After slogging along for several weeks, uninspired and unfocused, I came to the conclusion that making one thing would be therapeutic. Just one, that’s all. Didn’t matter how simple or complex. Create one item. So…
I made a “skinny scarf”, which I decided to wear today.
I happened to notice a pendant that I’ve had for 40 years and barely worn, and I thought it might be cool with the scarf. Then, as my eye meandered, I saw that it’s color looked really good with these thrifted harem pants, never worn (by me).
Are you following me yet?
The earrings languishing in a box suddenly seemed perfect.
After weeks of bemoaning the fact that I lost my Favorite Glasses, this other pair was just right after all.
This post? It was gonna be brilliantly written, insightful and funny. I had a theme, at least until I spent a few hours with my 92 yr old mom (who provides a beautiful opportunity to be in the Now), effectively erasing my memory. However, I did remember something, which I’m happy to share.
Just say something true. That’s it, One Thing True. Say it, make it, or be it. Pause and repeat. Then, like dominoes, the rest will follow. As for me? I don’t have a clue where it’s headed, but at least the One Thing Rule is easy to follow. I like easy these days.
XXOO
DETAILS: Harem pants and glasses frames- Goodwill, Sweater- thrifted, tank- Target?, hat and shoes- DSW, jewelry- thrifted, gifted, and God-knows-What over the last 40 years. A note: The pendant was a gift from my mom over 40 years ago. I recently got the chain from a flea market. Maybe it was the one thing I needed to make it work.
LASTLY: This is for those who believe in synchronicity. As I FINALLY decided on a title for this post, I got a call from Joey. He likes to play golf (seen here practicing) and had gone to the golf course. As I was typing All It Takes Is One, he called to say he’d just gotten a hole in one, the very first EVER in his 30-plus years of playing.
Pretty cool, right?
P.S. Gratuitous picture because I like it. Until next time…
I like easy too. Now I understand my mom when she was my age…why she didn’t pursue an argument, or kept quiet after certain remarks. It’s often best to go the easy route. How incredible you look in a fedora, and always with a delicious load of arm candy.
There are so many kinds of easy! I find that if I’m “mindful” in that Zen sort of way, life is better. Less discord, less stress, and more comfortable clothes.
Thanks for the compliments!! Not sure why but fedoras are easier to find than other styles for my big head. As for the bracelets, I’m in a phase where I’m just wearing them all, all the time. Seems easier than picking and choosing everyday. XXXOOO
What a great look! Love the skinny scarf.
Thanks Susan!! It was quick and easy. I like the look and will definitely make more. It’s not quite as soft as I’d like it to be, so I’m guessing I’ll be using a knit fabric in the future.
It’s so true – when you don’t know what to do and feel unfocused, just making a start on one little thing is a helpful strategy. And trusting that the rest will follow? Yes, I’m all for that!
The skinny scarf is great, and the outfit you put together piece by piece is quintessential Jean – chic and creative and unique. The pendant from your mum is a beauty, and you are rocking that hat! xxx
Yes, the classic “put one foot in front of the other”. The trust part can be a little harder but it hasn’t failed me yet. Typically I think backwards, as in “what’s the worst that can happen”. I can almost always deal with it because I’ve been through a lot, so then I relax a little and allow trust to take over. As for the outfit, it was fun! Haven’t felt that flow for awhile. Too hot!!
One thing. How about a half? I’m good at half measures. Ha.
But in seriousness, even if your original theme didn’t make it here, this one must be just as good. Synchronicity, little things coming together, you don’t even know how/why. Kind of letting it go. And it started with your scarf, which I love. I’ve had glimmers of this sense lately, but no holes-in-one. Congratulations, Joey! Hahaha!
You look truly gorgeous here, all together, relaxed. Great to see you.
Half could work, I think! Half a recipe, half a dress (very avant-garde), half a game etc. Part of what I’d been thinking about for the post was the notion of letting go, with the autumn leaves as a metaphor. So you got it anyway, hurray!!
You would’ve appreciated the hilarity of my picture taking, racing into place while the timer ticked away. Once I caught my heel in the vent on the floor, pulling it out. Fortunately it popped back in and the shoe wasn’t damaged. Small victories add up, you know. Maybe your glimmers will lead to some too. LOVE YOU!!!
