I have always had a small bit of flair in my choice of clothing. While selling my fine-art photography at our local art fair here in Santa Fe, New Mexico, I learned that folks like to buy art from an artist that, well, looked like one. For they were not only buying my art, but the whole experience of being there – the amazing high altitude blue skies, the scents of cedar and sage, the remarkable sunsets, and the charming artist who looked like they were living the artist’s life. Interesting, unique and free. 

But there is another side to my personality, that likes to be unnoticed, quiet and unobtrusive. Like the ying and yang symbol, these two sides exist in an uneasy balance.

For it is true that everything we do is an expression of who we are, our clothing being an overtly visible example. A signal, as it were. And it is a two-way process, for wearing an outstandingly beautiful outfit definitely uplifts how we feel about ourselves, making people smile, often complimenting us. Strangers all the time compliment me on my French beret we bought in Paris, with a unique design of patches on it, handmade in the last remaining beret factory located in southern France. It is a nice feeling to make that positive connection with others, our brothers and sisters on this earth.