I have a jacket. It's ugly according to some. But, it is one of my favorite articles of clothing, and perhaps the item that I receive the most compliments for. The story of it is that I came across it at a garage sale. I think the sale was put on by the American Legion or the Bagley VFW. The sale took place in the highest pavilion at Bagley Lake (Lake Lomond-we always called it Bagley Lake growing up). I was there with my mom and I'm pretty sure we were there looking for cheap college stuff for me. I believe they had a special going on that day: 25 cents a bag. So, why not pick up anything that looked even remotely interesting? As I dug through piles of clothes on the picnic tables, something red caught my eye. It was a worn light-weight jacket, with a 1970's country-western kind of look to it. Instantly, my brain and my heart went straight to my Grandpa Rod. I swear he had a jacket like that. Or at least, for some reason, I have a memory of him wearing one as he went out back to get more logs for the wood stove. I didn't even try it on and took the gamble that somehow it would work because I couldn't read the thread-bare size tag. I handed the jacket to my mom to put in our bag. She looked at me kind of funny; a look that said, Why did you pick this up? You seriously want to get that? But for less than a quarter it was well worth it. When I got home and examined the jacket further, I discovered the sleeves zipped off, and so it became an ugly red vest. I don't think I wore it right away. I guess I thought it was still a little odd and not necessarily hip and in-style. Fall did come around and I soon discovered it was the perfect autumn vest. Plus, I was in college at that time, and at Oak Hills, it was ok to be weird and dress in interesting items of clothing. The rest is history. I guess it must be somewhat in style because of all the compliments I get. Otherwise, it's probably because it is authentically vintage. Frankly, I don't care if it is or not. I love it anyway. I literally look forward to every fall and spring when the season is here! And all for less than a quarter.
Happy Season of the ugly red jacket and many more to come!!!
