Saturday, February 04, 2006

The Hat


I first saw it on a quick run-through trip to my neighborhood Walmart. That oxy-moron should have been the first clue. There is no such thing for me as a quick run-through Walmart.

But, that no longer matters.

What matters is, I saw it, I loved it, I bought it, thrilled at the bargain price.

And since then this soft white, angora Gilligan-type hat has turned into a matter of contradiction for me on so many levels.

From the moment I put it on, I felt fun, sporty, and (okay, I’ll admit it) cute. The one thing I did not feel was fifty years old (but that’s another blog).

Since that moment in time, I’ve had confirmation (“Oh, you look so cute in that hat!”) to confrontation (“I can’t hear what you’re saying. I’m too focused on that white fuzzy thing on your head.”). One person told me, “It makes you look young.” Another said it made me look like an 80 year old person of color.

One of my loving daughters put it this way: “It makes your face look fatter.”

BTW, she’s out of the will.

Even my very own Pastor Steve has expressed repulsion nearly on the same scale as his aversion to country music.

I’m toying with the idea of buying a hat just like mine for his wife.

The crux of the matter is this: I love my hat. When pressure is stressing me, I can reach up and touch the soft fuzz and be instantly transported to my happy place. One would think that is a good thing for everyone involved.

Alas, no.

I love my hat but my loved ones do not. What’s an anal retentive, compulsive people-pleasing codependent to do?

Well, I’ve decided this is where I draw my line in the sand (sand, of course, since if I make a mistake, I can always rub it out).

I love my hat. I will wear my hat. I will enjoy my hat.

Besides, Punxsutawney Phil has said there’s only six more weeks of winter. In Arizona time, that’s only four more days. I think I can last that long.

Maybe.

Abundant blessings!

Jenny

10 comments:

Malia Spencer said...

Wear the hat Jenny! It's cute and fun, we won't say hip but hey it does something for you.

Now it's my turn to go to Walmart. They finally opened one in our area. That means no more long drives, okay 20 minutes, to the nearest one. Instead I'll be there in five minutes. Don't you just love progress?

Now if they get a Target here I'll be even happier...

Sabrina L. Fox said...

LOL. Do I detect a lit voice??? Very cute, Jenny. I have to admit that I'm a daughter like the one you have. My mom had one of those big fur hats. She thought she looked like Joan Collins in Dynasty. I told her she looked like an old Russian woman. Ha. Daughter's...Gotta love 'em.

Anonymous said...

Hi,
I'm an acfw-er, and stopped by to say hi. Great hat! You're either a hat person or not, and you are! I'm not, and envy those gals who can pull off a baseball cap and ponytail look.

Phil said...

I'd love to add a comment or two, but the dog and I are still dealing with past comment repercussions!

Jenny said...

Okay, I think the vote is split. And, Phil knows his way around the doghouse so don't worry about him.

Feel free to let me know how you feel. Of course, if you don't like the hat, Phil says there's room in the doghouse:-)

Abundant blessings!

Megan DiMaria said...

Oh, you wear that hat with such flair. You go, girl!

Unknown said...

Ah, I think Jenny has enough panache to pull it off. I do the baseball hat and pony tail in the morning when I'm working out and don't want anyone to see me. I wouldn't call it a flattering look.

Yeah, I'm over here hiding from the men who have taken over my blog. Gotta think of something good to get them back.

Corina Bowen said...

I have a idea..... Go to the Goodwill or 2nd hand store.. buy the ugliest, biggest hat you can find and make a grand entrance with it on your head.... Act completely excited and pleased with your replacement hat... even wear it out one day (place you never been or will again)... By the time they get a good dose of that hat, they will LOVE and encourage your cute white one!
By the way-- you look fun and light hearted.. I really like the idea of buying one for the pastors wife!!:-)

Anonymous said...

just so you know I am not the one who said it makes you look fat. between meg and I, we have come to the conclusion that it was alyssa. I dont like the hat, but you let us dress ourselves and look as dumb as we wanted to, as long as we were clean and happy. if you like the hat, wear it. I dont like it, but that is because I dont really care for hats to begin with. love you.

Unknown said...

Hah. I love Corina's idea. (great minds think alike!)

I want a hat and I think you look adorable in it. Incidentally, anytime I've ever worn a hat I've been told by friends and strangers alike not to.