Rainbows of the Soul

There is something about Elvis World that gives people permission to dress up. It should come as no surprise that people arrive dressed to the Nines as Elvis, Marilyn, Dale Evans, Colin Farrell, and even Gumby!

I believe some people do not do it on purpose. The Europeans look European. There is just a certain flair they have. It shows in their skinny jeans, their hair, their glasses, their back packs, their easy coolness. I have to admit, I have not met an ugly European. They are shiny faces and an openness that is not only refreshing but fills me with a longing for something I can not put my finger on. Perhaps a memory of better times.

The young kids shouting their independence and all looking remarkably the same. Did we do that too? All with long hair streaked with outlandish colors, skinny jeans, Ugg boots, and their noses glued to their i phones as they follow at a slower pace their parents with the hopes that no one will assumed they are connected. At least that's what I did. The parents do display a Kid in a Candy Store type of awe.

Am I stereotyping? Women from Texas; Big hair and knee high expensive boots.

Canadians? Just like us but like to show off their plastic money.

Australians? They buy the shops out and tell you how expensive everything is in Australia and how they have to buy new luggage to take everything home. And they show you their plastic money.

But it is those who dress up that capture my attention.

One day last summer I looked up and spotted a woman browsing in the front of the shop. She had one of those little hats from the 50's on her head, with the small veil that extended over her forehead. In her white gloved left hand she held the other white glove as she pulled a Gold Lame clad Barbie from the shelf. She slowly sashayed around the store until she emerged so I could get a good look at her entire ensemble.

She was in a beautiful red and white flared flowered dress. It was cinched at waist with a red belt. She wore stockings with the seam up the back and pretty little soft white heels.

My heart lurched in my chest as I recognized the outfit, the uniform of my Mothers generation and immediately my eyes filled with tears I could not hold back.

What is this emotion?

I have thought about the sudden burst of tears and realized that it is the young little girl inside of me who wants her Mommie and there she was. Out of the Blue. Without warning. Stepping out of 1959. She was so beautiful

The soul would have no rainbow had the eyes no tears. ~John Vance Cheney