Semi-Daily Scribbles

Beverly Mason's faux-fur coat, which didn't resemble the hide of any animal on earth, was one of many vintage articles of clothing her students teased her about. A popular 8th grade English teacher, the staff and student body of Grover Cleveland Middle School looked forward each day to Ms. Mason's outfit. She had a flair for finding unique items, and many thought of her as a living history lesson in women's fashion. Even if she showed up wearing a hoopskirt, which presented challenges getting through doorways, Ms. Mason's attire was always impeccably well tailored.

Vintage. The word didn't suit Beverly. Or, rather, it held no meaning for her whatsoever. Kids and colleagues may have seen her throwback sense of style as out-of-touch, eccentric even. Her wardrobe, however, served its purpose when she worked long into the night on moonlight assignments. When Beverly made her rounds, those who received her company never deemed her old-fashioned.