Hello, Strangers.
Dark Academia, Light Academia, Cottagecore, Goblincore, Fairycore, Grandmacore. If I haven’t already mentioned it on this blog, I often daydream about being an old woman. I dream with all the naivety of a person who doesn’t struggle against chronic back pain of a day when I stand stirring a pot of soup and ignoring the whistle of a kettle of tea. The lights in my windows always lit, the door always open to strangers, the protection of God keeping me safe against all reasonable odds until death…
But Grandmacore is about sweaters. It’s about old-timey goods, wool, and brightly colored yarn, knitting, crocheting, baking, and nosiness (I assume). Now it’s true that you can search most of those things online and either buy them or teach yourself what you need to know within a few days. But we’re missing out on one of the greatest resources of our lifetime; the elderly. Think about it! No one else has our elderly.
In America and across Europe, programs are springing up within colleges and communities which seek to connect the young people of society with the old. Community service requirements during high school are often fulfilled through work with senior’s centers. There are numerous studies which suggest that relationships between generations have mutual benefits. Nevertheless, it can be difficult to connect with new people, especially those who seem to have nothing in common with us.
But behind our newfangled obsession with aesthetics lies the secret to success. Think about it. Who knows more about black tea and finding quality tweeds than the elderly gentleman reading in the library corner? Do you like yarn crafts but don’t know where to start? Find a yarn shop in your area, and they’re sure to have a knitting group filled with women 60+. Do you have an interest in strange rocks, plants, and foraging? Cheryl’s granddaughter still has her collection, you can drop by. Conversations and projects abound. As mentioned, senior homes, hospitals, social groups aimed at (but not exclusive to) older people, church groups, and more, offer wonderful opportunities to ask questions that very soon, we may just have to learn for ourselves.
No one should be alone. In the coming years, I hope the next generations can create meaningful, interesting, wacky relationships with those who came before us, based on everything from faith and farming to treasure hunting and secret code. And sweaters. I’m coming for you, Grandmacore.
Tell me in the comments what kind of aesthetic you like, and the hobbies you’re interested in.
–Mabel
To All My Strangers 