Girl World

Yesterday afternoon I attended a birthday party. Our youngest granddaughter, Sierra, has turned five.  Five is such an iconic year, isn’t it? So much so that I have memories of my own birthday party at that age. Okay, okay, they’re not all that clear, but images of a party dress, playing games in my Aunt Dee’s rec room and other kids hovering about remain.

While we waited for the men to come back with the pizzas,  I plopped myself down for a chat with my two daughters-in-law. I noticed Heather had boots on – part of her ensemble.

“Are those comfortable?” I asked. “I just bought a corduroy skirt and I want a pair of boots to go with it but I’m thinking I might be too old for them.”

I was very pleased with her immediate response. “No, you’re not. You dress nice and they’ll look fine.”

Kate, sitting right next to her, piped up. “And I’m sure you wouldn’t wear them with leggings.”

We laughed. We’d all experienced the horrors of “leggings abuse”. Heaven forbid they should be seen on bodies of a certain age. No, no and no. Leggings are for young skinny stuff and, like most women, I want to be fashionable in my age bracket not an embarrassment to my children. But still with an eye towards all that’s current, of course. Like boots. You see them everywhere. Plus, there are big sales all the heck over the  place right now. I'll be on the hunt soon.

What a joy it was to sit there temporarily ensconced in Girl World. Pure fluff, but such a part of what it means to be a woman. How we look. Where we shop. Hair. Let it go gray? Brighten it up with highlights. Let it grow? Change hairdressers. Chunky necklaces or delicate gold chains with a small plain heart? To diet or not to diet – that is the question. Kohl’s or Macy's coupons and where to go for lunch before we get our second wind. All these delightful conversations. Not a permanent dwelling place, but deep down in the girl soul satisfying. 

I looked over at our just-turned-five little darling. Laughing and playing with her party guests. She of curly blond hair, Paw Patrol decorations, and owner of powder blue cowgirl boots herself. I wondered if she’d think Grandma was too old for fashion boots. Nah – she’d tell me to go for it.

Yesterday I attended a birthday party. Lots of girls in the mix. Lots of food, fun and frolic.

I love being a girl.  

Image: Free Digital Photos