I can’t.  It’s impossible.

There’s simply no such thing.

 

I (finally) watched Maleficent last night.  Truthfully, I yearn to exist in a logic-defying world. Somewhere where none are held captive by the confines of normality.  The sort of place where flights of fancy are the norm, rather than the exception.  Wherein the words, “can’t” or “impossible” or the phrase, “no such thing” do not even exist.  I fell in love with Maleficent’s technicolour world as well as all those wondrous beings residing in every nook and corner of the moors.  It’s that very same sensation that flows through me whenever I watch a Harry Potter flick, or any Narnia installment.  An incredible sense of awe and childlike wonder that echoes my childhood.  And I know it stems from being raised on a literary diet of Blyton, Tolkien and Lewis, since I was old enough to recognise my mother’s voice.

Sadly, fantasies don’t have that much of a place in everyday life. For the most part, we’re dissuaded from what society terms as “daydreaming”.  In fact, I’ve lost count of the number of times I was urged to yank my head away from fluffy clouds.

ENOUGH WITH THE DAYDREAMING, SHEELA!!

Time to grow up!!!

In the face of adulthood and parenting, and the hurdles of simply being, it is so incredibly easy for one to forget how to dream.  How to imagine.  To recall that it truly isn’t an act of sacrilege should one colour outside the lines.  Or, better yet, opt to shade.  Use pens.  Draw lines within lines.

I was one of the lucky few though for those words, “Grow up!!” never once came from the mouths of my parents.  Not once.  My mum is a published writer and my dad, a gifted photographer.  Joe, my older brother, and myself?  We were blessed.  We both write.  We both draw (although I’d be the first to concede superiority to him).  He has the pipes between the two of us and I’m the shutterbug.

Now, do not misunderstand.  I’m not saying creativity necessarily begets creativity (although it helps tremendously when one has an unwavering support system) but I’ve witnessed so many situations that could’ve been averted, or resolved, had creative license been exercised.  It is possible for imagination to cohabit peacefully alongside reality, with ever so productive results.

Reflect upon the world of fashion, for instance, and on haute couture, in particular.

Playground to the designers. Where they allow their creativity to run wild, unbridled (and have a spot of fun while they’re at it). With sterling end results, as clearly seen strutting down the runway, to the melodic sound of cash registers merrily ringing. From their minds and hands are born insanely imaginative creations that speak volumes of liberation and joy. Designs resembling wearable works of art far more than actual garments.

What about a world without the internet?  Or planes.  Or phones.  No phones = no cellphones = zero selfies.  #OMG.  Life would be unrecognisable, to say the least.  And, in spite of the apparent disparity between the various highlighted fields, they share one underlying common thread.  Yes, imagination, and by the truckload.

Multitudes of virgin terrain can be conquered through the power of imagination.  And therein, my friends, lies the missing puzzle piece.

And now, walk with me as we take a quick tumble down the millinery rabbit hole, and (visually) partake of this month’s theme as chosen by Veronica.  Hats.

Ann, Kremb de la Kremb

Hey hey hey, gypsy woman.  I would certainly let Ann tell me my fortune.  I mean, how could I not?  When someone looks sassy and classy and fun all at the one same time as she clearly does in this get-up, I’m about ready to say yes to (almost) anything.  Wait, where’s your crystal ball?

Jennie, A Pocketful Of Polka Dots

Hello there, Jennie, you’re looking chirpy and fine.  With that newsboy cap perched ever so jauntily on your red tresses (which I covet) and those hoop dingle dangles, you’re the picture perfect composition of flirty and fun.  Someone who really doesn’t take clothes too seriously.

Mary, Curly Byrdie Chirps

I no longer stare enviously and longingly at Mary’s dresses (I lie) but instead, live vicariously through her and them (I lie again).  Here she is, looking positively charming in this classic get-up of royal hues.  That hat is quite the crowning glory, atop her crowning glory.

Sam, Fake Fabulous

I like how Sam is marrying jewel tones with the most delicate of baby blue here, peppered with Black as a sporadic yet dramatic accent.  You can see it on her post how there’s a wispy Quail feather trimming the side of her Fedora, in the most delightful polka dot yellow print.

Veronica, CID Style File

Veronica’s appearing most statuesque in her goddess gown with its heavenly drapes and folds and wrapover bodice.  And throwing in a curveball is that floppy hat of hers.  All black with those stud details, soft versus hard, making for quite the gamine look, don’t you think?

And now, for our guest blogger this month.  I’ve long been a fan of Janeane, but never once have I even entertained the thought of inviting her join along because, to be quite honest, I was always under the impression she’s so much younger!!  Something I could easily attribute to the fun she obviously derives from (playing) dress up, and for, well, fashion, in general.  Janeane emits such unrestrained enthusiasm for the simple act of getting dressed, that it’s quite palpable from both her writing as well as her photos.  I couldn’t be more delighted to have her with The Fab 4os this month because, in my eyes, she embodies the spirit of childlike wonder and non cynical appreciation for life, living, and dressing-up, that I’ve been talking about in today’s post.

And finally, there’s me.  Channeling all the Dita von Teese I can muster, in the attempts of appearing a little pin-up, a little bombshell, a lot sexy.

I tried.  I really did.

IMAGINATION IS TRULY THE BLUEPRINT FOR MANY THINGS

Yes, indeed it is.  Contentment. Happiness. Invention. Progress. For living a full life. Imagination in its purest form is the backbone of just about everything. Too often, too many of us forsake the habit of imagining because we’ve become indoctrinated with, “you can’t do that” or we’re told to “grow up” or (and I find this to be the harshest fib) brainwashed into believing, “that’s impossible.”

How many dreams have been quashed? Ideas annihilated right off the bat? Thoughts which never achieved fruition? And all because of societal dictation? Think about it. How different would the world be today if creativity was allowed a free(er) rein?

Imagine that.

Fizz & Frosting (Bloglovin’) | Sheela Writes (Bloglovin‘)

Linkup Rules:

1. Follow your host Fizz and Frosting (via Bloglovin’ or Instagram) and your co-host, Sheela of Sheela Writes (via Bloglovin’ or Instagram)
2. Share a post, showing how you remixed an item – a top, skirt, jeans, purse, shoes — it’s completely up to you! Want to share a collage? Go for it!
3. Link back to this post with a text link or by sharing the linkup button!
4. I’d love for you to tweet using #MixItMon so I can help promote your posts!

Want to co-host in the future? Please email Lauren at lauren@fizzandfrosting.com and use the subject MIX IT MONDAYS!

http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=272036

Love, Sheela

p/s my photos by Sofia Touassa

I link up here.