It seems that today will be yet another sweltering day.
Nonetheless, let's express gratitude and live through the day without any significant disasters.
The day before yesterday, I interrupted my work to spend about two hours at the V store to have my gentleman's fedora, which had lost its shape, repaired.
My association with this store is quite long, probably about 30 years.
The warm and friendly store owners and the hat artisans have allowed this long relationship to continue.
Sometimes, I sit on the sofa, enjoy a cup of tea, and indulge in a delightful chat about tea, making it a pleasant time.
Since they are already fixing my fedora, I decided to have my hat fixed as well.
My favorite hat, which I've been using for more than 10 years now, is starting to show wear and tear, just like its owner.
My summer black organza hat's silk ribbon has worn out, and the brim has drooped too low. (If it falls any lower, I won't be able to see in front of me.)
The shop owner will apply glue to this hat, replace the ribbon, and insert wire into the brim's edge to correct the droop.
The summer ivory organza hat stands out for its dirt, so it seems it will be washed before being repaired.
The straw hat's brim has spread too much due to many years of use and has begun to fit poorly.
It was suggested to cut the brim of this straw hat short, attach a silk ribbon of a different material, and turn it into a completely different straw hat.
They always finish my hats just as I hope, so I leave it to them with confidence.
Because they carefully repair each hat, allowing it to be used forever, it's not like they will be discarded after a single summer; they end up being used for many years.
By using it for many years, it feels like the hat is getting used to me. (Just like a kimono adapts to the skin when you wear it, I have the same feeling.) Initially, it felt like I was being played by the hat, but after maintaining a relationship for 30 years, it feels like the hat has come to accommodate me.
I think that my deep relationship with hats will continue in the future.