Today Attila and I headed for the nearby city to clothes shop, for me. We have been invited to my niece’s wedding, so I needed “Cocktail Attire”. I didn’t know what that was, so spent some time looking it up on the internet. We visited about a dozen stores, where I tried on a few dresses, and looked awful in them. I decided I had to wear something I felt good about, so that I am not feeling self-conscious and uncomfortable during the event. At the same time, there are budgetary considerations to consider.
After spending many hours trying on dresses at different stores, I finally found a store where the salesperson was a mature woman. I explained to her what I was looking for, so she gave me a tour of the options, then suggested an outfit for me, pants and top. She made further suggestions, all of which were gathered together and put in a change room for me to try on. The very first outfit she suggested was the first one I tried on. I liked it. She liked it. She went and found Attila, called him into the store to see the outfit. Attila liked it. I am happy with the purchase, and will not have to think about how I look so that I can enjoy the ceremony.
Now all that is left to concern myself with are an acceptable pair of shoes, and some remedial intervention with my hair.
This experience got me thinking about an experience in the past. In the early 70s I graduated from Toronto Teacher’s College. During my studies there I met a lot of very nice people, one of whom was quite wealthy, and hosted a party for the class. I attended the party wearing a dress I had sewn for myself.
At that party was our Psychology Master (we called the teachers at the college Masters, the good old days). This particular male had taken a undeserved dislike to me, he picked on every chance he was given by our creator. At the party, in front of everyone, he sneeringly asked me, “Did you get that dress at a fire sale.”
The hostess’s husband, a very successful businessman, who the Master had been trying to impress, took up the cause, seamlessly.
“Oh, Mr. xxx,” he replied with surprise, “you sew. Are you the sewing teacher! How very interesting.”
The “audience” burst into laughter. I think everyone was grateful to the host for putting a bully, someone in a position of authority and power within the institution they were attending, where he needed to be.
Then the host began a friendly chat with me about how much he liked my dress.
I’ve met some very good people in my life!
Most of the important lessons in my life have been thanks to good people.
Worldly
Weather
14°C
Date: 4:00 PM EDT Wednesday 15 April 2026
Condition: Cloudy
Pressure: 101.1 kPa
Tendency: Rising
Temperature: 13.6°C
Dew point: 11.8°C
Humidity: 89%
Wind: N 7 km/h
Visibility: 13 km
Quote
“In summer, the song sings itself.”
William Carlos Williams
1883 – 1963
Maggie, glad your shopping was successful. While weddings are nice, they do seem to be full of expenses we’d rather avoid.
Thank you for sharing the story about Mr. xxx. There’s always something reassuring about a bully getting a good come-uppance.
Wendy, they do involve a lot of expenses these days!
My first wedding was compliments of my Mom, who paid for and did everything herself, from making bridesmaid’s dresses, finding suits for my brothers, providing the food and the cake, alterations to my wedding dress, renting the hall, everything. She was amazing.
When Attila and I married, we did so in our living room by an officiant, my eldest daughter took a few photos, my bouquet was artificial flowers, my outfit was pants and sweater, both on sale, and Attila cooked and served the meal to the party. Only our children and their romantic partners were there. That is how my Aunties were married, in living rooms, and Church Manses, nothing fancy, just joy and love. My sisters were married in a small rural Church, celebrations were held, one in my family room, and one at the local community centre hall. Joyful and simple affairs.
I believe Mom and Dad married in a small ceremony, but I have no recollection about the event, I was not there yet!
It seems the universe often hoists bullies upon their own petards, the perfect moment arrives of its own accord it seems.
I’m glad to know there have been good people who have entered your life and left it a bit better off, Maggie.
Teri, thank you! It is something that seems to happen with great frequency, they seem to be everywhere.