Ryukyu Tribes

Last week on a drive up north to "see what we could see", my friend and I spotted Ryukyu Tribes – with this artistically refined pig:  
I am no longer fazed at seeing pigs in Okinawa: from the Puma sneaker brand styled Shisa shirts to the real skinned pig’s face (snout included) for sale in the refrigerated section at the Pineapple Park, it is clear – Okinawans seem mildly obsessed with swine.  Fortunately, the pig painted on the side of Ryukyu Tribes is cute and a sign of only pleasant things to see inside.  
When we asked owner and designer Akihiro Kambayashi what was his inspiration for the shop which opened one year ago, he chuckled and said “No idea”.  One thing is clear; however, his printed shirts, sweats and jackets are uniquely Okinawan.   
Akihiro also designed the building.  While the exterior is sharp-lined and modern, the plank floors and spiral staircase inside give it a rustic, cabin-like feel.   
Beyond clothing, there are bags, gift “sushi” sets, handmade jewelry and key chains created by other artists.  Prices on gift items started around 300 yen, while t-shirts were 1500 yen and up.  Sizes for children, men and women.

Location: Highway 58 in Onna Village – between Seragaki and Miyuki Beaches
Telephone: 098-966-1665
Website: ryukyutribes.com (Japanese)
Hours: Daily 1100 – 2000
Directions: From Kadena, head north on Highway 58 towards Onna Village. Continue past Manzamo and Manza beaches.  Watch for the light and signs for Seragaki Beach and follow this road around a long curve.  Ryukyu Tribes is the first building on the left around the curve.  Coming from the south, the building looks like the picture below. There is a realty office just past Ryukyu Tribes.  If you see a large red Torii gate on the left (it's a restaurant), you've gone too far.

How Do You Make Friends?

A few months ago, Heather N. contributed a post about how to take the next step when you've made a friend.  Today, however, I'm going back a step: about how to make friends in the first place.

As a parent, I’m continually concerned with helping my children learn and master basic social skills.  When they’re toddlers, that involves teaching them to share and take turns.  School-aged kids need to learn how to balance playing with multiple friends at the same time, and how to know when it’s appropriate to play and when it’s time to settle down and learn.  I’ve spent much of the past six years guiding, correcting, and teaching my children how to make friends (and keep them).

What I’ve found to be more challenging than that, however, is learning to make friends for myself.  This is particularly compounded in difficulty when I have to add in the factor of moving every two to three years, because - like many of you, our readers - our family is in the military.  In the past eight years I’ve lived in three different countries and three different US states… and each time I’ve had to leave behind the friends I’ve made and tentatively work my way around to making new ones.

If I were more social or more outgoing, perhaps this wouldn’t be so difficult.  But it’s not in my nature to put myself out there, to approach strangers in conversation and then make plans to meet again.  I tend to be shy and I often find myself hanging back in social situations, because asking for friendship isn’t something I’m comfortable doing. 

This is my second time living in a foreign country, and as much as I loved living in Europe and exploring that culture, in Germany we were stationed at a tiny post far from others.  There was little opportunity to meet and socialize with others working for units (or branches of the military, for that matter) other than my husband's.  Here in Okinawa, however, we're set up very differently.  I'm no longer limited to making friends that are just associated with the Army, because, frankly, we're in the minority here.  I'm much more likely to meet women whose husbands serve (or who are themselves serving) for one of the three other branches... or who are working here as civilians with no military affiliation at all.

But even though the pool of potential friends has widened, it doesn't make getting out there and making them any easier. 

Back in the US, at our last stateside assignment, I made friends quickly. My husband deployed just months after we moved to a brand new city, where we'd bought our first home, and where I knew no one, not even our neighbors.  But we didn't live near post, and the level of support for spouses left behind in this deployment wasn't strong.  So when I joined a playgroup it was because I was in a situation of sink or swim.  I chose to swim.

