Social Atmosphere
It’s Spring 1999, and a bunch of twelfth-grade girls are congregated in the hallways after class. Carolyn starts to walk down the hallway while the rest of the girls remain.
One girl says “Carolyn, we’re all going to hang out at Sherway. Where are you going?” Carolyn turns to respond, but just as she opens her mouth… another girl exclaims “Carolyn would rather be alone!”
Carolyn smiles, and continues on her way.
//
True story. It came to mind following a session with my counselor where we discussed how “sensitive” I am to the people around me.
I find counseling sessions interesting because we bring to light my unspoken assumptions and force me to critically look at them. I find the sessions to be a nuisance when we highlight seemingly meaningless truisms about my personality. I am sensitive to the dynamics of the relationships that I hold with people. So? I know that. So what now?
I’ve always known what social situations made me feel comfortable, and which didn’t. I don’t think there are general classifications of what I enjoy. I suppose it depends on what I’m looking to get out of the investment of time, whether it be catching up with an old friend, getting to know a new friend, or just be silly and have fun.
So yes, I am sensitive to the dynamics of my relationships with people. I pay close attention, and am conscientious about how I proceed with anyone… It matters to me that the people around me are comfortable, and it is absolutely paramount to me that I am comfortable. As a consequence, I am always careful to put together the right ‘recipe’ for each of my events: the right people, place, and time can sometimes result in something spectacular!
Leathercraft Process of America
Back in what I surmise was the Fall of 2003, I purchased a maroon vintage leather trench from Brava on Queen St. (before they stopped being an awesome store for vintage items).
I was conditioning the leather today. I was curious and thought I’d Google the information on the label:
This is what I learned: “the leathercraft business moved to NJ many years ago and was sold just a few years ago. The new owners have nothing to do with the original business and are fairly new to the leather cleaning side of the business. One of the original owners son, that was trained in the leather industry by his father for 20 years has his own leather cleaners in Cranford, NJ. He does all the work himself on premise and is very meticulous with everything!!!”
I enjoy hunting down vintage clothing. There’s charm in finding something precious amidst piles of used items. Knowing that the items have a history gives them so much character. There’s also excitement and mystery in investigating where it came from.
Here are some pictures of the coat:
