Men may like to labour under the illusion that the world is their oyster but the truth is; this is a woman’s world. Generally, married men seem less confused about who figuratively wears the trousers, but today this reality extends way beyond the confines of ruling the roost. Instead of changing the system, outspoken females have long been encouraging women to rewrite the rules, the feminine way.

Shifts in the fabric of society are making this rewrite possible and depending upon how women respond we will either witness a spiritual EVE-olution as has never been seen before or, alternatively, we will see a return to the Dark Ages where religion totally dominated the world.

As it stands staunch conservatives, like George Dubya, are using devious means to trash the rights women have gained and whereas previously women’s libbers were laughed-off, this extreme reaction shows that the boys are currently running scared.

There are five major shifts that have caused this social metamorphosis.
The first is an ‘accidental’ global switch to a matriarchal society. By definition a matriarchal society is one where a woman heads the family and the cultural values are passed through the female line.

In families today men are absent due to divorce, work pressure or simply because they are emotionally unavailable and by leaving parenting to the mother, women are passing on their female legacy to both their boys and girls.

Secondly, technology has so radically altered the work environment that employees no longer spend every moment of their working day being office-bound. Now networking is a key tool for success and with the addition of more flexible working hours, trends like outsourcing, contracting and the home-office are a boon for working mothers.

Allied to this is the ever-increasing female economic clout. Supporting this third shift, Tom Peters claims (in Re-Imagine) that the amount of money controlled by females in corporate US makes American women the largest single economy in the world. It’s also well known that women influence the purchase of 80% of all consumer goods and, as the existing global system only values matters to do with money, this shows how much the power of women is growing.

The blurring of male and female roles is the fourth catalyst. Today we have male fashion models and female engineers and with femininity being redefined to include the part of corporate tycoon, men too are questioning the advantages of the old-fashioned macho role.

The fifth change benefits neither men nor women but nevertheless contributes to the feminisation of the world. Derivatives of petrochemicals such as plastics, fertilisers and pesticides produce an oestrogen mimicking substance that is causing girls to menstruate as early as 8 or 9 years old. As these xeno-oestrogens interfere with testosterone they are reducing the size of boys’ penises and are contributing to increasing male infertility. While this is wholly undesirable, it’s ironic that the biggest current crisis within the patriarchal system is oil, the very substance causing the hormonal feminisation of the world’s population.

So if women continue to behave as if their physical body is the only power they have, while they dwindle their energy on lo-cal diets or distract themselves with false finger-nails, tucks and implants, powerful conservatives are regressing the world to a time where women’s voices could be silenced once more.

On the other hand, if females heal themselves from the scam of the learnt habit of self-sacrifice, they can take full advantage of these shifts. Rules can be written to recreate society around the value of wisdom instead of absolute power, peace as opposed to violence, cooperation instead of winner-takes-all, truth rather than political spin, abundance in favour of scarcity, loving values rather than abusive manipulation and real justice rather than man-made law.

Sweden, Norway and South Africa are the three leading nations promoting women’s rights. Each of these countries can be an incubator for more humane forms of social organisation. Sure there are huge challenges ahead but the real stumbling block for women is the limitation of not wanting to break the rules of being a good, obedient and dependent little girl. But it’s worth remembering that good girls go nowhere, only gutsy women – who break the rules – win.

Stephanie Vermeulen runs seminars on Applied Emotional Intelligence and Women’s Issues in business and public forums as well as being an inspiring speaker, writer and personal coach. Her books, ‘Kill the Princess: Why Women Still Aren’t Free from the Quest for a Fairytale Life’ & ‘EQ: Emotional Intelligence for Everyone’ are available from leading bookstores and online from Amazon.com and Kalahari.net. She can be contacted via her website http://www.eqsa.co.za

Nicola Trussardi was in his late 50s when he died of a tragic car accident, but he did not die without leaving his legacy in the fashion industry. If you would take a look at Trussardi’s background, you just might be amazed at how an Economics graduate was able to turn his family business of glove-making into one of the largest ever companies to ever strike the fashion industry.

Trussardi handled the glove-making business that his grandfather founded way back in the year 1910. With his background in economics and his avid fashion sense, it did not take long for Trussardi to turn the business into the huge company that it is now known. The major contribution of this company is that it helped make labels that are made in Italy all the more popular all over the world. He also took it upon himself to expand the product line of the family business, so that it would now go beyond the production of just gloves. Luxury accessories are now included in the Trussardi product line as well.

