And a Bit of...Mystique
Friday- February 5, 2021
Dear Marion,
February arrived with a snowstorm in the form of a Nor’easter which meant beautiful, fluffy, snow globe snow accompanied by a few floods for our coastal town. There was an air of mystique surrounding this storm because it was cold, windy, and lit by the crescent moon, while the snow vacillated between ice and huge flakes continually for a few days. We enjoyed a fire in the fireplace and some tea with homemade chocolate chip cookies, as I took advantage of the quiet moments to read a mystery that was in my pile waiting for the right moment. Another oddity this year, the disappearance of the snow day as they can easily switch to school virtually. While your granddaughter was learning in the schoolroom/dining room, I was doing some research and thought not for the first time how interesting to read about someone’s journey and the paths that lead to unexpected career changes. At any age, but particularly later in life when most are winding down toward retirement, there are those who find their next passion project which sometimes leads to a fulfilling career. New ideas keep us excited and often inspire us to push in another direction.
I have found design to be a bit more interesting when there is a twist of something unexpected… a bit of mystery. A serious chair with a whimsical patterned fabric, an outfit that is accompanied by an unexpected piece of jewelry, shoe, or even an unusual hairstyle. In the ’90s, the slip dress cut on the bias in a silky fabric skimmed the body(inspired by lingerie) and was popular for daytime into evening. The style itself was hugely popular and initially unexpected in short or longer lengths along with heels for the evening or red carpet events. It felt like a breath of fresh air because it arrived on the heels of the ’80s with all of its over the top designs. This was refreshing with its simplicity and almost bare reference to the human figure. It was liberating and embraced all body types allowing our individual forms to uniquely shine. With popularity, it spread into daytime accompanied by sweaters, blazers, and boots. At one point, usually, longer lengths were worn with Havaianas(flip flops) or even sneakers. So unexpected was this it almost felt uncomfortable to accept particularly for more traditional consumers or people used to style rules. For others, it was exciting and there was the ability to wear it for so many occasions and with your own spin. Simplicity became powerful much in the way shoulder pads did for the ’80s. The slip dress has since become a classic, even a staple in a feminine wardrobe.
I was listening to a “Smartless” podcast interviewing Darius Rucker. He began performing with his group Hootie and the Blowfish in the ’80s and a household name after David Letterman became a fan, airing them on his show. Throughout his upbringing, in the South, he had a strong desire to make music, enjoying all music genres but country music in particular. His band, however, did not share this interest so when the time came to go their separate ways, he took that as an opportunity to explore country music for himself. He approached many to support him in his endeavor, but as a black man, they didn’t anticipate success for him in the country music market. Charley Pride and his success still had not washed away that mindset/ barrier. Even though many had their doubts, Darius Rucker persisted … and well, the rest is history.
Sometime in December, I stumbled upon Hilary Clinton’s podcast(You and Me Both) interviewing Louise Penny, a Canadian writer whose most recent “All The Devils Are Here” book was discussed. They touched a bit on her life and how she came to her success. In her 30’s, she was feeling burnt out using her journalism degree covering Canadian politics, her husband suggested quitting and writing a novel. After 5 years of this unsuccessful pursuit and moving to a small town, she developed a friendship with a group of women. These women helped her become aware and conquer her fear of failure thus giving life to her very successful Chief Inspector Gamache Series. Louise Penny has a beautiful writing style, she builds suspense while engaging the reader to invest in her characters. They are rich with flaws and strengths navigating through the storyline giving a glimpse into a speck of light that shines on the good.
This weekend is Super Bowl Sunday and we have been planning a new recipe and menu for the day. I struggle making meat dishes as you know- I’m not a fan of the ‘handling or shopping for’ part of the process. We are tackling pulled pork. While we are trying to eat healthier, we will add greens and a nice bread to round out the meal. There is a discussion about a dessert to be made on the day. This Super Bowl I find exciting because I really like what I have heard about both quarterbacks. I still don’t follow football, I do however love the commercials and halftime...and of course food of the day. I also find it fascinating that Tom Brady not only paved the way for a different team this season but at an age that most have retired. He and his team have surpassed his previous team this season and made it to the pinnacle game of the year. Will the younger Patrick Mahomes outplay the experienced Tom Brady? This should be an exciting game. Another bit of mystery to enjoy.
Talk soon,
Forever Yours
Quote:
“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.”
Paul Coelho, The Alchemist
Brazilian lyricist and novelist
1947