Socks, Mullets and Mittens

Here are the deep thoughts I was having this morning, all involving fashion. Yes, that's right. I've been using precious brain time considering fashion. These are deep, deep thoughts people.

First of all, what is so bad about socks with sandals? Yes, I know you are supposed to make fun of people when they do that. I realize it is a major, major fashion mistake to pair socks with sandals. However, sometimes it would be the smart thing to do. For instance, you may start your day off in cool weather and those socks would be just what your little toesies needed. By mid-day, all you have to do when it gets hot outside, you just remove socks and once again, you are comfortable. It seems much more sensible than having to choose between packing extra shoes or being uncomfortable part of the day.

I have a confession. Once, when Mike & I were on vacation in St. Louis, I was wearing sandals all over town and I ended up with blisters. My sandals were the most comfortable choice for all the walking we were doing, so I wore socks with my sandals. Well, I reasoned that I knew no one there but Mike, and he wouldn't care. I'm not sure he would've even known that was a fashion no-no. Before leaving on that trip I sprayed on a tan and tried dying my hair red (for the St. Louis Cardinals). What does that have to do with this topic you ask? Well, the red in my hair dripped out whenever I got wet. The spray tan was smearing and streaky. I already looked pretty awful so who would notice a little pair of socks? Anyway, my feet were very happy from then on... so there!

Second, what is so bad about a mullet anyway? Could there be a more versatile hairstyle? It would really be ideal for someone like me. When my hair is long, I think I want short hair. When my hair is short, I want long hair. With a mullet, I'd always have my way! Also, in windy Wyoming, I could have the fun of feeling hair down my back (it is a wonderful feeling...sorry if you've never had that) without the front blowing all in my face. Just think about it before you judge someone wearing a mullet next time.

Of course, I'm only kidding about all of this... or am I?

And last, let's talk a bit more about the sock situation. I have a lot of nice socks, fun socks, really. A friend once gave me a pair of Betty Boop socks that featured a nurse holding a syringe and saying, "Bottoms up!" I once wore them when I went in for a colonoscopy. Get it? Bottoms up?  OK, let's move on. That wasn't really what I was thinking about.

Socks... knee socks in particular... This morning I wanted to wear these cool socks with my pants and my orange sweater.

But guess what? With my pant leg down, no one could have even seen the orange so they'd just be left wondering why I was wearing pink socks with my orange sweater. So, I was thinking... why can't adult women wear knee high socks with their dresses? I have lots of fun pairs of them and no one gets to enjoy them. I'm sure they'd be interesting conversation starters, don't you?

Also, after a winter of always looking for my gloves or mittens, I'm wondering why adults don't keep them on strings through their sleeves like we used to do for little kids? Sure, little kids might get caught on the strings and choke, but we're grown-ups. We could handle that, couldn't we?

So, there you have it. My deep thoughts are now your's as well. I'm wondering which of these fashion ideas you'd most like to see be made acceptable? Let's take a poll to find out. I've put the poll up on the side of my post. I've never done a poll before so I hope someone will play along. You have until tomorrow evening to let your voice be heard! Look up toward the top on the right hand side for the "ballot sheet".

Mixing It Up a Bit

I was rushing around, hurrying to get out the door and head to church.  I had set out two pairs of earrings earlier in the morning, undecided as to which pair I would be wearing.

Both pairs were actually made by my Grandma Rose.  She always wore dangling earrings and when I wear them, I like thinking of her.  She was so creative, always making things.  That is why our Etsy store, Wyoming Rose Boutique, was named after her.

Anyway...  just as I was leaving the bathroom I glanced in the mirror as I was tucking my hair behind my ears.  What I saw made me chuckle at myself.  I had picked up one earring from each pair.  Of course, I had to get my camera.  That seems pretty dumb but any blogger who tries to post daily knows that EVERYTHING seems like a potential post.  

