Umbrellas

For as long as I can remember, I have loved umbrellas. My favorites are the traditional cane-like kind that are long and have a curved handle at the end. I also like the compact kinds that are the size of a glasses case. I like the ones that automatically pop out, and I like the ones that have a knob for the handle. I like the clear plastic ones that kids sometimes have (especially the way the rain sounds as it hits that solid plastic), and I like the ones with the squishy gel handles. I like colorful umbrellas that have unusual shapes or ears on the top, and I like pretty parasols that aren't meant for water at all. Pretty much I love umbrellas.

Once upon a time, in high school, I bought a beautiful umbrella. It was a Cirque du Soleil* umbrella. It was not a cheap umbrella, but it was a fantastic umbrella. It got lots of compliments whenever I used it.

Unfortunately, I lost that umbrella.

So I bought a new one. Same kind, same price. Actually, someone might have given it to me as a gift. I'm not sure. At any rate, I got that lovely umbrella again.

Unfortunately, I lost that umbrella too.

That was when I stopped buying Cirque du Soleil umbrellas.

Now I have two main umbrellas: one in my closet, one in my car. I have a couple other brollies kicking around somewhere, but I don't actually know where they are, so I don't think they count. Queen Tuffett might also have my old rainbow umbrella from when I was little.

The thing I like about umbrellas is that they are mechanical, but not electric. They are non-digital. There are no batteries to wear down. Even on umbrellas that have electronic components, the actual functional umbrella part is a regular old non-battery-operated spring-loaded (or manual) mechanism. I don't worry about the umbrella in my trunk losing its charge as it sits there year after year; I know that whenever I need it I can pick it up and it will work just fine, even after such a long period of inactivity.

Ironically, I sometimes prefer not to use umbrellas in the rain. I just like to have them. I like to feel the rain on my head and my face, and when I carry an umbrella, it is usually so that people won't feel sorry for me for getting soaked, because they can clearly see that I have an umbrella and it is my choice not to use it. I will admit that I have started to use umbrellas more frequently the older I get, and I suspect that trend will continue as I age.

And now to leave you with, here is a stylish umbrella that every young lady should own (found here):

*I used to be mildly obsessed with Cirque du Soleil. Now I'm just a standard fan.