The days of angst, questioning society, too much grunge and metal, oil paint stained pants, motorcycle boots, Clinton and … well, college. Yes, that was my college experience. SVA in the 90s (not a frat school, my friends). I would venture to say that hacky sack was considered a sport during my time there. Oh, and paint ball. Not that I partook in those activities. I was likely immersed in an Alice in Chains song, skipping class, and heading to our (smoke filled) school cafeteria to play pool while imagining what my next profound painting will be. Oh, yes, I had it ALL figured out.

Anyway …

Why on earth is any of this on my mind? Well, after digging through my mother’s old photos I found many pics from my angst years and sincerely wondered why I made things so complicated when it was really, really all too simple. The green jacket you see above was purchased during my anti-establishment and anti-consumerism phase. Sometime between 91-92 I only wore clothes that were sold on the street and hole in the wall stores that, thinking back, were pretty scary. If you’re from NYC, these were the years (many moons ago) when the village was actually cool and “underground” was actually underground.

And that is my story. My green jacket story. I have no idea where I got it from. I do not know the designer. I really don’t care either. I do know that I am attached to this jacket. I like it. I love it. And during these LA rainy days, it just felt appropriate to wear it (to watch the rain of course – it’s suede!)

I have a confession ~ I used to be afraid of flying. I had not flown in years until I booked a commercial that shot in Texas … It forced me to get on a plane. It was on that flight that I discovered that my fear had nothing to do with flying. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m still nervous on planes … but I do it. It would be great to have no nerves at all … I used to fly all the time and not bat an eye. The goal is to feel that way again.

I will.

It’s weird that I would have such a fear when my step-dad is a pilot. My parents live on an air park. Planes land and take off from their backyard. It’s really fun to watch. We got a chance to see the neighbor do tricks with his Clipper … He would drop (completely spiral down) and speed back up again. I don’t think I’d do that kind of flying … but I sure can’t wait to get on a plane and visit again.

Overcoming a fear is an amazing feeling.

Words cannot describe the special relationship I have with my mother. We are very close … Close, as in we speak every day, multiple times a day. I am so happy to spend this week with her.  Being so far from her has not always been easy. I am cherishing every moment.

xo Rachel