The Trench Coat
Monday, September 14, 2020
Dear Marion,
The trench coat has always been intriguing for me and I think it may trace back to watching old movies with dad after dinner on a warm summer evening. I suppose I never really watched the whole movie but rather would catch scenes and one of the more significant memories was that of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca. He in his trench coat with the collar up and she longing for him with her mysterious gaze on the tarmac saying goodbye while the plane and her husband stood by in the distance. What could be more captivating than spies, WWII, fog, an exotic location, loyalty, lost love? I was young enough to be scared witnessing all of that in one scene but something about that trench coat and his raspy voice made me think this is something and I think I trust him.
The traditional Trench Coats are classic, reliable, practical, fitted, or loose and are most commonly khaki, cement, camel, but also in shades of navy, black, olive, and even a fashion color or texture of the moment. The image can conjure a range from boring to chic to stable and serious...a reporter, an accountant, banker, spy, suburban house wife, fashionista, Hollywood star. I have purchased more than a few since my childhood (I believe you were with me most of the time) both classic and unexpected.
In the 80’s, I fell in love with a trench fabricated in white parachute cloth filled with a thin down layer and purchased in an exotic shop in Soho. I was nervous to splurge but you convinced me it was worth it especially on my birthday. There were super serious shoulder pads complete with storm flap, belted waist, belted cuffs, deep pockets, and topped off with a mysteriously high collar. I felt empowered in that coat and wore it with an unapologetic animal print scarf...often!
In the 90’s, I fell for a traditional style trench with a twist...distressed red leather and a tartan plaid liner. I’ve since moved on to a few classic versions...all slightly different and in a multitude of neutral colors worn for different occasions dressed up with silk or wool scarves. Their main appeal to me has always been function. I can wear them during most of the year, stay dry or warm and feel good but most importantly myself. It’s funny I don’t remember you ever wearing a trench at any point while I was growing up. I think you thought them stodgy.
Periodically, I catch up with my friends from middle school(we called it junior high), whether it’s a girls dinner, a day at the beach, or a virtual party (sign of the times-COVID-19) and no matter how much time goes by we don’t miss a beat. I remember walking home from school in seventh grade and laughing and talking about anything and everything...sometimes sitting on the curb because we weren’t ready to say goodbye for the day. You would ask how my day was, what were we talking about on the curb and some of the time I couldn’t even recall. The feeling of joy I would remember but the exact conversation, not always.
In the Fall, these moments with you would unfold over your Apple Pie...not just any apple pie but specifically your version. Until I entered college I thought I loved apple pie, sadly for me it is unequivocally only your recipe. Your grand daughter and I just made one and it is pretty close to yours - delicious! The French Flaky Pie Crust is the perfect platform for the apples we picked recently. Your apple pie recipe has none of the “goo” added that so many bakeries use as a filler. Your side note to use 2 or 3 types of apples adds to the unique flavor.
Well, my friends and I no longer live in the same town, most likely we don’t all share the same ideas or politics and we don’t all have the same interests but it doesn’t matter. Whenever life throws us a curve, someone suggests dinner or the beach or some way to get together. One friend I met in second grade at church and a couple have joined the group through marriage so long ago I often forget we met in our 20’s long after the awkward stage of seventh grade. You taught me how important lasting friendships can be through the friendships you maintained. It’s a way of choosing a family that is there for you even when you don’t realize how much you need them. These beautiful women gently support me during the difficult times and equally celebrate the happier times. They remind me to laugh and don’t squirm when I cry.
At some point in my young years, surely an emotional moment, you passed on some advice that I know I have shared more than once. There is room for all kinds of friendships, try to accept and nourish the friendship without judgement and enjoy each moment. Thankfully this particular group of friends has been timeless, classic, reliable, comforting, and sometimes chic just like my favorite version of the trench coat.
Talk soon,
Forever Yours
Quote
“Women’s friendships are like a renewable source of power.”
Jane Fonda
American actress, Political activist, Author