Frazzle Dazzle

Let's start today's post off with a little "funny". My friend Kim e-mailed this to me earlier today, and I got a kick out of it. They joke about children's spelling, but who knows... these days the kid could've been really serious and meant what he said. ;)

Make sure to proofread your children's homework!
(click to enlarge if needed)

I began thinking today about how we as a society have all relaxed so much as far as taking care of ourselves, and dressing appropriately and gracefully... most of us rarely, if ever, make ourselves truly "presentable" when we go out.

When my Mother was growing up... things were just different. Jeans were what you wore when you went to chop cotton, and for the field only. This is the school she still subscribes to even now. After all she has been through, and how old she is, my Mother will never leave the house unless she is fully dressed with make-up on, looking picture perfect (in my book).

It's sad nowadays to see most people out in stores with curlers in hair, ratty clothing, and sometimes even house slippers on. When did it become socially graceful to shop in our underwear? Or even before spring has a chance to bloom, people are out half naked, and can't wait to go out whoring around and show it all. Doesn't anybody have any dignity anymore? In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with dressing sexy, but I think it can be done in such a way to strike intrigue and mystery, and be carried with true sexiness and class... not just plain trash. I bet most men would buckle faster at a really sexy dress and some classic high-heeled shoes than some too-tight, ripped up or worn out shorts and sandals and a halter top.

Of course, I myself am equally guilty of jumping out of bed and getting ready frantically, throwing on my running clothes and tennis shoes and going to the store... I do sometimes, but I really don't like it. I should take more time, and look my best all the time... really.

I know this might go under the concept of "Vanity" or something, but I think it is very nice for people to care how they present themselves. Thinking back to the old days, really for me more depicted in movies and television programs. Women wore sexy suits and gorgeous shoes, and had their hair done regularly, and maybe even hats and gloves when appropriate. Some of the fashion icons of the day, such as Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, Bridget Bardot, Audrey Hepburn, and others had classic looks that made them icons.

Just take a look at some of the "Looks" (some of these faces you may know)...



Sometimes I imagine how it would be to really have lived in other time periods and eras, even back in Victorian times when getting dressed took hours and helpers! It seems like it would be so much more interesting and magical. Being a woman has always been way more of an operation than most men, but still, we as a society have become lazy, lax and unappreciative of things. As well, we couldn't live simply or survive a depression... not like my parents did. It has just become a "don't-give-a-shit society". Quite sad.

In other news, today in Forbes magazine, Memphis was named the 2nd most miserable city. We can really boast about that, eh? I have noticed for a while now that we've had many overnight shootings... crime, rage, idiots, and just plain assholes are a big factor. Maybe it wouldn't be so miserable if people put a little spring in their step, and carried themselves more gracefully and positively.

Oh well, maybe next year we'll score #1.