In Which Hayley Loses Her Most Cherished Parasol

I discussed this at length with my sister Rusty Gypsy over one of our twice weekly Skype tea parties, in which we both dress in all of our most recent vintage purchases and model them for each other. Of course, it can't compare with actually being together, but small wonders such as Skype help make the miles seem shorter when we have other, less exciting engagements (school) than day after consecutive day filled with antiquing and spend long periods of time apart.

Yesterday, it looked quite sunny and beautiful out. Upon waking, I quickly roused myself once I caught a glimpse of the beauty on the other side of my window. As we all know, Florida summer is a horrendous affair due to the skyrocketing temperatures and predictable afternoon thunderstorms. However, yesterday I felt a bit of unharnessed joy when I viewed the sky on the other side of my window and then commandeered the usage of a television so I could catch a quick glimpse of the weather channel. The nice, balding weatherman deemed the day clear of storms. Oh, how I jumped with glee! I rushed into my closet and pulled out a few treasures I had saved for a day such as this: a magnificent old corset worn by the Queen of England circa 1721, a fantastically aged pair of boots from 1900, and a beautiful flowing skirt that I picked up from an upscale Goodwill store. A cardinal red French beret I happened upon while shopping the streets of sweet Paris completed my chic look.

I hopped into my Model T Ford and took off to the vintage shops and antique stores. My first stop was a store where the owner imports rusty mugs, and I of course bought some of those to embellish. On my way to my next stop, all of the sudden I looked up and the beautiful sunshiney day had drastically changed to a thunderous, dark, and depressing environment. Before I had time to lift my skirts and scamper to shelter, the heavens above opened up and poured, completely ruining all of my cherished vintage clothing I had so fashionably draped on myself.

Some of you might question me for not having the forethought to bring along an umbrella, to which I will tell you that I did. I carried with me a lace parasol I won in an auction last spring; however, moments after the first raindrops fell a gust of wind came about and savagely ripped my parasol from my hand, carrying it up above to an otherwise magnificent pine tree. At once the beauteous lace was damaged beyond repair. No amount of embellishment would fix that parasol once I had it retrieved.

This is why, my gypsy friends, I cannot wait another minute for fall to arrive! Boots galore! Sweaters and vests and overcoats! My heart is heavy knowing it is only September and therefore we Floridians have another couple months of sticky weather and antiquing trips ruined by the rain. But a Rusty Gypsy never lets anything get her down! In the time before fall arrives, I will continue embellishing rusted mugs and delighting in my newfound passion: sewing!!!!

Until later, gypsies!
Xoxo