Just be nice.

I was walking to work yesterday. It was a rainy day.

I thought to myself how I wanted a better umbrella but did not want to spend money on one. I just bought one a month ago and it broke already. It was not a cheap one either.

Then two girls seemed to be holding the same umbrella. They were unique umbrellas, so I found that odd.

I took a few more steps. Then a lady asked if I wanted a free umbrella. I said, "Free? Really?" She replied, "Yes! And here is a coupon for this store." Score.

I got to work and offered the coupon to my supervisor since I thought she might shop there. She gleefully took it.

Walking home late that night I found myself behind a classy couple. They were all dressed up from a date and the lady was holding a large bowl of yellow roses. The gentlemen was struggling to hold a tiny umbrella over the both of them. I offered my extra umbrella to them. They declined since they were close to their apartment. Then a couple steps later the girl offered me a flower from her bouquet. Surprised, I asked, "Are you sure?" Then I turned to the man and asked him too. They were eager to share. I accepted. I photographed the flower and then gave it to my roommate.

How beautiful is that?

I've also decided to take a more active approach to showing how much I care for my friends. I have always cared, but not as outwardly as I wished.

It is crazy how lucky I have always been. But now, with a little effort to be a better person, even more luck seems to befall my little life.

The lesson learned, just be nice. It is springtime and everyone's spirits are up. So take the opportunity to smile. Smile at the weather, the puppies, the people. You don't need an excuse to be happy.

Texas

I always assumed I would only move back to Texas when I was ready to retire. This past week has convinced me otherwise. I finally learned what it means to call someplace home. Home was nowhere and everywhere to me before. But now when I try to think about what makes Texas home, I become speechless. I cannot find the right words to describe exactly what makes it so comfortable. Don't get me wrong. I love New York, but Texas. Now that's where I really belong. I don't get excited by a gang of overdressed New York gals. I do find a sweet old couple in cowboy boots just heart melting.

Moving the Sophistication.

I want to keep this page as a personal log. The Seeking Sophistication blog has been created as an outlet for solely that purpose.

Please visit Seeking Sophistication for more posts of this nature.

Have a lovely day.

Class. The quest begins.

What inspired this post? I am not quite sure. It seems to be a culmination of things. The classy style of ladies and gentlemen of the 1950's, '40s, '30s, and '20s need a resurgence. Fashion is not the focus, but rather a state of being. What happened to just being classy? What is so wrong with embracing traditional roles? Or possibly breaking those roles to redefine yourself with elegance? I have found myself often alone in my room just swaying to a fancy tune pondering this topic.

I want to keep up my quest for class in this blog.

I shall begin at the definition.

From www.merriam-webster.com:

classy

Pronunciation: \ˈkla-sē\

Function: adjective

Inflected Form(s): class·i·er; class·i·est

Date: 1891

b : having or reflecting high standards of personal behavior c : admirably skillful and graceful

Notice, not posh, nor expensive, fancy, luxurious, swanky, or fashionable.

It is more about being polished, sophisticated, intricate, and elegant. I feel that anyone can be classy, even the most awkwardly introverted person.

I would go on, however I must stop myself. This shall be an ongoing process and each post will hopefully shed light on a new path. Stopping now allows me to consider a few more paths for my next post.

The goal of this is to explore my torment and to share a dose of confidence. You cannot be classy without confidence.

The first step to becoming more classy. Find a song. Create a playlist. Close your eyes and imagine yourself with grace as you listen along.

Prescription: Listen to THIS. And take a bow in front of a mirror.