Homecoming.

The picture I didn't get this weekend, but which I will always hold dear in my noggin, is the sight of my family on the platform, holding hands, as my train pulled into the Franklin Avenue station.

Juliet, glowing, more beautiful than ever.

Peter, tall and strong.

Forest, with that enormous smile that makes me smile right back.

Yesterday I had an email from Martha, who was also a winner in the BurdaStyle contest (that gorgeous beret!) and participant in this weekend's workshop, and she mentioned that she could tell I was homesick.  I hadn't really thought of it as homesick, but that's exactly what it was.  While I was having an amazing experience at the Alabama Chanin Weekend Workshop, I simply wanted to share it firsthand with those I love the most.  Now I know dwelling on it is a little crazy.  Maybe it's that I already get my alone-time all day, every day.  Maybe I'm realizing that Juliet could be leaving for college in only six more years. 

Put one foot in front of the other is the way to go.  Or, as Gretchen Rubin would say, act the way you want to feel.  I had the amazing good fortune to have dinner on Friday night with two other women from the workshop, and for whatever reason (anonymity? comfort? soul-searching?) we put it all out on the table:  this is who I am, this is my journey.  I took in as much from that conversation as I did from the entire rest of the weekend. 

Here's me, always struggling with the legitimacy of what I do for a living, always wishing I could skip the journey and reach the destination already (and stay there).  Anne reminded me that art is a form of nourishment.  Terry reminded me that my work can be a way to reinforce community.  (Oh, and it wasn't all about me.  Really.)  In a word, the weekend was significant.

I also knew going in that reflection would be essential for me to get the most out of the trip.  Remember the idea of the daily uniform?  I'm still thinking about a clothing system, and even moreso after this inspiration-soaked weekend.  I'm swamped with work, but itching to find a minute to start a little idea journal, my own personal One Hundred.  I've always wished I was one of those people who had the right thing in their closet for any given moment (although I'm hoping I don't actually need 100 different elements in my clothing system, that seems so American).  First two items on the list, from the photo above, Levi 545 jeans and my silver cuff, a hand-me-down from my mom's aunt.

Remember last week, all those thoughtful comments?  Keep them coming.  I'd really love to know:  what items would make your list? 

Comments

[chel]

This is going to sound ultra-lame, but pajamas are on my list. Big, old-fashioned men's pajama bottoms with a drawstring waist and fun prints (my current favorites are vintage drawings of birds) and a solid v-neck t-shirt on top. That's what I wear almost every day when I'm working because I make a huge mess and because I NEED to be comfortable. Plus, I'm home and no one sees me. I love my pajamas. I love shopping for them and picking them out and wearing them. I take pride in my pajamas :) I don't sleep in them, I just wear them during the day (at home).

My entire life I attended schools that had a rigid and uncomfortable dress code (collared shirts, skirts, belts, NO JEANS NOT EVER, tights, formal shoes) and the minute I hit college I was so relieved to be out of that rigid requirement system I just started wearing pajama pants and t-shirts/sweaters as often as I could get away with. No one thought twice about it, really, because we all looked pretty slobby all the time. Then I moved down here to Florida and all I wear are sundresses, t-shirts and comfy shorts, and my work uniform of pajamas. Last year I finally found a decent pair of jeans that I could tolerate wearing (if you don't grow up in jeans, I guess they just don't make sense for a long time... they feel like heavy, weird pants) and went ahead and placed a giant order with Lands Ends for the essentials so at least I look okay no matter what I randomly pull out of my drawer to wear. And I always buy full, knee-length skirts with pretty patterns and pretty sundresses- that's a weakness and an indulgence I allow myself.

Plus, it's always so darn hot here! We average in the high 80's and at least 70% humidity year round, so wearing anything but loose and comfy clothes means all day long you tug and pull and sweat and look as miserable as you feel. I think if I lived up north again I'd totally be back into big cotton sweaters and hats and scarves.

I know this is not helpful, but at 36, it's the honest truth about who I am. As much as I'd like to be stylish, it's just not happening.

[gisele hardock]

I agree, a handfull of really great pieces of clothing that fit really well would be so much better than a closet full of stuff you got at the mall and will only wear for a couple of months before it's out of style or falling apart. You've struck a chord here and got me thinking.

Sounds like you got a lot more than just a sewing project out of your sewing workshop weekend. Sounds hard to convey exactly what you're going through, but it cut to the core, didn't it?

[Melissa Gruber]

Oh Gina...what a great post! And your work/art/talent is amazing...and you should be proud of it! I LOVE it! But, I think you knew that already...you have a great gift.

What would make my list...oh, just a few items for J.Crew right now...oh, that store...it is so yummy, but oh, the prices are not. They are having a great sale right now...so if you like their stuff...check it out...tops for $14.99 that were $50.00!

[MelissaPete]

I love having a couple of pairs of really cute jeans. I'm not weatlhy, so you won't find Buckle or Lucky in my closet, but there are some boot cut Levi's or Calvin Klein stretch in my closet with adorable rear flattering pockets. Those, a couple of great t-shirts or tops and some kickin' comfy slip on sandals and I can look really dressed up when I'm actually slumin'. :D

[sharon stanley at farm and fru fru]

love the uniform idea! i tend to stick with jeans and varying tops and/or sweaters...and clogs, there must be clogs involved...or comfy boots, or flops. please do make some uniforms and i will get in line to buy them...tired of trying hard!