Wednesday, June 13, 2018

“Crazy Card Cheer”



c. 2018 Rod Ice
All rights reserved
(6-18)




On the road.

Being away from home for extended periods can provide a welcome diversion. A chance to cleanse the soul. But this year has offered a different sort of detour from everyday living. A turn toward family responsibilities and the gloom of yellowed legal documents. As the oldest child in my brood, such duties were handed down by birth order, not choice. I received them long before developing the understanding necessary to complete such tasks.

Having deserted my home office, I recently traveled south for a full week. My immersion in memories of childhood evoked all kinds of emotions. A welcome chance to revisit long-silent echoes of self. But the clutter of paperwork and official routines proved to be less thrilling. By the time I returned to Ohio, a personal rescue was needed.

An escape from the escape.

Sorting mail, I peered through the drudgery of bills and notices. But then, a festive bit of color glowed from the stack. A cartoon image of retro glamour. Shining curls, fluttering hearts and an airborne kiss depicted on the envelope’s back. 

It was from ‘Crazy4me’ who was a model I followed on Instagram. Suddenly, my cares and concerns evaporated in a wash of flamingo pink and vintage Coca-Cola red.

I could not help whistling a bit of Patsy Cline while reading her card:

Crazy, I’m crazy for feeling so lonely
I’m crazy, crazy for feeling so blue
I knew you’d love me as long as you wanted
And then someday you’d leave me for somebody new

Worry, why do I let myself worry?
Wondering what in the world did I do?
Crazy for thinking my love could hold you
I’m crazy for trying and crazy for trying

And I’m crazy for loving you
Crazy for thinking that my love could hold you
I’m crazy for trying and crazy for crying
And I’m crazy for loving you.”

A couple of years ago, my personal inclination toward Mid-Century Modern culture and early Rock & Roll music made the photo website Instagram a welcome discovery. A place where I found creative imagery provided by visual artists like Candy Coconuts, Ivy Doomkitty, Miss Mari Mambo and Lady Scarlett. Most appealing, however, was a bright and breezy woman named Yasmina Greco. Her charming authenticity made me eager for each new post on the site. More than simply channeling postwar themes, her photos exuded a sense of fun for viewers. A thrilling ride of fantasy dreessed in hues plucked from the yonder days of a simpler time. A playful kiss for the eyes. Each one delivered tastefully with unique cues like vintage automobiles, radios, furnishings and classic fare.

Typically, I have enjoyed Instagram posts while scrolling on my iPhone. Yet the ‘Crazy4me’ page is one best appreciated in the luxury of a high-definition monitor. I prefer to enjoy a mug of diner-style coffee and relax with her daily offerings in between writing stories.



Research on the Internet revealed that her husband, Gary, is a photographer who rebuilds old cameras. His skill in capturing the retro vibe could be seen in every image. I also learned that Yasmina works as an educator on various current topics through E-learning, and as a motivator to inspire and uplift youth. Her blog offers various articles about fashionable apparel, current events and related topics:

I am... a published Pinup, curve model, fashion and lifestyle blogger helping brands engage with the curvy market while inspiring and equipping my audience to feel beautiful, confident, and empowered. I love gizmos and gadgets, fashion, classic cars, travel, and collecting. I’m passionate about advocating for women and mentoring youth through public speaking, social media and leadership.”

Having long been interested in collectible goodies, I was glad to read of her personal affinity for antiques and artifacts from the classic era. Gladder still to find that her life’s work encompassed such a broad range of activities. Her example reflected my own thought that such fanciful flights, delivered respectfully and with artistic flair, enhance our style of living. A concept sometimes lost amid the frenetic buzz of social media sites.

As my day ended, I was grateful to be home. Not only because of the familiar sights and sounds of this shack near Lake Erie, but also because of the kitschy card on my kitchen table.

Crazy4me, indeed. I promise to be crazy... forever.

Comments about ‘Words On The Loose’ may be sent to: icewritesforyou@gmail.com
Write us at: P. O. Box 365 Chardon, OH 44024

Visit Yasmina at: 
www.crazy4me.com
www.instagram.com/crazy4me
 







No comments:

Post a Comment