Memoirs Of A Board-game Geisha.

voltee ♦ November 16, 2010 ♦ 3 Comments

Item: Blouse Color/Fabric: Pinks/white/black, Silk chiffon Where Purchased: The Salvation Army Years Owned: Four
I had quite a nice weekend this past weekend. Except for the fact that I had to do the absolute worst part of travel- unpacking. I unabashedly adore packing. I may start doing it a month before I leave for a given trip. Perhaps even up to six months before. Sometimes, I’ll find something and say to myself, “Oh, this will be perfect for my trip to __________.” Given the state of my closet, it’s best to just start a pile then and there. Otherwise, I may never find it again, and most likely will have forgotten all about it by the time I’m ready to take the trip.
But unpacking? Ugh. I hate it. For one thing, it’s sad. It means that, no, there is no longer any sort of hope that the last few days have all been a dream and I am lying, sleeping cozily in my rock star dungeon hotel room in Barcelona. It means that the vacation is really over, and now I have to sort everything, wash it, and put it all away.
For another thing, well, it’s sad again. Because usually I find out that I’ve forgotten/ruined something in the duration of the trip. And this trip to Spain was no exception. I ruined something utterly, utterly beautiful, and I’m crushed. I’ll show you soon.
But here’s one nice thing about unpacking. I found this blouse! It was hanging by one of its ties, stuck on a hanger, and mostly lying on the floor of the closet. I think I had probably been hanging other things on the hanger and I can’t remember the last time I laid eyes on this blouse.
I like it. It is so delicate, it feels like it is most likely made entirely of butterfly wings. And the sleeves! So, so wide. Continuing the butterfly analogy, it’s like I could just float away in this.
I think this is one of the very first purchases I made with my charmed and charming friend Lisa on half-priced Wednesday at the Salvation Army. It’s truly an experience, to shop with her, and is one of my favorite events on earth.
I only remember wearing this once, though. I know it was for a board-game party, but I’m not so clear on the details. I think it was one with our friends from Nate’s work. It just screams “Scrabble,” right?
I used to live for Board-game Night. Such good times were had! I remember one time that we played Clue, with Nate’s super-smart Engineer friends, and their super-smart wives. One of whom, Katie, was a medical student. Here’s what went down: We handed out the cards. Everyone looked at them and wrote down their hands. The first player went. He did not get into a room. The second player went. She guessed some bull crap. The third player went. He also guessed some bull crap. The fourth player was Kate. She said, “Um, I think I solved it,” in that Katie way, that quiet confidence of hers.
I was appalled. “No, you can’t! There’s only been two turns! And they haven’t even told us anything!”
“Well,” said Katie. “I did get into medical school and all, soooo…” Or something along those lines.
And then she guessed Mrs. White, in the Study, with the Revolver.
She was right. It was astounding. No one had even said a word about any of those things.
I’m pretty sure she cheated.
Katie and he husband live far, far away now, in Oregon, I believe. Or Washington? Far, anyway. I miss them both, a lot.
There are many. many happy Board-game Night memories, with an assorted and exquisite cast of characters. Moxybustion. Clue:Secrets and Spies. Baby fish mouth. The ill-fated Chrononaughts disaster. IBM Matt and snow. All fun.
Board Game Night transitioned into Wii night, which in turn transitioned into Karaoke night, which in turn transitioned into BC.
I think I’d like to have a Board Game night again, for Old Time’s Sake. And soon. Who’s in?
Well, as to the blouse. Will I wear this again, or did I forget it for a reason? It is a lot of flowers for me. But I love the cut and the fabric so! And it may be the closest I ever get to an actual kimono. A dilemma.

**I still am undecided on this one.  Just…not sure.