Tuesday 15 March 2022

The age of innocence

And another week has whizzed by! 

It was the first week of March, and the weather was strangely at odds with the prevailing feeling of disbelief and sadness caused by the devastating news from Ukraine. We transitioned into meteorological Spring, but although the mercury kept flitting around the 10°C mark like a butterfly, and sunshine was plentiful, this somehow failed to set my heart a-flutter.  Nevertheless, after a frosty start, the temperature often managed to climb into the low double figures on most days. Day by day, though, I could feel my neck and left shoulder seizing up and by Thursday evening, I could hardly move my head or lift my left arm without being in considerable pain. 

But lo and behold: although I could still feel an unmistakable stiffness in my neck, most of the pain had gone by Friday morning with the prospect of a couple of days off.

We could have had a lie-in, but the sun was shining and the weathermen had promised - hand to heart - that it would warm up to 12°C, so we didn't want to waste precious time.



Besides, it was Friday, which meant that another charity shopping trip was on our itinerary. Admittedly, the thought of a good rummage never fails to take my mind off things. 

We visit our favourite shops on rotation and this week it was the turn of the three-storey one in Duffel again. As the shop is only a stone's throw from one of our favourite parks, a rummage here is often followed by a walk. Thus, with the weather gods in our favour for once, we packed a picnic and went off.

I'll take you through what I was wearing later on, but for the moment I'm allowing you to admire my vintage green wool jacket with its delightfully soft faux-fur collar.



By the time we left the shop, there was a faint rumbling in our stomachs. Arriving at the park, we went in search of a suitable bench to eat our sandwiches, preferably one in a sunny spot. But we weren't the only ones taking advantage of the balmy Spring weather and the most covetable benches turned out to be already occupied by people on their lunch breaks.

After some walking around and a spot of bickering about where to plonk ourselves down, we finally settled for the bench you can see on the bottom right in the above collage. It had a view across the pond towards our very favourite bench, which is sheltered by a thicket of shrubs and, at this time of year, has clumps of cheerful daffodils at its feet. We'd just finished our sandwiches when we noticed that the lady who had been sitting there was about to leave, so we wasted no time in crossing the bridge across the pond and making our way towards it, if only to admire the flowers at close quarter.



Signs of Spring were everywhere, with the first of the blossoms appearing on shrubs and trees and a lawn full of precocious daisies. The brilliant blue sky was the perfect backdrop for a flowering Forsythia, and the park's collection of Hellebores were now resplendently in bloom.



Instead of walking towards the castle ruin we decided to circumnavigate the largest pond in a clockwise direction. Although quite close to a busy road this part of the park is rather wild and unkempt and the weeks of almost non-stop rains had left partly flooded and muddy paths in their wake.



Here, the view across the pond is particularly enchanting, even if its mirror-like surface was strewn with branches dislodged and tossed about by the recent storms. 



In search of the perfect backdrop for taking outfit photos, we were stopped in our tracks by a white blossomed shrub growing in the shelter of the river's embankment.

It was balmy enough to shed my jacket, hanging it and my scarf from a conveniently placed branch, and show you what was going on underneath.





I'm sure you'd already noticed my skirt, with its fruital pattern in delicious berry colours. Charity shopped back in November, this was its very first outing. 

I wore it with a contrasting yellow jumper, which was an old retail buy from a long-gone local shop, while at my waist I added one of my chevron patterned stretchy belts. Further accessories were a wine red beaded necklace and ring and a vintage brooch featuring a lady wearing a gorgeous red and turquoise hat. My own hat was a pink and white marled knit beret. An extra layer was provided by a fuzzy burgundy cardigan. All except the jumper and belt were either charity shop or flea market finds.



I frolicked around under the frothy white blossom and couldn't resist snapping this final photo of these delightful harbingers of Spring!



Although we walk in this park in all seasons, we seem to have a particular penchant for its Spring and its Autumn incarnations. In fact, I've lost count by now of all the times you have walked here vicariously with us over the past six years.



It didn't take long for it to make its debut on my blog, as it featured in my one of my first ever blog posts back in March 2016. I've still got this dress, which is a regularly worn favourite. In fact, I think I've still got everything I'm wearing here, although I'd forgotten about the shoes. 



