Casual Attire

Mommy gets invited to parties a lot. Sometimes she has to dress up real fancy. Other times, the invitation says “casual attire.”

One time when Mommy got a casual attire invitation for a party with some business associates, she was staying with my sister. She did not have any casual clothes with her—just things that were for play and fun. It seems to me that play clothes are “casual,” but Mommy said no. She wanted something a little dressier in order to be casual.

So, Mommy went shopping. There were some nice stores where my sister was living. Sometimes it is hard for Mommy to find just exactly what she wants, but this time was different. She found a very pretty pink pantsuit. The pantsuit fit her perfectly. It did not cost a lot, either.

The next night, it was time for the party. Mommy put on her pretty pink pantsuit. Mommy said it was very comfortable—that was another reason she really liked it. She thinks it is very difficult to find good-looking clothes that are also comfortable.

My sister was not home, but that did not matter. Mommy got a ride to the party.

Mommy had a good time at the party. There were people there she did not know, but they all smiled at her. In that case, Mommy went over and introduced herself. Mommy likes to talk to people who smile at her.

Mommy had a very good time. She met some friendly new people. The food was good. The conversation was interesting. The party lasted several hours, and Mommy stayed until the very end, getting to meet a number of new business associates. She said she hoped she made a good impression.

When Mommy came back, my sister was already home and in bed. She got up, when she heard Mommy come back. When she saw Mommy, she was very surprised.

“Where were you,?” she asked.

“At a business reception,” said Mommy.

“In that outfit?”

“Sure,” said Mommy. “It is really very comfortable. Feel how soft it is.”

“Mom!” said my sister. “Of course, it is comfortable and soft. It’s pajamas!”

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This story is adapted and shortened from a collection of vignettes that I helped Doah to write and publish several years ago (copyright 2003). It was my attempt to help him understand literacy and the purpose of writing and reading. The book was featured, one of thousands of other books of course, at the National Book Exhibit in Los Angeles that year, and Doah proudly walked up to the check-in counter for his author badge. "I author," he announced, and he really acted like one at the booksigning. Sometimes that boy can really surprise me! You can check out the other post from Doah's book here.

Note: After several posts of weighty topics, I thought it might be time for some levity. I hope this post will bring some laughter, or at least a smile.