April 2026
The Hats We Wore, the People We Met, and the Memories That Remain
Listen to the audio version by Dorothy
With Easter arriving in just a few days, and recalling Irving Berlin's song, In Your Easter Bonnet, brought to mind my love of hats, and how often those worn over the years were symbolic of a phase in my life. During teenage years, hats were mandatory for Sunday services, weddings and funerals; later jaunty ones, some quietly adhering to protocol, others making a wild statement, like the one I wore last week on Saint Patrick's Day, which triggered a friendly comment from a smiling teenager as we left our local library: "Like your hat", he said; thanking him, I replied, "certainly fitting for the day"! And so it was: green, personalized, with the words: Blarney, Shenanigans and Malarkey! And recalling my younger days when I never wanted to stand out!!!
How true the saying: change is the only constant in life! Years back, a jacket, dress shirt and tie was the norm for my male office colleagues, gradually giving way to losing the tie and jacket; just as pant-suits became acceptable for women, leading to Casual Fridays when jeans could be worn by both.
Regardless of current styles, some past loves stay with us, and so it was that in February a friend and I wandered into a vintage store in near-by Cloverdale. Trying on a variety of hats, I was drawn to, and fell in love with a navy cloche style (popularized in the 1920s). Did I purchase it? Yes, I did! Have I worn it? Yes, I have ... again receiving some smiling comments from friendly passers-by ... which triggered the memory of seeing a very stylish lady walking towards me on the arm of a younger friend, wearing a stunning hat. I complimented her on her apparel and said that I too loved hats and had quite a collection. This resulted in a friendly chat where I learned she had a hat to match each of her outfits; 14 in all, if memory serves me. I hope you too have warm memories of interesting, spur-of-the-moment exchanges.
While the references above deal with hats, clothing styles and memories, I see the shifts as a metaphor for life's passages and changing circumstances. Some transitions are peaceful while others are traumatizing, spinning us into a whirlwind of angst as we search for answers, and forcing us to dig deeply for inner strength.
Easter is considered a time of renewal, a time to pause, which we each celebrate in personal ways. Another significant renewal, but physically challenging - I've learned from friends who have experienced it - is walking the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage that invites introspection when seeking clarity and reflection on where we've been, and where we are going. So, like the hats we wore or the clothing styles that shifted over time, the Camino too is a metaphor of awareness on the journey of life ... and something I experienced last month when again watching - more thoughtfully this second time - the 2025 Hallmark movie, Journey to You, which encapsulated the Camino's essential features. Near the end of the movie the small group participated in the continuing ritual of leaving behind a stone, symbolizing what each wished to release. Afterwards, reflecting on its significance, from where I am today, what would I release ... which gave way to contemplating what I would add on. Details on the history and meaning of the Camino Pilgrimage - also referred to as The Way, are available on Google.
This April Innisfree Moment has reminisced about music, the hats we wore, people we met, memories that remain, and the meaning of the Camino Way. Walking the Camino may not be realistic for many of us, but perhaps this special time of Easter can be one of reflection on the gift of our life: the song of the birds, buds on the trees, laughter with friends, the hats we wore and the clothing styles we thought were "so stylish" ... at that time! If you feel laughter bubbling up, go ahead, it's liberating! And then, in some quiet moments, consider if there is anything you would like to release, and what you would include, as you journey this wonderful Pathway of Life.
I wish you safe and healthy days ahead, a beautiful Easter, and close off with the following heartfelt message by Dr. Barbara De Angelis:
"No matter what age you are, or what your circumstances might be, you are special, and you still have something unique to offer. Your life, because of who you are, has meaning."
Until we meet again, blessèd be to you. Always, I thank you for joining me. Namasté
Dorothy B.
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Rev. Dorothy Blandford, Ph.D
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