It's been quite a year for the world. Not at all easy, as I'm sure you have observed.
It has been quite a year for me personally as well. I guess that's the reason I'm so grateful this Thanksgiving Day...I'm grateful for every little thing that has gone well!
One thing that has gone right: After total hip replacement surgery on October 30, I'm getting stronger "way quicker than expected." Many thanks to all of you who have sent me get-better notes. I'm buoyed by your thoughts!
Yes, I'm better, thank you!
Another reason for gratitude: Before the surgery, and with my psoriatic disease making it difficult to do my own modeling, I've had the great fortune of having my friend Fay Ripley (who is both a pro photographer and a vintage fashionista) set up photo shoots with her photographer friend Marc Harvey, and a crew of wonderful women who have modeled for me. I was afraid of this step in my business, but I am SO happy with the results. I hope I will still be able show some of my vintage finery on myself, but I now know I don't have to quit while my disease slows me down.
A scene from a recent photo shoot
I'm very grateful to have been able to support Dress for Success Worldwide through the sales from the Pink Heart Shop section of my Etsy store. So many of you have purchased to help this cause, and several have even donated vintage fashion to me so that I can offer it for sale.
I love this little video from Dress for Success, that gives you a taste of their fantastic work.
At the same time, 10% of all the rest of my sales has gone to protecting manatees through Save the Manatee Club. Again, so many customers are eager to help with this great cause, and tell me so. Many people think of me as "the manatee lady" ...and I'm just fine with that. I love all animals, but one very large place in my heart is reserved for these awesome, gentle—and perilously threatened—creatures.
The rest of the good I want to mention is the everyday sort: Every single day I am thankful for what I do, the knowledge I gain, and the beautiful clothing I get to see and hold in my hands. I am thankful for all the wonderful people I meet and get to know in the world of vintage fashion. My customers, my readers, my colleagues, and my friends—all of you make what I do such a joy. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much!
