A couple of weeks ago, I took my kids to a performance of The Nutcracker. As an indication of how steeped they are in the style of the Pacific Northwest, where getting dressed up means putting on your good fleece, I said something my eight-year-old daughter about wearing a dress. She practically choked out the words, “What do you mean, dress?”
But I digress before I’ve even begun. So, we went to The Nutcracker. My daughter opted for black, my four-year-old son wore his fanciest dinosaur shirt, and I did wear a dress. But I couldn’t manage wearing heels so I basically wore fancy flip flops. It worked – it’s the PNW.
Anyway, we were early (when does that ever happen?), and we were wandering through the lobby looking at all the exhibit tables. We came to a table for our local newspaper, The Seattle Times. A gentleman was giving away a nutcracker with each new subscription to the paper. I asked him a few questions and found out he was retired from a job that didn’t have to do with the newspaper. He was doing this as a side gig because he feels journalism is important.
I had three thoughts:
- There’s no way I’m resisting this sales pitch. Just give me the sign-up slip.
- Isn’t that cool to do something you feel so passionate about after you retire?
- I love journalism and I’m worried too
So yes, I got a new subscription to the Seattle Times. I doubt we’ll ever make the Style section, but now if we do, I’ll know about it.
I’ve published a related post on my personal blog: Don’t Call Me Nice…Please
Please check out these other items of interest:
More about Wynne Leon and her story-telling journey
Workshop about creativity jump start that I delivered with Dr. Vicki Atkinson
Speaking and workshops on leadership through creativity to build resilient teams
Podcast about the how and why of creativity
Articles and corporate creativity resources
Corporate evaluate your team needs for creativity
Individual creativity survey for individuals
My book about my journey to find what fueled my dad’s indelible spark and twinkle can be found on Amazon: Finding My Father’s Faith.
You can find me on Instagram and Twitter @wynneleon
(featured photo from Pexels)
Love you….and your PNW “dress fleece”. I’m LOL-ing….so much! 🤣❤️🤣
You get me!! Thanks, my friend!
Mwah! 💋
I laughed at this too!! I think the southwest equivalent of “unenforced fancy holiday dress code” is athletic leggings, an oversized sweater, and flip flops. 🤣
I think I live in the wrong region. I’m the black turtleneck wearing flip flop girl…pushing those extremes! LOL! 🤪
Oh, this explains so much, Erin. No wonder PNW types go to snowbird in the SW – because they totally can do the dress code!! Love it!
Hilarious, Vicki! At least the flip flops are universal!
Yes! How cool to do something you love after you retire! Even better if it can be done as a vocation rather than an avocation. I’ve had jobs that I’ve loved, and others, well—not so much. Sadly, the ones I loved didn’t pay much, but happily they sure did put the joy in life! Of the myriad of things you do in this life, Wynne, I suspect that writing and being a mom top the list of your faves—the pay falls short, but the reward is priceless. LOVE! Thanks for spreading it around for all of us to enjoy!
Oh, you totally see me, Julia. You are absolutely right, ” writing and being a mom top the list of your faves—the pay falls short, but the reward is priceless. LOVE! ” Yep – you nailed it. And that is all the pay I need!! Thanks, my dear friend!
Love this story Wynne for so many reasons. You’re taking your kids to the Nutcracker, supporting journalism, and recognizing people still have passions even after retirement! And you slipped into a dress! Impressive. Hugs, C
You always pick up on all the things I love, Cheryl! Thank you!!
Love everything you’ve written here! So how was the nutcracker! Do the kiddos like it?
Ah, Brian – I love that journalism gave you your start. Just another thing to love about the field. The Nutcracker was good. Mr. D. and I slept through some of the first half though. It was warm and cozy in that theater with great music. What else could we do?
LOL on the dress conversation. I had the same reaction from my daughter tonight as she was getting ready for her work Christmas party. She said “I am NOT wearing a dress.” As she’s the only female working for the company, I get that but some of the guys’ partners would be there. She ended up wearing dress pants and a fleece jacket. That’s our Canadian version of “dress fleece”.
Oh, I love this Michelle. Yes, that’s a perfect version of the dress fleece! So good!
I agree with your three thoughts, well done Wynne!
Thank you, Cristiana!
I had to laugh at loud at your daughters dress reaction – I’m with you on the journalism pitch too- sign me up!
Okay – one subscription of the Seattle Times delivered to Lancaster, PA coming up. 🙂
😁
I’ve been considering subscribing to some news publications as well, for similar reasons
How interesting and thoughtful. Thank you for reading and commenting, SeekerFive!
Sounds like a great day/evening was had by all. I love going tonthe theatre, but I was really struck by the fact that you have concession stalls in the theatre … that wouldn’t happen … or at least doesn’t happen in Scotland. I hope the children enjoyed the show. I’m off to the ballet, Cinderella, on 6th January but it might be too cold for a dress.
What an interesting contrast you bring up, Brenda. Thinking about it – there was the gift shop, a food concession stand and the Seattle Times. I wonder how they managed to be there?
Cinderella sounds lovely! Hope you have a wonderful time at the ballet!
I’m sure we will. Did you all have a good Christmas?
We did have a lovely Christmas. Miss O especially was sad when it was over so we’re trying to keep the fun going…
Being from the PNW, I haven’t worn a dress in years. I subscribe to the Columbian newspaper – we all need to support newspapers across the nation. I dislike reading national news online and having to watch an ad in order to read an article. Ugh. Long live printed newspapers!