Every post I write I have a story to tell. Even when I think that I don’t, I end up having something to say. Sometimes the stories are funny, sometimes sad and every once in awhile they contain a little nugget of wisdom that someone may benefit from…
THE STORY
…One thing my stories really never are is political. Why? Well, politics are polarizing; much like religion they are deeply personal and people often feel defensive when either is discussed. Once I barely touched on the topic and I’m pretty sure a person or two was offended. That was certainly not my intention, but it was a story I really felt the need to tell; much like today’s story. My intent is not to anger or offend anyone. I have debated with myself for awhile now over whether or not to share this, and with my whole heart I really believe it is a story worthy of being told. A conversation with my son the other night is what finally made me decide to do it.
I am not presuming to sway your opinions and deeply held beliefs; nor am I challenging them. I simply want to share one little girl’s feelings and perceptions in regard to what she sees happening around her.
While this story does have a politically related foundation, that isn’t truly what’s at the core of it. At the core of it is a little girl; a little girl with big eyes and big ears who has really been paying attention to what is going on around her and has taken it to heart. And that in turn has hurt my heart. It’s a story that I have to tell, if for no other reason, for her.
One of the classes in my Life Skills curriculum is called “Citizenship”. We learn about our community and the world around us as well as how to be responsible members of that community. Of course a big part of that class right now is the election. We have these beautiful thoughtful discussions on the candidates and the process of electing a president. The kids are truly interested and have come up with some profound thoughts that have impressed me beyond measure.
When we first started talking about the election I had the kids list everything they thought that they knew about the candidates. No opinions were to be included. They had to list things they had heard on television or through other means that they believed to be factual. When it came time to share, the little girl in question said, “Donald Trump doesn’t like disabled people.” I asked how she had come up with that. Her response, complete with an accurate mimicry of the hand motions, was, “I saw him make fun of this disabled man on television, and he was doing this…” Insert said hand motions.
One of the other students asked, “What do you mean?” She turned around, faced the whole group and emphatically stated, “Donald Trump doesn’t like kids like us.” Eight faces turned to look at me. With tears in my eyes, I just looked back at them. What was I to say? Whether or not you believe that Mr. Trump feels that way, whether or not he actually does feel that way isn’t important. The one thing that is important, the only thing that is important is that one little girl with special needs believes that he feels that way about her. And that, in my opinion, is one little girl too many.
THE OUTFIT
When I think “Fall”, the first thing that comes to mind is sweaters. Okay, boots too…but especially sweaters. Big cozy, snuggly sweaters. But when I think cozy sweaters I don’t necessarily think “pink”. This pink shawl collar cardigan that I received c/o Shein changed that. It is a thick luscious knit that you just want to burrow down inside of on a cool evening. I wore it this past weekend to a matinee movie date so everything else was kept super casual.
Originally I was going to throw a graphic tee under it, but instead decided to keep it tonal and went with the pink waffle knit top that I’ve literally been living in lately. As a matter of fact, I love this top so much I now have it in…ummm…five colors. Don’t judge me…it’s seriously insanely soft and cozy and I figured if I was going to be wearing it constantly maybe I should mix it up a bit. Finally, keeping with the pastel theme my all-time favorite floral print ankle boots were the perfect choice to finish off the look.
THE TIP
Don’t rule out pastels for Fall. Or Winter for that matter. Lighter shades (think pink, blue, peach, mint) are a pleasant surprise in a sea of darker spicier shades. They pair just as well with your colder weather staples and look especially fresh with black and camel. Layer a pastel top under a pullover or cardigan or maybe pair a pastel skirt with a black turtleneck sweater. And look for traditional Fall/Winter pieces like chunky knits and coats in the lighter shades of the spectrum.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Cardigan: c/o Shein; Top: JCPenney; Jeans: GAP (Similar); Boots: Similar
**This post was sponsored by Shein, but as always, all opinions are my own.
