A new world, another life stares in my direction. What a humid Saturday afternoon, a complex one in its diffraction. The cumulus sky gazed oblivious to sultry summer. The temperature stood around 29-30°Celsius.
The precinct areas were somewhat deserted. It wasn't bustling with disparate activities as usual. Regular passers must have shadowed for some refreshing shelter.
Ashley Wilson was yet to be a household name in Southern Ireland. I was trying to find my feet within that region. My familiarisation with Carlow was accentuating in volume daily. I had lived the early part of my life in Eastern Ireland.
Mum/Ashley's P.O.V
"Studying how things work in this part of the world, must be very imperative."
"Of course, you need to observe, learn and adjust steadily to a new life within a novel environment. The mind and body are to align. This contends whatever challenge that might want to shut you out of the beautiful habitat", mum expressed.
The adaptation cycle, had no doubt been positive on the Wilsons.
Basking in my light weight dress to enjoy the balmy summer, was a choice I craved to embrace at such a time. I love the way am acclimating to the new life, with every sense of focus. Am beginning to enjoy the new air of freshness on this side.
"Sauntering the streets under such a humid heat, must be for very pressing necessities", mum visualized.
"The atmosphere around us, gave a chance to summer outfits like mine, with a sense of inviting some cool breeze."
"I do observe, Carlow is so fabulous for its salubrious essence."
Mum: "Yes, it is. At every glance, the entire visuals, create such an aura. From the landscapes, to the verdant vegetation. Likewise, the divergent artistic masterpieces. All of these, sum up to beautify this primordial city."
"Life has opened up to a new level on this side. It captures a different scenic configuration. The artistic visuals brought reminiscences, laying credence to one historical moment in time", mum chuckled.
Ashley: "It's so soothing, having a feel of what summer is in this part of the world. So much in tandem with the experience in Dublin."
"The summer clothes are the most essential part of the season. It helps the body achieve the liberty such a time yearns for."
"Despite wanting to have some liberty as you suggested, that freedom must not in any way, be blown out of proportion. I consider it a primal priority, seeing that you appear in presentable, and decent outfits. This doesn't exclude summer. You are a girl. I always want you to live an exemplary dimension of life", mum captured.
I smiled as usual, fixing my gaze on mum. Trying to pick every word coated in each of her statements.
We live at the city centre; my parents with two siblings: Joseph and Tennyson. I happened to be the only female child amidst them.
(To mum) "It's quite interesting to understand you have ensured I dress decently, even in my formative years. You mostly say this is to keep me from unscrupulous exposure of my body."
Mum: My own developmental years equally informed on my manner of approach, when it comes to instilling appropriate ways to live in you.
"Am becoming more of what you have imbued in me. Most of your regular witty statements, ring bell in my ears. They possess reverberating power within my subconscious, whenever am alone", I stated.
I can start and go on without mincing words:
"Dignity is a Unique Anchor for Royalty"
"You Dress the Way You Wish to be Addressed"
"Your decent appearance is a prima facie signature of your worth."
"A first impression of you is registered from the way you appear."
"A thrust of your personality, comes with a reflection of your dressing."
"Elegance with class, combines both quality and decency."
"I can never forget those assertive statements, and many others you had regurgitated in my ears."
"Am elated you have them all inscribed on your mind. They were declarative expressions, meant to shape your psyche. This helps you savour a life connected with purpose and focus", mum said.
She went further: "that was why I requested having them written in postcards, and pasted in your room. As your eyes daily flash through, they become registered on your mind.That way, they form your lifestyle."
"Honestly, you have a proud daughter in me mum. Your focus, determination, and even career worth, usually endear me to do more. They give me the push to take after you and dad."
"I look up to you and want to be alive to every instruction all the way. I cherish such as pathways to getting to my much desired success destination. Even one that outstrips yours and dad's", I asserted.
Mum: "I must confess, you have a genuine passion and vision. Frankly, your vision starts from taking into cognizance, every little thing layered with positive growth."
That's right, mum.
Can I ask a question?
Go ahead, please.
"I have sighted some young people in their crop dresses, even younger children like me. Why do you always suggest I have a pair of shorts to match, despite being summer?" (I mumbled with a smiling face)
Good question, Ashley.
If you have observed, neither Agnes nor I, would ever pair a crop gown that is at knee length, with a pair of shorts or leggings. The only reason most times, was probably for a few below knee length. This was for your comfort walking, and coverage.
Very soon, nobody does it for you anymore. You can do all of that by yourself, knowing what suits you on every outing, either casual or formal", mum affirmed.
"Looking forward to that time. Am sure it's closer than I imagined. Aunty Agnes had started asking me to pick clothes for outing, while she was busy running other errands. Have done that correctly on two occasions", I said.
It's such a good one. Am happy you are getting acquainted with it gradually. That's my big girl.
Thanks, mum.