Friday, September 23, 2011

Come Back Friends

With Mom, 1993
"Come back friends," my dad would say, whenever my mom and I left to go shopping.  The issue was always the same.  She wanted me to look stylish.  I wanted to blend in.  She wanted me to try something new.  I wanted to play it safe.  The shopping gene didn't kick in for a few decades.  We'd stand in the dressing room at an impasse.  She thought I looked great.  I thought I looked ridiculous.  It was hard to compromise.  Yet no matter how much I pouted, how much I resisted change, I wanted to please her.  Which explains that one time I showed up at school in white Go-Go boots and blue and white plaid knickers.  I looked like Twiggy's tragic third cousin.  It was a major fashion don't.  I still remember the combined eye roll and snicker I got from the boy I had a crush on, when he walked by.  Gone 12 years today.  I think of her when I shop for clothes.  I know what dress she would've liked, what outfit she would've wanted me to try on.  Wherever she is now, I know she's looking chic.  What I'd give to go shopping with her again.  And come back friends.
Posted by Carol Starr Schneider at 7:21 AM

4 comments:

  1. Cathy HamiltonSeptember 23, 2011 at 4:51 PM

    Oh, SJG. This made me tear up a little. (Such a beautiful woman, your mother. Natch!) My mom and I were the opposite. She was the safe and traditional one; I was the trendy - often tasteless - experimenter. I must've told you I was denied go-go boots. Denied!! Cheers to your mama, tonight. Thinking of you.

    And, by the way, big feature story on "Book of Mormon" this Sunday on 60 Minutes. You're welcome. xo

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  2. Carol Starr SchneiderSeptember 23, 2011 at 4:57 PM

    I wish I saved my Go-Go's...you'd be welcome to 'em, and the knickers too. Tasteless experimenter!!!! Luv it. I did get bolder as I got older. I can recall a few one-piece, belted numbers in the '80s that pushed my personal envelope! Thanks the "Book of Mormon" news. I'll Tivo that action, baby.

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  3. mickSeptember 24, 2011 at 5:46 AM

    You're so very fortunate to have those memories and the wealth of a treasured relationship with your mother. The go-go boots and knickers, I venture to guess, rank among her worst moments!

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  4. Carol Starr SchneiderSeptember 24, 2011 at 7:52 AM

    Mick, that was a bad call on her part, but generally, her taste was exquisite. I do remember her wearing a one-piece skin tight leopard print in the 60s, however. xx

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