As any mother can tell you, making friends for herself when she was single or when she and her partner were a couple without children, was different.  She could make plans to go out and not worry about things like Can I bring my kids with me? or Wait - I have to get a babysitter first.  And once she was out, she could stay out without checking her cell phone for calls from home or rushing to get back home before the world crashed down because it was bedtime.  Once children enter the picture, though, it's like living at that tiny post in Germany again.  The pool shrinks.

So now I'm here on Okinawa.  I live on base and I have neighbors who I've gotten to know well because my daughter has befriended their children.  I've gotten involved in our unit's family activities, and I've joined the community on Okinawa Hai Society.  I've created myself a little world that looks nothing like anything I've experienced before... and it's (surprisingly) lovely. 

What about the rest of you, though?  Do you mostly stick to base activities and getting to know the people within your unit?  Are you active within a religious community? Do you participate within OIWC or a similar group? Have you joined a playgroup or another group specifically for women?

As a parent, how do you make friends on Okinawa?

New Friend Etiquette

This week's To Parent post is contributed by Heather N.  Thanks!  If you have a post you'd like to share or a burning parenting on Okinawa question, please send it to toparentonokinawa (at) yahoo (dot) com.

Arriving on the island is a bit like the first day at a new high school. You stumble through the doors desperately scanning the crowd of students wondering who you can make friends with. You muster up all your confidence and approach the friendliest looking person you can find. You then cross your fingers and hope it all works out.

I wish I could say it gets easier but after being here a year I realize that it may not ever be easy for me to make new friends. I have also realized that people move on and off the island constantly and making new friends is going to be something that happens over and over. While I am getting better at stepping outside of myself and meeting new people I am not very good at what to do next.

You see, I made a new friend the other day! I met her while I was feeding my girls a “healthy” breakfast of doughnuts and chocolate milk at Dunkin Donuts. We chatted for a long time. So long that my girls grew restless and threatened mutiny if I didn't shut up so we could leave. The best part is that I scored her number and information.

As I was driving away basking in the glory of a new found friendship I was suddenly conflicted. I have never traded information with another Mom like that and I have no idea what to do now. Do I call her or wait for her to call me? How long should I wait to call? What do I say when I call? I doubt "hey remember me the crazy chatty lady from Dunkin Donuts" would go over very well. Do I invite her and her children here or suggest we meet at a neutral location? If I do invite her over here what should we do? Should I plan our playdate for before or after lunch? What should I wear and dress the girls in when the get-together occurs?

I am sure I am making a bigger deal out of this than I need to but I have no idea about New Friend Etiquette. All of the other Mom friends I have made have been neighbors, fellow church members or part of a playgroup. In other words they are people who are forced to see me on a semi-regular basis so they can not avoid being friends with me. This is all new territory for me and I am not sure how to proceed. The closest thing I can reference is dating... but I was always the one giving my number then!

Borjan - A new style awaits you

"CONTRIBUTED BY BETH OLMO"   Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with us!

I use to say that the way to my heart was through my hair and it might be at least partially true.  When my trusted Okinawan stylist recently transferred to a new salon in Urasoe City, I was heartbroken.  I really didn't want to have to drive that far.  Could it be possible that there is someone else I could trust, who has a salon nearby?  Could it be?  YES!

Enter Yukari Kobayashi and her brand-spanking-new salon, Borjan.  She has recently opened for business right on the Sunabe Seawall and her appointment book is quickly filling up!  I found several good reasons for this.  The salon is nice and cozy and Yukari is a talented stylist who also happens to be warm, friendly and chatty.  I found her to be very knowledgeable and full of ideas on how to solve my oh-so-many hair issues.  And I really love the color she mixed up for me - it's a delicious, shiny, deep brown.  So if you're in the market for a great new stylist, I highly recommend giving Borjan Salon a try.

Yukari-san is offering a 20% discount in July and while giving a 50% discount in June, I paid just over Y4,700 for a cut and color.  Once August roles around she will return to full price status.  I was able to get an appointment easily, though Yukari-san is a one-woman show right now.  Be sure to call early and check out her informative website at www.borjan.org.

