Daring to Dream Can Lead to Fulfillment

BY MEGAN SIMONS

I recently went to the Market, as I do several times every year. I always love the inspiring and exciting atmosphere of new approaching season in fashion, and outlook on life. New refreshing designs, new ideas in accessories, new vibes, new energy, and old friends. People in fashion business I know now for years, dear relationships I was fortunate to establish over many horizon-widening and motivating conversations.

Today I would like to tell you a story about a grandma that my dear friend Dana shared with me. Her name was Hazel.

Hazel was a remarkable woman, beautiful, resilient and independent. She eventually married the love of her life and established a life that was quite comfortable. But Hazel couldn’t just settle down and be a homemaker. Her drive for more in life was pushing her out of her comfort zone, her desire for greater achievements was unstoppable.

She also possessed undeniable, exceptional passion for fashion. She understood that life is easier to conquer if she was dressed for it. Circumstances took her to many places in the world; she lived in Texas, New Orleans, New York City, Beverly Hills, and abroad. From a young girl without many experiences, she managed to be the leader of the famous pink Miramar Hotel in Barcelona during WWII, and later the head buyer and stylist for Bullocks Wilshire in Los Angeles, dressing many celebrities, just to mention a few of her adventures.

Dana loved and adored his stylish grandmother and looked up to her, he wanted to be involved with whatever activities she was pursuing, and she loved him back. She took him shopping, he was part of ladies lunches, some travels and more.

But every time they were about to go out, he came running to her with excitement looking for approval. Hazel checked out his hand-picked attire and lovingly said – “Darling, you look lovely, but if you want to go with me you need to change.” Dana said he gladly run back and changed what he was wearing ... sometimes three times, but he was so eager to get Hazel’s approval, that the eventual success was all the glory he needed.

Hazel eventually aged, as life happens, and in her 90s settled in an assisted living facility. Dana would visit her as often as he could, and every time he walked in, he saw the same scenario. Hazel would get up in the morning, she would be dressed up impeccably, with her makeup on. He would ask occasionally – “Grandma, what are you getting ready for?” And Hazel would always have the same answer –“I don’t know yet dear, but something wonderful.”

I’m sure many of you have relatives with similar outlook on life and positive approach to every day. Cherish them, learn from them, carry their legacy to the next generations, and when you do that, the world will be a better place.

I wish Hazel could be a member of every family, someone to guide to goodness and greatness, inspire the best in us, and if you don’t have Hazel, why don’t you be Hazel.

Megan Simons is owner of Pippa Pelure fashion boutique in downtown St. Petersburg FL