March seems to be a favourite time of year for a visit, as here we are again, in March 2017, sampling the first of the balmy Spring days in a dress I no longer have but now wish I'd kept.



March 2018, and I'm wearing a dress that's still gracing my wardrobe but is long overdue an outing. A bit chillier than the year before, as I'm wearing my belted Tweed jacket and my frilly turquoise scarf, which is still making regular appearances on my blog 4 years later.



Our final Pre-Covid visit, in March 2019. This dress too needs another outing, as does the handbag. I wonder what happened to that beret, but only just wore the cardigan and opaques a couple of days ago.

I'm sure not everything was as rosy as it seems in hindsight, but I can't help thinking that we were living in the age of innocence back then. If not without a care in the world, there was a lightness of being which seems to be gone forever. It's a blessing that we had no idea of the enormity of what was about to hit us. Halcyon days, I miss them so.



I'm trying to shake off the maudlin mood, and get back to the matter at hand, as I couldn't possibly end this post without showing you Friday's charity shop finds.

Leafing through the rail of nightwear in search of the ever elusive vintage slips, I came across this vintage dress, its label proclaiming Paul Mauser, Paris, which is pictured on the top left and right. 

The skirt with its Paisley-esque pattern is somebody's handiwork.


These two lightweight pleated skirts ended up in my shopping trolley too. The off-white one on the left, sprinkled with orange, pink, yellow and blue spots, is from an unknown-to-me label and is fully lined.

The moss green one on the right is unlined and is from New Look. Time will have to tell if this one's a keeper but I'm pretty sure about the spotty one.



Among the € 1,50 jewellery, I triumphantly unearthed the celluloid Scottie dog brooch on the left. I've got a similar one with a green base and a red Scottie in the middle which came with a considerably heftier price tag!

I also picked up the necklace with its graduated pink translucent beads, and the scarf clip with its posy of violets and pansies.



My final find of the day was this glorious embellished handbag, looking all brand new with its plastic price tag loop still attached. I couldn't believe my eyes when I opened it and spotted the Sacha label and lining. Sacha is a Dutch shoes and handbags retailer. I'm not sure of its original retail price but at € 4 it was definitely a bargain.




We ended our visit to this shop as always having cups of coffee and hot chocolate bought from the vending machine in the cafeteria which, as you can see, we had all to ourselves!

I'll be back with what we did during the rest of the weekend in a couple of days. Until then, do keep safe and sane, wherever you are!


38 comments:

  1. The neck and arm pain is often stress related and very common in women - that's what my old boss told me when I managed the Chiropractic Clinic. It's so debilitating, isn't it? I'm glad it soon wore off.
    Haven't the years flown by since we first accompanied you and Jos around Duffel? I must plant some hellebores for next Spring, the pinkish ones are so lovely.
    Love that brilliant yellow with the burgundy skirt, you look like one of my favourites - rhubarb and custard sweets!
    You did well in your charity shopping - there used to be a trendy chain of UK shoe shops called Sasha back in the 1960s and 1970s, I wonder if they're related? That bag is fabulous.
    Hoe lovely to have the cafeteria to yourselves! xxx

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    1. Thank you Vix! The neck and arm pain seems to come and go, and I'm well aware it is stress related.
      I've found references to those UK shops too, but I'm not sure if they're related.xxx

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  2. Sorry to hear about your neck and shoulder pain; hope it had departed by now.

    I remember a shoe shop called Sacha/Sasha from my youth. It was a very cool shop to buy footwear from and I remember a pair of yellow patent, square-toed, block heeled pair I bought in 1970...your bag is beautiful by the way. In fact I loved all your finds especially the spotty skirt and the Scottie dog brooch.

    The sunshine is so welcome!
    xxx

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    1. Thank you Vronni! Vix mentioned that shop too. I don't think they're related. Your yellow patent block heeled shoes sound right up my street, though! xxx

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  3. It does feel like so very long ago that we had any sense of "normal", doesn't it, Ann? I hope your neck/shoulder get better (I recommend upper body/back exercises to help strengthen the muscles there).

