-
Marisa Parker
a book bubble about
Ciao! We’re In Africa
Biographies & Memoirs
Author Insight
Goals, goals, goals …
Having a goal gives us purpose and direction. Once we act on that, then the adrenalin kicks in and a feeling of importance starts to grow. At least, that’s what it feels like for me when I set that task and then start on that road towards achievement. It can also mean—as the time gets closer to the deadline date—that our heart pumps; our moods swing; and, likely, we affect people around us. Tempers can get stretched as that excitement starts to fizz. So, it was for my mum and dad as they got closer to the opening night of their fashion boutique in Salisbury, Rhodesia just before Christmas in 1955. They’d attracted media attention heightening expectation and adding fervor to the last-minute garment changes for the fashion show that was planned. Thank heavens my mum was there to be the sensible one …
Book Excerpt
Ciao! We’re In Africa
Marla poses outside the shop in a stunning, sheer, gold dress. This same photograph will be used by the media to report on the grand opening, the day after the event.
“Don’t I look gorgeous, darrrrling?” Marla flirts shamelessly with the photographer, batting her eyelashes playfully and pouting for the camera.
As I look on I think, Poor man. It’s obvious that Marla has the photographer wrapped around her little finger. When reviewing the resulting photos, they are all perfect. The camera loves a beautiful confident woman.
Inside the shop it is a hum of last-minute activity. There are garments everywhere as final stitching and alterations take place. Buttons and bows have been added, or are being removed.
“Eugenio, basta! Eugenio, enough! I’m not changing this dress again. It’s the Opening Night tomorrow and the girls’ need the dresses for our practice tonight.” Esther’s voice lashes with a temper that has risen with the eleventh-hour changes Eugenio keeps making.
As cheeks are turning pink and she is starting to hyperventilate, I intervene. Walking up to Eugenio, I turn him around and steer him away. He starts to mutter but I shush him and keep pushing him forwards. Sensibly, he listens.
Amazon
Barnes&Noble
Click Follow to receive emails when this author adds content on Bublish
Comment on this Bubble
Your comment and a link to this bubble will also appear in your Facebook feed.