Sunday, June 26, 2011

She Wore A Dress!

Curious about the title? Yes/No? I'll get to that.

My father-in-law turned 80 last week and they had a big bash yesterday at his home to celebrate, including all their musician friends (and families) and their various musical instruments. Bob, the birthday boy, plays trombone in our local symphony, and is a member of a tuba quartet that is well known in these parts. The live music was loud, constant and varied. There was even an accordion player who played a polka and one couple couldn't help but dance. It was an unusually warm day for the coast but we try not to complain about nice weather especially for a party that was held primarily outdoors. It was difficult to talk sitting in front of the horn section but when I looked at Bob, he was smiling and looking around at everyone. I knew he was having a good time.

Now, I spent the last few days figuring out what everyone was going to wear to this party. My daughter, Carmen, is not usually inclined to wear a dress but I was planning to wear one myself so I thought I would just suggest that she try on the dresses she had in her closet to see if they still fit. She agreed without any fuss, even seemed a bit eager. I hid my inner joy. We put together an outfit for her with a pink t-shirt, a brown print sundress and leggings (to keep her legs warm). The sundress needed the t-shirt because it seldom gets warm enough here to go sleeveless, at least for Carmen and me. Anyway, she really liked her outfit and looked so cute in it. Now for shoes. Oops. She had outgrown her nice flats. Out we went to find shoes that fit and went with the dress. She is at a funny size right now, not yet in adults sizes but too big for little girl shoes. After trying on about 20 pairs of shoes (all on clearance, thankfully) we found some that fit her perfectly and she loved. Then we found some pink sparkly socks when she also loved. We were both very happy!

It all brought me right back to being a young girl, getting ready for an event and having to run out at the last minute to find something needed to complete an outfit (usually shoes!) It was almost surreal. One of those Mom moments, you know?

After the party, Carmen didn't want to change into play clothes and that was fine with me. I thought it was so cool that she was enjoying wearing a dress. Why is this so important to me? Because my daughter spends her day with older brothers and is a sweat shirt/sweat pants person, usually. Seeing her in a dress and liking it was fun and special. I want her to enjoy the fun of being feminine, like I do, and that doesn't always mean ruffles and bows. It means feeling good in what you are wearing and how you look. Nothing wrong with looking nice, considering how I see a lot of people dress these days.

So, perhaps there will be more dresses in Carmen's future, worn without complaint or pouting (as in the past). My little girl is growing up.

Monday, June 13, 2011



Call this "Kate In Summer". Irish blood runs thick in my veins, which means lots of reddish blonde. I'll gradually go darker but for now, this is me. Photo courtesy of Todd. And, yes, Cristina, I am having more fun. I dare you to try it!

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Don't Laugh

I've gone blonde.

And it's weird.

I had been thinking that I wanted to go a little lighter for the summer, you know, a bit of a change. And it is a change, no doubt about that.

At the risk of blaming my husband, it was actually his idea. And he loves it. My kids all have mixed reactions. I'm still not sure. But there's not much I can do about it right now. It's only been a few days. We'll tone it down the next time we color it (Todd does this for me, bless him.) I think I've processed my hair enough for the time being. Let it rest.

If I'm feeling brave, I'll post a photo (if anyone actually cares, that is!) If anyone asks, I've decided to say that I've gone back to my natural color. I won't mention that this was my natural color when I was 16 years old.

Like I said, it's weird.

Other than that, we've just been busy. School throughout the month of June and then our summer break. The kids want to be done but we started a month late last year. Besides, with all the rainy weather we're having, staying indoors isn't so bad. Most of the time. Especially when I'm still a bit shy about my hair. Not looking forward to my mother-in-law's comments, we'll be seeing her in a few weeks. I'll just smile and change the subject. I'll bet my father-in-law will like it, though.