In 1973, the all-new product line was encompassed by the development of the Trussardi’s trademark greyhound logo. Not too long after, Trussardi also launched yet another line of expansion, which included leather jackets. This actually marked the first ever step made by the Trussardi line into the development of their own RTW product line. In the 1980s, the revamped RTW line now included men’s wear, women’s wear, children’s wear, and even sportswear. He also released a lot of fragrances, which include Trussardi for Women, Trussardi Uomo, Trussardi Action Donna, Trussardi Action Uomo, Trussardi Action Sport, Python for Women, Python Uomo, Fresh Donna for Women, and Fresh for Men.

Trussardi’s Fashion House has also delved into designing interiors of airplanes, cars, and helicopters as well. This is how extensive the product line of Trussardi has become over the years. The interior of Alitalia, for instance, can be credited to the designing prowess of Nicola Trussardi. Alfa Romeo cars and models are not exempted from this as well. And during the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, Korea, it was also Trussardi who designed the uniforms of the Italian athletes. All of these strongly indicate a short yet fulfilled life led by Nicola Trussardi.

Browse all Trussardi Perfumes at our Mens and Womens Fragrance Store. Also, read more about Trussardi fragrances by visiting us at PerfumeCenter.com

Belts used to be seen as a necessity – to hold your pants up. But if you want to be in style right now, you need a belt. Belts worn with a variety of interchangeable and cool belt buckles are hot today. They are one of the biggest must-have fashion accessories this season. New fashions are focusing on a crisp architectural fit, with the spotlight on the waist. Popular styles of the forties are integrated with new designer looks, all accentuated with tons of accessories – with the belt creating the soft architecture by defining the natural womanly curves into new stylish silhouettes. Belts with lots of changeable belt buckles offer a versatile trend and a vital fashion staple in your wardrobe that you can put to good use as a figure enhancing waist belt – and as an addition of instant pizazz to any outfit!

The belted look is not limited to women’s fashions. Runways up the style factor for men this season by showing belted shorts, pants, jackets and coats. The soft silhouette is carried through and created by sleek, cinched, and fitted looks, extended to even the simplest of men’s ensembles.

According to Kim Martin, fashion editor for Stylelist.com, “The belt is creating this new silhouette. If you don’t have a waist, create one with a belt. If you do have one, play it up. As far as the belts themselves…they are different colors…have different buckles. They are very versatile.”

Jackets, dresses and skirts all are completed with belted cinched waists. Fall runways spotlight the lean and mean silhouette from mid-calf to floor-grazing, from jumpsuits and safari looks to military jacket, from cropped-look to more volume in skirts…Classic fall layers have been reworked with a waist-defining belt. Belts can also be seen worn somewhat high on the waist…or hung lower on the hips.

Skinny belts may be hot, but not many women can wear them effectively or to their advantage. A belt that’s about 1 or 2 inches wide will create a more figure-friendly look.

For a romantic look, pairing a ruffled blouse with a menswear suit, or a soft floral dress grounded with a leather belt, will show off your feminine side. Shop for fitted jackets. Shop for turtleneck sweaters – especially in black, creating a blank palette to show off a wonderful belt buckle! Make a jean ensemble or a sleek dress your very own by adding a belt and bold belt buckle of your choice. Emphasize an hour-glass look.

Joyce Caruso Corrigan, Editor at Large of Marie Claire magazine explained how to get the most out of belts for the style and look you are after. Pairing a cocktail dress with an unexpected everyday leather belt enables you to wear it in the daytime. You could also wear a jean jacket over this. Remove the belt, add some jewelry, and the dress is ready for the evening! Menswear-inspired wide leg pants can be made more feminine and create a feminine shape by adding a belt with a unique belt buckle! The bland and solid look of a self-belted trench coat can be spiced up with a different, contrasting wide belt and big shiny belt buckle!

Celebrities draw constant attention to their styles and fashions, influencing fashionistas everywhere. This was the case when Kate Moss was recently spotted in New York wearing a tiny cut-off T-shirt dress with a belt and oversized disc belt buckle.

