When I was about thirteen years old my mom left for rehab for three straight months. It was really hard dealing with life without her around since she is my best friend. I had to move in with my dad and stepmom, whom I didn’t get along with, and I became depressed. While my mom was away for the summer she sent me gifts, one of which was a tiny blue rug. It faded from pale blue to black, and it was my favorite gift because it smelled just like her- patchouli and cigarettes (Marlboro Lights Special Blend, to be exact). The colors have a more negative affect on me now than they did then. At the time they were what reminded me of her. Now, they just remind me of difficult times growing up. But despite all that, they’re still some of my favorite colors and when put together they’re aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
There once was a time in my life when the pattern plaid could ruin my day entirely. Especially red plaid. There was no meaning behind it. No traumatic backstory or anything interesting like that. I just hated plaid as well as the color red, and the combination drove me absolutely crazy. I found it entirely unappealing to the eye. That was until my junior year in high school. Junior year I had a sudden change of heart and decided that although I hated the color red, I really liked plaid, because I really liked flannels. It started out as me borrowing a friend’s flannel in class to keep me warm on a crisp fall day. That’s when I decided that I liked the look and it stuck. Since then, my flannel collection has grown and the look has become part of my identity in a way. My nickname in high school became “Lumberjack Joey” due to all the flannels I wore, (and my Timberland boots). I love the masculine and cozy look of a flannel (as long as they’re either red, green, blue, or black). It’s almost become a security blanket for me. I feel better when I wear it. Plaid gives me a sense of edge and style, and no longer ruins my day. It instead brightens my mood and sense of security.
A color often found in nature, which happens to be one of my favorite colors, is emerald green, or dark green. It reminds me of clean, innocent things that take your breath away. Amazing views of trees taller than buildings, gorgeous lake water, freshly cut grass, and so much more. Just the thought of it brings peace and serenity to my entire being. I think it’s one of the reasons I chose to go to Ohio University. Not only are the school colors a dark green and white, but the campus is covered in beautiful scenery such as the garden and greenhouse behind my dorm, Scott Quad, or the pond over by Baker. The luscious green campus makes me feel at home, and calm, and happy.
joeysackenheim 