Come back, come back! Tell me what you think of these '40s PJs. May 5, 2010 08:01

Oh, wrenching pain in my heart. My stats have been tumbling. You don't love me anymore. Therefore . . . sigh . . . I have forced myself from my bed to post. Sure, it's difficult. Sure, I have to keep my wounded arm as close to my side as possible while I type. But.  . . . Sob. Sniffle. Pass the Puffs, please. . . . Where was I? Oh, yes. But. I can't lose you, my dear readers. I must try to win you back.

So, while spending this last week in His Bertness's jammies, I have spent some time thinking about what I would wear in a perfect world.  Never mind that in a perfect world I wouldn't sever my labrum. In a perfect world my shoulder would be perfect. Perfect! My labrum would be strong. Invincible.

But back to my point . . . please bear with me, beloved readers, the Percocet is causing my mind to drift here and there like a puppy on a leash for the first time . . . in that mythical perfect world, I would wear View B from Butterick 3306. The button-front design allows easy access to protect my shoulder. And the stitching is so very attractive. I think I'd like an alternate version lengthened a bit as a nightdress. 

Oh. What's that sound? It's my bed calling. And a Bernie Rhodenbarr book. So, dear readers, I'll say  ta ta for now. Don't desert me. Please. Think of me. Suffering. No yoga. No Pilates. Where are those Puffs?

A warm, toasty thank you to Gabriella . . . April 1, 2010 16:02 1 Comment

I have been sewing, too. And perhaps I will blog about that tomorrow. You're frothing at the mouth in excitement at the thought of seeing my Asian skirt. Right?

In the meantime, scurry on over to see Gabriella's latest project.

And because I am not above a little shameless promotion of The Blue Gardenia, wouldn't Gabriella look fabulous in Vogue Special Design S-4887 from the 1940s? It converts from sleeveless to sleeves in a jiffy. How rare is that?

Learning to sew: The Asian skirt, part 2. March 16, 2010 16:17 2 Comments

Now. My assignment from sewing dominatrix Marticia was to stitch up the seams, then finish them by pinking and zig-zagging. (Or is it zigging-zagging? Mmmmm . . . .) At any rate, she was absolutely right in her seam-finish assignment because my fabric ravels. Make that RAVELS. All-caps. However. There was a slight problem. It seems that the line on my machine that I thought was the 5/8" line was the 1/2. So, dear learners, note this: If your machine plate is unmarked, TAPE THE 5/8" LINE. This bears repeating: 

I think the seams look quite professional from the outside. The Asian figures match nicely. Don't you agree, dear readers? And the skirt sits slightly below the waist, so if it's a wee bit big because of the seam size snafu, who is to notice? Really. It shall be our little secret. So. Put that in the vault. Toss the key. Promise?

And forgive my immodesty, but I think the dart does not reveal that this skirt is made at home by a novice. I'm pleased. Really. A bow to Marticia. Or a curtsey. Whichever you prefer. I thank you. 

My zipper has been drinking. March 9, 2010 10:43 5 Comments

Saturday, I spent the afternoon with Marticia, the Sewing Dominatrix. I worked on a simple A-line skirt. I was so happy, so pleased to be making a garment at last. But, dear readers, the joy, the excitement I felt over sewing (finally!) was tempered by the look of my zipper. 

The stitching is crooked! Crooked. Drat. Taskmistress Marticia insists it is because I did not pin the zipper in right on the seam. What do you think? Should I give up on centered zippers completely and do a lapped zipper instead? Do tell. Share your thoughts. I want my next zipper to look better. Absolutely.

Why, yes, I did sew this weekend. But rituals first. March 8, 2010 16:31

Note the vintage linens. Estate sale find many years ago. Note the salad, the pork chops — yes, fried, just the way we Southern dames like 'em —  and note the cake. Yes, the cake! Today, we celebrated the birthday of His Bertness.

He blew out all the candles. Good boy!

And we did eat the daisies. At least a few of them. But you, observant readers, will notice His Bertness extinguished all the candles. Each and every flame put out. Absolutely. I think that means he gets his birthday wish granted. I am thinking he wished for gainful and rewarding and well-compensated employment. I am hoping that wish is fulfilled very soon. Yes indeedy.

