Something New...Something Old...Secondhand

I was walking past the window of a Salvation army thrift store a few days ago and paused in front of the display window. On display were 6 gorgeous wedding gowns, covered in sequins, ribbons and silks. It was impossible not to look and wonder what stories and memories were held in the the depths and folds of that fabric. Possibly a whiff of rose petals, a hint of perfume, images of love, devotion and new life. The thought hit me...is wearing a secondhand wedding gown stigmatized? I hope to someday wear my Mothers wedding gown as my own. My Grandmother made it...she even made the lace herself...

If I ever get married...which right now...I am unsure of...since I have not been in a truly serious relationship as of yet...Would that though be the same as wearing the wedding dress of stranger? In a world such as ours where we are taught to buy new, buy expensive and buy much...could a woman buy a secondhand wedding dress with her head held high?

I would say yes, I believe in making your own destiny even that of your clothing be it Kmart or Kevin Klein...or Goodwill...Wedding dresses are very expensive...and if you could find one of the right size, style and age...why not? Life is too short to quibble over wedding dresses...Although I have been told its the only dress it will take you weeks maybe even months to pick out...that you only wear once...is it then a waste, a memory or an heirloom?

My uncle works as a Goodwill donation man, he takes in all the donations people bring to the Goodwill drop of centers and boxes them up to be taken to the stores...He told me that one afternoon an older gentleman brought in a newly purchased wedding dress with tags and box still intact. My uncle being too nosey for his own good questioned the man...as the story goes, his daughter found a better one...Can you imagine...purchasing two wedding gowns...what waste...I endorse Secondhand wedding gowns...Hey...you could call your wedding a green wedding...

Goodnight cyberspace...stay kind, happy and healthy...

Impact of Professionalism on the Olympics?

I believe 1988 was the first Olympics that professional athletes were allowed to compete in certain events. But, 1998 was the last nail in the Amateur spirit of Olympics ended, the distinction between "amateur" and "professional" was deleted from the Olympic charter. Personally, I feel that the inclusion of professional athletes has sadly had a bad impact on the overall spirit of the Olympics. France's Pierre de Coubertin the Renaissancer of the modern Olympics envisioned a clean, pure, apolitical arena where "amateur" athletes compete for the betterment of human kind at the heights of human achievement. He created a vision that allowed anyone and everyone to compete, rich or poor. You didn't need to be professional or have endorsements. For me, this was a beautiful vision I wish was still continued today. Now...what is the Olympics Nike, Reebok, Wheaties or True Althletism? I can hear the complaints now. Trust me, I know this is not a popular view point. I'd love to hear any and all opinions concerning this issue.

PS...Billy Nelson a competitor in the Hurtles competition is from my home town...Taft, CA!!!!