There was just something about that dress. It was sky blue. Not the fierce, deep blue of a September sky. It was June-blue: consistent, friendly and gentle, promising a delicious summer ahead.
I was 8 years old and I had been invited to a birthday party by a classmate. The party was on Saturday and Mom and I had bought the dress at Sears in Presque Isle. It was short-sleeved and gathered gently at the waist. The skirt was a checkered pattern of that glorious blue and white and the top was simply blue, with white heart shaped buttons. The round collar was white, also, and adorned with two tiny red embroidered roses, delightfully out of sync with the complete design of the dress. Perhaps this is why I loved it so much!
Midway through the birthday celebration, I asked for directions to the “powder room” and found myself in a small storage area, just off the front room of the house. The room was stuffed with old settees, dressers, a spinning wheel, intriguing sealed boxes, and a full length mirror. The mirror was framed in a very light colored wood, which I now believe was oak. The carving of this frame was very ornate and I am sure quite valuable. One had the ability to tilt the mirror, which I soon discovered as I stood there, admiring myself and my sensational dress.
Perhaps it was the lighting in the room or the cut of the glass in the mirror, but I was spellbound! I pirouetted to the left and then to the right, admiring the reflection before me. Making sure I was indeed alone in the room, I decided to spin around a few times, loving the smoothness of the skirt against my knees. I was aware of my girth, deciding I looked quite “thick” when I stood sideways but that was all the more reason to continue to twirl!
I am not sure how long I stayed there in that small area, savoring every second in front of that glorious old mirror. The memory of that event remains with me, even now; some 48 years later. When I hear of precious, beautiful young ladies and handsome young gentlemen who are told their worth and their future depend upon conforming to a certain look, I recall my sky blue dress and the freedom of that moment and it breaks my heart.
I have owned many dresses since that birthday party of so long ago. I tend to be very partial to blue; regardless of the garment. I am fully aware of the fact that the dress or the top may not look the same on me as it does on the mannequin or in the catalog, but I am at peace with that. When I step into a dressing room these days and slip a potential purchase over my head, I base my decision upon the fit and the color and of course, the price. But, there is one other determining factor! I check to make sure the dressing room door is locked, take a deep breath, and twirl! My spinning abilities are now a bit compromised, I must admit. The power of that memory, however, has never lost its magic.
Editor’s Note: Belinda Wilcox Ouellette has lived in the Caribou area for all of her 56 years. She presently lives in Connor TWP. with her husband Dale and their Goldendoodle Barney. They are currently working on building a home in Caribou. You may contact Belinda online at: dbwouellette@maine.rr.com.
