Boomers, Bellbottoms, & Bootcut

Dear John,

 

I've had a busy day off. I had finances, filing, and going-through-stuff to do. And I have a list of errands to do tomorrow, if I get off work in time, or Wednesday. My three animals have taken turns napping in my lap when I've been sitting down.

 

I found this on Pinterest today. It's part of a design website that was differentiating between classic mid-century modern, mod, and hippie design styles. I was curious and had to prowl through it. This was, obviously, and example of hippie style. I stared at it for a long time, and had to puzzle over my reaction to it. I'm so anal, so organized, and one of my favorite styles is Shaker. And I love this. I felt extremely warm and comforted by it. I felt safe and happy. I wanted to walk into it and sit down. Cross-legged and barefoot on the floor, or course.

 

So I went spelunking in the back of my head. It looks like every off-campus apartment I saw when we were in college. And that must be the source of my comfort. It means good friends and wonderful years. Life was safe and happy, and there was nothing to be afraid of. "We'd live the life we'd choose; we'd fight and never lose. Those were the days."

 

Well, I'm older now, and maybe a little bit wiser. But I wouldn't change a single minute of college. Except for dating Tom. That I'd like to change. But other than that, I wouldn't change a thing. And my love for this room is another reminder of my long-buried Bohemian streak. And yes, I'm still wearing bellbottoms (under the new name of bootcut, but still bellbottoms) and peasant tops, and little enough make-up to drive Kathy to despair. But this streak will continue to find its way out, and in ways that I don't expect.

 

And, like all Boomers, I'm self-absorbed and self-analytical. If I can't still sit on the front porch at a party discussing whether Tolstoy was right, I can have fond memories of it. And this room brings back a lot of good memories.

 

Adore you,

Joan.