Be sure to tune in tomorrow for an expose on my adventure this weekend with the Sewing Dominatrix. You don't want to miss it. You don't. I would not lie to you. Really.

Storm the fashion podium with a clone of Michelle's dress February 27, 2010 06:43

Did you totally swoon over Michelle Obama's State of the Union dress? This little fashionista did. His Bertness had to find the smelling salts to revive me. 

If you loved the dress — designed by Isaac Mizrahi, by the way — then duplicate it with Very Easy Very Vogue 8385. It has the stretch knit top just like Michelle's. The pleated skirt. My only suggestion: Ditch the necklace and choose something bolder. No need to play it safe, girl. The fashion podium awaits. And, yes, this pattern is available at The Blue Gardenia. Yes, indeedy.

Shameless plug: Release your inner Liz. Right now. February 24, 2010 12:16 2 Comments

You've missed me, haven't you? Admit it. I know you have.

But today, here I am. Back at the computer screen to tell you about the smashing — and I do mean smashing — patterns just added at The Blue Gardenia. As always, I will tell you about a few of my favorites. Just a few. 

Perhaps my absolute favorite is Prominent Designer M130. Sexy. Sleek. And it has a bow up top, if you are into that sort of thing. Courtesy of Luis Estevez. This is the perfect dress for your Mad Men moments. You'll have a line of Don Drapers begging for your favors. They might be drooling, though, so have plenty of hankies at the ready.

Have you been watching the Olympic games? You have, haven't you? And now you're having fantasies of executing triple axels and Mohawk turns and taking home the gold.

But not for you those tacky sequins and shiny spandex. No. No. A thousand times no. You want something retro. Something feminine. Something with a skirt that swirls all the way to the North Pole. For you, McCall 3433 from 1939. The judges will stand up and applaud your choice. They will. Trust me. That gold medal is yours. Do with it what you will. Door stop? Framed as wall art? Mmmmm . . .

And for those days when you want to dish with the girls over lemon sole and lettuce, may I suggest Vogue 6169? This dress quietly yet firmly speaks sophistication. It's got it all: double peplum. Dart tucks. A frill at the sleeve. Of course, they'll want to know where you got it. Neiman Marcus? Saks? Barney's? Will you tell? The choice is yours.

And now for those pesky details, new additions always go at the beginning of each category. And we take Mastercard, Visa, Discover and Amex, as well as Paypal to make it easier for you. And, of course, checks, money orders and cold hard cash. Actually, we take warm soft cash, too. We are so agreeable.

Is it time to release your inner Jean Harlow? It is indeed. January 31, 2010 08:19 4 Comments

You've looked high. You've looked low. Neiman Marcus. Saks. That sweet little boutique around the corner. You've done it all. You've practically worn a hole in the soles of your red leather Evins pumps. Still, other than a box of pralines and a loaf of French sourdough, you are empty-handed. (Well, you deserve a treat after all this walking, all this frustration, don't you? Yes. Of course you do. Bread and butter, then pralines for dessert. Yum.)

Wait. An idea. Why not make something? After all, you do know how to sew. Well, you did. Once. Your momma taught you way back when. It's like riding a bike, isn't it? Isn't it? You have Aunt Nedra's machine. Somewhere. Probably in the back of the guest room closet. Yes. That's where it is. You have a vague memory of stuffing it there, along with a box of her quilting supplies.

And this is one of those occasions. Worth the extra effort. Important. A party. Yes, you hate them. But it's for him. And you'll be meeting his friends. And since you're socially inept — no need to lie to yourself about your flaws — you want to look good. Great. Over the moon. Look good, keep your mouth shut, stifle that tendency to talk too much when you're nervous.

Simplicity 1971 — circa the 1930s, your favorite fashion era — is perfect. It will be slinky, sexy, yet comfortable. The style will show off your shoulders and your back. Add your bakelite bangles, and you will stun. Absolutely. But you won't look like you're trying too hard.

Yes. This is the one. It is. You'll find it at The Blue Gardenia.

Is he the one? Mmmmm. Probably not. But he does get your motor running. For now.

The perfect skirt for when the evening sun is sinking low January 9, 2010 14:45 1 Comment

The room is dark. The stove light seeps through the crack in the door. You are in his arms. Held tight. You sway. Back and forth. Right and left. Slowly. This is not a rumba. This is not a foxtrot. This is not a waltz. This is the grind. Plain. Simple. Sexy. The same one your best girlfriend Yvette taught you in junior high. This is not junior high. He is not your best girlfriend. Far from it. Oh so.

