Desert Magnolia

For the Mexico trip? I decided to buy a new suit. Ahem. It's red. And it's a bikini. And it's stringy. I am...fairly fit, but made curvy. I am confident and most days it takes a lot to make me blush. The path to this suit is one I thought you might appreciate, since my very good friend, confidant and fashion adviser JL is part of it. A paraphrased conversation between JL and me, earlier this week: Me: What is your position on the whole women of a certain age wearing bikinis? JL: I wish we had a more European view of things and just did what's appropriate for an occasion instead of getting caught up in the whole age thing. Me: I agree. I'm thinking of getting a string bikini for this Mexico trip, and I think I just needed to hear that it's really ok..to do whatever I'm comfortable doing..but not do something because someone says when you reach a certain age you stop wearing bikinis, you know? JL: Yep. I think you should do what feels right, the...

Our trip to Ft. Lauderdale for a business event was a resounding success on many levels. My colleague KG and I worked hard, discovered an even greater tolerance in ourselves than we'd documented before for really nice, well-meaning practitioners in the industry who simply don't track very well, and generally made the best of a business trip involving a full day of travel on both ends. That's a little rugged, but we did fine. Except yesterday the head cold I'd been holding off for the entire five days and general angst set in big time, so I was pretty much down for the count. But I'm back, and feeling mostly human again... Anyway, KG and I were at dinner one night, sipping a deep red wine and enjoying some decent food, when we forayed into a conversation about relationships, and how interesting and funny they can be, particularly after a long time with someone. At some point, inevitably I suppose, we got to the 'silly conversations we've had with our m...

The day after tomorrow, I'm outta here! Of course, in spite of having waaaaaay too many shoes (if you ask Hubby), I decided I needed to update my collection for this trip, and picked up these (yes I know they're basics, that's the point): My very favorite Bandolinos ever... Technically, these are replacing my Nine West pumps of the same look/feel, but which have many many miles on them and are ready to retire to the place where well worn pumps go to rest. I also found a really cute platformy Aerosole sandals, in patent black, with a retro look and feel..they're a sling back with a peep toe..super cute, and if I could find a photo of them I'd show you but I don't have one and don't have more time to devote to finding one. Anyway, I woke up. Early. Like 3 a.m. early, going over my packing list. I've already created my outfit list, appended with my misc. extra stuff list (note to self, take an umbrella and Hubby's cool rain jacket he wor...

Do you ever wonder just how many identities you have inside at any given point? I don't. I've simply stopped counting. While life is never dull when you're me, it's always fun when one of the identities flexes its muscles and demands more time. For me, right now, that persona requires heels, tight skirts, lipstick, and whatever chic can come of that. Don't judge me. And please don't pull the dime store psych analysis routine that renders the 'ah, she's simply compensating with her apparel because she's feeling out of control with life right now, what with all the turmoil that's happening' conclusion. Because while there may be merit to that analysis, I really like wearing heels and skirts and lipstick, and maybe it's time I did that on a more regular basis.