We have all read the book, watched the movie, or at the very least heard the story of, the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.  It’s a book/movie about one magical pair of pants that mysteriously fits an entire group of friends regardless of their size differences.  They soon discover that the magic of these pants moves beyond just the fit, but into their everyday lives.  They wear them for a confidence boost during special moments, for luck, and for solidarity amongst the group.  Of course, in the end, they realize it’s not really about the pants, but about their friendship.

If you need a little joy (and who doesn’t) read the book, or rent the movie.  It’s worth a  cozy evening watch on some random Friday.

Well before the traveling pants, there was a traveling scarf.  Actually, there were more than one, but the shared joy these scarves provided through the years was priceless.

Way back when I was 29, and G was a whopping 25-year-old, we went to Vegas for G’s bachelorette party.  This was well before bachelorette parties were all the rage.  G has always been ahead of her time.  Eight of us packed into two hotel rooms for a long weekend of pre-nuptial celebration. There was a lot of pool time, shopping, and hours of dancing in the clubs.  G had all of her friends and I brought a party crasher along for the fun.  My friend, Mary, had never met my sister, but yes, I brought her to a weekend bachelorette party in Vegas anyway.  Yes, I asked permission and yes, they got along so well that 15 years later Mary would be part of G’s 50 for 40 ultra.

As stated earlier, while on this Vegas excursion, we did a lot of shopping.  Someone mentioned that there was a new store that had just opened called, LuluLemon, and they sold athletic apparel.  We were intrigued and also liked the idea of getting to shop somewhere completely new.  Needless to say that even back then their prices were a little steep for the average shopper.  We were determined to find something that wouldn’t eat into our Vegas budget, but would also be a fun souvenir from our trip to this fancy store. Finally, someone found a bin full of these white travel scarves with the Lulu logo and they were like $20.  Sold!  All of us bought one because even though we had no idea why we would need a travel scarf, the price was right.  

Oh, how naive our young little selves were.  We had no idea 25+ years ago the impact that Lulu and that scarf would have on our lives.  I mean who doesn’t love a great pair of well-fitting Lulu leggings?  And the scarf?  The scarf, that I didn’t know I needed, has been everywhere.  It has traveled the country many times and it’s even been to Europe twice.  My family members have coveted this scarf on long flights and my youngest had the audacity to ask if she could take it to Scotland while she was studying abroad.  That was a firm no. It’s been a travel companion, a towel, a baby blanket, a beach blanket, a warm wrap against the cool wind, a makeshift hood, a fashion accessory, and yes, a scarf.

If you don’t own one, it’s likely difficult to understand its value.  If you purchase one, though, you will never want to travel without it again.

Recently, G told me she had parted with hers as it was threadbare and had lost its use.  I was aghast at how she could part with such a well-loved treasure, but never fear, I have been in search of the perfect replacement. 

Lulu, if you are reading this, we need an updated travel scarf and a sponsor.