    Another lovely outing - how dare someone take "your" bench? Our plum trees here are in full pink bloom, as are our daffodils. It's amazing what a difference a few flowers makes to our moods.

    Love your new finds! Well done on the Scottie brooch. Love that Paris dress!

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    1. Thank you Sheila, I definitely should look into some of those exercises. xxx

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  4. Hope those pesky neck and shoulder problems have gone away. Spring is always such a wonderful time of year with the bulbs poking through and the blossoms in full bloom.
    As usual you have uncovered some gems in your charity shopping. I must agree that the lives we all took for granted in 2019 do seem so different than today in these uncertain times. Take care and enjoy your Spring.

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    1. Thank you Jill. I can't believe how much our lives have changed since 2019. xxx

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  5. Spring is a lovely time of year, but yes Ann, I agree with you. It somehow seems to have lost its shine this year with the world in turmoil. That said, your wardrobe is clearly transitioning in tandem with the seasons. I love your fruity skirt/yellow jumper outfit and your new purchases are fabulous, particularly that gorgeous bag! I hope your neck has fully improved now. Oh and for me, there can never be too many blossom photos! xxx

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    1. Thank you Claire! I keep snapping blossoms and Spring flowers as if it's the first Spring. I just squealed over another batch of wood anemones earlier today ... xxx

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  6. I suffer from shoulder pain too-so glad yours straightened itself out so you could enjoy the weekend.
    beautiful signs of spring and lovely outfits to match. Great finds with those pleated skirts.
    Take care.

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    1. Thank you Goody. I think the spotty one will be a keeper, not sure about the moss green one. It looks a bit off on me ... xxx

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  7. All the talk and photos of walking in the park turned my mind to the one we visit in Grange Over Sands near to our caravan. We love nothing better than to buy a massive double flavoured ice cream from our favourite shop then dash over the road to the park before it starts to melt and plonk ourselves on a bench at the edge of the beautiful duck pond with its wide variety of birds.
    I like your berries and yellow outfit. You do find some lovely stuff in your charity shops. Stay well dear friend xxx

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    1. Oh dear, now you've given me a craving for a massive double-flavoured ice cream :-) xxx

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  8. totally see why you come back to that spot of nature year after year!
    and - like always with nature - it never get boring. in our little mountains we too often go the same ways - but every time its interesting and different - even in the same season.....
    my fav outfit today is the one from 2016 - the brownish dress is gorgeous and looks great on you - and i too love the teal tights and the shoes & handbag!
    glad your shoulder healed magically :-D
    xxxx

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    1. Thank you Beate. I definitely agree on nature never being boring. As for that brownish dress, it's still in my wardrobe and worn regularly. xxx

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  9. Lovely photos of that beautiful park and also lovely photos of your fruital pattern skirt and those berry colours and yellow jumper so delightful colours!, looking fab posing between the blooms!. Great to see that this spot was recurrently visited every spring, it's amazing the way we gravitate toward same places!. Love that 2016 outfit with the teal tights and earthy colours. And totally agree that the 2019 dress needs another outing, so beautiful blue!
    Those pleated skirts and the paisley one are all of them great purchases, but I have a weakness for the spoty one!
    The new tapestry bag looks Fabulous!
    Glat that your shoulder and neck recovered quickly, these are some annoying issues that usually make us feel cranky and miserable. Hope that you feel better!, spring is coming!
    besos

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    1. Thank you Monica! I actually have that dress hanging ready to wear, so I guess it will make it to the blog again soon! xxx

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  10. Pain in the neck can be so overwhelming. But I'm glad it was gone soon for you. Although all restrictions here are gone, going to a shop stuk doesn't feel good to me. I just don't want to stand close to anyone I don't know. We really need to go to our national park, we haven't been for weeks. I need some energising fresh air. Still, 10 days to go...... can you believe it! I think, I know, I will shed a tear on the ferry!

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    1. I know, I'm still not comfortable standing close to anyone I don't know. I guess it will take a while to readjust! xxx

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  11. I hope your neck pain is better. It is the worst. I hurt my neck a week ago but fortunately the pain only lasted a day or two.
    I love your hiking outfit. The yellow top papired with grape/ berry print skirt is a winning combo.

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    1. