A Fairy Tale

     Once upon a time there was a College Student. It was Fall time, and since this was her favorite season, she was very happy. Until the day that the storms came. For an entire week the sun did not come out and the rain poured relentlessly down on her; and since she did not own an umbrella, she spent a very soggy and miserable week. All during this time, she kept wishing that she had waterproofed her pretty ankle boots, but she had not got around to it yet, and was forced to wear her waterproofed white sneakers most of the time. Then, at the end of this week, the sun came out again. It was warm and beautiful, and in celebration, she had to wear a summer frock. Of course, it was still quite chilly outside, so she paired her sundress with a maroon sweater. After a week of sneakers, it was beautiful to wear her maroon heals as well.

      Around this same time, the College Student was very much in need of a new school bag. The bag she had been using was simply not practical. She wanted a pretty leather bag that wasn't too big or to floppy. With this in mind, she went to the thrift store on one of these rainy days, and was thrilled to discover a bag that perfectly matched her description and, since it was only $6, she couldn't pass it up. Some things are meant to be. And it was on this sunshiny day that she was finally able to use her new bag; and everyone was much happier in the end.

A Splash of Red

      Dark, dreary days call for a pop of color, especially red. There is nothing better than a chilly Fall day in a bright red trench coat.

      I have watched "Breakfast at Tiffany's" several times this semester already, as well as "My Fair Lady". Audrey Hepburn is simply the epitome of elegance. She always inspires me with her simple style that turned heads wherever she went. This day, I decided to wear a simple shirt-dress (which I found at JCPenny's) tied with a black sash, as well as nude heels, a string of pearls, and the red trench coat. I am not a fan of fussy clothing. The clothes that make me happiest are always the tailored, simple pieces without too many frills. I  never want my clothes to wear me, and I have admittedly messed up in this regard on a few occasions. I think that everyone has worn an outfit that turns out to be just too much and regretted it; but style is all about taking chances and discovering what works for you. I love looking to the style icons of the past and trying to decipher what it was that made them special. I don't want to copy anybody, but I do want to be inspired. As you may remember, I had a Marilyn Monroe Summer, and I have learned a lot from reading about her life and studying her style. I think I'll make this an Audrey Hepburn Semester; who knows what the Spring will bring!

     Rehearsal's are becoming intense now. We'll be performing "Pygmalion" the second and third week of November, which is coming very quickly now. I am trying to get my lines memorized, but mostly I am still trying to find Mrs. Higgins' character. Anyway, I know that all will turn out well. Life is rather busy, but it is turning out to be such a wonderful semester! Of course it has its ups and downs, but overall I know that I will fondly remember it. Last Fall I was just trying to get my bearings, but now I know that I belong. I have a wonderful family of friends here, and though it will never replace home, I am so glad to have this college experience. 

     I want to focus on taking the good with the bad, and never neglect what is important. College is a juggling act, and I hope I never drop anything precious. 

Lots of love!

School Spirit!

     It's that time of year again! Crisp breezes, hot drinks, and football games. Now, I'm not much of a sports fan, but I love going to sporting events. I love Fall time and the beginning of school. There is nothing that brings out school spirit quite like a good old fashioned football game, with cheerleaders and marching bands and school colors everywhere you look.

    The first home football game for my school was last Saturday, and the theme was blackout. It was delightfully chilly that day, so I wore my black pencil skirt, a black turtleneck, a checkered bandanna, and my maroon cardigan - I needed a little of our school colors! It actually got quite cold, and I was glad to get home by the end of it! And yes, I wore heels, and I did "charge" the field in them.

     I have been busy with beginning of the year activities around here, namely auditioning. I auditioned for the school movie first. I didn't expect a part, since the only female character was described as a college athlete . . . so I wasn't too disappointed when I didn't get a callback, and I got some great, and much needed, experience auditioning. Then I auditioned for our school production, which I did get a callback for, and when the play changed, I had to go to callbacks again. I am pleased to announce that I will be playing Mrs. Higgins in "Pygmalion" this semester!This is the first significant role I have ever received, and I am beside myself with excitement!
     I hope to get back to regular blogging again, now that I have settled into my routine. I will be quite busy this semester, which is quite fine by me! I am taking 16 credit hours, I am a main role in the play, and I will be assisting with sewing costumes again. Also, I did bring my sewing machine this year, and I will hopefully find time soon to get some of my waiting projects done.
Lots of love!

