Most of you probably know by now The Story: one of my best buddies sent me a message about my 75th birthday present: “It’s something to wear and you are going to love it. Arriving shortly in the mail.”
Hmm, what could be so enticing as I inch closer and closer to age 80 and further and further from age 70: a gold studded thong? Pasties for my drooping boobs? I couldn’t come up with ANTHING even remotely captivating.
The much-anticipated package arrives.
I rip it open with wild enthusiasm.
I am not disappointed.
Wrapped in tissue is a dark blue jean jacket.
Not just ANY jean jacket….
My jean jacket is emblazoned on the back with a massive sequined hamsa.
I am hooked. 
That was three years ago.
Here’s an update in poem form:
699 Jean jackets
I’ve got 699 jean jackets
In a storage unit down the street
Hanging on multiple garment racks
All labeled and sized and neat.
699 jean jackets
Ready for patches
And lace
And letters
And pearl studs
And braid
And embroidery
Embellishments galore
699 jean jackets
And I’m hoping to buy more.
It’s surely an addiction
based on my prediction
that upcycling
will be the new rage.
And those who now think I’m foolish
will soon regard me
as a very wise sage.
My plan is eco friendly
and kind to Mother Earth.
I firmly believe
my 699 jean jackets
will soon prove their own worth.
So I’m researching shops on Etsy
Setting up an engaging web site
Dabbling in social media
Convinced that I’m clever
beyond measure
and absolutely right.
I’ve sought out seamstresses
and hired an admin too
and learned how to take a payment
when it’s totaled and due.
Jackets are carefully curated,
designed, enhanced and sized.
I’m ready for:
trunk shows and holiday markets
private parties
and orders customized.
I’ve got a logo.
I understand bogo.
I’m serious.
My new business is not a hobby.
It’s a genuine enterprise.
It will spew forth
with a myriad of sensations.
It is named
Funky Creations.
And it will take all those naysayers
by surprise.
My business plan is detailed,
but my hopes and dreams quite clear.
This is what I’m envisioning
in the coming year:
From storage bin
to someone’s closet
No longer solely mine
Sold, paid for, delivered
All 699!
My first real retail foray is tomorrow, Saturday, September 13th, at the Tampa Bay Women’s Expo.
Come Pamper Yourself for a Ladies Day Out!
Presented by The Tampa Bay Times, this Ladies Day Out will feature exhibits, interactive booths and education on a wide range of women’s interests – fashion, travel, beauty and self-care.
Free Admission.
Click Here to Reserve Your Ticket
- Date and Hours
Saturday, September 13, 2025
10a.m. – 3p.m.
- Location
Florida State Fairgrounds
4800 US 301
Tampa, FL 33610
(PYB LLC DBA FUNKY CREATIONS)
My FUNKY CREATIONS booth will be showcasing one-of-a-kind jean jackets, vests and kids’ denim apparel.
If you are in driving distance of Tampa, COME ON BY!
GET FUNKY
Tap into that wild woman inside you
It just may be the beginning of
a very rich and rewarding new chapter in your life
Keep Preserving Your Bloom,