Most people, when they reach middle-age, give up their dreams. They realize they'll never be a professional baseball player or President of the United States. The loss of that prospect often depresses them.
I am not most people. My attitude is, until they put me in a box, I can still strive toward happiness. I can still try to live my dreams, if only in an attentuated way.
A few months ago I confided in you guys that I've always wanted to dance. Like a ballerina. Now, I haven't signed up for dance lessons (yet), but I am pursuing that dream in little ways. Ten years ago I bought a pair of real ballet slippers (Capezio) from a dance website. I wear them when I'm home alone, gliding across the floor, hoping to muster whatever grace nature will allow me. The shoes are pictured here.
This past weekend I went shopping with my friend Debbie. I enjoy being with Debbie and I suggested we drop by Hot Topic. Hot Topic is a mall-store for teenagers; it has silly jewelry, clothes and novelty items. I knew they sell pink tutus which aren't real dance-apparel but suffice for my purpose. I talked Debbie into joining me in buying a tutu. Laughingly, she did. We walked through the mall carrying matching pink tutus with a light heart. We smiled and giggled; it's amazing what a $12 piece of cheap polyester can do. :)
Here is the tutu in action. Obviously, it's not a serious dance-costume -- but wearing it is an improvement over watching TV on a Monday night. I take baby steps when bigger ones aren't available.
What dream do you harbor in your heart? Have you taken any steps to fulfill it?
Haha, cute :-) Well, you read my most recent post about getting back into ballet. It's a beautiful, terribly underrated art form, in my opinion. I'm glad to be back, and happy to see other lovers out there!
ReplyDeleteThe tutu's cute!
Oh, Shybiker, you left the nicest, sweetest comment on my blog! Thanks so much for visiting. :) I just found you by accident because you've left comments on some of the blogs I follow. I like your positive, genuine attitude.
ReplyDeleteLOVE the tutu! I adore dancing (see my Flash Mob America dance on my blog). Have you rented any of those ballet fitness DVDs? You can learn basic ballet moves to practice at home. My neighborhood rec center offers adult dance classes, so maybe there are some classes by you? There's no such thing as a silly dream!
This is so much fun and I am glad to see it. I know at my age that I DO have a dream that is having a slow death. I want to travel around the world, but I have been taking baby steps sort of travel for years.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the ideas and support, Sage!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this tutu and your ballerina poses! Tonight in Zumba class we were doing plies (sp?) and it made me realize how much I loved dance as a child and how I wished I had continued. For now I will follow your lead, buy myself a tutu (I have a black gothic one currently for Halloween!) and ballet slippers to flit around my apt!
ReplyDeleteYou are glowing!!! Loving how happy and adorable you look in these photos! I'm with Sage in looking up "how to" videos. If you aren't ready to commit to DVDs, You Tube is a great (and free) resource.
ReplyDeleteYou're an inspiration to me. You teach me to never give up on your dreams and to really work towards becoming more happy in life. Thank you for you're continued support and kindness. You're truly a good person. XO
this post is so cute and inspiring! keep it up, good luck with your dreams. i hop yu sign up for those lessons soon! :)
ReplyDeletejoin my ongoing giveaway!!!
So cute! I was just discussing with a friend how ballet is one of those hobbies that is really hard to get into when you get older (than like 6). But you go for it!
ReplyDeleteP.S. The extra volume & layers of a fuller can give you the illusion of wider hips. Since you think us hippy ladies get the better end of the deal ;)
Aww that sounds like so much fun! I know I used to just like dressing up as a ballerina. I took ballet as tiny-child, but it's much more fun to dance to your own beat.
ReplyDeleteAlthough if you are serious - try looking for youtube videos! There's so much free available. Especially when it comes to how-to.
All that said - I really miss the Hot topic that used to carry real goth clothes and cyberwear. I grew up longing for the day I could fit into bubblegum pink bondage pants. I bought my first large personal purchase from Hot Topic - A floor length canvas trenchcoat. I still have it 8 years later.
My dream is to find somebody that I can share my heart and soul with. I don't think that's going to happen, and that depresses me.
ReplyDeleteNo dream is ever silly dear! In fact reality can be sillier sometimes! (is there a word like that? sillier? Anyway...). Love the ballerina outfit and the cool necklace!! Go Ally!!! :)
ReplyDeleteAw, cute! Ballet shoes are the best, aren't they? And dressing up isn't silly, except in the best of ways.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely admirable!
ReplyDeleteWe need more people who don't give up on their dreams - and I definitely should be reminded not to give up on mine...
