20 Comments
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Francesca McCaffery's avatar

Virginia, this is one of the best things I’ve read, in terms of genuine life force- in forever. Just absolutely beautiful, so spot on, and TRUE. Thank you

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Virginia Chamlee's avatar

Thank you Francesca that means so much to me!

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Jdeplume's avatar

What a great essay! Delightful. I totally agree- and that’s why I love to thrift- it’s almost always magical. What a great and true defence for frivolity. This made me very validated and happy.

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Virginia Chamlee's avatar

Thank you so much! Your validation makes me feel validated for writing it!

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Jacqueline C's avatar

Absolutely agree! My house is full of eclectic vintage finds and my art is all about having fun.

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Virginia Chamlee's avatar

Love that!

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Carolyn's avatar

I have my grandmother’s old hat box where I keep a bunch of purses and belts and things that should probably be better organized and I pulled out a random bag and lo and behold it has flower brooches in it! They’re ~20 years old best guess. Found again at the right time.

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Virginia Chamlee's avatar

I love that!! I walked in to the thrift store on Saturday and found a vase stuffed full of flower brooches! I bought 5 for $5 :)

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Christene Barberich's avatar

Yes, yes, yes. Being in that state of appreciation and AWE is a constant reminder we are on the right path...xx

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Virginia Chamlee's avatar

Whimsy forever!

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Sheila (of Ephemera)'s avatar

I loved every word of this, Virginia!💕 Yesyesyes! Joy is in the small things!

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Virginia Chamlee's avatar

Yes it is Sheila!

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Eleanor's avatar

Loved this so much! I try to use this framework whenever I’m in a bad mood… how lucky I am to be interested in and delighted by so much around me

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Virginia Chamlee's avatar

Yes yes yes!!! I get overwhelmed by all my interests but also glad I am so passionate that I want to taste the flavors in everything!

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Wallis Jewelry Connoisseur's avatar

Yes, life is short . Accept Jesus Today because Tomorrow is never promised. The artwork is lovely!

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Virginia Chamlee's avatar

Thank you!

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Nicolas Sutro's avatar

Hey, I arrived here following @India Knight’s recommendation.

I love it for your verve and vitality and generosity. I think one needs some heft behind frivolity, and I might keep my own more excessive expression of the frivolous beneath layers of industrial weight Langlitz, the message you pass on is so well-made.

I do think making one’s way through life with at least an open eye on lightheartedness is healthy and important. And, we all find our own ways, as you say. Doesn’t mean we aren’t serious and thinkers and dealing with shit and not lighthearted about meaning, it’s more that an appreciation of those moments of joy and pleasure really are important. The great cooker writer, Nigel Slater, writes of them as little feasts, and his almost namesake Nigella Lawson seems to get the perfect balance in her work between frivolous and intellectual, lighthearted and meaningful.

I was going to wonder whether it may be more acceptable for women to own frivolity with the pride you infer, and then I got worried that might be contentious, and then I wondered why…and just gave up because life is so full of those risks and pitfalls.

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Sasha Carnevali's avatar

I’ve always insisted that curiosity is the door to a happy life. Curiosity makes you try things and discover things you like. And they add up and make your day joyful!

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Suzi West's avatar

Great piece. Spot on. Who were those sad sorry soldiers who tromped past that amazing frog??

One of my incredible mentors gifted to me the expression “some things just deserve to be purchased.” He was very successful “Garmento” and retailer who was willing to take a chance on frivolity in over 700 National locations. And if something ended up in the clearance section, we’d call it a “proud markdown.”

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Tessa Broad's avatar

Loved this. Exactly what I needed to read today - thank you as ever for your beautiful words that just make perfect sense.

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