“Belt Up” in Vogue magazine features the latest fashion trend, “With a cinched-in waist remaining firmly at the forefront of feminine fashion season-on-season of late, a good belt is a wardrobe must-have…” Both men and women consider the perfect belt for their shape and style, with a choice of belt buckles as stand-out as they like.

“As the spotlight falls firmly on the waist, belts become the instant definers,” as seen in the latest fashion designs by Burberry Prorsum, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Marc Jacobs, etc. A revisit of the fifties corset is seen in their wide, structured belts. Winter coats are featured with, broad, cool belts. Delicate and feminine looks are achieved with narrow belts.

Along with the emphasis on accessories, quirky belts and stunning buckles are featured for their decorative extras by designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, Yves Saint Laurent, etc.

Tough gladiator dresses join the soft architectural fashion scene with heavy belts. “The collection is conscious of the internal body, revealing the inside on the out. Fabrics are draped to hold shape in the same way as a skeleton” says Marios Schwab. These tough dresses amidst the soft mood of the season, are included in the collections of Alberta Ferretti, Christopher Kane, Emporio Armani, Givenchy, Marios Schwab, etc.

Forgetting a belt is a no-no! Tighten up your fashion sense by a notch or two – wear a beltbucklebelt!

Willie Lieske is co-owner and marketer of a retail and informational website for Better Belt Buckles. To find quality hand-picked pewter belt buckles, rodeo belt buckles with up-to-date rodeo information, and NEW! Christian belt buckles with daily inspirational verses, visit our website at http://www.betterbeltbuckles.com

Take a look at our new belt buckles and find the ones that suit your style and needs. If you are looking to buy belt buckles, cross belt buckles or unique belt buckles as a gift or for yourself, we are your one stop belt buckle shop.

Our kids are so lovely, especially when we are looking at them cooking. Their curiosity pleases our eyes. Cooking with with them teaches them not only kitchen basics about nutrition, spices, but also about planning.

Those kids are baking cookies in their rainbow colors. Our little chefs are having a grand time decorating cakes and tackling other fun cooking projects.
Cooking with kids is a fun, educational, and delicious way to spend time with your children. It also
quickly becomes a favorite activity among families and children’s cooking parties.
It will last through years of kitchen adventures and is handy for arts-and-crafts projects, too. It’s something they are sure to remember for years to come.

However, they have a bad habit of wiping off their dirty hands every time and everywhere. Don’t be alarmed, there’s one solution: aprons. They’re ready for you and your young charge to embellish and personalize with paints, stencils, beads, iron-on crystals, iron-on embroidery, iron-on images, buttons, bows and so much more! Aprons are available plain or with pockets, in several colors to choose from.

Child aprons are available in a variety of sizes, colors, fabrics and designs. Nearly every apron specialty store offers child-sized aprons.

Not only are child aprons useful, but, when the aprons are personalized, kids love to wear them! A must for every house with young children, aprons handle the dirty work.

So, one day if you see a baby chef, artist or designer in your house, you should be happy and enjoy yourself with them. Make our cooking co-operation becomes exciting experience and lett life be jubilant.

For more details, let’s have a look at the custom apron collection by Benny and Willow at apron store

Benny and Willow is famous for its skillful New England craftsmanship in making children clothing like baby bibs, kids’ aprons or fleece jackets. The quality of their aprons are outstanding with unique designs, vibrant colors, durable fabric.

You know how you’re going to print your shirts. You have the equipment yourself or you know a printer that will give you a good rate. What you need is a design that will sell.

The first thing you should do is research, shop for tee shirts. The kinds of shirts you find for sale retail represent the kinds of shirts that sell well over all. Retail has a tight profit margin, there’s little room for risk.

Now generally there are classic categories of designs that almost always sell well. The local pride design, for your state or local community. This sort of thing is a dependable seller. As are cute designs and masculine designs like those based on rock album covers. License artwork is also more of a sure thing, the commercial promotion of the cartoon or TV show will sell a tee shirt.

Next are the niche markets. The alternative band the Misfits has a very dependable selling design, being their logo. Beer drinking and marijuana smoking are popular counter culture themes and will sell shirts. Funny or sardonic ideas expressed on t-shirts will sell a t-shirt.

When it comes to niche markets, it’s good to go with your gut. If you’re a Christian, your Christian themed t-shirts may simply be better – it’s something you know. It doesn’t matter who you are, you are part of a subculture. If you love dogs, that’s a subculture. If you’re an Atheist or a Republican or Democrat – all of those represent niche markets that will sell t-shirts.

