Gingham

Friday-June 4, 2021

Dear Marion,

  It is the season for gingham- that iconic fabric using a color with white pattern that can be found both in clothing and home goods. Picnic tables covered in that red and white or navy and white check pattern that brings friends and families together outdoors to create memories filled with corn on the cob, hamburgers and hot dogs, strawberries and bing cherries, and Ice-eee drinks to name a few. You could wear and use gingham anytime but I really desire it in the Spring and Summer. It just feels right. Gingham as I have heard was originally designed as a muslin type of fabric in France and eventually first made in mills in England many moons ago. We have seen gingham grow to be used in a high-end capacity as well as everyday use in plastic tablecloths. It makes a statement and often conjures up pleasant, carefree memories but what I love about it the most is that it can be seen in many colors and used in unexpected styles, and still appeal to many different personalities. The common thread is the size of the pattern and that it is even squared, and lastly one color chosen to be crossed with white. Red, navy, light blue, turquoise, purple, pink, yellow, tan, black, all the colors of the rainbow - choose one and cross it with white.

  In the 1960s, the French iconic actress and activist Brigitte Bardot wore a pink and white gingham fabric as her chosen wedding gown. Some of my favorite blouses and shirts have been gingham. I even remember a super cute gingham bikini. When your granddaughter was small she had some really charming warm-weather dresses in a multitude of gingham colors. Depending on the style a micro, small, or average size pattern works with a particular chosen style. Your grandson wore gingham when he was younger and men often wear gingham to work, a wedding, or special occasion and can look casual or dressy depending on the mix. A person can appear casual, preppy, quirky, dashing, pretty, and even sexy depending on the way they are styling themselves and of course, the garment they choose. It’s refreshing.

  Recently, I wore one of my gingham shirts with a pair of denim jeans slightly fitted with a flair and cut at the hem on our first trip via the airport. It was strange to see and experience how much travel has changed since the pandemic began. We joked that our trip to New Orleans was merely an eyedropper of exposure to this incredibly dynamic city as we were there for less than 24 hours. This was the first time for your grandchildren but since we had been there before we tried to think what was the best way to give a positive experience (in such a short time) to such a vast and unique community and city. The ‘fleur de lis’ pattern/iconic French symbol can be found everywhere and your grandson’s first thought was can they be sued by the football team the New Orleans Saints? It struck me that through my education and career I had been familiar with that symbol and used it within design patterns. It never occurred to me he wouldn’t realize that it was iconic apart from a sports team that he followed. 

  We listened to local traditional music as we drove so that we would all feel the vibe, we walked along the streets before the crowds descended and then drove slowly around the French Quarter before seeing some of the neighborhoods and local schools. As we arrived after dark, numerous locals suggested we avoid the French quarter until daylight. The absence of police recently has led to more crime and become a safety issue, particularly for tourists. Keeping that in mind, we decided on a quick drive-by and an early evening so that we would be fresh for the next day. We listened to local traditional music as we drove so that we would all feel the vibe the whole time we were in New Orleans. We walked along the River Walk, drove around The French Quarter before seeing some of the neighborhoods and local schools. One of our first stops was at the request of your granddaughter. She had heard so much about the beignet and wanted to experience it first hand. The  Cafe du Monde was the first place that came to my mind and apparently to many others too. It was literally a one-hour standing on line wait and of course, meant the boys would sit this experience out while we took photos and enjoyed the people watching aspect. I think it was worth the wait and judging by the smile Emblazoned on your granddaughter, she happily checked off these moments on her bucket list. Hopefully, there will be another trip to more fully take in the music, rich history, delicious food, and friendly community that New Orleans has to offer.

  New Orleans has a rich history in the creative arts and initially for most people when asked what comes to mind when thinking about New Orleans it would be music. The food and creative chefs have had a part in bringing tourists and locals out for a unique and tasty experience. The community was hit hard by Katrina and the fact that the city itself lays below sea level. My first trip was before that city-changing storm and we spent time taking many walks and a few guided tours but what captured my awe was the cemetery with its dead in coffins above ground. On this trip, we all saw dynamic murals and impactful graffiti throughout our quick adventure, but what caught my eye was the one-of-a-kind painted coffins/caskets we stumbled upon in different locations. I have witnessed in various movies, on the news, and once in person the traditional New Orleans funeral. It is beautiful with the musicians artfully expressing their feeling for life through their instruments and making music. The mourners followed behind while allowing themselves to feel the grief and embrace the celebration of the life that had been shared. Some of these traditions were brought here by slaves taken from Africa. Through the music and dancing, the parade of mourners was paving the way and release of the mourned soul to freely move(escaping the chains of slavery) and find their path to heaven.

  We drove to the airport all chatting about what was our favorite moment and that we hoped to make it back for at least a long weekend sometime soon. It was interesting to compare what they thought New Orleans would be compared to the less than 24-hour stay. As a fond reminder of the Beignet(doughnut) and the joy of tasting for the first time, we decided to make a frozen hot chocolate. We are not coffee drinkers and it is oh so hot, so the new recipe we found for Frozen Hot Chocolate seemed a nice way to celebrate the fortunate moments we enjoyed in the unique and friendly city of New Orleans.

Talk soon,

Forever Yours

Quote:

“Seems to me it ain’t the world that’s so bad but what we’re doing to it, and all I’m saying is: see what a wonderful world it would be if only we’d give it a chance. 

Love, baby- love.

That’s the secret.

Louis Armstrong

American trumpeter and vocalist

1901-1971