The Power of The T shirt
Tuesday-February 23, 2021
Dear Marion,
I have always loved T-shirts and often kept them long after I stopped wearing them. There are so many reasons a T catches my eye or becomes a favorite. Upon first glance, I would say it’s the graphics or sometimes a beautiful or sweet illustration...often an unusual shade of color that triggers a desired feeling or mood. At one point in my life, being part of a team that designed t-shirts brought me great joy. It was fun to see the ever-changing modern techniques available for the graphics using glitter, foil, jewels, and rubber, etc., or retro styles with appliqué and cool, weathered print techniques. My second glance would be for fit and hand feel and that is what makes me wear it until there is an intervention between my t and me. I have worn t-shirts habitually under collared shirts, over a collared shirt, under tailored blazers, even with a more formal or fun skirt(ie. wool, velvet, or sequin).
This week I re-read a beautiful book I gave to your granddaughter for her birthday- “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse” by Charlie Mackey. I suppose at first glance you would call it a children’s book but I think as I often do with children’s books it has a story that is important for all of us to experience and embrace. One character's shared sentiment - home is where you are...who you choose to be with and when. The illustrations have a natural movement that is full of expression on their own but are often accompanied by a piece of advice shared along their journey. A helpful conversation included I would love us all to remember particularly during difficult times. “When the dark clouds come… keep going.” I thought some of the drawings would be lovely on a t-shirt especially on a slimmer fit with a beautiful hand and rounded out with one of the seemingly simple thoughts ...that is powerful.
Powerful messages are often found on t-shirts just like bumper stickers or quotes written on a post-it. They are reminders of fun moments like a concert t-shirt or a Broadway play, or even a much-needed vacation to relax or experience an activity. Sometimes, the messages are close to the heart, express a feeling or humane injustice in the world. This week I picked up the book(from my to-read pile) by Jon Meacham, “His Truth Is Marching On John Lewis And The Power Of Hope” and read it one day at a time. It was not easy to read and I often needed to put it down and walk away for a bit before resuming. What is it that pushes some individuals when given such adversity? In this case, not only did John Lewis fight for what was right, he did so without violence even when in the face of abhorrent hate and violence. What a remarkable life and human being. It crossed my mind that I don’t remember studying this part of our history in school. In fact, I don’t remember learning much after WW11, I think we brushed through the decades post 1950.
This past week, we passed the unbelievable number of 500,000 deaths due to COVID-19 and it was just a year ago that I remember thinking that this pandemic would be brought under control in a few months at most. While we never know what tomorrow brings, I certainly didn’t expect this past year to unfold in the way that it has and with such heartache for so many. On a walk this week, I noted how quickly the snow and ice we had earlier in the week had melted, or at least most had melted. There were geese in the partially melted lake and a few were straining their necks while squawking at one another. I thought huh, that is certainly how many of us have felt this year. Spring is just around the corner and I am hoping we will see more lifted spirits, an opportunity through the vaccines to lead a more social lifestyle.
Recently, I saw an interview with Queen Latifah and she discussed her family, childhood, and career. She spoke of her mom with such love and gratitude and even though her mom had passed away she still felt her with her every day. There was a glow about Queen Latifah as she spoke of her admiration for her mom’s years of teaching and giving to her students and loved ones. More than once I thought that’s what the power of love and heartfelt words can do ...inspire someone to be everything they can push themselves to be in their career and more importantly as a person. Words are powerful.
This week marks the end of Black History Month and we decided to honor it with a little research into some new recipes for us to make together. Your granddaughter found a website honoring recipes from Black Bloggers from around the globe for Black History Month...Whisperofyum.com. We chose Oven Baked BBQ Ribs By Jeri Mobley-Arias. If feeling ambitious, we may also make Cast Iron Skillet Corn Bread found on foodnetwork.com and complete the meal with steamed Green Beans a la Bella.
Talk soon,
Forever Yours
Quote:
“ Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them!”
Madam C.J. Walker(born Sarah Breedlove)
African American hair care entrepreneur, philanthropist, and political and social activist
1867- 1919