So good, Neidy!! As I read this, I thought about which one I am. I never had my electricity shut off while growing up—but it often went off because of where we lived! (Hi, Jamalpur, Bangladesh). We traveled a lot and I saw so much of the world, but I never had the Reebok hi-tops (an 80’s must-have, since I know I’m old compared to you 😉) or the sparkly white Keds my schoolmates wore, and our house when we finally moved stateside was also decorated with thrift store and garage sale finds, or castoffs from relatives. It’s interesting as I reflect on the places where I felt like I did or didn’t belong, and how muddled up it all is. I had a conversation with my 16 y/o recently where she was describing a place she didn’t want to go back to and why, and the bottom line of what she was saying was that the girls she knew there were “Uptown Girls”. Downtown girls are much more interesting! 🙌🏼
“If you’re a downtown girl, let it be known that your story is worth celebrating. I may not be Billy Joel, but I know Jenny from the Block would sing your praises, too.”
So good, Neidy!! As I read this, I thought about which one I am. I never had my electricity shut off while growing up—but it often went off because of where we lived! (Hi, Jamalpur, Bangladesh). We traveled a lot and I saw so much of the world, but I never had the Reebok hi-tops (an 80’s must-have, since I know I’m old compared to you 😉) or the sparkly white Keds my schoolmates wore, and our house when we finally moved stateside was also decorated with thrift store and garage sale finds, or castoffs from relatives. It’s interesting as I reflect on the places where I felt like I did or didn’t belong, and how muddled up it all is. I had a conversation with my 16 y/o recently where she was describing a place she didn’t want to go back to and why, and the bottom line of what she was saying was that the girls she knew there were “Uptown Girls”. Downtown girls are much more interesting! 🙌🏼
“If you’re a downtown girl, let it be known that your story is worth celebrating. I may not be Billy Joel, but I know Jenny from the Block would sing your praises, too.”
Yes!!! Thanks for this.
Always enjoy your newsletters Neidy!! I'm totally one for a good clearance sale or, even better, a thrift store bag sale!!
This was really beautiful, Neidy! I so enjoyed reading it. Cheers to all the downtown girls!