A Hot Day in Warm Clothes

     I am pretty sure that I did this to myself last year too; I make something new for cold weather, and I can't wait till it's cold to wear it. Oh well, I wore this to church, and it is always cold in there anyway. So, this is my brand new blouse! I found this taffeta for just $5 a yard, and couldn't say no to it. I have only finished the blouse, but there is going to be a matching skirt as well. I am really happy with how this turned out; I think that it is a very comfortable style with its dolman sleeves. I lined it with white muslin, and it's going to be wonderfully warm (already is). The skirt I am wearing comes from the same pattern as the blouse, and I am making the matching skirt the same. I found this skirt to be wonderfully comfortable and practical last year, and currently have not just one, but two skirts cut out in the same pattern waiting to be sewn. I used Retro Butterick 5557, and I absolutely love it. I'm just going to be honest here, many slim skirts make you feel a bit stuffed in like a sausage, but this pattern is very well constructed. It has seams and darts in exactly the right places to make it flattering. Actually, can I just say that about vintage clothing in general? Anyway, back to the blouse. I love all of the details on this blouse. It has beautiful darts all over it, including elbow darts, which I have been dying to try on something. They just look so pretty! I had to do a bit of tinkering to make it fit properly in the bust. I have come to the conclusion that, since I do make my own clothes, I ought to put in just a bit more effort to make sure that it fits as it should in all places. Just because I can zip it doesn't mean that it fits. It's a subtle difference for me, but enough to make me feel better about myself.

     I have been settling into my school routine once again, and it is interesting. I know it's a funny thing to complain about, but I don't have enough to do right now. Last semester I was so busy with school, job, and theatre that I could barely sit down. The main issue there was clashing schedules, though. I want to really push myself this year. I am looking for a job (which is looking hopeful), and I will be auditioning for the campus play and movie this semester. I would like to get involved in some more areas as well, and I have been exploring my options. I think that it is good for me to keep pushing myself; I don't want to miss out on anything, and I know that I can handle it. Not to mention that a resume packed with extra curriculars is a good thing to have.
     I brought my sewing machine this year, and even though I haven't pulled it out yet, I have peace of mind just knowing that it is nearby, ready for me when I need it. I mentioned the two skirts I am making, but I also have a gorgeous green brushed cotton that is to die for, and is being made into a dress. I also have a completed (for ages now) dress that I simply can't wait to wear! It is lined in flannel though, and I don't think it's practical this time of year.
Lots of love to you!

A New Year

     The semester has officially begun! I can't believe how quickly that happened, but I am very excited for what this year has to offer. I am moved in, and my room is completely put together. One of the advantages of being a returning student is that I don't have to participate in all of the Launch activities; which basically means that I was able to spend all day Saturday putting my room to rights. As I have mentioned my need for cleanliness before, you can imagine how wonderful it was for me to have no clutter while I slept. I felt bad for my new roommate, Mackenzie, who is a freshman and did have to be out in the heat.

     My suite-mates and I had to get a first day of school picture (sadly, Mackenzie was not present). I don't believe that this dress has ever made it onto the blog, which is quite shocking. It is several years old now, and I made it from Vintage Vogue 1172. I love it, but my one complaint would be that the shoulders are rather restrictive. Other than that, it went together beautifully. I do love Vogue patterns.

     It is interesting to be back in school. I love being able to see all of my friends again, and there is nothing like a fresh start to get one excited! I am determined to make this year even better than last year. The starting place for that goal is in putting myself out there more. I want to have a large circle of great friends, and I have everything I need for that right here. It is basically up to me to put myself out there and develop the friendships I already have, and make new friendships with those I haven't met yet.  Again, there is nothing quite like a new beginning. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to be here, and there are such fantastic people to know and love all around me.
Whether you are going to school yourself, or have young ones who are; enjoy the wonderful year of learning ahead of you!
Lots of love!

