(no subject)

[rivka]

I'm writing back to nanny job applicants.

There just isn't any way of saying "I'm sorry, but we're really not looking for someone with wholesome family values to take care of our children", is there?

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[txobserver.livejournal.com]

Right after reading this post I began reading "Mrs. Miniver" from the U Penn "Celebrating Women Writers" site. In the introduction about Jan Struthers, the book's author, I found this, which may amuse you as it amused me:

One of her funniest pieces in Try Anything Twice (a collection of writings from Punch and The Spectator published two years before Mrs. Miniver, and just as crammed with wisdom and wit) is about going to the fearsome Mrs. Cattermole's establishment to find a new nanny. "Wanted: A really nice nanny. Born, not made. Must be fond of dogs and able to make toffee. No dragons or duchesses need apply." In reality, the Maxtone Graham nanny, the spirited Miss Annie Good, was devoted to Jan and stayed until the children were grown up. Jan would not allow her to wear a uniform and they ignored the custom of the nanny calling her charges "Miss Janet" or "Master Robert".