Directions:  From Hwy 58 turn at the Hamagawa intersection, traveling toward the seawall.  You'll pass the Pizza House on your left and the big tanning salon on your right.  Go through 2 lights and follow that road along the seawall.  Borjan will appear on your right, soon after you pass the first Chateu La Mer building.  If you get to The Source surf shop you have just missed it.  As always, parking is a hot commodity in the Sunabe area.  There are a couple of spaces in front of the building but you may also need to be prepared to cruise the neighborhood a little bit to find another open space.

Editors Note:  I checked out Yukari-san's website and it's beautiful.  She has both an English and Japanese option and a blog.  Check her site out to get more information regarding her experience, prices, hours and directions. 

Ginger works on sharing hope through laughter

As a young girl my friend, Ginger, had great aspirations.  I'm not surprised by this as I know her to be the same sweet girl, aspiring for God's best in her life, as an adult.  Many years ago she wanted to be Florence Henderson because she looked like she had it all together.  Little did she know how helpful having an "Alice" in the house would be.  She also desired the life of a ballerina and to be Mary on Little House on the Prairie.  Diversity is good, they say, but it was obvious that all her dreams could not be pursued down one single path.  She may have turned in her ballet shoes many years ago but, she never gave up on dreaming.

In high school and college, Ginger found herself drawn to community theatre.  Always cast in a comical role, she enjoyed the opportunity to take part in "Carousel", "Into the Woods", and "Oliver Twist", to name a few.  She also found her love for music when she took chorus in her sophomore year of high school to get out of taking physics.  She needed to fill her school schedule and she hasn't stopped singing since.

Eventually, this young dreamer gave way to the practical adult in her - she charged forward, getting a BA in English at Furman in Greenville, SC.  She is certified to teach English, with a Masters in English from the University of NC in Charlotte (UNC).  She taught English in Charlotte until one day, in 1989, her life was altered.  She met Mark, her husband-to-be, during a church musical - the Cotton Patch Gospel with music and Lyrics written by Harry Chapin.  Ginger played Matthew, the narrator, and Mark was in the chorus as a disciple.  Eventually their friendship turned into more.  They were married in 1990 right before Mark started flight school.  And so began her new life as a  military wife.

All Marine Corps families know the saying "If the Marine Corps wanted you to have a wife, they would have issued you one." and when requesting time off to marry the woman of his dreams Mark heard these very words.  Home only for Thanksgiving weekend to get married, Ginger learned early on that being a Marine Corps spouse required flexibility and a little humor.

The Harrington family has grown to include 2 girls, a boy and Belle - their smallest family member who loves to sun herself on the back of the couch, as all good dogs do.  Their son, Caleb, is the oldest and has recently joined the ranks of car-owners and license bearers.  A rising Jr. at Kadena, last year Caleb put together a Jazz Combo and played at various squadron functions.  He plays the bass and his goal is to continue his musical education in college with a strong desire towards Jazz. 

Grace, who is 14 and a rising freshmen at Kadena, hangs out with her friends while working her summer away with the Summer Hire Program.  She is active in sports, enjoying both volleyball and softball.  Her favorite part of being in Okinawa - the beaches, of course.

Natalie is a rising 6th grader who loves Cheeze It's, candy and hanging out with Jane.  She loves to wall paper her room in origami and watching Disney movies.  This summer she is giving tennis and golf a try.

So the Harrington Clan was plugging along, in the Common Wealth of Virginia, when they received their next orders taking them to parts unknown - Okinawa.  Ginger's first response was "Oh great, this will be fun."  And then the panic set in.  She tried to get excited about their upcoming tour to Okinawa though she really wasn't prepared - the timing was less than perfect.  And, realistically, she knew that this move would not be an easy one.  Her excited feelings gave way to the thoughts of leaving two elderly parents, on two different coasts, and uprooting their family with a teenager.  And so Ginger learned, like many of us have, that our families can not only survive an overseas move but they can thrive in a country that is not their own.

Through all the moves Ginger always attended women's bible studies.  Each group may go by a different name but each one offered the same connection with women that she desired.  Sometimes her family attended churches in towns too small to support women's bible studies so she started attending women's studies at the local base chapels.  Then her love for teaching women about the bible started in 2000 when they were stationed in Monterey, CA.

