Running so late, I know. This is going to be an odd week for time, I can already tell. But then Thanksgiving week always is. I guess the crazy started early. So let’s just get into it. Timers at the ready and off we go…
I kind of like this one. Not entirely sure where this is going, but I want to find a story for this little bit.
Monday, November 20th: She gathered supplies for months.
She gathered supplies for months. She wanted the best. If she couldn’t afford the best at one time, then she would purchase the best slowly, and often on discount. She made a list of everything that she would need. She then scoured both brick and mortar retail stores and on-line sales to ensure that she had the exact item she wanted at the best price.
In the meantime, Cam practiced on less expensive material. She Started with the basic pattern and completed the first unembellished dress in one weekend. While the dress looked as it should, she discovered several places for improvement, spots where alterations would tailor the dress to her, flattering her form more than the original design intended.
Once the shape of the dress was perfected, Cam went to work on the embellishments. She agonized over embroidery and beaded details until she had exactly the right pattern. The jewelry of course was taken care of. She would wear what belonged to her mother. It had been worn by eight generations and she was thrilled to be the ninth. It was the inspiration for the gown and the reason that she wanted the best. She had to match the quality of the heirlooms.
Cam knew that much of the family thought of her as their poor relation. And by comparison to them, she was. She earned a good wage, had a comfortable life and was able to put money by. She was not able to jet off to fabulous vacations or purchase private yachts. She could not pay thousands of dollars for a handbag simply because it caught her eye one weekend. Luxury was not a routine for her as it was for many of her family members.
However, she was happy, which she often thought many of her wealthier family members weren’t. At least when she saw them, they tended to have more or less permanent scowls on their faces.
It also meant that when Cam did indulge the luxury felt more luxurious. As each item came in, Cam gloried in the luxuriousness of each separate item and felt it a joy to work with them. The silk that became a dress was a whisper against her skin as she sewed it and would feel even better on. She was glad she perfected the pattern and when she tried on the finished gown, it fit her perfectly.
She took her time with each stitch of the embroidery and carefully placed each little faceted glass bead. By the time it was complete, Cam found her efforts surpassed even her own expectations. In this gown, she would hold her own against any of the others and it would be a night to remember.
Ten til Midnight 