I'm a Wanderer, Oh, a Wanderer

     Can you believe it? I sure can't. School is starting again. I have spent the last two days packing up my life yet again, and the space that my life takes is quite shocking. Rachael is moving into an apartment this year with two other girls, and is therefore taking a couch and her twin bed. I, on the other hand, am bringing no furniture. For one thing, there isn't any room; for another, I have furniture waiting in a garage for me there; and for another, I now have a roommate who is going to bring a chair. I am bringing some couch cushions (pretty ones at that) for floor lounging; and I am taking my sewing machine. I learned that lesson the hard way, as some of you will remember. It'll be a tight squeeze to get everything in, but then again, when isn't it?
     I have been trying to figure out what to say. The summer has been fast and slow, lazy and busy, overwhelming and easy-going. I don't know how to describe what it has been. I worked at a pizza place all summer, and my hours were always 4:30 to about 8:00 or 9:00. It is interesting how those hours leave so much time, but also manage to limit one so much. Now, I am not complaining; you see, I loved that job. It was a good job, with good people to work with. I find that I can enjoy most things in life if I like the people I am surrounded by. In July, we had visitors, a lot of them; that was also the month that I didn't appreciate my job as much. Many outings were cut short because of my hours, and precious time was not spent with those who live across the map from me.

     It seems that the last moments are the most precious moments. The closer that I come to leaving home, the more I love it. My family, my church, and my workplace are going to be missed; it always seems that friendships, old and new, blossom at the very moment they must be left. However, life must move forward, and in all reality, I am excited to begin a new year. Adventure is in my blood, and I detest stagnation. So, though it is hard to part, adventure is calling. To those I am leaving behind, know that I love you. So, here's to home, and here's to adventure.

Lots of love to all of you

     I have shared this blouse at least once before, and I wear it regularly. However, did I ever mention that there is a matching skirt? Perhaps not. I love this set, but some changes are in order. I need to change the pleating so that it lays better. The current shape it gives is not always pleasant. 

     So, I realized that Vintage Perfect had a birthday! August 1 marked exactly one year. I looked back over everything that I have shared here, and though it's far from perfect still, I am pleased with the progress that has been made. Some of the photography in my earlier posts is so horrendous it made me laugh!

     One of the main reasons I started this blog was as a means of recording my life. I want something to look back on that will tell my story to me in the future. Today I am young, and I don't want to forget what it is like. 

     Thank you for sharing in this with me. Thank you for caring enough to return and read what I have said. Thank you for being present. 

Lots of love. 

Seeing Green

     Well look at me; all good and posting regularly again! As I mentioned last time, I have a new dress finished. This one, unlike the others I have been working on, can be worn in summer or winter. Ergo, I have some pictures.

     I wore this to go and officially get Rachael's wedding dress. We had found it the week before, but our Dad hadn't seen it. But, I can't tell you anything about her dress, except that she looks gorgeous! However, I can talk for ages about my dress! 

     First things first, I used Retro Butterick b5747. It was a pretty simple pattern to use. My main issues were more with time to sew, and the ability to sew buttons on straight. I am far too OCD to deal with buttons, but they look so pretty; especially self fabric covered ones! Rather than bother with actual buttons, I found some 1" washers and used them. To cover them, I cut out a square of the fabric big enough to wrap around, and haphazardly sewed it on. The backs of my buttons are dreadful, but they don't show at all, so it doesn't matter. 

