As a child, I loved to have lots of clothes and always wanted to wear a new outfit every time I went somewhere.  My dad’s job at the time was such that we would travel around a lot and I don’t remember living in one for over three years.  Unfortunately, with all this travelling I could not carry a large wardrobe with me all the time since packing and relocating was a big concern for us.

I had always admired my grandma who had always lived in the same house she was born in.   She had large cartons stored in the attic of used unwanted clothing and other things and never had to think of packing or extra storage space.  Whenever we’d go to granny’s house I’d go to the attic and enjoy playing with the tons of extra clothing.

By chance, we happened to be visiting granny at the time of my 18th birthday.  Each year she would ask me what I wanted as birthday gifts and would get me whatever I asked for.  This time only two days were left till my birthday and she had not even once mentioned anything about a birthday gift.  I kept on waiting till late the night before but still she didn’t ask and I disappointedly went to bed thinking she has forgotten my big day.

To my surprise when I woke up the next morning I was covered with a warm shawl wrap instead of my routine blanket and a bundle wrapped in a silk scarf lay by my side.  The shawl wrap was so soft and comfortable that I wrapped it around my shoulders and reached for the bundle which was tied with a velvet ribbon. A small card attached to the gift said “There are three hundred and sixty-four days when you might get un-birthday presents and only one for birthday presents – With Love from Grandma”.  To my amazement, as I pulled at one end of the ribbon knot the bundle opened and beautiful colored scarves lay in front of me.  There were pashmina, wool, silk, cotton, velvet, cashmere, linen and all sorts of fashion scarves in different shapes and sizes.

Just then grandma opened my bedroom door and singing ‘Happy Birthday’ walked towards me.  Breathless with joy I dashed out of bed and hugged her.  I was so happy that I did not have the words to thank her.

This was the best gift ever.  There were so many scarves yet upon folding they took so little space.  I was so happy as I got so many scarves and could carry them with me everywhere we travelled without having to think of packing space.

Since that day my passion for scarves began as I realized how convenient it was to travel with scarf accessories and add style to your ordinary clothing.