Six months ago I was becoming an oddity in Portalegre, Portugal; I wore suspenders, a somewhat wide-brimmed hat, and I had even made my first pair of trousers and a shirt. I also had a 'Quaker' beard. Since then, my appearance has changed, not out of a desire to change it, but out of pure practicality and simplicity. 

I've been walking for peace for six months, and one of the first things I noticed on that walk was that my clip-on suspenders didn't sit well with a backpack. Over time I accepted various articles of clothing that don't tuck in, so I had one more reason not to wear suspenders. After using a string for a belt for several months, (and rejecting a bright orange belt, with thanks) I've finally bought a belt, and I'll probably give away the suspenders.

On the way to Morocco I did away with the 'Quaker' beard, for a few reasons, one of which is the fact that among Muslims, the 'Quaker' beard indicates a very devoted follower of Mohammed. While I admire much of what Mohammed did, and while I have come to appreciate Islam, I am not a devoted follower, and as there are many Muslims and no plain dress Quakers in this part of the world, I didn't and don't now want to mislead anybody.

Finally, as I have accepted or given away clothing as mine wears out, or as the weather changes, I am wearing whatever is given to me, and none of the people giving me clothing are plain dress Quakers. I bought two new pairs of trousers yesterday in a second-hand shop for four euros, and while one pair is long, and dark blue, the other is just below  knee- length, lightweight, with lots of pockets; perfect for long-distance backpacking, and not a t all 'plain.' 

In short, the plainer I get, the simpler I get, and the more practical I get, the less 'plain' I am. 

With the exception of the hat; the wide brim is perfect against the sun or rain!

Views: 112

Tip Jar

It takes many hours a month to sift through hundreds of websites to come up with this daily curated list of the best of the Quaker web. If you learn more about Friends and find joy and spiritual growth in the conversations these links provide, please consider supporting the ministry with a monthly subscription.

You can also make a one-time donation.

Latest Activity

David Nelson Seaman commented on Randy Oftedahl's blog post 'What Divides Us and What Unites Us'
"Thank you Friend Randy, for bringing God back into this issue.   I often shudder to think…"
12 minutes ago
Susann replied to Mary Linda's discussion 'Quaker books for the poorly educated?'
"Dear Mary Linda, I recently read "Listening to the light" by Jim Pym, which is an…"
17 minutes ago
Profile IconQuakerQuaker.org

A New Association of Friends Is Born

On Sunday, May 19th, 13 Meetings joined together as the New Association of Friends. Check out their… See More
2 hours ago
Bill Samuel commented on Doug Bennett's blog post 'A New Association of Friends Is Born'
"May the NAF be a body through which the living water flows into our society."
2 hours ago
Bill Samuel liked Doug Bennett's blog post A New Association of Friends Is Born
2 hours ago
Kevin Camp posted a blog post
2 hours ago
Lisa George posted a status
"Best of luck! http://ning.it/12oQaqD"
3 hours ago
Doug Bennett posted a blog post
6 hours ago

About QuakerQuaker

QuakerQuaker is a community of Friends exploring Primitive Christianity Revived: plain witness, ministry, beliefs. Quaker blogs, photos, videos & gatherings. Learn More.

Subscribe in a reader
Get daily emails
Facebook
iTunes / Podcast
Twitter / Twitter Quaker List

 

Advertise:

Learn about QQ Advertising

Place an Order

The QuakerQuaker Audience

Quakers

© 2013   Created by QuakerQuaker.

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service