MARY LAMPHERE AUTHOR

We watched One Piece on Netflix, a series based on a graphic novel featuring Monkey D. Luffy, whose goal is to become King of the Pirates. The show is a little bit silly, a little bit adventurous, and a lot creative. We thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to another season.

We liked it so much that I bought my husband a Monkey D. Luffy t-shirt for Christmas. Straying from the usual black tee, this one came in vibrant purple tie-dye. Fun graphic, great fit, cool color, maybe a new fave. Definitely top drawer.

Then, I washed it. With a full load of laundry. You know, as you are wont to do with an overflowing basket. And that son-of-a-stretchy-bodied-pirate shirt bled, staining everything with lovely pink blotches. Brand new Christmas socks, brand new Christmas underwear, other shirts, and my jeans.

This, after my Great Aunt had warned me not to do laundry on New Year’s Day.

Of course, with hindsight, I should have known it would bleed. Hindsight is fool’s quicksand. Sucks you in even as you know there is nothing you can do now.

But you know what? It may be a good thing. Like when they say it’s good luck to rain on your wedding day because you are weathering your first storm together? My year is starting out colorful! I think I will wear my pink spotted jeans as a reminder to make the best of a situation.

I’m in the pink, embracing the imperfections of a new year and keeping my expectations rosey.