Now, it’s quite likely you don’t have the money to buy a license for commercial artwork. If you had the money to pay for a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle or Disney Snow White license, you would be less inclined to read this article.

So what do you do? Look for a vacuum, an idea that SHOULD exist, but doesn’t – it’s only a matter of time before someone else does it perhaps. That’s what you want to design around.

There’s a fella that’s made millions off a stick figure and a funny platitude. Anyone could’ve done it, if they thought of the platitude and followed through.

Now, since you’re making an investment you can’t afford to take a great chance. But you can still innovate. Remember the popular themes for t-shirts are : civic pride, cute, masculine, commercial, and counter culture. If you can work one of these themes and create a fun twist to it, you can sell your shirts.

Yes, the idea is more important the the execution. The challenge of design is that you can only know it’s good if YOU love it, but just because you love it doesn’t mean anyone else will. So you should work up several ideas for tees, draw them out and test them on people. They’ll tell you which ones are good, you’ll know for sure when they offer to pre-order a design they want it so bad.

So, I’m a graphics professional. An idea that’s strong enough will sell even a poorly designed t-shirt – but a well designed t-shirt with the same idea – will sell more.

So, let’s say for sake of argument, you’re an artist and have decided to create a Snow White design, but not the Disney version – the version you might find at an erotic dance club, a rated ‘r’ Snow White – maybe work in a street interpretation of ‘snow’ and imply a drug habit too . It takes a classic theme and gives it a counter culture twist. It could sell to hip boys and girls. After all, ‘Snow White’ is a public domain fairy tale, not the property of Disney.

That’s as close as I can come to explaining commercial creative process to you. Take something that’s already popular, and do something different with it. Such concepts could hit critical mass and make lots of money. One designer has gotten very wealthy from selling shirts with pictures of cute dogs on them, but drawn in a distorted style close to the tradition of Japanese Animation. Cute dogs are always popular, and this designer added a small twist to the theme is all.

Now, if you’re not an artist, you could do the design by using a photograph of a model dressed as an erotic dancing Snow White. Just keep in mind public standards – of course. You want to sell a lot of shirts, not limit the scope to adult bookstores.

So when the photo or drawing is going on the shirt, can it just go anywhere? Is the rectangle of the photo or the paper the drawing is on – part of the design? Can the design go on any color shirt?

There are rules of thumb for all those questions.

First of all, get rid of the rectangles. The rectangle represents the medium the image is on, paper. When the image is on a t-shirt, the t-shirt is the medium the image is on. The image almost always looks best with the t-shirt itself as a border, or some shape that doesn’t fight the fluid shape of the shirt – a circle perhaps. Sure some designs work well being in rectangles printed on tees – that’s why this is a rule of thumb.

Where should the design be placed? The design should fill as much space as possible- usually. Left chest and center chest designs should be small of course, but otherwise, bigger is better. Designs need not be front and center, but front and center is always safe, if not front and center – to the left or right on a shoulder can look cool. Designs should generally be near the center or top of the shirt, but there are always exceptions.

Should the design go on a color shirt or a white shirt? It’s usually less expensive and easier to print on a white tee. But color tees are also very popular and people will pay extra for one. The color of the tee should not be arbitrary if possible. This is the difference between a generic tee shirt and a designed garment – a designed garment, the t-shirt itself is part of the design. People know this, just not consciously. If you use the color of the tee shirt as a design element – the ocean is the blue of the shirt, the red sunset is the red of the shirt, the black line is the black of the shirt..etc – ties the shirt into the design and the total effect suggests a superior quality to the shirt – especially in comparison to shirts that don’t take this into consideration.

There is also color theory. A blue design will be harmonious on a green shirt, loud on an orange shirt, and pleasantly contrast on a warm yellow shirt. That’s how one design can become three different designs depending on the color of the shirt you put it on. The shirt itself is part of the design. Remember that warm colors (red, orange, yellow) are ‘energetic’ and cool colors (blue, green, violet) are generally calming.

A white shirt with color bands on the collar and sleeves are great to work with. Echo the color of the band in your design and the design really looks like it was meant specifically for that shirt. These shirts are easy to print on too, white after all.

