Masks for All Occasions

Early in the pandemic—so early that it was yet to be deemed such—I asked my husband if he thought we should stock up on masks. He said, no, he didn't think so. No matter anyway, because in the weeks that followed, face coverings were not to be found. And rightfully so. Our medical professionals, caregivers, and first responders needed them—not me. 

Still, I searched online for masks that I might buy to have on hand, just in case. I found a cute circular pattern, multi-colored one for me (I figured it would compliment all my shirt colors), and one with sharks on it for Mike. Nearly two months later, these strange, new accessories finally arrived. Our neighbor's mother made us two patriotic-themed masks since Mike and I are both veterans. Now I had a collection of four masks to add to the five neck gators that I'd had for years and was wearing to cover my nose and mouth while out running or biking. 

Then I saw an online ad for Ironman masks. I'm a sucker for Ironman-logo apparel; Mike and I both completed two full and six half Ironman events. Unable to help myself, I ordered a five-pack of masks and a three-pack of neck gators. 

Something I ordered a few weeks later, unrelated to masks, arrived with an unexpected complimentary neck gator. And then Mike's nephew, an ornithologist, sent me a link to a museum selling masks with Audubon and Gould bird prints on them. How could I not get a couple of those?

A few days ago, I complimented a friend's mask. When she offered to make me one just like it, I enthusiastically said yes!

I'm not much into fashion. I've never been a shoe collector—preferring a pair of Dansko clogs and boots in winter and sandals in summer. Suddenly and unexpectedly, I'm a mask collector. I wish it weren't so, but I fear face coverings in public will be the new normal for the foreseeable future. So, why not have masks for all occasions?