You feel the ash floor underneath your feet. You kicked off your shoes long ago. Your stockings make no sound as you move. The taffeta of your full skirt rustles. You do not hear. You don't. You are lost in the music. You hear only Sam and his band.  It might be one o'clock and it might be three. Time don't mean that much to me.  I ain't felt this good since I don't know when and I might not feel this good again.

Your hand is strong in his. Firm. Equal. You can do this all night. All night. Keep those Sam Cooke records playing. Yeah.

Yeah.

Hurry, scurry: Our once-a-year sale ends in mere hours! January 7, 2010 06:59

I'm tired. Lazy. Sluggish. Peanut butter on toast failed to work its energy magic today. Nonetheless, dear readers, here I sit, trying to find a creative way to say that the countdown has begun for The Blue Gardenia's once-a-year sale. 

So. I think I will let this gorgeous 1940s evening gown, Butterick 3625, do the talking — and selling — for me. Work hard, lovely pattern, work hard. Please.

Here are the sale details. And you'll note it ends tonight. Tonight! Buy 3 or more items, get 33% off. Sale prices are good through midnight PST today, January 7. All payments must be in my eager paws by January 9, 2010. As always, TBG takes American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa, Paypal, non-rubber checks and cold, hard cash. And you are all smart cookies, so you know to shop now. Time's wasting.

Textbook attire for teaching His Bertness to bake bread January 3, 2010 07:09

I, dear readers, have spent the morning and early afternoon teaching His Bertness to bake. Paul Prudhomme's Honey Bread, if I may add the details. And I may, correct? Because you want to know all the details of my ever-so-exciting small town life. Right? What a resounding and enthusiastic chorus of ayes. I'm pleased. I'm impressed. Absolutely.

Now, to really play the part of the small town baker, I should be wearing a fetching frock like Simplicity 2838, copyright 1948. It's a wrap dress - yep, decades before DVF - and it looks quite comfy. Perhaps not as comfortable as the yoga capris and top I am wearing as I write this post, but then, really, what is?

And please allow me to step up to the podium to extend a thank you to Shannon, she of the well-groomed fingernails and the blog I can't stop reading, Hungry Zombie Couture. Shannon wrote a fabulous post about some patterns she purchased at The Blue Gardenia. I know you'll want to see what she bought. Excellent taste has she. She has my vote for the best-dressed teacher in Canada. Absolutely.

And don't forget to stop by and check out our once-a-year sale. The skinny:  Buy 3 or more items, get 33% off. Sale prices are good now, this minute, through midnight PST Thursday, January 7. All payments must be in my eager paws by January 9, 2010. As always, TBG takes American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa, Paypal, non-rubber checks and cold, hard cash.

I will contain my gratitude no longer. I won't. I won't. I won't. January 1, 2010 07:27 1 Comment

I am taking a moment from teaching His Bertness to make chili to issue a most heartfelt thank you to a few folks. I am. So, listen up.

First up: Carolyn Norman, whose blog Dairy of a Sewing Fanatic has long been a favorite. Thank you so very much, Carolyn, for the post about The Blue Gardenia. It has brought so many new customers, and I hope all will join our roster of regulars.

Ditto to Gretchen, of Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing. Her blog is a new addiction, and for all of you out there: I want that book! I do. I do. I do. Namely Vogue's New Book for Better Sewing.

And I am also ever so pleased and grateful that Oliver + S listed The Blue Gardenia as something that should always be hanging above everyone's sewing machine. Wow! Thank you! That makes me so very happy. Yes indeedy.

Further, while this attitude of gratitude is swelling to bursting point, I'd like to thank Vicki at Yavapai Regional Medical Center, who went above and beyond to handle an insurance issue for me. Unasked. She volunteered! This week. A holiday week.

And I'd also like to thank my parents and my in-laws for being there this year. And His Bertness for learning to cook because sometimes I am just too tired to whip up tasty vittles. Love that cheerful, willing attitude, honey bunch. Yes, I do.

So. There ya go. Thank you. Thank you! THANK YOU! (Yes, my voice is  raised in appreciation.)