So, how do you combine a Masters in English; the nomadic life of a military spouse; being musically gifted; a love for Jesus and women; and the ability to share real life experiences while making others laugh?  When Ginger got involved in the Protestant Women of The Chapel (PWOC) she realized how God was starting to weave all these talents and experiences together.  Having been an English teacher and working in theatre certainly is where some of her talent springs from.  And yet, at the same time, she is well aware that everything funny that comes out of her mouth is a gift from God.  She says she is not a naturally funny person.

In 2006, as a retreat speaker, God gave Ginger some funny ideas to introduce the retreat theme and it turned into a skit.  With the gift to translate real life situations into comedic roles Ginger has created characters such as "Can't-Get-It-Together-Girl", "The Queen of Good Intentions', and "The Ugly Bride".  Ginger says she has an annoying tendency to make embarrassing mistakes.  Some of her more shining moments include falling off a stage in the middle of a solo, watching her car roll out of a parking lot since the parking brake was not engaged and dropping a running hairdryer in the toilet.  Those "embarrassing mistakes" become funny material and it's believable because we have all been there.  These believable characters can say things that people hear in a different way than when you are delivering a serious message.  Long ago she gave up the dream of "having it all together".  And yet, she has learned that God can use every part of us - even the parts that do stupid things.  Humor can help us get to the heart of the issues that can be hard to talk about - our own shortcomings, challenges and frustrations.  Then God takes those frustrating or embarrassing things and, in Ginger's case, gives her the opportunity to creat a character that everyone can relate to.

 

This is why she believes she is making a difference here in Okinawa.  Through her leadership role with PWOC she shares hope through laughter.  She helps run an organization that encourages women to get plugged into a support community of faith.  PWOC's studies, programs and activities create an environment that allows women to experience growth in their faith and to build relationships with other women.  Ginger loves taking the "Fear Factor" out of reading the bible.  She loves encouraging women. to try new things and to step into leadership.  In her role with PWOC she has the opportunity to train facilitators, giving other women the opportunity to serve and grow into thos positions.  She gets excited watching God work in other womens' lives and in her own.

She loves doing what she does - drawing women towards God.  When you enjoy volunteering and helping other people grow you always grow in the process.  This is true in any volunteer capacity whether it's through your own church, a chapel supported program, the Red Cross, volunteering at the gift shops or through youth sports.

Since you'll be PCSing next year, how are you thinking of keeping this "dream job" incorporated with your real life when you have to go back and get a "real" job?  I don't know.  It would be great to continue doing what I'm doing now.  I would love to pursue writing for publication and if God opens the doors for that I imagine there will be more opportunities to speak, share through monologues or teach.

What do you hope to accomplish in your last year in Okinawa?  I hope to continue to grow as a mom and wife.  I hope to have a child ready for college.  I hope to have the opportunity to train up new leaders for PWOC.  As a family, we hope to travel to China.  I want to continue building good relationships.  Hang out on the beaches.  I want to be able to play a good game of tennis.  And be able to play a piano piece without making a mistake.  Moving here has allowed me the luxury of time to try new things such as piano lessons, playing tennis and taking a computer course.  I have also taken the Fitness Challenge classes on base and I will continue to incorporate those newly acquired habits as I work towards my goal of a healtheir lifestyle.  I would also like to get certified to teach water aerobics because it's fun and it's a great workout!

What advice would you give someone new on island?  Get out and do things.  Take the time to find a niche - a group of folks or activities that you enjoy.  Invest your time and energy into those relationships and enjoy your newly discovered activities.

What advice would you give veterans on this island?  Don't let yourself get so busy that you don't have time for the things that are important to you.  There are so many opportunities to get involved here - charitable organizations, social clubs and cultural programs.  But you have to make choices in how you will invest your time.

