Thursday, March 19, 2020

How A Favorite Sweater Can Feel Like A Hug

Enjoying The Day Wearing A Favorite Sweater


Hello Everyone! It has been a sunny and warm day here in Asheville and the Mr. and I decided to take a two mile walk up our road and back. It was wonderful to be out in the fresh air enjoying this almost first day of Spring! The pic you are seeing above is one the Mr. took after he said, "I like this view, you can move on to the side." I laughed and told him I thought he was telling me he liked the view of ME not the view of the mountains! So, he kindly took a picture of me, LOL! He shot several of me looking perturbed before he got me to laugh in this one!


Let me tell you about the sweater I am wearing in these photos. This sweater is one of my favorites and do you know how old it is? Get ready for this...this sweater is 30 years old. Does that sound strange to you? I hadn't really thought about it until today when I pulled it out of my closet and looked at the tag which I had never cut out. It was a Christmas gift all those years ago and was American made in 1990 by A Jane Adams and through all of my closet clean outs over the years, this piece has always been kept. When I put it on this morning, I thought about how it kind of felt like a hug! There is something about my owning it and wearing it through 30 years of life and remembering all that happened in those years, which were pretty good years, that calls to me. I needed to remember times when I wasn't staying in the house most of the time and washing my hands like crazy trying to avoid a virus! Remembering happier memories was exactly what I needed today.



Clothing can evoke happy memories. Whether your piece is vintage, like mine, or something you bought or were given last summer, you can remember the happy memories associated with the piece. I remember wearing this sweater on a New Year's Eve when we were in our first house. We weren't party people, but we enjoyed the celebration especially that year and had fun together laughing and being silly. I actually took a lampshade off a lamp and put it on my head and danced around and the Mr. took my picture. Such a fun, silly memory that still makes me chuckle. We did silly things like that when we were thirty! So you see it really doesn't matter to me that this sweater is a little tighter than it used to be. I still love the multitude of colors and geometric patterns on this sweater. If you wait long enough, all clothing styles come back into fashion!

And, today, I made another happy memory with this sweater. Walking up our road together, laughing and being silly with the Mr. Taking pictures and enjoying the sunshine. I will remember this day, also. 

We're not supposed to be hugging right now. But, clothing can feel like a hug. Happy memories can feel like a hug. Connecting to those we love and care about with emails, phone calls and, yes, blog posts can feel like a hug! And no germs will be shared.

So, today, consider yourself hugged from me! Now, go find some article of clothing in your closet that brings a happy memory to your mind and put it on! Then, think on that precious memory and remember that all that is causing us to not have happiness right now will pass. 

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. I Thessalonians 5:11

Until Next Time,
Debbie

10 comments:

Sharon said...

Your sweater is beautiful; I would never have guessed that it's 30 years old! I enjoyed reading your post. I agree that we can find comfort during this challenging time through memories and connections, and I would add nature and the arts to that list as well. I'm so glad you are connecting with your blog!

Shellie said...

Thanks for this...I will take that hug.

Clearissa said...

I miss hugging as well. And you're right...a comfy sweater is like a hug. TFS

Karen Anderson said...

I love this!!! What a pretty sweater and how wonderful to have happy memories tied to it. I took your advice and put on something that reminded me of the fun shopping trips my sister and I go on each year. We're keeping our fingers crossed that we won't need to change the date this year.... Like you, I will do anything to avoid all the going on and on about this virus. I'm trying to be a sport and stay home more, there is nowhere to go around here anyway with everything closed. I'm not upset, anxious or panicked and can't wait for things to get back to normal. Right now we're having a RARE warm day and I'm on my front porch with the windows open (it's raining!) enjoying it before the temperature drops this afternoon. The sounds outside of the rain and the birds chirping is very uplifting and hopeful. God is still on His throne and in control, and that's all I need to know! I always enjoy the pictures of your walks Debbie. You live in such a gorgeous area!!

Nancy Andres at Colors 4 Health said...

Thanks Debbie. I really like hugs and yours is so welcome. Love the sweater. Thanks for sharing. It's so important to get outdoors, especially now when most of us are staying close to home. Nature has a way of refreshing the body and spirit. Stay well and a big THANKS!

Joy said...

I totally agree with you, Debbie. I have some items that were my Mum's and whenever I put them on, it feels like a big, warm hug. It's not being sentimental, clothes do provide a tangible link with people.
Your jumper is lovely and really doesn't look in the least bit dated. The sign of a classic!
xx

Diana Stevan said...

Debbie, your post made me cry. Not in a bad way but just because it's so true. We have wonderful memories and at times like this, it's good to recall them.

My husband and I went for a walk in the forest yesterday with our grandson. He's 24. We met at the forest's entrance in separate cars. Felt strange not to hug him. I mentioned to him how I used to carry him, how he sat on my lap and how hard it was now to practice social distance. The trail we chose was a wide one where we could walk side by side and be 2 meters apart (we're Canadian :).

Wishing you and your family all the best.

Iris said...

Great post - love the sweater. I was just thinking this morning that the lightweight flannel robe I was wearing was at least 30 years old. I traveled in my job back then in another life and accidentally left it in a hotel once. I was so annoyed with myself because it was a favorite. Called them, they found it and kept it till my next visit. I've worn that robe in a lot of different places and it's still going strong - maybe a little faded, but SO comfty. Isn't it interesting how a variety of 'things' can evoke a memory.
Grace & Peace,Iris
yes

Nancy Andres at Colors 4 Health said...

I really like hugs and yours is so welcome. Love the sweater. Thanks for sharing. It's so important to get outdoors, especially now when most of us are staying close to home. Nature has a way of refreshing the body and spirit. Stay well and a big THANKS!

Debbie Styles Life said...

Thank you to all of you wonderful ladies for leaving such lovely comments! I feel this post hit the spot with everyone with all that is happening right now. I will continue to look for ways to leave encouraging, uplifting posts in the days ahead. Blessings to each one of you!