     I am very pleased with how it all turned out. The fabric is on the hefty side, and it has a tiny bit of stretch to it, which makes it comfortable. I love that the stiffness of the fabric gives so much body to the skirt, I'm not even wearing a petticoat here. When I first started this, I wasn't sure if it would be a dress I could wear in winter. I then had the idea of making a black dickey as well as the green. I still may do this eventually, but after I finished the dress and tried it on, I realized that this shade of green is quite suitable for winter. Also, the thickness of the fabric means that, paired with a muslin petticoat and some tights, it will not be too flimsy either. This dress has a lot of interfacing; in the collar, the waistband, and the armhole and front facings.  I didn't feel like bothering with real interfacing, and I used muslin instead. I think that that is my new go to interfacing now, it worked marvelously! All in all, I would say that this dress will do very well all year long. There is nothing like a practical and pretty dress to make me happy!

     On a different note, I would love to hear your opinions - about the dress, yes - but also about this space. What are your favorite types of posts from me? Would you prefer more step by step looks at the actual construction of my dresses, or do you like to see the finished product and hear some details then? Is it interesting to you to hear about the places I have gone, or would you rather hear my thoughts on life? Thank you for your feedback!

Lots of love!

Where, Oh Where Is My Hair?

     Well, this has been a long time coming! I do apologize for the long absence. I have been busy with pleasant things, and life in the real world took precedence (as it always should); but things are calming down again (albeit just in time for the craze of preparing for a return to college), and I hope to return to regular blogging again now.

     The reason for all of the busyness has been an onslaught of company. It started with my sister, Kimm, and her husband Johan. Then came Jared, Rachael's fiancé, followed by my Mom's best friend, Mrs. M, who has always been like a second mother to us. Kimm remained till a couple days ago, though Johan had to return home earlier. He was kind enough to lend her to us for ten days after his departure, and we had a lovely visit. I think it is rather Austen-ish, paying nearly month long visits. Anyway, all of this company has been a sort of wedding planning celebration. We have been quite productive, finding both venue and dress within a few weeks.

     In other news, I made a rather drastic change a week or so ago. As I have mentioned in the past, Rachael and I made a pact to not cut our hair for two years. The point was for Rachael's sake. She has always struggled to grow her hair, always getting tired of it and chopping it off; but she has always thought that she would want long hair for her wedding. Although it is hard to believe, two years have now passed; and, characteristically, we both cut all of our hair off the moment we had a chance. Rachael decided that it was far more like herself to have short hair on her wedding day. I like my hair when it is long, but it seems that everybody has long hair, and it's such fun to shock all of one's friends. Also, I had a bit of red still in my hair that I missed when I dyed it black, and it is easier to cut than to dye. Not to mention that short hair is so much fun! I also feel that it is sophisticated while remaining young, which pleases me. I really like this cut, because it has enough length on top that I can curl it and change up the look. I still need to pin curl it, but it might turn into a poodle…

     I have been very busy on projects, and will soon be sharing a new dress with you all. Most of my projects are winter clothes. Last year showed me what a lack I have in that area, so I am putting some effort into building that portion of my wardrobe. It is hard to avoid wearing new clothes though, even when they are flannel and the weather is hot!

Lots of love to all of you!          

Pink and Red

     I've had these pictures for quite a while now, but I just hadn't gotten around to writing this post. I love this outfit, and I have worn it several times this Summer. I thrifted the skirt a year or so ago, and I found the shirt in the second hand bin in the laundry room of my dorm. It was cut at the bottom, and had a few holes in the seams; rather like someone was trying to alter it and gave up. I patched it up, and it is one of my favorite blouses now. It is pure cotton and very light and breezy. I love wearing sleeves in the summertime to keep the heat off, so this was a perfect combination.

     I had worn this to go to the store with my Mom and Rachael. We were looking for plants for the garden. It was a lovely day, but it got rather warm outside. Fortunately, this outfit does well in heat for me. When we got home, I asked my Mom to take some pictures for me, which she kindly did.