Advice for those not working in a traditional sense:  The pace of life here in Okinawa allows us to try new things and develop new skills.  I've seen women work on educational goals and I've seen women, though frustrated that they can't work in their profession here, develop in other areas.  It gives us rich experiences and down the road those skils can often become blessings in our lives.  There is more breathing space here.  I've embraced not "working" here and someday I would love to get paid to do what I do.  But, for now, whether I am paid or not, I am grateful for the opportunity to do the things God puts before me.  In January of this year I had no plans to write a book.  Now, with the help of some of my friends, we've completed a small one and it's ready to send off to a publisher.  The book is a guide for learning to read God's Word and how to have a devotional time where you really connect with God.  This idea stemmed from years and years of watching women take bible study after bible study but still not feel confident that they could study it on their own.  They were always dependent on the studies' author or teacher and what they said.  These are things that God has taught me through a couple who mentored Mark and me in solid discipleship.  Those basic skills God has used through the years to grow me in my faith.

Ginger says that in the process of doing the jobs she has volunteered for God has taken different pieces and different skill sets and shown her how to put it all together.  But, she says, it's all int he context of preparing for something specific.  She wouldn't have the inspiration or the need to do these things without volunteering.  You cannot grow and develop by only staying home and reading your bible.  The process of doing the job you do as a volunteer gives you the opportunities to grow and stretch and try new things.  Most of us wouldn't do a lot of what we do if we just stayed inside our own four walls.

Photos 2,3,5 & 7 taken by Rey Ramirez at www.reyoflightstudios.com

No doubt, Ginger is infectious and I wouldn't have met her if I hadn't stepped out of my own comfort zone.  Will you step up, step out and take a chance to work on making other's island experience a great one through your talents and abilities, whether paid or not?

If The Shoe Fits.........

  

If you have ever taken 449 to get to Sachi's Antique Store or Pizza In The Sky this building on your left will have caught your eye.  The treasures inside are equally as artsy and intriquing as the outer building.  The owner, Shiimada jiro, is an unassuming man who didn't study art or fashion in school - his store and the items inside tell a different story.  He obviously has a great eye for all things unique!

 

I would mostly describe this little shopping gem as a hand-made, to order, Geta shoe store and yet you will find more then shoes available for purchase.  The store offers a variety of clothes, umbrellas and small gift items such as phone straps.  The umbrellas are not cheap but they are not cheaply made either - these beautiful items start at $120.

As for the shoes, from what I can tell, you can either choose a wooden "bottom" that is on the shelves or you can have your own shoes custom made to fit your feet. 

Once you choose a "bottom" then you have a variety of cotton straps to pick as you create your very own shoes. 

Custom shoes will obviously take a while to get so they must be ordered in advance.  We figured, to the best of our ability, that if you choose one of the pairs of shoes he has in the store and one or two straps then you can get a newly created, one-of-a-kind pair of Getas for under $100.  If you choose to have a custom shoe made or pick numerous straps the price will obviously go up. 

We even saw a pair of shoes that cost over $400.  Nothing like wearing art!  The above shoe was just one of a few pairs that were this high.  Most of the shoes we saw were very "wearable" shoes.  They had a variety of sizes in men, women's and childrens shoes - variety in price and color is not lacking in this store.  Shimadasan said that the name of his store, Saian, meant "shop of many colors" and his inventory is true to the store name. 

Whether you pick a shoe off the shelf or order a custom pair, these shoes are fun and unique to our culture.  You won't see a lot of people walking around Quantico, Camp Lejuene or 29 Palms wearing these traditional, wooden sandals.

Special Note:  They accept Yen only.  Website: www.irodoru.com (All in Japanese) 0980-54-0154  The owner spoke great english and was very helpful.

Hours:  10 a.m. - 7p.m.  From March until September they are open 7 days a week.  From October through February they are closed on Tuesdays.

Directions:  North (58 or use the Expressway till it ends and blends into the 58) to Nago. Take the 449 and you will pass the Captain Kangaroo Hamburger restaurant, not far after you turn onto 449.  Then slow to make a left into the small parking lot for Saian.  You can't miss the building that looks like Fred Flinstone's house.  I think there might be room for three cars in their parking lot.

Anchor Shoji - The Kitchen Supply Store

"CONTRIBUTED BY DIANA MIDDLETON"  I love this store and I'm so thankful that one of our previous editors, Diana, did the leg work for this one.

