October 02, 2007
Learning from the Master: Part I
Last week, I had the honor and priviledge of witnessing, firsthand, the wonder that is Aunt Doreen's Purse Collection. Not merely a smattering of trendy, brand name bags; her collection is, indeed, the story of her life.
Some purses date back to her college years, and one was purchased specifically because it so strongly resembled the purse she longed for in grade school. Yes, grade school. While the rest of us were drawing horses on the sidewalk with chalk, she was thinking, "Gosh, that purse would look just swell with my Maryjanes!"
It was like going to a gallery where you actually understand the art. Like going to a museum that's not boring! Every purse had a story -- where she got it, what event she specifically bought it for, when it was lost and found again -- I think I learned more about my Aunt in that afternoon than I have in all my 37 years.
Which pretty much makes me Worst Niece In The World, I know. What do you want -- I'm a slow learner.
Now, Aunt Doreen is a purse connesseur, but she's not a purse snob. There's a distinction. Sure, she has some Coach and some Dooney & Bourke, and some other brands that I'm not nearly classy enough to have ever heard of before. She has an antique purse with a hand-worked silver handle. Beautiful!
But she also has some twenty dollar tote bags and cheap-o, plastic handbags. Stuff that's cute and she bought for a specific purpose, you know. I certainly wouldn't bring my Dooney on a flight to Japan.
And you know how cool she is? She's like, "If you ever need a purse for some fancy occassion, just let me know and you can borrow whatever you'd like."
Awwwwwwwwwww. She thinks I get invited to fancy occassions. She's so sweet.
(to be continued... because it's after 7:30, and I still have to pack up some eBay crap to ship tomorrow, and write a letter to my cousin in the Marines, and paint the nails on my right hand. Photos tomorrow, I promise...)
Comments
Would she like to adopt me?
Posted by: Vicki at October 3, 2007 10:35 AM