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Unexpected. In the most wonderful way.
It has been a long time since I have enjoyed Halloween. As a child I enjoyed it immensely. Each year's costume was a creative creation of having fun, and my mother sparked the creative ideas that I happily said yes to. I can remember being a ghoul with wild and largely bizarre hairsprayed-and-glittered-to-the-hilt hair, a white oversized sheet and painted face during my sixth grade year. I loved that costume which is most likely
why I can remember it most vividly. But in my teens, twenties and even thirties that enthusiasm waned.
Most likely because there were sexual undertones of what a woman "should" dress up as. I never felt completely comfortable or at ease subscribing to this unspoken societal dictum. I stuck to my flapper girl attire which included many moveable fringes flailing about when I walked and a sequin-headband with an extremely large feather. I think I wore it for four years off and on in my late twenties and early thirties. It was
loose, comfortable, simple and fun. The allusion to a time period where women were set free so-to-speak as much as it was possible in the early twentieth century captured my attention as well. Perhaps I was trying to wear something that set me free from a cultural tradition I still had not figured out how to free myself from. While admittedly, in retrospect, I had not actually liberated myself by making this decision, it was a small step in the
right direction.
Last night, while typing away on today's This & That post, my doorbell rang about 10 times revealing trick-or-treaters with each "ding-dong" of the bell. Young and pre-teen children from the neighborhood along with their parents stopped by to trick-or-treat. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting my neighbors, some for the first time, on such a playful, celebratory occasion.
One young girl, about seven, was proudly dressed up as Hermione Granger (she corrected me after I attempted to too quickly ascertain that she was from Harry Potter, but I neglected to say "from"). I appreciated her help and delighted in her enthusiasm in dressing up as Hermione. Her parents as well beamed as she spoke, and I can only imagine the confidence that is already blossoming in
her life. Another neighbor with their young child, about four years old dressed in a lovely sheer blue Cinderella dress, stopped by, and introduced themselves and their son with warm smiles. I then introduced Oscar as he gladly greeted them and
quickly found the young boy's plastic pumpkin basket full of candy. :)
In that moment I realized that a young boy who was wearing exactly what he wanted to wear, even if it did not align with what society might expect, was giddily happy and over-the-moon to simply pet the small dog that was ingratiating itself with him in order to "borrow" some sweets. And all the while he, as well as his parents, were reminding me of a wonderful lesson that can
easily be lost when the flood of the world's expectations seems too heavy to push aside: It is when we are able to be who we innately are that we step into our most contented self. Others may not initially understand, but some will embrace and appreciate us for our courage but more importantly for exactly who we truly are, even if others still never can quite seem to step through the polished sheen/steel society has constructed to "keep us in our confined spot".
Some may question such "loose" acceptance of breaking of social norms, but the truth is, when we catch ourselves in such moments being taken aback, it is a reflection of our restricted way of thinking and therefore living, and has nothing to do with the person or situation in front of us. In that moment we have the opportunity to set ourselves free and discover the awesomeness about the world
and ourselves that we may have forgotten about, shoved aside or ignored.
While I may not dress up for future Halloween holidays (after all, staying home is immensely fun if last night was any indication). In fact, it is in my sartorial choices to work and in life that are an expression of my truest self regardless of what others wear, expect or like. I do know that in my life now when I dress, and more broadly, live for myself, that is where and when I
find my contentment. And it is from that place of contentment that I can give more honestly and sincerely to the world what I can uniquely give and what it needs me to share. The same I believe is true for each of us. The world needs your talents, and your most awesome gifts will be unlike what others have and are giving. May you find your contentment, revel in it and be an inspiration to others to do the same by simply being themselves.
In this week's newsletter, a favorite regular monthly post was shared full of 15 things that made me smile, and oh, how the end of the month was punctuated with many smiles. As well, The Simply Luxurious Kitchen wrapped up its second season this past Saturday, and again, I want to thank you for tuning in. In the coming months as you cook or bake the recipes, please do share
either on social media or via email, as I love to see how it has gone and share in the upcoming third season, either the Show Notes or on Instagram. Also, as we know, the holiday season is here, and this week's Outfit of the Week is in early preparation for soiree season. I just love the combination of a luxurious silk dress topped with an oversized cashmere sweater. The perfect combination of sophistication and comfort. So now, on to the newsletter!
Wishing you a wonderful weekend and first weekend at that of November! Until next Friday, I will see you on the blog. Bonne journée.
