Life's Luxuries

The lease on my explorer is up Jan 2. So on top of launching a new business, juggling clients and holiday planning - I'm pondering a new addition to the family.

This is not something I take lightly. I was born into a Ford Family. My Grandfather drove a Standard Ford out of farm life in Iowa and into his new life in the city during the depression. My Dad's 1956 T-bird started a long legacy of offspring that included a Pinto (yes, a Brown Pinto) the Taurus Station Wagon that dutifully served as the escape from our Guantanomo-esque Jr. High, our first "truly-new" Ford Ranger truck that brought home many a flocked Christmas tree, and no less than triplet Taurus Sedans.

My favorite Ford was the first one I bought with my own money. Rollerskate (a 1989 Festiva) lovingly displayed a fabric lei around its rearview mirror, and an "I heart NY" sticker. It was famous for blasting continuous loops of Violent Femmes and Dance Hall Crashers from it's tape deck, Christmas Carols sung by me and my bestest friends at the top of our lungs - in perfect harmony no lie, and one crazy night -fake throw-up purely for reaction! He loyally transported me to many a Hollywood audition, my first job at the Tennis Club, Cheer Competitions, my first apartment (and subsequent poverty,) and finally to my "Our" new home. I said "good-bye Rollerskate, thank you for your service with no pay, or frequent oil changes, and very few washes" shortly after we were married. His spot was taken by a 1996 Black Ford Mustang.

So, with a bit of hesitance I'll say that I've found my new car, and although it's not a Ford, its parents are Owned by Ford (but probably not for too much longer.) There's no turning back, I've fallen for it - it was made for me. I haven't decided on a name, so Volvo SC60 will have to do. I will proudly introduce him to the Husky's and Husband, and the stowaway in our garage "Subway."

It's not the city-driving feature, or the over-abundance of airbags, the anti-lock breaks nor the super techy headlights, it's the design, of course!

They used contrasting textures in the leather, two colors of leather on the seats, and sensual curves that relate to each other in scale and form. They designed out the allergens with these super cool new filters, eliminated the nickel, and carefully dyed the leather with non-toxic products. But truly, they had me at "Swedish Simplicity!"