And just so I'll have art, how about gear for cooking chili? Simplicity 3382, Bust 42, copyright 1950, $33 at The Blue Gardenia, will have you looking as good as the chili will taste.

Oh, and thank you, Michael Buble, for covering Baby (You've Got What It Takes). Still like the Brook and Dinah version best, but your cover with Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings is not shabby. Not at all.

Gee. I feel like I should be standing behind a microphone, clad in a tight, shimmery evening gown. Vintage, of course.

So. Happy 2010, everyone. I hope it's your very best ever. Ever. Absolutely. (Until 2011 anyway.)

For that Mildred Pierce moment: Modes Royale 336 December 29, 2009 12:59

Ahhh, New Year's Eve. You have to work. A busy day. Tight end-of-year deadlines with absolutely no room for wiggling. You'll have to rush straight from the office to dinner with your honey bunch. That is the only way. But. What to wear? That is today's question. There must be something that says both business and beauty. Something. But what?

Perhaps Modes Royale 336, circa 1940s. Don't-mess-with-me shoulders. Sassy pleats. A hide-anything pocket with a button. A button!  Big enough for a lipstick, a pen and a notepad. Love it. Yep. This is the one. Perfection. Absolutely.

Shameless plug: Motor running? Our once-a-year sale starts now! December 26, 2009 16:26

Just this once, I won't waste your time with needless words. Really. I promise. Brief. To the point. That's me at this moment. So. Intro over, here you go: It's time for The Blue Gardenia's once-a-year sale. The lowdown: Buy 3 or more items, get 33% off. Sale prices are good now, this minute, through midnight PST Thursday, January 7. All payments must be in my eager paws by January 9, 2010. As always, TBG takes American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa, Paypal, non-rubber checks and cold, hard cash. And you are all smart cookies, so you know to shop early for the best selection. Like now, this moment. Or this oh-so-mod, oh-so-Shrimpton Pierre Cardin number will be gone. Scurry. Hurry.

Shameless plug: You deserve a Christmas present. You do. December 6, 2009 12:52

Do you have your smelling salts handy? If not, fetch them. Quick. Why? Because we have just added fabulous patterns to

Shall I share my favorites, the ones that have this little heart o' mine going pittter-patter-pitter-patter-pitter-patter? I shall. You know it.

In no particular order, here they are:

McCall 6370, copyright 1947. This bustle blouse is totally gorgeous. Totally noir. You could wear it for evening or for day. The important thing is to wear it. Absolutely.

And if you need an evening dress, of the tell-me-where-you go-it-now-or-else variety, then look no further than Simplicity 2229, circa 1930s. This one is not cut on the bias, but you could do so, if you dared. It's fully loaded as is, though. And since there are not one but two dresses in it, it's truly an investment pattern. Worth every penny. Truly.

Another outstanding evening dress, with a nod to style maven Madonna, is Vogue Designer Original 1605, copyright 1995. It's designed by Bellville Sassoon, and it is stunning, stunning, stunning, and ever-so-sexy, from its laced corset bodice to its flirty and full skirt. Imagine the rustles if you made it in a stiff satin. Love this one. Love it. Absolutely. Do you dare where it to the office Christmas bash? Mmmmm . . . I say, yes, go for it. Those nerdy co-workers deserve a treat. So let it be your Christmas present to them, Ms. Generosity, you.

And for your ladylike moments — and I know you have them — McCall 9366. So Grace Kelly. So very. Love the flap details. The stole. The slim silhouette. You could even make it out of silk shantung for a cocktail dress conversion. I want this one in my size. I do. Got it in a Bust 36 or 38? Call me. Do. And, by the way, in case you care, it's from 1953. Did I say this one has me salivating? It does. Really.

There are so many more marvelous patterns! I would not lie. I would not give you, dear, dear readers, false hope. I wouldn't.

So. Click. Shop. Enjoy. You've been good. You've been shopping, shopping, shopping for everyone else. Now you, my princess or prince, you deserve a present. Or two. Santa told me so. You have been good this year. So very, very.

You'll also find new in Maternity, and there are quite a few ensembles suitable for Betty Draper. And, as always, new additions go at the beginning of each category to make it easier for our loyal customers (I thank you, I do). And remember, we take Mastercard, Visa, Discover and Amex, as well as Paypal, to make it easier for you. So rush on over. After all, I need groceries. I like my Joan Holloway hips.