F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S ... I think this is such a stunning idea. My dream is, as you may know, is to become a photographer. I'm taking the steps, it's taken a long time, but I'm taking them all the same.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Oh you are SO right!!! When we stop dreaming, imagining, we just die. I want to travel. I want my time to be my own. I want to sit in a little cafe, drinking coffee, and writing on my laptop. I want to dress up every. single. day! I want to cook wonderful meals and sit around the table with family and friends. I want to treasure hunt and share my finds. I want to help style women out of what they already own. Oh so many things.......Hugs to you! ~Serene
ReplyDeleteLove your outlook on achieving dreams! Very inspirational. Love this ballet ensemble! The shoes are so pretty and the tutu is so much fun.
ReplyDeleteWhat a thought provoking post. I'm not sure I have any big dreams. How sad is that. Must do something about that.
ReplyDeleteYou look so darn happy in this post, I'm glad you have be able to make baby steps toward making those dreams real.
xoxox
Lovely post - inspiring - so true - if you give up your dreams, you give up living....I always wanted to hang a pair of pink ballet shoes in my daughters bedroom - AND I have been blessed with a tomboy daughter who prefers horses to ballet - er wandering what pink horse shoes will look like hanging in her bedroom - Guess, the fact that I am not a very girly girl is what got me the daughter I got...Lots of love
ReplyDeleteYou have again made my heart go squish. Seeing you live out part of this dream makes me so happy. You bring joy to your readers while bringing joy to yourself. It's a wonderful gift you're passing along to us. Thank you so much for being so open and wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI wish I lived closer, I would go with you to a dance class. We'd have so much fun.
xoxo,
Tracy
I thought this was a marvelous post Allie.
ReplyDeleteYou made me smile.
It was honest and heartfelt - my eyes are watery.
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You look lovely in this outfit :o)
Ah, Hot Topic! Glad you found something cute there. I usually get too claustrophobic (that store is TINY!) and bolt before I can buy anything.
ReplyDeleteI've wanted to be a novelist for quite some time, so publishing my first novel a few months ago was a huge step. I have my first true book signing in a few months. I'm super excited and, to be honest, nervous about giving the lectures I committed to!
www.atavisions.com
What fun! My silly dream is to perform with a mariachi band. I adore mariachi music and the passionate vocals. After seeing this post I realize I could always buy a charro jacket (something I want anyway), learn the lyrics to a few songs, and have some fun in my own house!
ReplyDeleteGwh~! You look adorable! :) You should wear a tutu everywhere, you have the legs for them!! Your friends are so supportive and sound like a lot of fun. I still shop at Hot Topic too!
ReplyDeleteI think you look lovely, and I'm so glad you are following your dream, even if only in this small way (so far).
ReplyDeleteI came across a quote recently that struck a nerve with me: "Don't be afraid to follow your dreams, whatever they are. The time will pass anyway."
The time will pass anyway...isn't that so true?? The biggest thing for many of us as we get older is that we regret those things we didn't do. Please sign up for ballet lessons. Don't let that time pass. Don't let that be a regret, Ally.
Hug,
Sheila
I love this post, it's just what I needed to see and read! I'm glad you won't give up your dream and I can't wait to hear more about it!
ReplyDeletexo Christine
What a long time without news from you.
ReplyDeleteNot many people would dare with this look, and yet you do...well done.
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I am excited to hear more about this! This is a very inspiring post. My dream was to have a shoe room and I did it. Not a huge dream but a dream that worked out.
ReplyDeleteTutus are one of THE most fun and satisfying wardrobe staples!! I used to wear one around the house as a little kid just 'cause. I finally got another one as an adult when we did 80s night for my 30th birthday last year. Why did I wait so long?! I felt awesome all night long wearing that thing. I found it at a thrift store. Claire's also has them pretty cheap. This makes me want another one! :)
ReplyDeleteNo dream is silly, no matter how small, and the main thing is taking those baby steps toward it like you said.
I have so many dreams, big and small! Acknowledging them and putting them out there in the universe are the first steps to making 'em happen. I am always pushing on to more things when I've crossed things off my list. But I would really love to see The Closet Narcissist blog and shop grow and grow!
This post is so fun and sweet and you look very happy! I hold a somewhat dark view of ballerinas after my best friend turned into a bit of a monster attempting to become one. But you remind me that it is also a little girl fantasy that we can all enjoy vicariously!
ReplyDeleteI love this! I can't wait to see you doing future posts showing the positions of ballet. You look so happy just in the ballet outfit- you should indulge yourself and learn a bit. The first few positions should be simple to learn...
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