Anchor Shoji is a great place to find unique Okinawan pottery and kitchen ware such as teapots, plate sets, etc.  The first floor, where you enter, has more of the high end items with a huge variety to choose from.  Personally, I love teapots and their large selection gives you a lot to choose from.

 

This is a great place to purchase items as gifts for birthdays, to send back home or for a hostess gift.

The lower floor stores the restaurant-supply type items, such as bento holders, large pots, etc.  You can also find wine glasses and other dishware at a reasonable price.

 

Special Note: This store takes Master Card, Visa and Yen.

Hours:  Open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Their phone number is 098)892-2320, but their English is limited.  You can also check them out at www.anchorshoji.co.jp

Directions:  Jump on the 330 going south past Foster.  The 330 splits just passed the American Legion gate.  To stay on the 330 you actually have to turn left.  Going straight will put you on the 81.  Follow this road until you see a Lawson's on the left.  You want to turn left at the SECOND LIGHT passed Lawsons.  There is a Higa Dental Clinic at this intersection as well as a brown Izakaya restaurant.  Once you make this left Anchor Shoji will be on the right just passed your first light.  Parking is limited.  If you can't find parking in front of the store then turn down the street where the first signal is, turn left if you are heading back in the direction of 81,  and park in the small parking area in front of the 2nd building on your right.  It looks like someone's home with two parking spaces.

From Drab 2 Fab!

Dear Shoppers - I am currently traveling in the states and I have been shopping in California, Nevada and Virginia.  I always forget how overwhelming it can be when you first arrive from Okinawa and reintroduce yourself to the "Land Of Many Choices".  I have definately boosted the economy and will also be assisting the post office in staying afloat for a little while longer.  Shopping with friends is always more fun and it's even better to be armed with helpful, money-saving tips, too!!

Since I just turned 40, this article titled "18 Ways to Not Look Old in the Recession" caught my eye.  The article is geared towards women who are in the work force but I think most of the 18 ways are pertinent for any of us who are looking to shave a few years off our face or update our look.  There is even a pointer on how to camouflage our trouble spots - the word "muffintop" is introduced here. 

Even though I have been advised by many of my good friends that 40 is not old, it is fun to know the "tricks" to updating my look without straining my budget.  I will share that I discovered a new place to shop for bras and high quality lounge wear - check out Soma.  They are owned by the Chico's company who also owns White House / Black Market and Chico's, of course.  When you get to tip #13 this website might come in handy.  For those of you who will be shopping in the states over the summer this is a "must visit" kind of store. 

We shopped 'til we dropped!

I hope you find at least 1 of 18 tips helpful and easy to implement.  I read the article to a friend who has been shopping with me for the past week and she has implemented 8 of the 12  recommendations - we're still working on #8.

Sachi's Japanese Antiques

Do you like to venture away from your base?  Is looking for something unique fun for you?  Then this gem of a shop, that sits up on a hill in Nago, is your kind of place.

Since this is my second tour here with my Marine, I have had the pleasure of watching this shop grow into a Japanese treasure that American's love to visit.  What's fun about Sachi's is you never know what you'll find - a new pottery piece that costs less than $20; a beautiful kimono for $100; a new pack of puppies running around the yard and possibly a new building. 

Several of the buildings on the property didn't even exist 8 years ago but they are a welcomed addition.There are at least 6 different buildings on the property and you are able to look into and shop from most of them.

There is even a small basement type area near the main building where you can find some bargains.  Their property is a great place to wander around, play with the puppies, find fun stuff to buy and take great photos!

 

My understanding is that all of Sachi's pieces, kimonos, obis, etc. come from mainland Japan and new additions are arriving often.  Sachi even leaves her little haven in the sky to bring her wares directly to us at Island Treasures - the Marine Gift Shop on Foster.  Though it's not as adventurous to drive to Foster, it is more convenient and the proceeds of the sales of all of our gift shops go to local charities. 

One of the newest additions to this favored shopping spot is the ability to make your own shisa.  You pay Y3,000 per person for a 2 hr. session or, if you have a group of 4 or more you only pay Y2,500 per person.  You do need to call ahead to make reservations.

