Green Day

From selecting game board tokens to Barbie’s evening gown, from first day of school garb to a post-ballet Slurpee, my childhood choices always possessed a distinct predictability. Still today, when it comes to my self-representational palette, I gravitate to green.

The common threads of occupation, alma mater, zodiacal sign, even twin parenthood generate less of a bond than when alerted to another’s passion for myrtle and avocado. Even our baby naming process was impacted by my predilection. If my babies’ daddy hadn’t exercised his veto privilege, Olive and Forest would reside in our nursery. (Okay, maybe that's a slight exaggeration...)

No other color’s name has been so cavalierly usurped to describe ideas outside its rainbow connection. Speedsters may race for pinks, and a company might find itself in the red; but when it comes to green, we need to get some ($), eat some (veggies), and in March, practice the wearin’ o’ some (Irish anyone?). In its less lovely incarnations, “being jaded” and “pea green with envy” seem almost appealing when observed through my moss-colored glasses.

Yes, Dorothy wore ruby slippers and followed a yellow brick road, but her epiphany occurred in Emerald City.

By virtue of a single color’s omnipresence therein, the growing movement to preserve our terra firma and her watery surrounds is known simply by the utterance of her name. Whether referring to the eco-conscious lifestyle or a love of lime, count this mama among those who never understood Kermit’s conundrum.

Wishing us all green peace,

*This piece was originally composed for my dear friends--and fellow Richmonders---at PoshTots.com. Happy St. Patty's Eve to us, All!