As a former fashion design student at the Philadelphia College of Art, all these years later my interests have not changed. So every year, as the prom gown competitions come up, I follow every written word and photo about the design contestants. This year's competitors range in age from 17 to 48 years old, quite a spread! I guess dreams of becoming a fashion designer are ageless.

I remember the time our school was entered in such an exciting contest which included design majors from all of the United States. We were invited to submit an outfit for any person of our choosing other than ourselves. Any type of clothing, from sports clothes to evening wear, was acceptable. I chose to use my mother for a model. She was a good model because she was a real, average person at 118 lbs., five foot four, with good legs. I was 17 at the time, and mother was 36.

I designed a two-piece blue wool outfit with matching satin trim and a short bolero jacket to accent her slim waist. I was fortunate enough to be one of the three design students chosen to represent our college. We were interviewed by a very fashionable lady from New York, who met us at a very upscale hotel for a luncheon interview.

Since I apparently knew which fork to use, and I certainly had plenty to say, I was chosen to spend a summer in New York learning the finer points of the fashion industry. It was a wonderful summer, and I was offered a job in the industry which was to begin as soon as I finished school.

Of course, you know what I, like most women of my generation, did - I got married instead. And although it was a fun and wonderful time in New York, I have never regretted my choice.

*****

Do you know that nearly two million Americans suffer some form of depression? We older adults often struggle with thoughts that lead to feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness. At the same time, we must understand that depression is an illness that can be treated successfully. If someone in your family, or a friend, is suffering from any symptoms of depression, such as unexplained crying, change of eating habits or thoughts of suicide, encourage them and help them to schedule an evaluation.

Baptist Hospital Behavioral Medicine Center, located at 1101 Moreno Street offers free 24-hour screening, assessment and referral services. Call 434- 4866 for further information.

*******

I played bridge last week with a three table group of friends I had not played with in with some time. It was nice to renew old ties with some of my friends. Notice that I did not say old friends.

There are four of us known as the 'nifty 90s.'We still get around and keep everyone guessing. Of course, at our age we are always excused for anything stupid we do. Maybe that's why the girls were so kind when I got the booby prize. "Don't worry - you haven't played for a while!" and "Cheer up, you'll remember you're supposed to count trump."

When I went home, I went into my office to check my awards of all kinds accumulated through the years - and I don't mean to brag, but there was an impressive silver and marble trophy with a hand of cards displayed on it. (Let's just ignore the date!)

Oh well, the girls will understand - maybe I should take a picture of that trophy next time I play and show them I used to win a lot.

I notice that we use the phrase "we used to" quite a lot among my crowd these days!

****

Here's a pithy saying:

"Nothing will be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome."

See you next week.