Erma Bombeck was an American humorist who achieved great popularity for her newspaper column that described home life humorously from the mid-1960s until the late '90s. Bombeck published 15 books, most of which became best sellers.
From 1965 to 1996, Erma Bombeck wrote over 4,000 newspaper columns chronicling the ordinary life of a midwestern suburban housewife with broad, and sometimes eloquent, humor. By the 1970s, her witty columns were read, twice weekly, by thirty million readers of 900 newspapers in the United States and Canada.
My daddy first "fell" for Erma by reading her newspaper column. He would sit in his chair while reading, and he would soon be laughing aloud. And, you could be certain that he was going to share her column with you on those days he was particularly amused - which was every column she wrote.
Soon her columns weren't enough, and he started purchasing her books.
He loved If Life Is A Bowl Of Cherries, What Am I Doing In The Pits? And, The Grass Is Always Greener Over The Septic Tank. And, Aunt Erma's Cope Book. In fact, his books are on our bookshelf now.
When my father died in 1986, Erma lost one of her most loyal fans. She passed away in 1996, and I do believe my father was so happy to meet her when she passed through the pearly gates.
Hi Bev,
I love Erma Bomback too. She still makes me chuckle when I reread her book. Her sense of humor is timeless.
Blessings, Karen
Posted by: karen cox | April 28, 2009 at 06:42 AM
Good morning Beverly, No one could laugh like your daddy. He was the most fun and I loved him too. Erma was the best.
Love you lots...Jeanne
Posted by: jeanne | April 28, 2009 at 06:53 AM
Erma B. was wonderful. Thanks for reminding us of her terrific take on life. What a sweet memory of your dad. Hope all is well with you. L, Dana
Posted by: dana | April 28, 2009 at 07:34 AM
I had the first two books you mentioned. I loved her too.
Posted by: Sally | April 28, 2009 at 07:35 AM
Hi Beverly...just dropping in for a quick visit...I also loved Erma and was crushed when she died...I still think of some of her thoughts about using the good china & burning the pretty candles, etc.
Hope your mom is doing better every day... ;-) Bo
Posted by: Bo | April 28, 2009 at 08:34 AM
I always loved Erma, too. In fact I think I have a couple of her books around here someplace!
My new telephoto lens is a 70/200 L Series Canon. I was given very good advice, from Maureen of Penchants Ponderings and Posies blog. I've known her several years through a couple of decorating groups. We keep in touch via e-mail and she has been very helpful with my efforts in photography. The new 50mm lens I bought is also Canon. I love it. It's like the one I used, over the winter, that belongs to Xanti. I took the shell photos at the condo, using that lens. It takes very sharp photos and is great for low light.
Posted by: Pat@Back Porch Musings | April 28, 2009 at 10:31 AM
I still miss Miss Erma!
Scribbler
Posted by: Ellen | April 28, 2009 at 10:50 AM
I loved Erma too... I wonder what happened that made you think of her... I think I like those posts best... when a memory comes and you feel that you just have to write about it...
I bet Erma would have been a fan of your dad's too...
blessings. Dixie
Posted by: Dixie | April 28, 2009 at 04:57 PM
Beverly, Re: Erma In the 70's I was a display artist for our home town newspaper. Everytime they received the column for Erma, they would have me provide them with 3 cartoons pertinent to her subject matter. I loved doing that and it was fun to have my cartoons in the paper. Your site is beautiful as always. Kerrie
Posted by: Kerrie | April 28, 2009 at 06:02 PM
I loved her too. I remember when she was sometimes a guest on the Phil Donahue Show. I believe they had been neighbors in Ohio...or at least I think it was Ohio. We lost her much too soon.
Posted by: Betty | April 28, 2009 at 07:28 PM
Oh I loved her too...she had such a great way of looking at life and what a beautiful rememberance of your dad...Hope you are having a great week dear friend!
Posted by: Picket | April 28, 2009 at 10:02 PM
I loved Erma too....she was always right on the money...and her humor was so kind and gentle. I bet her and your dad are having a chuckle or two together in heaven!
Posted by: nikki | April 29, 2009 at 09:27 PM
What a sweet story about your father. I didn't know all of those facts about Ms. Bombeck, so thanks so much for the education!
~Abby
Posted by: Abby Lanes | May 01, 2009 at 11:13 PM