ter·ror

Tear or… furiously rip off?

Tags…

Clothing companies are extremely fearful that we’ll forget which brand we’re wearing, so the tags are there to poke us nonstop, inducing psychomotor agitation, so we remember. Every time we scratch that hard-to-reach spot that’s now raw and blistering from a tag, a clothing company board member gets their wings.

I’m a holy terror when it comes to removing tags, tearing holes, and mutilating my garments before even wearing them. But two tags remain attached for life because they’re woven in by witchcraft:

#1. The ‘Which lot it came from’ tag – usually on the shoulder, so it’s felt every time I slump, which is often, because the tag is bullying me.

#2. The ‘How to care for it booklet’– written in Swahili, with the last part “Lay it flat on a flat surface to air dry” in English, because English-speaking people know nothing about flat air drying! If you’re someone who needs that reminder, check out the last page of the leaflet, typically located on the side of your ribcage, where the pages are puncturing the most delicate skin surface available. Or follow the rash to find where your tag loiters.

“The three horrors of modern life – talk without meaning, desire without love, work without satisfaction.” ~ Mignon McLaughlin

Thoughts, Tuesday, July 1st, 2025

A person wearing gray trousers and brown shoes walking along a city sidewalk.
“How will you make it on your own? This world is awfully big.”
A man in a brown checkered suit carrying a black bag is walking down a city sidewalk, with construction and buildings visible in the background.
“And girl, this time you’re all alone.”
A man in a brown plaid suit and brown shoes walks away down a city street, wearing headphones and carrying a jacket. The background features construction scaffolding and other pedestrians.
“But it’s time you started living.
It’s time you let someone else do some giving.”
A man in a brown checkered suit and headphones walks down a city street, carrying a handbag. Construction scaffolding and people are seen in the background.
“Love is all around, no need to fake it.”
A man in a brown checkered blazer and beige slacks walks down a city sidewalk carrying a black bag. He is wearing headphones and heading towards a construction area.
“You can have the town. Why don’t you take it?”
A person walking away, wearing a plaid blazer and carrying a black bag, with headphones on, in an urban environment.
“You might just make it after all!”

(Love Is All Around)  

A colorful sign with two hands reaching towards each other, encouraging people to take a note of encouragement and leave a note for others in a designated box below.
A handwritten note held by a person, with an encouraging message about perseverance and happiness. The note is slightly crumpled and contains a heart and smiley face at the end.

“Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.” ~ Langston Hughes

View of a waterfront area with a railing and a faint heart shape drawn on the pavement.
❤️

6 thoughts on “ter·ror”

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  2. Good one Kim! Convinced they use the scratchiest material ever for these things. Cactus leaves. Even the “painted on” ones turn into demonic scratch monsters once the paint starts to crack.🙏❤️🥸 Sent from my iPhone

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