Well, that day is finally upon us – Happy Christmas and Merry Hanukkah everyone! I know that this day can mean different things to different people. For me, this is time when I take a deep breath. Where I try to let go of any anger or potential drama and look ahead. Where Mr. Dressed and I take some time for ourselves, tear into presents with glee, and stuff ourselves silly to an endless loop of holiday music.
Did everyone feel that crazy tremor that went across the entire United States the other day, feeling as though it originated on the east coast of North Carolina? That, my friends, was the entire country sinking a bit as our shipping container docked! Yes, ladies and gentlemen, all of my vintage has made it safely across the sea!
One of the great things about NC that I’ve noticed is that there is green everywhere. I don’t know why I worried that moving back to the US would be like moving back to a bit more of an urban jungle. But there is lush foliage everywhere. The grass may have given up her fight, but I’m never short of a shrub or tree to remind me that not everything crumples under the weight of Jack Frost.
I’m loving that I can actually see my styling tendencies shift towards more autumnal and winter colors. Let it be known, however, that I will fight the wintery chill until the last breath is in my body, wearing my dresses until my legs freeze and my teeth start to chatter like a cartoon mouse. But, the colors of gold and orange, deep greens and purples, those I embrace with no trouble. Hello, winter. How lovely to see you again.
I haven’t officially started yet at my new University, but I’ve been made an Adjunct Professor and therefore have access to my new lab and office. I’ve also been taking advantage of getting here a bit early to learn the campus (a sense of direction jumped a generation in my family) and get to know my colleagues. Most members of my Department I met during my interview, but there are dozens of other faculty members from different Departments who I’ve had the chance to shake hands with. I usually greet them and we do the standard small talk. And after…
Well folks, it’s officially that time of year. No sooner had the Thanksgiving turkey been basted and the tryptophan haze lifted than my panic set in for Christmas. I realize it’s supposed to be a magical time of year, but we all know the truth: It’s a time full of stress and lists and (if we’re lucky) copious amounts of mulled wine.
Have you ever noticed how particular clothing items can evoke certain kinds of food? Like a cocktail dress and a perfect martini (that one’s a given). Or an ocean print dress and a clambake. And if this beautiful 1950’s dress from a newly discovered shop Sweet Life Vintage were a culinary delight, she would almost certainly be apple pie. Warm and sweet with just a little bit of tarty sass.
For some reason, I can’t get the “Goodbye” song out of my head. You know, the “Na na na-na…na na na-na…hey hey hey…goodbye!” Don’t you hate when you hear a whip of a song somewhere and find yourself singing it FOREVER? The only cure for it is usually to hunt down the song and play it in it’s entirety. Then, whatever it is in your soul that was craving that particular song is satisfied and will move on to other things.
I hope everyone who celebrates the day had an amazing Thanksgiving! Although it’s been a rough month, there is still a lot to be thankful for. We’ve had my family here for the week, which literally made my heart burst with joy. Granted we had no furniture in the house and had a bit of a picnic-style dinner, but I actually think that made it all the more special. And now we’re onto my next favorite pastime: Shopping for my favorite people.
I am a proud aunt to a precocious, brilliant 4-year old (you all met her when we dazzled audiences the world over in our matching dresses). Well, one of the best parts of my day is hands-down when my sister posts the things my niece Brynn says on FB (I’m trying to get her to start a Tumblr. It is hilarious). Bearing in mind that the kid is four, she comes out with some beauties. But there was always a part of me that wondered if she really said these things, or if my sister is just an amazing storyteller with a tendency…