     I have been trying to get some sewing done lately. It is a bit of a process; I am a nocturnal sewer, but I also work evenings at my job. It is therefore difficult to actually buckle down and sew. I am currently working on a light green sailor dress, and I can't wait to finish it and share the results! I have also been spending more time watching old movies. I always forget how happy they make me. There is just a certain quality to them that is missing in the newer stuff. I have been especially hooked on Marilyn Monroe movies. I am always so saddened by her story, and I wish she could have found joy. One thing I love about her is that she is considered one of the most beautiful women ever to have lived, and I agree. But you know something? She had flaws that would be considered ugly in a modern woman. For instance, if you see her in profile, you'll notice a slight pooch in the tummy; but it didn't matter at all! She was confident in her body, and that is what gave her beauty.

Lots of love!

Going East Part 5: Boston

     We spent two days in Boston. The first day we visited the birthplace and home (Peace Field) of the Adams'. It absolutely amazes me to see how simply they lived back then. The house that John Adams was born in was only three rooms on the first floor, all very small. We weren't able to go upstairs.
     Peace Field was my favorite. It was lovely. There is a garden outside, and we were informed that the lilacs were Abigail's Lilacs, in that she actually planted them. Imagine plants lasting that long! The entire outdoor area smelled amazing and reminded me just how much I love gardens. The story goes that they bought the house while in Europe, remembering it to be bigger than it was. When Abigail saw the tiny house, she cried. Then she went to work improving it. Three generations of Adams' lived in the house and continued to improve it. My favorite part was the library. It was built separate from the house out of brick, so that it would be fire proof. It's a small, rectangular building and is lined with books. They put the books in helter-skelter, and then put in a decimal system according to how they fit in. It smelled of books and was quiet and bright inside. I wished I could have spent some time there alone. We also heard a great deal about Louisa Adams. I am quite intrigued by her now, and if you enjoy history, you should read up on her. She was the only first lady to be born outside of the US, and was quite charming.
     The second day of Boston travels was spent on the Freedom Trail. We started at the end, for fear we would miss the Constitution otherwise. It is the oldest commissioned battle ship in the world. They still take it out several times a year. Also, I learned something interesting. You know the phrase "whistle while you work"? Well, Disney didn't come up with it. Boys were used to take food from the kitchen to the crew, and they had to whistle while they worked; to prove they weren't eating the food! I thought that was so interesting.
     It was a very cold day, and the Freedom Trail is long. After a while of being outside, one forgot how cold it was. We decided to stop for lunch at a clam chowder place. Mom had looked up options, and discovered that there was a restaurant just off the trail. It was rather further than we anticipated though. The trail is marked by red bricks laid into the sidewalk, and different places pop up along the way. We saw Paul Revere's home, as well as the famous church where the lanterns were hung.

     We were getting very hungry, and hadn't come to the restaurant yet, "Ye Olde Union Oyster House". Deciding that it was high time we found it, we left the trail and went in search of it aided by our iPhones. As it was late in the afternoon and none of us had eaten, nerves where rather on edge. Mom's phone was nearly dead, and I put the directions into mine. After going the wrong way once or twice (the sun was not out and it was therefore difficult to judge direction) we finally spotted the gigantic billboard like sign for the restaurant. On coming to the front we discovered that the Freedom Trail ran directly in front of it. Oh well, we had made it. It was somewhere around four by this time, but we were still able to get lunch instead of dinner. Our group was split up into two booths across the aisle from each other. I sat with my parents, and the couples sat together. 

     I had clam chowder (which came with cornbread) and then we ordered a Boston Creme Pie for dessert. Mom said she didn't want any, but that resolution quickly faded; it was very good! When we finished eating, we started on our way again, only to discover that it was much colder after eating warm food. And we soon discovered that we would not be able to finish the trail, since everything was closed. We walked back a shorter way and made our way home.
     I really enjoyed Boston, and would like to have the chance to go back again. One of my favorite parts of this trip was enjoying all of the beautiful architecture. Most of the homes are old, and so much more lovely than newer homes are. I have decided that a house ought to be white, yellow, green, or blue, with shutters in corresponding colors (with red being fine as well). That makes for the loveliest house. This will be the last post in my vacation series, though I said six originally. I found that it could be done quite nicely in five posts, and it is time to move on and enjoy new things. Thank you for reading and enjoying my trip along with me!
Lots of love!

