I knew what I wanted when I walked into the store but didn’t think I would find it, not in my price range, anyway. I wanted that cool, black, hip, leather bag that fits my old-school, college-ruled notebook and the iPad I don’t even own yet. Unfortunately, today’s version of that bag often looks like a bike messenger bag (done that) made out of some material with no natural hand and in a color that is emphatically not black. Or it’s shiny with brassy chains and loud logos.
The Radley London display waited, eyes discreetly trained in the middle distance, poised to introduce its seductive yellow shoulder bag. The style drew me in, but I already have a cool black shoulder bag (although it is aging) made out of hi-tech, man-made something or other. The yellow purse, while attactive, didn’t quite have the functionality I needed. As Suze Orman would say, can you afford that AND the bag you came in for? No? DENIED.
The bright young thing stayed on the rack, but a black, shapely, understated leather bag with double straps awaited. This sophisticated aunt whispered, “Mary Poppins.” Remember why you loved her? Capable and beautiful. Open and mysterious. Proper and bannister-riding. Prim with a gentleman friend. You never knew what would come out of that bag. Umbrella? Lamp? IPad??
In five days my friend Anne Britting Oleson will travel to the UK. She will see the Oysterband on an adventure that started in part with a spoonful of sugar I fed her on her way to see them for the first time in Sydney, Nova Scotia. And exactly one year ago today, she started the blog Anne’s Awesome Adventures to document what happens when you take your medicine out into the world. It has since been linked to by the New York Book Review, the band the Saw Doctors, and even obscure but necessary sites such as this one. She may or may not make it to a Radley store. This time.
Meanwhile, I’m possessed in two senses of the word, when Boo Radley of London and I go out and about on our own adventures. Calm and capable with a self-assurance that rivals that of a seven-year-old. We have fun and get things accomplished. You should join us. Come on now. Spit spot!
