Mirror
Image
March 17, 2008
His red tank top partially
covered the sweaty brown body hair curling on his back. He wore beltless jean shorts and brown
leather sandals. His wife's white
t-shirt carelessly hung over her navy shorts.
Her sandals were white. They sat
before me dressed for a day at the beach.
We were not at the beach. We were
in church.
A trip to an
airport recently proved that, as my husband would often say, some people's
homes seem to be a mirror deprived. I
stood in the line with a young woman wearing her flannel pajama bottoms, which
I noted seems to be quite common wearing apparel. Her companion had on baggy sweats and dirty white
tennis shoes. Total comfort seems to
override good taste. Dress has a moral
effect upon the conduct of mankind. It
is the table of your contents.
Several years ago
I prepared to attend my granddaughter's graduation from medical school. I carefully selected an appropriate dress and
shoes for this special occasion. Not to
worry. The ladies in front of me wore
jeans. Ultra casual dress seems to be
the common rule.
While working in
a doctor's office some time ago, I was impressed with an elderly woman who came
for her appointment accompanied by her daughter. It was obvious that the mother had taken
great care to wear one of her better dresses and stockings. She completed her outfit with a matching
little hat. She probably dressed with
just as much care even going to the grocery store. It was proper to her.
I have read that
dressing is an art, a means of self-expression.
It is a reflection of the respect you have for your body. A simple necklace gives the impression that a
person cares. When one is neatly
dressed, self-confidence seems to be boosted and good behavior follows
naturally.
Fetch me a
mirror.
Joanne Murray is my cousin. She sent me a book her son made
for her 75th Birthday. It contained essays that Joanne had written.
In the interest of bias, I am definitely biased so let's get that out of the
way. But once you and I get passed my bias you come to realize as I have
that these essays are something very special especially to her family and THAT
IS THE POINT. As I read them the one of many thoughts that crept into my
mind was "why haven't I been doing this?" Why indeed!
These are thoughts of a daughter, a granddaughter, a mother, a wife, a cousin
(like in my case), an aunt etc. Most who will read these essays have that
in common with Joanne. There are people you know who might enjoy knowing
what you think and what experiences you have been exposed to. Wouldn't it
be nice if you let them know by writing them down as my cousin Joanne has
done. It's never too late to get started. I will be posting them
here about one a week and do so with Joanne's permission. Hope you keep
coming back. Leave your comments below. Jim
"Gymbeaux" Brown
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