wanted a home, a family, a husband... so who was I?  Who was at my core?

What did I want to show the world, what did I want to hide?

Turns out it took me the whole 70’s and 80’s decade to really form that person

and develop her into an authentic, open, honest person. Lots of therapy, books,

seminars… workshops… I once in this period described myself as a “self-help junkie”!

 

I don’t think I’m very different from a lot of women in my generation,

actually, in any generation, women it seems to me have struggled with identity for eons.

What I do know is that it is a struggle to offer yourself to friends and family

as an authentic person.

You will meet disapproval, judgment, and conflict.

 

But for me, it was more of a struggle to “act right” for the others around me.

 

I had to choose, I choose ME.

 

The term “act right” came from my mother I hardly know a woman, including my daughter

who doesn’t have a mother issue (a whole volume of writing). I probably began my journey

of authenticity with my mother it did not end well, we shall leave it there.

 

What was accomplished was my awareness of who I actually was, what I liked, what I stood for,

what I could not or would not tolerate, what I had a passion for, what kinds of people,

places, and things brought me joy, what I needed to let go of. What I need to work on,

where I needed to face myself in the mirror and do my own judging, and bring about the changes when I

recognized the parts in me that needed changing. I learned that in spite of being more direct,

more honest with others, more open, that I had richer, more intimate, and yes authentic friendships

that now have been a part of my life for decades. I don’t want to give the impression that this

has been all a straight-line journey of perpetual growth and improvement it has not.

I have ducked when it got too hard I’ve been criticized, misunderstood,

I’ve stumbled and tripped myself up plenty.

I still do to some extent but I have not regretted making those first steps no matter how awkward, and

hesitant they were

to become more of who I am,

what I think,

what I believe,

and what I stand for.

 

 

 

In my friendships with women, I try to encourage that same path.

I honestly feel our lives will be enhanced, enriched, deeply, profoundly if we will allow

our true nature, thoughts, feelings, ideas, dreams, desires to be visible,

without shame or shyness

without worry about what people will think.

 

 

 

 

Follow Linda on Facebook

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Check out Linda's book on Amazon:

Wardrobe Workshop: Take control of your closet and create a versatile wardrobe uniquely tailored to YOU

 

Comments

[Jeanne]

Another gorgeous guest blogger with such an interesting life.
I enjoy reading all the guest blog postings and thank you all.Thank you Corey for introducing us to everyone.
It is so very kind of you always.
Blessings
Jeanne

[Kathy]

Beautiful guest blog. I loved reading each and every part. Thank you so very much for sharing your life.

[Ann of Avondale]

Hi Linda, I have always wanted to go Marburger, sounds so amazing. When will it open again? Your are a lovely person inside and out. It's a great place to be when you say, this is me and I love and accept her. Thanks for sharing. Peace!

[Penni]

Your photos are gorgeous (that bucket of peonies!!!) You are such an interesting person -I love your philosophy and it's so gracious of you to teach others to follow their true selves! Thank you for sharing your insights!

[Lil Fleur]

Your clothes look so comfortable and pretty. And I love the photo of the dinner party with the strings of lights. Thanks for sharing a glimpse into your life!

[Ali]

Thank you for sharing your life with us all Linda. Pleased to meet you.
Ali

[Stubblejumpers Cafe]

"What I do know is that it is a struggle to offer yourself to friends and family

as an authentic person.

You will meet disapproval, judgment, and conflict."

Oh Linda ... this is so true! And not only from others -- from oneself, too, as one wonders whether one's being "selfish" like they accuse you of, or "lazy," or ... all the things they think you are when you put your own desires and needs on the same level as those of others, and do what YOU choose to do rather than what THEY want you to do. Being authentic requires not only courage and stamina, but the willingness to stand alone, leaning only on one's own convictions, while being open enough to ask oneself if one's own eyes are really open and if it's possible that "they" are right and "I" am wrong. Self-doubt is a bugger to overcome when those around you are pointing accusing fingers. -Kate

[Texas Francophile]

Great post Linda. Been to Marburger sooooo many times, only 4 hours from me, probably wandered into your booth!!!! Love your travel pictures! My apres covid travel plans are growing by the day. Perhaps one day the Corey followers can meet at Marburger !!!!!

[Becky Peterson]

I enjoyed reading this and drinking in your photographs. The roses, the pantaloons and pink chairs. Your story. Many thanks.