I have been thinking a lot lately about my clothes and why I am drawn to wear some things more than others. There are some pieces of clothing in my wardrobe that are old favorites, some may be a hot new trend, or old things that I have repurposed or recycled. On any given day, though, my item of choice is usually a great hoodie.
A versatile sweatshirt is one of my essentials! My hoodies have to be able to handle my busy life as well as make me look and feel good. A great sweatshirt is sometimes like an old friend, always there for you when you need them and they’ve always ‘got your back’! I dont think there is an article of clothing that is more useful than a hoodie, here are a few of the ways I have used a favorite sweatshirt beyond the norm:
This new, wonderful Peacock hoodie from my buds at Soulflower is perfect! It is the most beautiful sky/sea blue color (I am calling it Santorini Sea Blue!) and the slightest bit of a burnout look, like it is already broken in and has been a favirote of yours for a while. The gorgeoulsy deatiled peacock design is lovingly hand drawn and printed on a fantastic blend of organic cotton and recycled soda bottles, right here in the USA! Soda bottles you ask?? Why YES! Those hideous, floating litter makers can be turned into beautiful fabric. Leave it to Soulflower to seek out and find this awesome stuff and turn it into a thing of absolute beauty! I am always noticing small details, so naturally, I love the cute braided tie string, and the small feather print on the front pocket.
So, whether you are hitting the beach, a picnic, the streets, or the hay, bring along this gem of a hoodie, I know you will love it. Wear it proud like a peacock and ruffle some feathers!
The last pic taken before my camera took a tumble! 🙂
In closing I would like to say that these photos were shot at the Arcata Marsh in Arcata, California. It is a wildlife sanctuary as well as an innovative waste water treatment facility, and is a great asset to our community. With over 300 protected acres of land and over 5 miles of walking trails, it benefits many people, animals and the Earth! More info here: arcatamarshfriends.org. A special big thank you to my 5 year-old son for being my go-to photographer and a sad RIP to my camera that took a tumble.
It is said that elephants never forget. Is this true? A better question may be: How would we know?? Did some perky pachyderm spill the beans one day? I don’t know, but that saying has stuck with me my whole life.
My love for elephants began early in life, my mom and I used to visit Packy (a longtime resident) at the Portland Zoo when I was young. I remember eating a slice of a giant sized cake on Packy’s birthday in the early 80’s.
Another great time was when my dad took me on a camping tour of Oregon when I was about 7. On that trip I had the opportunity, at a wildlife park, to take a ride on an elephant. Being that up-close with such a magnificent creature really touched me. Feeling its rough, dry skin and gazing into those big, soulful eyes…well, I fell in love right then. I have had an ever-growing collection of elephant things since then. Everyone knows I love them and I get many as gifts.
That trip and those times with my parents are some of the greatest memories of my life. To me that’s what “elephants never forget” means – it reminds me to never forget the special times in life. I hold on tight to remembrances of my past. I can taste my Grandma Rosie’s famous strawberry jam and can still feel the wind from riding with my Grandpa Jack in his ’64 Mustang convertible to the old country store for ice cream. Many long summer afternoons were spent with my cousins running around the hills of Astoria, building forts in the woods of my grandparents’ property, and hitting the arcade & beach in Seaside.
One summer I drove cross-country with my grandparents and met many of my distant relatives in the tiniest town of Birchtree, Missouri. I got to see the cabin my Grandfather was born in and the schoolhouse he attended. I remember how hot it was that summer and the endless hours of AM country radio as my Grandma sang along. Another great trip was when my family moved from Oregon to Michigan the summer I was twelve; many fun memories were made on that long drive, the best being when we took old-timey photos in Wyoming.
For me these memories are magical, a glimpse into the happiest and most carefree days of my life. They keep me focused on my family and remind me that the most important things surround me every day…my home, husband, children, family and community. Now that I’m a parent I am very aware that every day we are creating these same sacred memories for my children. Extraordinary moments in an ordinary day can be the most special times of all. I remind myself often that “elephants never forget” and neither will I. I keep my life and heart open to accept the gifts offered to us every day.
Wearing my wonderful clothes from Soul Flower keeps me in a positive, grounded state of mind and reminds me to live comfortably, naturally and with a conscience. These are the days that will stick with me forever. I choose to live with moxie and style and make the most of every day!
As the seasons are changing and the sun is warming the Earth, I encourage everyone to pause for a moment each day and appreciate the memories you are making. Share a moment with someone special – dance in the rain, splash in a puddle, take joy in the small moments in life and by all means, live like an elephant and Never Forget!
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.JPG "An Elephant Never Forgets")
.JPG "An Elephant Never Forgets")