Should you buy three colors of shirt and print them all? It’s been proven that too much choice can paralyze decision making, so you don’t risk much in limiting customer choice. In practical terms it’s likely to be easier to buy the bulk quantity of the one color of shirt. So choose one color that suits the design best.

There’s no sure thing in the t-shirt business. But people will always want t-shirts they feel express something that will allow them to feel a little less like everyone else. So do your research, find what’s selling and create something a little different that can capture that same market. And good luck!

Michael Robin Cooke
http://kitschcore.com
http://www.nyctshirtfactory.com

For years women suffered in silence in their shoes that looked great but pinched their feet all day. It was just assumed that that was the way that things were going to stay, because the problem with comfortable shoes was that they looked comfortable.

Finally designers such a Max Azria are coming out with womens shoes that not only look great but are foot friendly as well. One of the secrets is in the new materials that bend and give with the natural movements of the foot, rather then fighting against it. Also, new padded soles made from high tech materials make staying on your feet all day so much easier.

The fact is, that these shoes are so cleverly designed that no one would guess that they are what they are. In fact many women are now trading in their old shoes that were designed for “looks only” for these new type of shoes than bring the best of both types of shoe to one pair.

While it was Max Azria that pioneered the trend, more and more shoe designers are taking note, because they are flying off of the shelves in stores everywhere. This new concept that combines style and comfort into one shoe has been tried in the past but it was not until recently that the newer high tech materials became available that are required to pull it off correctly.

The fact is, that permanent serious damage can be done to a working womans feet by wearing tight pinching shoes all day long at work, so it is not just a matter of comfort but also a matter of foot health as well. The next time that you are browsing for shoes why not take a look at the new styles in comfort foot wear that are finding their way on to the market and see what you think.

Written by Andrew D Scherer. Find the best info on BCBG Shoes and BCBG boots as well as the latest trends in Gucci bags

Good and sexy lingerie is a crucial bedroom accessory that can lead to intense sex. For most men, lingerie is a vital catalyst that can enliven the dullest of sexual relationships. Lingerie can come in a myriad of styles, colors, textures, and patterns. Various lingerie items include panties, bras, sexy nightgowns, thongs, teddies, and corsets. These products can spice up the sex life of any person. Lingerie products have always been very popular intimate gifts. Men generally take a lot of interest in the kind of lingerie their partner wears. Many women continue to chase new styles and fashions in lingerie to maintain the sexual interests of their partners. Most women are interested in shopping for lingerie products and lingerie costumes. Women can choose from a wide range of lingerie costumes that are available for sale in departmental stores and lingerie stores.

A large number of online lingerie retailers sell sexy costumes on their websites.
Sexy lingerie costumes in a leopard print can give a fiery look to a woman. Lingerie costumes that are adorned with sequins and motifs can impart a very stylish look to the woman. Lingerie costumes can be made from sheer chiffon or rich silk. Black lingerie costumes made from silk or satin can look very stylish and bold.

Baby doll lingerie comes in varying colors and textures. Fabrics are carefully cut and stitched to enhance the body contours and elegantly hold the assets in place. Baby dolls can be styled in a number of ways. Either they can have the fabric flowing freely from the waistline or it may be tightly held around the hips. It may have ribbon laces on the sides or may have adjustable buckles for better fitting. They can be combined with matching stockings and thong. Baby doll lingerie either can be plain or may come in bold prints.

Many designers experiment with colors and fabrics to make the lingerie costumes look trendy and hot. They may attach feathers or a tail or even ears to a costume, to make it look wild, bold, and erotic.

Lingerie provides detailed information on Lingerie, Lingerie Model, Discount Lingerie, Plus Size Lingerie and more. Lingerie is affiliated with Corset Training.

If one could become fashionable simply by learning what is in fashion and following the guidelines given by the fashion gurus, then everyone would become a fashion icon. But as things stand some people are in fashion whereas others are not. What differentiates these two groups is fashion sense.

If fashion makers had their way the human race would be a flock of sheep. Wear pastels this autumn and leather this winter. Get rid of plunging necklines but stay tuned on rising midriffs. Everyone would be roaming around looking like peas from a pod. Thank god for the smart people, the people with fashion sense, who know how to retain their individuality while remaining within the current fashion trends. And it is not really difficult. Fashion diktats are numerous. One should have the knack of mix-and-matching to get the correct blend. If pastels are in by all means wear pastels but use accessories to differentiate yourself from the crowd.