Slow Down

     My Dad took me out to a rendezvous for a day. I wore some of my Mom's old clothes, including the moccasins Dad made that she wore to their wedding. I ended up walking barefoot when I saw how muddy it was. It was a beautiful day, and so simple. This is where we ate our lunch of bacon, bread, and cheese. I adore reenacting, just living simply for a little while.

     I received some excellent advice while training at my new job: "slow down". I think it says something when you are told to slow down at a pizza place. I was trying to get the orders into the computer as quickly as I could, but I didn't know the system very well, and I was stressed. I didn't feel good enough, I wasn't learning fast enough, the people on the other end would be irritated that I couldn't put in their orders at the speed of light; and then I'm told, "slow down, they're on your time, you aren't on their's." It surprised me, but it made perfect sense.

     I am a busy person. I like to get things done, and I hate to feel that a day has been wasted. I don't want to look back on my life and not see any difference. The problem is that I have been ignoring the process. When I was taking those orders, I was trying my hardest to get to the end and press the "place order" button. I wanted to accomplish a successful order. But life is found in the process. The moments of completion and success are wonderful, but they're so much better when I can look back and love the journey. 

     I'm beginning to think that I find too much worth in trying to be 'Wonder Woman'. I want to be that person that always has it together and can do anything and everything. I want to be able to help people and make everything beautiful. I don't want to ever be accused of laziness. I am finding my worth there though. If I am having a down day, or getting a B in a class, or saying "no" to someone's request, I begin to feel like a failure. I must be actively doing and planning every day, or I am dissatisfied.
     I am making an effort to slow down. I am not putting pressure on myself to sew every day. I am trying to live in the moment and appreciate these days that I have been given with my family. And, even though I have a uniform to wear to work, I am going to try and be creative with my clothing in the day to day, rather than just waiting till I have to go to work, and then putting on my uniform. Life is beautiful, and as the old saying goes, I want to "stop and smell the roses". Youth is fleeting, and being in college and working during the summer is no excuse to waste these precious days. I am determined that youth will not be wasted on me.
Just some thoughts,
Lots of love!

Going East Part 4: A Graduation, an Engagement, and Whales

     Our last hotel was in Bedford, New Hampshire. We were joined there by my sister and brother-in-law. The entire reason for our trip was Kimm's graduation that Saturday. We found a beautiful little park surrounding a lake, and we decided to visit. My Mom was still in the process of finishing her semester, so she stayed in the hotel to do homework, but the rest of us went and frolicked in the woods. I took lots of pictures that day, and we all decided that a return trip for Mom was a must.

Kimm, looking ethereal. 

Johan found a pine cone

I told my Dad to look to the side; this is what I got. *Snarky*

Rachael and Jared

I loved wearing this outfit in the woods; the only issue was the sandals, I didn't know that the path would be unfinished.

     Saturday was Kimm's graduation. She graduated with a 4.0 and a Bachelor's in Creative Writing. I pin curled Kimm's hair the night before, and the next morning it was raining! Fortunately, the graduates were allowed to enter through the side door; but all of us family members had to stand in line outside. We were fortunate to have a nice man with an extra umbrella in front of us, else we would have been soaked. It was a very large graduating class, but the ceremony was handled well and wasn't too long. We had decided to have a picnic lunch in the before mentioned park, but the rain and crazy parking garage changed our minds. However, a certain young gentleman's plans dictated that we must return to the park that day; so we ate lunch at home and then headed over.
     Rachael loves ducks. I mean, I asked her to take a picture of me in front of a tree the day before, and she took two blurry pictures, and then took nine pictures of ducks on my phone. We all loved the park, but Rachael particularly loves the rugged outdoors (and ducks), so a certain gentleman thought the moment was quite opportune. He did not want to do anything on Saturday, since it was Kimm's day, but Kimm was almost as excited as he was, and urged him to do it.
     Rachael was blissfully unaware of anything about to come and went skipping about. She made it rather difficult for the family to separate from the couple, but it eventually came about. The rest of us continued on our way. We found a stream, and my Dad suggested that we go wading. I was wearing my sneakers, but he said that I should take them off. We had a chilly dip, and while I was standing midstream I got a call from Jared asking where we were. He said that they would come around the other way to meet us. I couldn't tell from his voice whether it had happened yet, but I relayed the news to my parents. It was then that it struck me: I had wet feet and socks and sneakers. My Dad was laughing, because of course he had thought of that. Oh well, I would just walk barefoot for a while, a plan that quickly dirtied my feet. We were met by a very excited, newly engaged couple! Hurray for well planned proposals! My Mom proceeded to take some pictures, and we then went home, with my feet confined to their sneakers once more, ready for a day of whale watching the next morning!

