My dear colleague E.K. in Massachusetts had this to share/confess as part of a recent comment in the recent Mom Jeans post. I thought it worth clipping and sharing here as its own DIRE WARNING:
I wanted to share with you an unfortunate incident of a festival of inappropriate sharing which befell me this month. Sunday morning, new skirt in a long, slim, faux wrap style It fit well and looked fine when I tried it on standing up, standing up being the key phrase here. I took off my coat, and sat down in my chair to lead the early worship service, an intimate circle of 8 or so people gathered close together in my office. Lo and behold – a complete festival of upper thigh sharing. So not good. I had to hold the skirt closed with one hand the whole time then went to work with safety pins! Lessons learned: 1. listen to Peace Bang when she says to make sure you can sit, stand, and bend over safely 2. The little sewing kit with safety pins in the desk drawer really will prove its use someday.
Good morning, REV. JUICY THIGH! I got a chuckle over this, as I imagine you trying to keep your mind on leading circle worship while desperately clasping your skirt closed with one furtive hand. A perfect Festival of Inappropriate Sharing story! So yes, listen to your Auntie PeaceBang about sitting, standing, reaching or doing anything you would normally do in worship in garments you are trying on for purchase. I myself split an armpit seam a few weeks ago reaching up to do a little “gloria” moment with the children. I was robed at the time, so no one was the wiser, but I did bring out the 3 lb. weights to start trying to work some chub off my Post-Winter Plumposity.
Thanks for writing, E.! Happy spring and kiss of peace!
Always, ALWAYS make sure your skirt looks appropriate for the likely moves you’re going to make. I saw WAYY too much up-skirt action at a recent meeting of the Theological Educators’ Forum.
Is “inappopriate” when something that shouldn’t “pops” out? [Oh, it’s when whatever shouldn’t be showing, shows. – PB]
Somehow we never seem to have a jacket or sweater handy when we need one……
Yup, I wore a completely festivalic coat-dress to one of my credentialing interviews. A powder-blue light wool Ann Taylor classic — unless you try to move. Especially sad fact is that I had had the sense to pack it as a carry-on and the airline really did misplace all my other luggage until after the interview.
I gave it away soon after, but now I wish I’d kept it in case I ever wanted to let somebody know I was enjoying our second date.