Every individual is different and the buying population is particularly different from the models that display the various aspects of fashion, whether on the ramp or from billboards. Garments that look good on the flat skinny models would rarely look good on people who have curves in the right or wrong places. Another aspect of fashion sense is to tailor the fashion trends to ones individual characteristics. How to choose garments of the right colours and materials no doubt, but those that distract from one’s thinness or bulkiness, ones shortness or tallness. The policy applies to homes as well Fashion sense can make small rooms look larger and can hide columns and beams that protrude from the walls.

Fashion sense is more than mere knowledge. It is an attitude that enables one to carry ones decisions with confidence and flair. If you have fashion sense then use it, if not then head for the nearest salon.

Emily’s Fashion Store offers plus size apparel and underwear.

Gone are the days when office wear constituted a freshly starched white shirt and tie, under a formal grey suit, accessorised by highly polished shoes and shiny cufflinks. Jeans and a sweatshirt are the order of the day, and one might consider oneself lucky that the jeans are even clean. Management opposes dress code most carefully; tip-toeing through the minefield of labour laws sculpted around employee´s rights.

Codes of behaviour are, for some, steeped in common sense. For others the road to an acceptable degree of conduct is potholed and scarred by daily confrontation with senior managers and supervisors, whose unenviable duty it is to achieve a corporate image for their company.

When dressing for work, try to imagine how you would wish the company represented if it actually belonged to you. There is no need for working clothes to be shabby in order to be comfortable. By all means wear jeans if the company find them acceptable. However it is imperative that jeans are spotlessly clean and free of holes to avoid a scruffy and sloppy appearance.

Wear shoes that are clean, even if they are trainers. Hair should be neatly combed, even if it is overlong. Too much make-up can look revolting in an office environment and distract colleagues and clients from the business in hand, unless you are working in a trendy boutique where such fashion statements might be the norm.

Low cut tops and dresses are absolutely out of the question in an office environment. Not only are they inappropriate, the signals given out by the wearing of such items are not a good idea. A lady who persists in desplaying her bosom to all her male colleagues should hardly be surprised when they treat her like the local barmaid.

Take the time when dressing for work to consider the day´s agenda and take into account the possibility of the unexpected. A short skirt is fine on many occasions but if there is a remote possibility of having to inspect a product situated over an open gantry the results could be disastrous and humiliating.

Pay attention to the type of skirt or trousers you wear. Some fabrics ‘bag’ at the seat or knee and look terrible after three hours sitting at a desk. Try to select fabrics that do not bag or crease badly. Blouses that fasten with buttons should be loose enough to allow plenty of movement and long enough not to expose eight inches of flabby midriff whenever you have to stretch across a desk.

Splits in skirts should be sensible and not expose legs right up to the hip at the slightest movement. Pay particular attention to hands and nails, making sure they are clean and well manicured with chip-free nail polish.

Jewellery can make a statement without sounding like the 1812 Overture whenever you move. Jangling bracelets can sound like a trashcan symphony on the other end of the telephone. Strong perfumes and colognes should be avoided at all cost. So many people are allergic to heady perfumes and there are plenty of gentle aromas to choose from which wil not cause discomfort to anyone else.

Always remember to carry a handkerchief or tissue in your purse or pocket; there is nothing worse than having to listen to someone constantly sniffing in the desk next to you.

Above all, be comfortable at work. Wear something you know you will able to sit in all day without appearing creased and untidy.

Jan Gamm writes reflections on life with an emphasis on world travel. She has lived in many countries and traveled extensively in the Far East, the Middle East, America, South America and throughout the South Pacific. She writes for fun and for money whenever she can manage it.

(Molly and Old Josh, 1902)

The summer became fall, and the fall itself advanced to a pre frosty winter, a chill in the air, Josh had less and less light to escape from his shanty, and from the fields, to the fishing down at he creek, Goose Creek. Soon it became darker before it got later, when he finished his chores on the plantation, he got ready to go down to the creek, in the dark actually, left the barn, grabbed his fishing pole, and took those big feet of his and nonetheless, dark or not, headed across the fields to the creek, looking back he saw the misty appearance of the barn, his shanty, the mansion, the Hightower Mansion. Molly Benton had her light on in her little house by the creek, usually when he got down there late, especially in December, it was tangible to think the false darkens was late at night, when in essence it was only 6:00 PM.