A re-enactment, but the excitement was still fresh!

Running to hug her (notice the returned sneakers)

A random picture my Mom took. I love this sweater, it works for so many things!

     I love the ocean, but I have sadly only been on a few occasions. Last summer we were able to go out on a family friend's sailboat for an afternoon; an event which caused me no trouble, but that resulted in a migraine for Rachael. Our Mom was in the Navy when she was fresh out of high school, and she has always gotten seasick. Because of all these components, and the 4-5 hours instead of 1 the previous year, she ordered seasickness patches (which she used when in the Navy) for the three of us (I will sometimes feel sick on mountain roads and such, though the ride on the sailboat didn't bother me at all; we were trying to play it on the safe side). You know the stuff, they're little circular band aids that are placed behind the ear and have medicine on them. Well, I didn't like the idea much. Somehow the thought of medicine seeping through the tender skin on my neck was not appealing; however, I knew that I needed to man up and put the thing on. The way the medicine works, it must be applied at least four hours before it is needed, so we put them on the night before. I managed to make myself put it on, and then was waiting for the bathroom to open up, so that I could wash my hands of any medication, as cautioned by my Mom. As I was standing in front of the coffee counter (which also contained our crockpot for decent food, an excellent way to stay healthy on vacation), I started to black out. I often black out when I stand up too quickly, something I am told is likely a result of low blood pressure which runs in the family, but this was worse. I remember saying, "I feel dizzy", and the next thing I knew, I was being awakened from a nightmare. I was dreaming of the ocean, I could hear it roaring, and since I wasn't frightened, I couldn't understand why my Dad was calling to me. Then it occurred to me that I was not in my bed; I began to wonder if I had been in an accident, then I woke up to find myself on the floor in my Dad's arms (who was thankfully nearby and caught me), surrounded by my family. They all gave me water and helped me into a chair. My Dad had immediately removed the patch, and I did not wear it. It is debated whether it was the fault of the medicine or my freaking myself out too much that I fainted. I am inclined to lean towards the medicine. I have been just as freaked out on several occasions, and never passed out before. However, that is a trivial matter. I went to bed and thanked God for my health. I suppose it takes a moment like that to appreciate it. Of course, fainting is not serious, but I completely lost control of my body, and didn't even know it had happened. It was frightening, and humbling, and I am grateful.

I wore my sailor pants and white sneakers, I comfortable go to and reasonable for a day on the water!

     The next morning, all seven of us bundled into the car and traveled to the boat. We went to the upper deck, where there was better visibility, and started in to wait. This was the first trip of the season, and it was still pretty cold out there. It started out great, and then we spotted a whale, which we couldn't find again. Then it started to get cold, because the boat was constantly moving causing the wind to be stronger. Finally, we found some more whales. Each time we saw one, we managed to get closer, until the last one we saw was only a few yards away. It was absolutely incredible, and a great way to spend Mother's Day. I didn't get sick, but that could be because of the pills that Jared offered to me, which weren't nearly as strong. I guess I'll have to try another time to find out if I get sea sick or not. I was reminded of "Moby Dick", which I read a few years ago. It's amazing to see these amazing creatures up close, and sad to imagine the way they were slaughtered yesteryear. I need to read that book again, so that I can grasp it better.
Lots of love to you all!