DRESSING FOR THE MAN

Advancing years had Sheila waking up in need of make up, especially under

the eyes. Efficiency was not her main concern this morning as she looked in

the mirror and studied the face she had seen for 49 years. But this morning

was different as she shoved her flattened brows to a standing position and

thought of the people at work. Nice, crazy, smart, urgent people. But personally

what did she care except that she earned money, wasn't bored and actually liked

being there. But no energy, nothing special went into her morning routine. How

could she put some snap back into her life? How could she cultivate the aura of

energy that draws people to her, makes them desire to be around her?

She decided she would imagine she was dressing for a date with George Clooney.

So with George in mind she applied her make up with more care, blew her hair

straighter to accentuate the blonde highlights and donned her great jeans, gray

long sleeve sweater with the one inch collar, the body of which cut off at her waist

and a a white shirt that hung out a little at the edge of the sweater. Her brown boots

completed the outfit.

Pleased, she drove to work.

Her attitude was confident. They gave her compliments on her sweater and to her

delight noticed her hair appeared more blonde.

"Did you use a new shampoo?" the 24 year old that sat next to her asked.

"I dressed like I had a date with George Clooney", she confided to the young

woman.

"You are such a freak" the young girl laughed.

"I know, isn't it fun!"

The 24 year old smiled the kind of smile that agrees, even envies the older

woman's ability to not only come up with this game, but to play it successfully

and then reveal her secret.

The next day several women showed up looking noticeably smart in their

carefully pulled together outfits. And the next, and the next.

That Sheila was dressing for imaginary men was never openly discussed again

but by week's end a new energy had taken over the office, and one man was seen

coming back from lunch with a retail bag on his arm.