He sat on the edge of the bank on a large rock, that feeling of lateness was gone on, the birds cheerfully sang, the mocking birds in particular. The world was no longer in a hurry, he sat there without fear, calmly, visibility good, he could see across the creek, down the creek at Molly’s shack, painted grey, the grass seemed to move about him as he sat on the rock, he listened for Molly’s approach often perhaps she’d greet him this evening, sometimes she came out to say hello to Josh. Tomorrow was Sunday, and dawn would come unfilled with the need for work around the plantation, he might just as well fall to sleep he told himself, for he often did, right where he was, he had his jug of corn whisky, If she came, even if he was sleeping, he could smell her, the whole creek, its dew as it dropped down along the creek reeked with her, her approach, he’d remain motionless, just lie still if she came, he liked her, and he liked the smell of the earth, the taste of the creek water, dawn’s reddish pink horizons, it was all at his feet.

Then she’d come next to him, and he’d see her, under the morning sun, he liked that, he’d smell the last of the fire wood, breath it in, feel the wet yellowish grass, no wars to worry about, this was it, there was no more to be done in life just to enjoy her company, his two sons, his little plot of land he inherited, it was 1902, and Josh was 92-years old. His hand had grooves in them now, from old age, yet still a little firm, more gentle than they used to be, as was his voice. He had seen so many of his friends die.

In the morning, Josh lay and waited for Molly, the mist blew away as morning got older, there seemed to be no today, without her coming last night, or at least in the morning. The fire was out, he had caught three bullheads last night. Her not appearing made him disoriented, yet alert, in a spell of juxtaposition. Perhaps she didn’t feel well. He stopped his thinking, his fear, and urgent judgments, nit-picking of what she might be doing, even avoiding him, mulling over what might have happened to her, and laying on his back, pushed his body up, hauling that old savage body to its feet, shirt dirty, he brushed it off, exasperated, he heard some dogs in the distance, and he watched the house. Sometimes we don’t want to know, what we secretly know we know, trying in the process before we investigate, trying to talk ourselves out of moving on toward the sill house, He looked back towards The Hightower Plantation, it was just a spec, the size of a dot, he tried to speak, drooling like a dog, “Easy now,” he told himself as he walked to the small hut. He didn’t hear a thing in the house, he was uncoordinated, and opened up the door, and almost twisted his wrist to it being sprain, and called “Molly, is you ok, is you in there…?”

His eyes were still focusing, his shoulder hurt from laying on it all night, and he tried to twist and look around but his body was not obedient, he had to shift his legs to turn around to see, through the window he could see where he was last night where he fell to sleep, and the rock he sat on, fished from, then he looked at the bed, in her bedroom, she lay still in it, peaceful, he started to whimper, and entered the room.

He couldn’t remember how old she was, but his guess was that she was born around 1821, making her 80-years old. Her head lay softly on a pillow, her arm hung loosely to her side, he touched her arm, it was warm, slightly warm, he stopped whimpering, he tiptoed to her side, closer, there was an astonishing silence, he now knew she was dead, without realizing he kissed her forehead, functioning in reverse, he stepped back, said looking upward, as if heaven itself was listening, his eyes shut, his heart tugging back, “Thank you Lord for giving her such a peaceful death, if only youall give me one like that, I’d be obliged to give a special thank you.”

When he reached his shanty, a ways, away, he turned to look back, saw there was no smoke coming from her chimney, he’d miss that. He couldn’t see the house, but the smoke, the smoke always told him, Molly was cooking, she was alright. He did not hesitate to fall onto his cot, he was tired from the long walk, submerged now in recall, dreams, knee-deep in emotions, tears streaming from his eyes, and he fell to sleep. He felt Molly knew he was outside yesterday, and perhaps this morning, she also knew-he felt-she was dying, and didn’t want Josh to witness it, but it was good he was there, so his dream told him, no one likes dying completely alone, they want to know someone will be coming, or is nearby. Dying is a monster step, in a persons existence, if he is at peace with God, then the step is easier, if not, he is looking into the abyss, and it is pulling at him. The wind from the overhead window, was slightly opened, there was a delicate wind today, and Old Josh had a beautiful and peaceful sleep.

Written 7-13-2008

See Dennis’ web site: http://dennissiluk.tripod.com