Living in the... future?

As you all know, simply from reading this blog, I like to live in the past. I'll do most anything to reject the current time we live in and conditions we live under. Was the past a romantic time? No. It has been idealized so, but it was harder to live in the past than it is to live in the current society, I'm sure. The number one thing I love about the 1940s and 50s is the sense of community that you can feel when listening to the music and radio broadcasts, and see when you look at pictures and posters. These were people who would stand up for their neighbor because they had the means. I commonly wonder how different it would be had I been living in this same exact dorm when it was first built. Would I know the people across the hall better? I believe I would. In a time where individualism is at a high point, we've completely disregarded the very important factor of community in our everyday lives.

I find myself asking these questions because of a class I've been in for a little over a week no. No, I'm not taking psychology or sociology. The class is actually Fashion Forecasting. In the class, we are asked to live in the future by forecasting trends for the upcoming seasons. I have a hard time doing this because of my desire to not be an active player in the current times. Economic instability, rules and regulations on just about everything, and the forgotten phrase of "Love thy neighbor" have made it a harsh world to live in. We think we're so modern, so evolved, that we reign supreme over all. But I ask you this: What would happen if our phones, iphones, kindles, ipods, ipads, laptops, flat screens, blu-rays, wiis, ps3s, super fast wireless internet, and all other devices and systems that offer the instant gratifications our 24/7 culture desires, disappeared? We have become so used to the "one click" way of receiving everything. Our culture is insatiable when it comes to getting the newest, fastest, and shiniest gizmo.

Now, I have another class, and it might seem a little unconventional for me to be getting such an opposite impression from such a class, but just trust me here. I'm in a beginner's swing dancing class. I bring this up because no matter how awkward it can be while trying to dance with someone I've never met before, there is some part of me that loves how no one has their phones out. I love that everyone is focused on their partner (or the instructor) and trying to make the most of that highly unused organ filling their cranium. Even when I've been dancing with the worst partner for the last few minutes, I can put it aside, laugh, and say, "We almost got it! Thank you for the dance." when partners change. To get a sincere smile and, "Thank you" back is a much better feeling than a confirmation e-mail thanking me for my interest/order/feedback, etc.

So in this day and age, when we talk to automated voices more than real ones and search a computer database online rather than asking a librarian, is there any hope for my utmost wish to return to real interpersonal communication? Even I would have to get used to it and learn to appreciate it, but it would add such a value to interactions that is no longer seen in the technologically stuffed world.

Encounters of a stylish kind

Now, I did try to summarize my break in the last post, but I thought that this little experience deserved a post of its own. It's not very frequently that I see anyone dressed in a similar fashion, but this is exactly what happened on December 30th. Let's cut me just a teensy weensy bit of slack when I post the link to my picture and focus on the amazing experience.

I was in Fred Meyer's, back in my hometown. Why, you ask? Well, I obtained the most gorgeous cut glass punchbowl for Christmas and just had to make a punch for New Year's Eve. Since I was trying to waste some time after finding my ginger ale, I perused the after-Christmas CD sale (and scored some Perry Como I had been looking for) and meticulously picked out gum. While roaming through small appliances, I bumped into a woman who was dressed! No, my town does not have a large nudist society, I simply mean that in front of me was a woman who had taken the time to look clean, crisp, presentable, and ladylike.

After a quick "So sorry" we parted ways - until she flagged me down between furniture and area rugs. She introduced herself as Danielle and even gave me her card (ladylike and professional!) while explaining she was a clothing designer and blogger. After sharing our oddly similar childhoods, both of us having lived on South Pacific military bases when we were young, she asked to take my picture for her blog. I was flattered, but secretly wished I hadn't put myself together in 20 minutes before going to town. Anyhow, true to her word, Danielle posted my picture on her blog, http://danielleceleste.tumblr.com/, and you're all welcome to check it out. She also has a twitter and sells her designs on etsy, which I believe her blog can link you to.

Overall, this quick exchange really reinforced my belief that I'm not completely insane in hoping that the concept of dressing will see a recurrence in the near future!

My Wintery Break

I can't describe in the detail I would like to just how wonderful little winter hiatus I have taken from blogging has been. Since being up at school this year, I haven't gotten to spend much time with my family. My Halloween weekend flew by and Thanksgiving weekend also seemed to end before it began. Winter break, however, has been just magical.

As I type this, it's the first morning of 2011, and the property is a winter wonderland complete with chirping birds, scampering squirrels, and even some blue sky. The fire is crackling the woodstove, and I have only completed taking down 50% of the Christmas decorations I lovingly finished putting up only two weeks ago.

Christmas morning was a whirl of paper and ribbons and mountains of boxes which ended up daunting the tree. My little corner of presents (in the bottom right of the picture) was wrapped in white paper with different wired ribbons tied in bows. They were sure different, but not too out of place in the group. Family aplenty gathered together along with an abundance of savory food and drink. Even though the youngest in our group is 18, all of our eyes grew as wide as that of a 5-year-old when we saw just how many presents there were.

New Year's Eve was just as merry if not more so. Our numbers balooned up to 19 for the big night as friends joined in the celebration. I was overjoyed at the prospect of using my new cut glass punchbowl and glasses, personally. Wine, beer, and numerous other spirits flowed freely while we all enjoyed New York strip steak with baked potatoes and salad. Once the snow started falling, everyone under 25 began acting like 8-year-olds again. Fireworks, champange, and cries (and texts) of "Happy 2011!" capped off the night.

I feel so lucky to have such a happy, rowdy, and somewhat vulgar family! The love that surrounds this house and family, especially during the holidays, is astonishing. We have no family grudges or rivalries, and none of those funny uncles or annoying cousins you have to try to avoid. Our grandparents don't pinch cheeks and tell you how much you've grown, but we do get the occasional story of how things used to be when they were young. Even if you're not part of the family, we'll make you one of our own before the blink of an eye.

I'll be driving back to school tomorrow to start winter term and hope that everyone who is traveling or has yet to travel will be safe and patient. The highway sure is going to test my patience tomorrow!