Readers, today I just need to babble a bit.
First, I own not one, not two, but -- as of this morning -- three non-working Oster hair clippers. These little appliances are marvelous at cutting hair: I've used them to shave my head and beard (and once to make a faux fur coat) on a weekly basis for nearly 15 years. They were all made in the USA and feel solid. But in two cases, the wire broke at the point where it enters the clipper (see pic below), and in the third, the motor seems to have worn out: it barely hums. I know (think?) these could be repaired but I don't have the ability, nor is there a place anywhere near here where I could have them serviced. It's very frustrating and so typical of the way things work -- or don't work -- these days.
Two of the three Oster clippers I bought off eBay -- they were used but in fine working condition -- and I've just put a bid in for another. It's not so much the cost of another one that bothers me (you can get a second-hand one pretty cheap) but the waste. As you can see, I kept the two non-working models when I got my third, and I guess I'll keep that one too though I'm not sure what good it does me. The old blades are of value I suppose...
In other news, I have not yet started sewing Michael's new cotton eyelet shirt -- maybe today.
His preference is for the Negroni shirt pattern which would not be my choice -- not a fan of camp shirts -- but he's going to wear it. Still, it doesn't make me excited to get started. The last Negroni I made was at the end of my shirt sew-along two years ago and I think I wore it once. I showed it to Michael the other day, he tried it on and now he wants it, so I gave it to him. For an Autumn he certainly looks good in a lot of my clothes!
Next, what do you think of dress forms that have wooden bases like this one? Apparently this is the French style. You can probably guess why I'm asking.
Finally, I continue to wrestle with the things that I think compromise the quality of my life over which I have control. For example, in the past, I've had mixed success trying to limit my coffee intake. Attempts to limit my computer time have been a complete bust -- I guess I'm not really committed to it and I'd even go so far as to say that I'm on the computer more than I was when I started dealing with this issue. It's such a time-suck as well as an energy drain for me.
It occurred to me while swimming this morning that one might assess one's health based on The Four S's -- I like to think I made that up but nihil nove sub sole, as they say.
1) Stamina
2) Stool
3) Skin
4) Sleep
I think these are pretty self-explanatory, and we'll all have different baselines for each, but in short, if your stamina is good, your bowels are normal, your skin looks clear, and your sleep is decent, then you're doing pretty well. Does that sound right to you?
Sleep has been an issue for me from time to time, though lately I've been sleeping much better despite the intense heat. We've been getting local vegetables and fruit from our CSA so our diets -- while always low in processed foods -- are considerably greener. Coffee is still an issue -- I drink a small pot of espresso daily and really don't want to give it up -- but I figure that as long as it doesn't disrupt my sleep or my digestion, it's OK. In the heat and humidity of summer, it gives me a boost.
Sugar begins with the letter "s" and that's something I always try to limit, both for reasons of weight and overall health. Michael has a sweet tooth and loves rich baked goods, which I would almost never buy if it were up to me but it isn't always, and when they're around I'm tempted. I do eat like a French woman, however, and a forkful of whatever is tempting me is usually enough to satisfy me.
Alright, I've rambled enough. If you have any opinions about Oster hair clippers, vintage French dress forms with wooden bases, or The Four S's, feel free to express it below. I should really start sewing something, but this heat...
Have a great day, everybody!
(Willy makes a bed in my Ralph Lauren sheets.)
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