The Lady in the Red..

For those of you that know me or have even met me in the cold winter months, you'll know that I have a weakness for go-go boots.

After having lunch with my Ghana host, I made the decision to follow my dream. In doing so, I immediately headed to the store for supply purchase research. My first stop was REI, a specialty store in equipment, clothing, and everything else you need for the great outdoors.

I thought it would be easy enough to buy a backpack. I assumed it was just an oversized purse that you carried behind you. Although I entered REI with confidence it was soon shattered by all these foreign objects and backpacks that talked about cubic inches, weight, day pack, top flap vs. side flap. As a dressing Diva, I was completely out of my element.

A friendly sales person soon came to my rescue but I noticed he looked just as surprised about the purchase, as I felt. He insisted that the backpack for me was the "red good looking one". I didn't make a purchase that day but I walked out left REI with a better sense of what I needed.

As I walked out, I thought that it was my cheer and smile that made the customers and attendants in their hiking boots, khaki pants and fleece shirts turn their heads. A few seconds later, I looked down and realized that my cheer had nothing to do with it. It was the questioning looks of those that just spotted a lady in red. Not just Red, but Red everywhere...patent leather boots, lipstick, earings, purse, brooch and poncho. Those who know me can only imagine. It was a far cry from the "outdoorsy" environment I had just left. I couldn't help but laugh....at myself.

Weeks later and on my first day of voyage, I sit in an internet cafe with a packback, wearing the required cargo pants and fleece jacket. Even with the lack of makeup and uncombed hair, those travel required items are well accompanied by a pair of pink mesh shoes, pink watch, pink t-shirt and matching earings. Being outdoorsy doesn't mean I had to give up all my fashion sense. Not YET, anyways!!!