Friday, October 14, 2011

Moo-Moo's and Patio Dresses

Today I am thinking of my upcoming 50th Birthday, and somehow that deviated to Moo-Moo's and Patio Dresses. This amuses my addled brain because when I thought of turning 50, I quickly found myself immersed in a daydream (or was it a fantasy?). I just thought it might be fun to share this with you. There is a group of people here, all summoned to celebrate my half a century milestone (unbeknownst to me)...they are wearing Moo-Moo's and patio dresses with big straw hats. The men are wearing tourist shirts, and shorts with dark socks and sandals. We are eating fondue and getting ready to play limbo...it sounds like a retro Luau more than a birthday celebration in this millennium.

WHERE may I ask did this insanity come from? I can't recall a single party where the attire was so amazingly fashionable, even in my childhood! Nevertheless, I found the idea strangely comforting, and fascinating. [Yes-I used both those words together. It is not as outlandish as you think.] Then a deep longing overwhelmed me for all the friends I have made and kept and lost over the last 40 years. Some I have made and lost in the last 2 years, either by circumstance or just losing touch, or whatever. (I will leave that to speculation). I wondered what it would be like to have all these people together at once and what would that be like? Probably very much like a class reunion. Hmmmmmm. That may or may not be a great way to spend a birthday.

Then, I began to muse about simpler times, when people had a "sense of place." When communities were active and pulled together to celebrate, to grieve, to rejoice, to work, to dream, to worship, to play, to sing, to dance...well, you get the picture. Now, to have that in a community you have to have been there your whole life, or at least know someone who was. Even then, you still have to be "accepted" as part of the community. I think that is the dream..I mean about the patio dresses. I know this blog is title "Me and my Blue Suede Shoes", but I think I may have to find a really awesome Moo-Moo or Patio Dress, and just relive the comfort of that daydream on my birthday, and try to embrace the new era over the 50+ crowd, with all the benefits. Who else can get away with wearing such outlandish, unflattering attire? Besides, it would probably be very charming with my Blue Suede Shoes.

Monday, October 10, 2011

What to Do with my Blue Suede Shoes?

If I wear these I am exactly 6'3". In some instances, that is intimidating. I have several shoes with heels this high. I am 5'10". The problem is, I rarely wear them. I am wondering why. I mean, other than the obvious...which is comfort. Not that a silly thing like comfort would stop me from wearing a pair of crazy fabulous high heels, but I think you have to have somewhere to go in a pair of shoes like these.
So, exactly WHERE do you wear Blue Suede Shoes on steroids? Weeeellllll, I am so glad you asked! You didn't? Oh well...for the sake of something to ramble on about, Let's explore this together. Let me take you on a typical day with me. On a good day, I get up before 7, and go to the gym. Though I have to admit...good days are few and far between..but just to be positive, let's say it is so. How do you think these will work for a work-out? Exactly. Now, after a shower, and a check-in on FB, which incidentally, is a perfect opportunity to wear them, and maybe post a pic of them, I grab a quick bite, run out the door and do errands. This may include such things as Wal Mart, or Fresh Market, or Destin Commons...or the beach. OK. Now the only one of those activities suited for high heeled blue suede shoes is Fresh Market, though I am strangely conspicuous there, towering above the tallest men. I can tell you are getting my point. I have black, gold, silver, brown suede, brown leather, tan leather sandals, etc, etc, etc...that get as little time on the floor as these. However, these once were worn by a schizophrenic who thought she was a fairy godmother. Yeah. That was the most wear they got since come "out of the box". SO, here lies the problem; the places I go don't match the clothes/shoes I buy. My closet should be stuffed full of tennis shoes, flats, flip-flops and sandals, along with gym clothes, loose skirts, shorts and jeans. Instead, it is full of dresses, pants, skirts, jewelry, etc. How could one become so mismatched in body and soul? I have decided that somehow I must bring this all together, in some creative genius. This genius is called my daughter.
Let's put her to the test, with her styling capabilities! I will report to you when we have 'discovered" how to reconcile this problem. Complete with a short photo-journal of her work. Until them, "Don't Step on My Blue Suede Shoes" !!