Time to RUNAWAY FROM HOME: Part 1

I don't know about you, but I think it's time to run away from home. I mean, really pack a bag and get out of Dodge!

Oh sure, the only time I ran away I got no further than outside the front door. My mother took my threat as a challenge and said, "Okay!" as she grabbed a paper bag. She told me to put seven days of underwear in the bag and I could take one doll. I was stunned. Who runs away and takes underwear? Plus, I had a lot of dolls, my favorite being Rosie who I'd had since I was around four. She told me I couldn't take Rosie so I had to choose second best. I have no idea which doll I chose, but I do know they did not have a change of underwear.

I was determined to leave with the idea of heading to Ala Moana Shopping Center, which in my mind seemed like a great place to take up residence. I grabbed my bag and stomped down the stairs to the front door. My mom and dad said, "Goodbye!" then shoved me out the door and shut it behind me. Reality quickly set in as I stood there crying before going around the house and coming in the back door. I never ran away again; not that I didn't think about it a lot.

So grab a paper or plastic bag, your choice, and stuff in seven days of underwear unless you go commando. I will now offer some time traveling travel adventures. It's up to you to choose. Just know, once you're out the front door and on one of these trips there's no back door to sneak in.


Click on image to see it larger. (SOURCE: National Geographic, November, 1954)

I should probably warn you that some people in the past dressed like dorks. There's just no other way to put it. Families wore matching outfits. My family wore matching shirts so I remember all of this very well. And if you ever visit Awkward Family Photos you know that in some sections of society this is still an uncured disease. But hey, if a dorky outfit puts a "bounce in your step" why not?

Oh, and if you do find a travel agent willing to book you a flight on TWA...better make sure they don't look like Rod Serling. If you don't know who Rod Serling is you're definitely not up for one of these adventures, underwear or no underwear.

The GIRL IN THE AIR WITH THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HAIR...Breck

In February 1967 airline hostess Judy Neumann received the honor of being called a Breck Girl. Very pretty lady, but again all of the Breck girls start to look alike. Luckily for Judy, there doesn't doesn't seem to be any information about her online. If they ran ads like this today she'd have her own FB page and be marketing herself all over the place.


(SOURCE: Teen, February 1967)

I long for the days when people didn't become famous just for having a huge ego. Judy Neumann had just the right about of fame, a lovely portrait, which I hope the Breck company gave her.

BOB PEAK

In '73 I was getting ready for my first trip to Europe. I was also about to graduate from art college. TWA put out these brochures which I quickly grabbed because they were illustrated by Bob Peak. Bob Peak was one of the inspirational illustrators whose work I collected and I just recently found these brochure covers hidden away in an old folder. I loved his style which often had a collage look, bits and pieces neatly sewn together to make a whole. Back then his work was in every Illustrator's Annual, TV Guide covers, movie posters, magazine illustrations. I wish I'd saved more. 

He was born Robert "Bob" M. Peak on May 30, 1927 and died August 1, 1992. To read more about Bob Peak check out this site which is affiliated with a show opening today at the Gallery Nucleus in Los Angeles. You'll see work you recognize. He set a style that illustrators followed for decades. For another perspective click here.

Click on either image to see it larger.