Oh, sloth. Be gone. Now. I command you. November 29, 2009 07:33 1 Comment

It's a holiday weekend, and that means I've been cocooning. Snuggling up in a chair, feet on an ottoman, eating pecan pie and watching bad TV or reading silly Southern novels. And my attire? Well, I'm not making Bette Davis proud. I'm wearing yoga pants, a tee-shirt and holey white socks. Now. I haven't done yoga since I impinged my rotator cuff in August. But that doesn't mean I've sidelined the comfy clothing.

Watching Casablanca yesterday, the thought struck: Shouldn't I be wearing a hat? That perhaps is going too far. Way. But perhaps I could kick my at-home wardrobe up a notch. Or even two. Say McCall 4520 and McCall 4803. Both from my favorite fashion era, the 1940s. The blouse in flowy rayon. The slacks in gabardine. Maybe some low platform wedges to kick off by the sofa. I could even comb my hair. Polish my nails. Bathe. Oh, the grooming improvements are endless!

Mmmmm . . . . But the big question, the really big one, is this: Can I give up cotton knit? It's a tough habit to kick. It's so stretchy. So soothing. So wash-and-wear. Am I strong enough? Am I? I must summon all my strength. I must.

Inspirations? Absolutely not! November 25, 2009 07:45 1 Comment

Now this . . . this is a party dress. Suitable for the most hoity toity crowd at the most hoity toity ball. All eyes will be on you. Wondering "what the heck was she thinking?" 

It's structural, yes. And that  is good. But it's silly. Too. Much, much too. Vogue Couturier 298, circa 1946. Would I wear it? Not in a million. I don't want rayon-taffeta swirls above my bosom. Too frilly. Too silly. Too doll cake. But the color, so strawberry-luscious, is delectable. That I admit.

Ahhhhh, domesticity. There's cooking. And then there's sewing. November 21, 2009 10:04 1 Comment

I have exciting news to share.  His Bertness is learning to cook! Now. Those of you who know him well know that he has been more than resistant to learning to cook. In fact, in the 18 years of our marriage — before now — he has mastered one dish: homemade chicken broth. 

But this week, he made a taco casserole all by himself. All  by himself! It was quite tasty. Yesterday, he shaped and baked these Oatmeal Chocolate Crisps. Don't they look scrumptious? They are, I can attest. Today, perhaps, he'll learn to make dinner rolls. I can smell them now. Yumbunnies.

Before you know it, dear readers, I'll be sewing. Because if His Bertness can learn to cook . . .

Inspirations: The perfect dress for the perfect seduction November 16, 2009 16:46 2 Comments

It is late at the adult center. Very. The DJ has played horrid music all night. Music he regards, you are quite sure, as youthful.

Sigh. Heavy sigh. Long sigh, dramatically drawn out. Susan Hayward is, after all, your role model.

Fantasy time-out. You are wearing McCall 3440, copyright 1955. The 4-ply silk crepe caresses your skin. The hydrangea pink flatters your softly fading tan. You feel wonderful. You feel irresistible. You feel like you are going to live forever and enjoy each and every moment.

A finger flicks your shoulder. A voice murmurs in your ear, May I have this dance? Your reverie interrupted. Suddenly. Drat. You are annoyed. Oh so. But then, the notes of Noche De Ronda, your favorite rumba, begin. Spanish guitar. You cannot say no. You want to dance. You must dance. You put your hand in your partner's. Rise to your feet. Only then do you lift your eyes. Only then do you realize your partner is Don Draper. None other. Calm. Solid. Handsome. But is he a polished dancer? Mmmmmm. It's your fantasy. You decide.

Yes no maybe so certainly yes no maybe so October 28, 2009 09:28 1 Comment

To say yes? Such a commitment, she thinks, as she fingers the pages of Modern Bride. Such a commitment, she knows. She loves him. Certainly. That is not the question. That is not the issue. The issue is union. Solidarity. Taking her eyes off the door. Having no escape hatch. Because to her, marriage means forever. Forever. The word resounds in her brain. Forever.

It's not washing their smelly socks together that makes her hesitate. It's the finality. The limitations. Saying no to other possibilities. Accepting that he is the one. That he will be. Forever.