The languishing earrings and the second-best specs are fabulous. The Harem pants deserve to be worn a lot!
Well done to Joey for the hoe-in-one. Hope your Mum is thriving. xxx
Thanks Vix!! I definitely go through cycles where I wear something constantly then put it away for a long time. I do love those glasses too, but my other ones were more comfortable! Plus I adored the matte gray color and shape…I’m hoping they still have the same frames at the optometrist.
No, my mom isn’t thriving but she still knows me and I can make her laugh sometimes. I’m grateful for that although I cry whenever I leave. It’s hard no matter what, as you know all too well.
As for Joey’s “hole-in-one”, I’m going with a typo on your part, not a Freudian slip.
Sending much love to you and Jon.
XXXOOO
So happy to see you back and in your usual stunning attire. “Just One Thing” is a beautiful and inspiring way to live. Your “skinny scarf” was the perfect beginning to an evolving ensemble created with pieces that most certainly had been waiting for an outing. Love the color and shape of your hat!
Interesting that the pendant was gifted by your mother, who is a daily part of your life at this point. Sounds like your relationship is thriving.
Congratulations to Joey and his “hole-in-one.” Somehow it all flows together.
You are one of my exemplars when it comes to living the Just One Thing life. I know you understand the intuitive approach beautifully, as demonstrated by your Dressing as Meditation.
Yes, it’s interesting that I chose to wear the piece my mom gave me. I try to wear things with a story when I go to see her, and what better story than a gift from her!! She’s always amazed when I show her things she gave me long ago. It makes me appreciate them so much more too.
The hole-in-one was craaazy!!! What are the chances?! At that moment?!! Goosebumps. XXXOOO
You’re right, Jean. ‘All it takes is one’ in so many ways. And you did most excellent with that stepping stone alright. I often use ‘Just show up’ or ‘just do it now’ to get me doing and stop me over-thinking…or spiraling down, or fogging up. I luv your ensemble and how it came together.
And I feel for you and your Mom, knowing there’s nothing that can be done or said to make it different. Acknowledging the painfulness of life along with the good stuff when you notice it. I guess that’s all anyone can do.
lots of xoxxo to you
Aww Pao, thank you. I know you get it and I appreciate your understanding. I like the “just show up” idea too. I’ll use that when the One Thing line turns stale.
Hope your creative juices are flowing. I ALWAYS get energized when I see your work, so I’m thanking you in advance. I’ll be by soon, my Kindred Spirit. XXOO
I like the idea of one true thing. I think Meryl Streep had a movie with that name years ago.
The outfit is fantastic! Really loving it all.
So wonderful that Joey got a hole in one. I hope he went out and bought a lottery ticket : )
bisous
Suzanne
I don’t know the movie but I like the sound of it! I got a lottery ticket actually and NOT ONE number matched. Must be a lesson in there somewhere. Like just keep on with one thing? Thanks for the good energy, though. It definitely counts.
I’ve been trying to live the “just one thing” theme lately, in an effort to get my terrifyingly cluttered apartment under control. The pendant is lovely – it needs to be taken out and enjoyed, and is perfect with the harem pants.
Love the serendipity of the post title and Joey’s golf game!
I’m struggling with a stuffed home too, only I’d have to embrace “just ten things” or 20. I wish us both luck. It’s just so hard, but I can do it when it’s time. Like tomorrow.
I’m repeating your mantra in my head. Over.and.over.
It will happen.
All is takes is one.
xoxo
So delightful to belatedly catch up with you here jean. I love your philosophy, but then your wisdom is something I love as much as your style. You are a beautiful, wise woman with the sunniest smile and the warmest heart. So yes, start small; one step at a time – momentum always gathers. It’s good to be reminded of this.
I’m so glad you stopped by!! It’s been forever since I visited you, but at least I get a tiny glimpse via Instagram. It’s really not the same of course, especially since your writing is a huge component of who you are and is so utterly delicious. In fact, I’m going to swing by and say hello right now.
XXOO
I needed to read this! I’ve been going through my own fit of not being inspired. You are absolutely right, just do one thing and it can propel you forward. Great look and love the armful of bangles!
I thought I’d responded to your lovely comment. Hopefully this is better late than never! I’m hoping 2016 will be wonderful for you and yours. XO