Seniors still strive to show well-groomed look

It was my first year in art school when Mr. Thomas, who was not one of the teachers in my fashion design class, asked me to pose wearing a German costume for one of his figure drawing classes held in the evenings. I was excited to tell my family the news, and I remember my mother saying "That's nice."

My sister said, "Well, you're probably just the only one in the class that the costume fits." But most of all, I remember my father asking, "Do you get paid?"" (Well, you know fathers!) Despite this lack of enthusiasm on the part of my family members, I was pleased to be asked.

The costume was fun to wear, it featured a white peasant blouse, lots of petticoats, and a red, fringed skirt over white stockings and slippers. Most interesting of all, the skirt hem was pinned up on the left side about five inches - to signify to everyone that the wearer was not yet married - she was still available!

This was my first time posing for the evening class, and I enjoyed it. Most people in those classes were older (what would be called "continuing education" these days, I suppose) and they took their classes seriously, since they were paying their own tuition.

I certainly remember my own father's response when I announced I wanted to go to art school. "Well," he said, "it's probably a waste of time as you'll just get married right after you graduate anyway." Hah! - I got married before I graduated. Guess that showed him!

Anyway, that costume was just the beginning. The second outfit I posed in was even more thrilling - a complete English riding habit - jodphurs, jacket, riding crop, and even the velvet helmet.

Anyway, by posing in costume I got to know many of the faculty members, and enjoyed learning about the various costumes. (No, Dad, I didn't get paid!)

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It's the beginning of another spring season with parties, teas, dinners and all that goes with them. And of course, everyone strives to look their very best. That's as true of seniors as of anyone else.

Do you still get a bit of a shock when you pass a store window or mirror? Is that ME with the white hair (and maybe glasses?) Good grooming improves one's appearance at any age. How about a bit of blush or a subtle touch of lipstick?

It will all be worth the effort the next time meet someone you have not seen for a while and they say, "You look wonderful, you haven't aged a bit." I guarantee you that remark does more for you than all the vitamins in the world.

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The Pensacola Historical Society's April membership meeting is set for 7 p.m., April 21, at The Beacon, 110 E. Church Street, in downtown Pensacola.

The society will host some of the winners of the 2008 Escambia County Schools History Fair, and provide students an opportunity to share their research accomplishments and to present their projects to an audience prior to taking them to the state history fair. Society members and the general public are invited to attend the meeting and support the students in this endeavor. An ice cream social will follow the meeting. For information, call Betty Vickers at 850-432-9743 or the Pensacola Historical Society, at 850-434-5455.

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Here are a couple of truisms you might agree with:

Experience is something you don't get until just after you needed it.

When I am not in my right mind, my left mind gets pretty crowded.

I used to have an open mind, but my brains kept falling out.

See you next week!