Not only is this a great place to find something no one else has, it's also a really fun place to go with girlfriends on a day out.  I have also taken visiting relatives and it's always a hit.  It use to be our tradition to drive to Sachi's and then have lunch or dinner at Pizza In The Sky - also a hit with visitors from the states.  Nago has a lot to explore so bring your camera, lots of yen and your appetite for shopping!

Special Note:  This store takes Yen.

Location: Nago

Hours:  Monday - Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.  Hours may vary, so please call ahead.  Sachi can be reached at 098-5473-5557.

Directions:  Take the expressway North towards Nago until it ends - exit 10.  Follow 58 until you reach 84 and make a left.  You will pass the Pineapple Park and keeping driving for at least 10 minutes.  Make a right onto route 115 and follow as it winds up the hill.  You will eventually see a small sign for Sachi's - follow until you have arrived at the bottom of their property.  Their driveway is awkward and slightly sttep but very doable.  Take the driveway to the top and park in the dirt parking area.  Allow yourself at least an hour from exit 5.    

Finding Your Inner Pin-Up Girl

Today's guest post was contributed to us by the the lovely (and very brave!) Heather N.  If you have an article that would fit into the 'To Parent' category, please email me at toparentinokinawa(at)yahoo(dot)com.

Once you become a mother, it can be hard to think of yourself as anything else. As my sister once observed, there is no way to look sexy while pushing a stroller. Being a mom and taking care of children is anything but sexy, and is definitely not glamorous. I have a few items of pre-mommy clothing left in my closet, most of which I have not touched in months. It is hard to fathom wearing stiletto heels while you chase a toddler, even if Victoria Beckham can manage it.

When your husband is deployed, it seems like all reasons to dress up or even wear make-up left with him. It is easy to fall into a rut wearing your 'mommy uniform' day after day.  My mommy uniform consists of a t-shirt, jeans, my hair pulled back, no make-up and a pair of comfy flip flops. I found myself mourning the loss of the girl I was before I became a mom - the sexy confident girl who nabbed my equally sexy husband 8 years ago.

A few weeks ago I became reacquainted with that girl. I was lucky enough to find my inner pin-up and feel like more than just a mom again.

It all started when I was planning ahead for Father’s Day. I was trying to come up with some pictures to put on a digital picture frame for my husband. I realized quickly that we have very few pictures of me. I thought it might be fun to have some pictures taken of just me for him.  As the wheels began to turn in my head of different types of pictures I could have taken, I kept recalling the pin-up posters from WWII. You know, the fabulously feminine but not too risqué pictures that all the troops seemed to have.

I did a quick search online for some ideas and then began searching for a photographer. I was thrilled to come across Abby Izor, who had taken these types of pictures before. After phoning her and discussing what I was looking for, I knew she would be the perfect person to take the pictures. So I made an appointment, found a sitter and began anticipating my fun upcoming photo shoot. I had planned to keep the entire thing a secret from my hubby, but I couldn’t hold it in and ended up spilling the beans. He was thrilled about the idea and said he couldn't wait to see the pictures. I spent the next week planning outfits, hair, and make-up like any girl would do.

The day of the photo shoot arrived and I glammed myself up before heading over to meet Abby. On the way there I realized that it had been a long time since I had my picture taken by myself. The last occasion I could remember having solo pictures taken was before my wedding eight years ago. I suddenly felt awkward and strange for even wanting to do this. I was instantly put at ease by Abby as we chatted about the pictures and poses. I had a wonderful time, and for two hours I got to feel like a gorgeous model having her picture taken. I loved being able to make this gift for my husband. Those two hours reminded me of how much fun it is to look nice and how beautiful I feel when I am dressed up.

Photo used with permission by Abby Izor

I want to encourage all of you mommies out there to find your inner pin-up girl. It can be as simple as trading in your mommy jeans for a sexy dress and heels. Or find a photographer so you can put that inner pin-up girl in action. It doesn’t matter what you do; the important part is to remind yourself of who you were before you became a mommy!