Accepting that she will be part of a couple. Legally. What is that saying — Buddhist, is it? — we are not two but one, we are not one but two? Impossible, this decision, she thinks. Impossible.  As are the gooey confections on the glossy pages of this bridal magazine.

She would choose something simple, should she decide to say yes. Something that speaks to the solemnity of the occasion. Something like Vogue's Bridal Design 2809. Even if she says no to him, she might say yes to this dress. In black velvet and lace. Knee length. No ribbon. Absolutely not. And if she says yes, yes to that lifetime challenge, perhaps silver satin. Yes. Definitely. Silver. Not white. It is not her color. It's dull. It's boring. It's traditional. 

Ahh, but the question. His question. Yes no maybe so certainly. If only marriage was as simple as skipping rope. Well. She will not answer the question today. The laundry beckons.

Silly? Perhaps. Mischievous? You bet. October 26, 2009 09:01 3 Comments

Do you ever have those days? You know? You burn the toast, and, gosh darn, those were your last two slices of bread. You drop the half-gallon of organic, BGH-free milk. It spills all over the kitchen floor. The accountant does not return your calls. Neither does her assistant. You puncture your pantyhose with a fingernail whose No Spain, No Gain polish is chipping. Drat. Darn. This is the day you need a pick-me-up, something more playful, with more attitude than caffeine. You need a frisky hat. A saucy hat. A hat that stands tall and defies the world to say boo. A hat that announces you will not be ignored. But yet  . . . a hat that laughs out loud in bell-like tones. You need this hat, from 1939. Ladies Home Journal 1615. Take it on the chin, naysayers. Because you will not be defeated. Not by blackened bread. Not by a soiled floor. Not by number crunchers. Not by nail polish. You have a sophisticated hat. Oh. So. It could be from Paris. London. But. You made it yourself. So there.

Inspirations: And don't forget shoulder pads the size of Learjets October 7, 2009 14:03 2 Comments

Does bad taste sometimes relentlessly clutch you and refuse to let go? Do you sometimes want to channel Krystle or Sammy Jo or push Alexis in the swimming pool or yank her hair until she yelps? Or maybe you just want to have fun and rock the '80s? Well, I suggest

Autumn in Mexico: This is what the gringo said to pack. October 2, 2009 07:17

Today, current ex-pat, former newspaperman and ever-so-handsome and sometimes disagreeable (Is there a man who isn't? If so, introduce me. Now.) co-worker Felipe Zapata shared a video of his town, Patzcuaro, in his blog,  

Of course, I thought of visiting. Naturally, the thought of what garments to pack for my fantasy trip came to mind. One item that would be a definite take-along: McCall 5760, copyright 1944. It has that Ilsa flair, does it not? It does. Absolutely. Emphatically. And I would look quite the 1940s film heroine if I accessorized with Granville Millinery's Power Play hat. But would would this catch the unwanted attention of the narcos? Mmmmm. I do not know. One must look to Mr. Zapata for that answer.

Shameless plug: How about a nice, juicy strawberry? October 1, 2009 15:27

So. I've taken some time from my busy life to add patterns. Just for you. And you. And you. Yes. And you. I did not forget you. I didn't. And here are a few of my favorites:

You're feeling prim yet sophisticated. Straitlaced yet sassy. Is there any more suitable dress for such a mood than Vogue Couturier 252 from the 1930s? I think not. Just look at those godets.

And for those chilly evenings this fall, when you want to look regal in the firelight as you ponder deep girly thoughts, choose Simplicity 3593, copyright 1951. Or you could stitch up the short house dress version and don it for Saturday morning chores. If you must. I won't be responsible for frightened dustbunnies. I won't.

And speaking of Saturday mornings and household tasks and all that, McCall's 2015 from 1955 is just the thing to wear as you whip the eggs and fry the bacon and squeeze the oranges. Because you do squeeze your own orange juice? Of course you do. I know it.

You like? I hope so. If not, scurry on over to The Blue Gardenia. You'll find something you like. I'm sure of it. And now for those pesky details, new additions always go at the beginning of each category. And we take Mastercard, Visa, Discover and Amex, as well as Paypal to make it easier for you. And, of course, checks, money orders and cold hard cash. Actually, we take warm soft cash, too. We are so agreeable.