September 29: Hooded Lounger Swan Song

People once believed that silent swans sang one enchanting song right before dying. They don’t, but the metaphor still lives.

My Colorwash Hooded Lounger in forest green does not. It’s officially ready for the rag bag. (Yes, I have one, just as my mother and her mother did.) I wore it for the last time today, after sleeping in it last night.

It’s described as “a full-length knit robe as comfy as your favorite sweatshirt – right down to the pockets! Drawstring hood, split neck … [in] cotton/polyester fleece.” Think of your favorite hooded sweatshirt … reaching all the way to the floor.

This garment was one of only a handful of luxury items I allowed myself to buy. The first one spent a year at my condo, and got me through my first three years on the bus. As it wore out and I lost weight, I treated myself to the green one I tried to retire at least twice before. It is the one for which I sing this swan song.

It’s been a much loved companion for the last four years on the road. It is faded and has several stains I’ve never been able to get out. There’s a tear on one side and a hole running down the back of my leg the way pantyhose once did. It also has it’s own magick. It’s cozy. Putting it on I feel calmer, comfortable, cared for, and confident I could get through whatever the situation.

I’m sure my third one will do the same. Worried the company might stop selling them, I bought one another size down in midnight navy quite a while ago and safely stored it in my closet.

It turns out the company is still selling them … for $89.95 ($99.95 for plus sizes) but I just can’t justify spending that much to get a backup just yet.

I did get extremely excited when I found one in very good condition today on Vinted FOR ONLY FIVE DOLLARS, but it’s a medium and I don’t expect to be size 8-10 again in this lifetime. There’s an eBay listing for one in my size that’s in good condition for $29 plus postage. Neither was perfectly wonderful. So, when I am in the next chapter of my life I will call a fourth one to me, make an offering, and wait patiently while wearing my navy blue one.