Women's History Month: VANESSA BRANTLEY'S NEW ATTITUDE.

Women's History Month: VANESSA BRANTLEY'S NEW ATTITUDE.

As it is Women’s History Month and this is my blog and I am a woman, an African-American woman, it seems only natural for me to document my history.  In reference to my “firsts” as an African-American woman, I would have to list the following accomplishments (Of course, this information is offered to the best of my knowledge.):

1.  I was the first African-American woman accepted in the Master of Science degree program in Textiles, Merchandising and Interiors from The University of Georgia.  I took a break after getting my thesis proposal approved.  Later, in 1996, I became the second African-American woman to graduate with a Master of Science degree in Textiles, Merchandising and Interiors.

2.  In 1999, I became the first African-American woman to graduate with a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Textiles and Apparel under the College of Human Sciences at Florida State University.

3.  In 1999, I was the first African-American woman at Florida State University to graduate as a Southern Regional Education Board [SREB] Doctoral Scholar.  I was also the second graduate and woman to represent Florida in the SREB Doctoral Program. 

4.  In 1999, I became the first African-American assistant professor hired in the Family and Consumer Sciences department at Southwest Texas State University [currently Texas State University-San Marcos]. 

*Please note, I could have other “firsts” unbeknownst to me.

If you really want to get to know me, then you should read all of my blog entries.  I reveal so much about myself in the writings.  Think about it.  If I don’t document my existence, who will?

FACT 1--You will find that I like to travel to well-known and little known places.  I like to meet interesting people and I LOVE to eat scrumptious-looking foods.  Oh, I also LOVE grand and fine clothing.

FACT 2—For the past 30 years, I have primarily drenched myself in BLACK clothing.  My weight kept increasing after I stopped exercising.  For me, wearing mainly black clothing looked chic and smart.  It also gave me confidence to feel sexier.  Sure, I could have just exercised, but for some reason designers always included great-looking black clothes in their collections.  I didn’t have a personal connection to any other hue.  Occasionally, I would wear cheetah or leopard prints, but nothing felt or looked as “right” as black apparel.

FACT 3—Vanessa Brantley has a new attitude!  Recently I turned 59 years old.  Accepting this is the last year to be called “middle-age,” I’m mentally and visually preparing for senior-hood.  I have a new outlook on life.  I am older and wiser.  I DO NOT want to be associated with youth.

What’s so great about being young?

I like knowing what I now know.  I know what I like.  I now know whom I like.  I now know what I want.  I now know and accept that I don’t have forever to get things done.

I now know the freedom of “not making decisions or not having a goal.”   

I’m not going to get richer.  I’m not going to find Prince Charming.  I’m not going to become a celebrity.  I’m not going to stress the rest of my life away.  I’m just not.

What I am going to do is stop wearing black all the time.  Stop being so serious about life.  Stop caring about what other folks need and want from me.  Stop hoping for a tomorrow of dreams that will probably not come, happen or manifest.

Yep, what I AM GOING TO DO is wear anything I want to wear, anytime and anyplace.  I am going to date any man for any reason I choose.  I might even find time to make a new friend…or not.  I might get yet another degree.  Who knows? 

I am going to live for me.  That’s it.  No goal in mind.  Just living out my days remaining on Earth.

See ya!

*Vanessa Brantley  Style395.blogspot.com, March 29, 2018, “Women's History Month: Vanessa Brantley’s New Attitude,” Volume 13, Blog 1b [vol. 13, 1a-1c].