By Allison Bredemeyer
Photography by Laura Seaton and Bailey LaRoux
As a young girl, I was given free reign at my grandmother’s home over her possessions. Dressing up in her heels and jewels and donning her make up were nothing out of the ordinary, all while rifling through every drawer in her dresser and hangers in her closet. But one thing was sacred and off limits: her purse.
Can I have a piece of gum…a pen…a dollar? Each question was answered with a cheerful but firm, “yes, but bring me my purse.” Not “help yourself” or “it’s in the side pocket,” but a steadfast “bring my purse to me and I’ll get it.” This veil of secrecy enveloping her sensible leather satchel always perplexed me. I was allowed any of its contents and given freedom to handle and inventory each item, but only if she pulled them out for me. Why couldn’t I dig for myself? To a little girl, it was simple. I had seen “Mary Poppins.” If anyone had a magic bag that could produce a Disney nanny’s loot, it was my grandmother, and I just didn’t have the credentials.
Now as a grown woman with children, it’s even simpler: “Don’t dig through my stuff. It’s mine. I share everything else I have and am with you, but this one thing is MINE!” Nevertheless, this early childhood imprinting of possessive guardianship over the one item we can hold private has fascinated me and often has me asking my grown-up friends, “Can I see what’s in your purse?” Is it filled with that which is necessary or that which brings you joy? Is it stocked to fit any potential need you have while away from home? Is it roomy enough to gather items you collect throughout the day?
So imagine my elation when Abilene Scene invited me to dig through and analyze the purse contents of six unique Abilene women. One by one, all six nervously handed their purse over for what might be considered the ultimate betrayal of privacy. We then gently removed each and every item out of their bag and laid their secrets out in the open while we discussed outright what they were carrying and why.
Alice Yates
Husband: Nick Yates
Children: Ry (13), Cord (10) and Cael (9)
Alice is the manager of social media services for Zachry Associates. This mother of three boys and wife to the 9th Bomb Squadron Commander does not intimidate easily. Her no-nonsense approach to most things was evident as she handed her bag over without flinching and even stood in amazement as some items were pulled out, commenting, “Oh. That’s in there.” Like most moms, Alice’s bag is utilitarian and starts the day with only the basic essentials, allowing room for the multitude of items she will collect throughout the day. I imagine that at lease once daily she hears from each kid, “Hold this, Mom.”
What the bag contents say:
She is the prime example of Mom-with-many-jobs. She’s managing the social, scholastic and athletic schedules of three busy boys. She’s coordinating meetings, greetings and events for Dyess B-1 spouses and keeping track of her husband’s travel and work schedule. On top of that, she runs her own career. And from what I can see, she’s doing a fantastic job.
Dr. Cathy Ashby
Husband: Phil Ashby
Children: Two grown children, Jay Ashby and Carly Beth Potter
Prepared is an understatement. If there’s one thing Dr. Cathy Ashby’s classic black bag tells me, it’s that she is ready for anything. With two adult children grown and off pursuing their own vocations, Cathy is now focused on her career as the CEO of United Way Abilene. Before taking the United Way director role, Ashby spent the three decades prior in the Abilene Independent School District, her last position there as associate superintendent. So its no wondervher day is spent educating the masses on where the needs are in our neighborhoods and how we can meet them.
What the bag contents say:
Cathy is civic minded and cares deeply about her community, ensuring that its needs are met in all the areas that United Way services. She’s ready to meet face-to-face any time, if her calendar permits. She’s business-minded, saavy and an eager leader who wants to educate those around her. She’s efficient with her time, making the most of each second spent on any given task. She also knows how to have some fun, as is evident by her Key City Rhythm & Blues Festival All Access Pass. And that makes her a community Pied Piper I will happily follow.
Jasmine Brown
If you don’t know Jasmine Brown today, I promise it won’t be long before you do. This 20-year-old McMurry business major is a tour de force on social media and her strength in followers is only growing exponentially as we speak. With a YouTube channel touting more than 450,000 subscribers and an Instagram account with more than 100,000 followers, Jasmine has already acquired her target audience to discuss all things fashion, beauty and life as a young millenial. Add to her business saavy brain the fact that she is the kind of natural beauty that sucks the air of the room, and its no wonder that this model has her sights set for Los Angeles.
What the bag contents say:
Jasmine knows exactly what she wants from each day and how she’s going to get it. She travels lightly so that she’s ready to go wheverever the next adventure takes her. She’s not trying to be ironic or trendy by bucking the system – she is the system. She’s social. She’s active. And she’s young! You can’t not be happy watching a young adult just starting their journey. Go get ‘em, girl!
Kristin Avery
Husband: Scott Avery
Children: Crew (12), Kellan (11) and Jules (6)
Truth be told, I’ve been digging through Kristin’s purse since we were in seventh grade, and although the butane clicker curling iron is now retired, the main focus of her bag hasn’t changed much. It’s still filled with what she needs all day – and I mean everything she’ll need. As the owner of the popular fitness training facility Elevate, Kristin’s Louis Vuitton Damier Azur Totally bag is a fully stocked, tote-able office that houses all she will use in order to minimize trips home and to stay organized.
What the bag contents say:
She’s all in. She’s 100 percent at whatever she’s doing. Kristin is committed to not only keeping herself at the top of her fitness game, but also ensuring that she’s healthy and prepared as she teaches her multitude of classes each day. She’s passionate about healthy living and cares deeply about how we treat our bodies. She’s not vain or interested in being skinny. This woman is mentally and physically strong!
Lucy Vinson
Husband: Sam Vinson
Children: Palmer (4), Holt (one-ish) and Margot (brand new)
Speaking of Mary Poppins’ bag, Lucy Vinson’s classic Louis Vuitton bag is disproportionately small in comparison to what she pulled out of it. With three kids under four years old, it was no surprise that her bag was filled with a varying array of things that meet her needs and the needs of her children. Two of the kids are still in diapers for crying out loud, and Mama’s got to be prepared. But what we never saw coming was how organized and streamlined her filing system is. No crumbs. No trash. No wasted space.
What the bag contents say:
Her classical stunning looks are no façade. This former runway model is as put together all the way around as she is in appearance. She cares about keeping on track and on trend. She finds unique and artisanal items in small boutiques over big box retailers. She still handwrites notes. And she is who I will call to organize my life one day.
Poppy Crowe
Chances are you know Poppy (Betty) Crowe. And if you haven’t met her yet, just be patient. This lady has a goal to meet at least one new person every day. Mother of five, grandmother of 16 and great grandmother of 9, Poppy retired from teaching at Austin Elementary in 2002. She now spends her days traveling and socializing around town with friends and family. She’s a woman of simple needs who loves the earnest things in life. (Her vintage Louis Vuitton told me that.)
What the bag contents say:
Poppy has no desire to be burdened by extra things. I imagine if she doesn’t need it, use it or love it, it’s quickly outta here! She’s a social butterfly who loves listening to people’s stories and sharing her own. She’s the kind of woman who will sit and find out who you really are before skirting off on her next errand, and she’s the friend who will listen to you with her whole body. She cares about being healthy and looking neat but isn’t interested in the fussiness of primping. And I really want to be her when I grow up.
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