There once was a time when I would not have even considered putting such a weird photo of myself on the fireplace mantel, much less on the internet.  Oh well, pride isn't always a good thing so maybe this is progress.  The point is, I was wearing a mismatched pair of earrings and I'd nearly headed off to church that way.  

A few minutes later, just before I pulled out of the driveway, I realized I still had NOT TAKEN OFF THE MISMATCHED PAIR! I was running late so I just took them out and headed on down the road.

THEN, I thought about a new fad I've seen many times now... mismatched but coordinating socks.  Have you seen that?  You can even buy a pair of mismatched socks!  Now, that is a fashion statement that seems kind of sensible to me.  We all lose socks, right? Well, now you can just pair up the left-over singles.  It is practical AND cool.


Well, I asked myself, "Why not?"  I put on the mismatched earrings and went on in to church.  I have to say, I did feel kind of cool all morning.  As far as I know, only one person even noticed but I'm hoping it will catch on.

Mike's Day

Today is Mike's Birthday!

Mike is a mysterious and complicated guy.  There are so many sides to him! 

 I will tell you about a few...

Many know him as their pastor.  Those people probably don't realize he is actually an introvert because in his pastor role, he pushes himself to be available to all.  He's a natural and easy speaker and a knowledgeable teacher, as well as a kind and caring spiritual advisor.

I like observing Mike as a brother.  I think he's pretty special to his sisters and I know he cares deeply for them.  He makes an effort to keep those relationships strong.

Mike, as a son, keeps his mother's life interesting!  He has long talks with her on the phone at least weekly.   When together, he keeps her on her toes, often teasing her mercilessly!  She loves it, of course.

I pat myself on the back for my choice of Mike as my children's father.  They are blessed to have him as their Dad and they know it.  They can rest certain in his steadfast love for them.  They value his opinion and enjoy his time with them.

Mike as a grandpa is where he has really come into his own.  Cordelia sees Grandpa as her destination for fun!  He's so patient and attentive to her.  They have hours of fun together!  Their bond is already so very strong.

Mike as a songwriter...many who know him have no idea how many songs he has written!  The man's head is full of songs and he is really very, very talented.  I still think he deserves to be discovered!

Mike as a husband, I will say that he is my best friend.  He's supportive and caring, funny and adventuresome.  We've traveled many unexpected roads during our time together and I am so grateful to have been side by side with him on this journey of life!  No one can make me laugh as he does!

No matter all the roles Mike has taken on over the years, this is how I still see him, the farm boy I married...

So, to my very complicated farm boy, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!  I'm really glad your time on this Earth coincided with mine.

P.S. Mike told me I didn't have permission to put his picture in my blog...   ooops!



Nonsense about Socks

I am hoping, through this blog to have days where my readers are provoked into exploring deep thoughts about fascinating topics.

Today is not one of those days.

 This is not one of those topics.

I just want to say that I really, really enjoy socks with some character.

It makes me happy to wear fun socks.

I feel financially secure when I have plenty of socks.  OK that may be stretching it a bit but I do appreciate that I don't have to apply for a loan to get a new pair of socks.

Oddly, we have a cat that also loves socks.  Meet Mindy, a.k.a Hoot Hoot, a.k.a. Momma Huggums, a.k.a Bunny Coat... Sam and Mike both think they are good at giving nicknames.

You'll likely never see Mindy if you come visit us.  She is very paranoid of any new face.  She goes to great extremes to avoid being spotted.  When strangers are in our house (she still considers Maria and Eric strangers!) she spends most of her time hidden above the shower in our basement laundry room.  The ceiling is unfinished and she pretty much scales the wall to get up there.

Anyway, Hoot Hoot comes out to play when we are out of the house.  One of the things she loves to do is steal socks!  I believe she gets on top of my dresser and leans over, hooks her paw through the loop style drawer handle and manages to pull it open a bit.  She then works to pull out the bundled up pairs of socks.  I later find them ALL OVER the house!  It is a little annoying to have to hunt down my socks but I understand her love of them so I don't get too upset.  In fact, it makes me think maybe she is a bit of a kindred spirit.