Andrew K Touchstone

I was shocked and saddened to read on The Trad that Main Line Sportsman had passed. He had just left a comment on my latest post the night before he died. We had exchanged emails over the last few years about authors and artists we both enjoyed. I always envied his lifestyle and he always encouraged me to pick up a rod or gun and get back at it. From his blog you could see he was a loving and devoted husband and father. His moral base, honesty and sense of fair play made him one of those men who didn't have brag he was a man, you already knew that. Did I know him, I guess not really. But I knew about him. I knew his grip would be firm and his look into your eyes unwavering. And I know the world is a smaller place without him.

To those of you who did not hit the little x in the upper right corner when you saw it was me, thank you. As most old men do I sometimes repeat myself. If you have ever read my site you may have heard some of this before. If so please bear with me.

My mother had a couple of related quotes that were favorite instructions of her's. When my sister's or their friend's outfits for the evening did not meet her approval she would tell them " Don't dress like you are giving the boys a head start". The other quote came out if she saw some male pass a lingering look at a lass she would say " A gentleman wouldn't look".this was usually preceded by a smack to the back of the head.I always wanted to respond " A lady wouldn't show it" But another of her lessons was a gentleman never sasses his mama. And one head slap a day was about my limit.

When you begin to dress , take a moment to think about "why this outfit?". As we all know by now,perception is reality.If you are going for the wild child look at the local club, then by all means leather mini skirt it. But if it's a day at the office, hmmm maybe not. The is a debate about skirts versus pants. To me it's kind of a " six of one, half a dozen of the other". A simple skirt that goes to just above the knees is as business like as a pair of pants. And well cut pants are as feminine as a skirt. Despite what you see on TV I think most women would want to dress some what modestly at work.If you want to feel feminine,a bare collarbone is more alluring than four inches of cleavage. Remember what my Mama said.

So it's Saturday and you're out on a fun day. Your clothes should be fun too. Comfort is the goal here. Not having to adjust every five minutes and feeling confident should be at the top of the list. Again how do you wish to be perceived? A happy go lucky lady having a great weekend or a low self esteem woman who wishes she had stayed home? And when you get home the new goal is total and absolute leisure,in fact it should be the only goal.The only perception you need worry about is your own.

Well I have certainly rambled on, haven't I? I guess my point was dress so you feel comfortable and confident. Once again, what do I know?

I stand hat in hand, humbled

They sat across the room at my favorite lunch spot. Father and son out for a boys day. This kid raised the bar on cute to a whole new level. About 3 or 4 years old,short little legs swinging under his chair. Camo ball cap and jeans, just like dad's. You could almost feel the hero worship. And grumpy old man me, I'm thinking the kid is learning it's OK that eat with your hat on. Why dosen't he teach the child some table manners. I guess no one taught him, that's what's wrong with America today. Then the cheeseburgers came, and his young face nearly split with his grin. Dad took his cap off and his son followed suit still grinning and still worshipping.My dear Lord when will I ever learn. Please forgive me young father.God bless you and may the look in your son's eyes never fade.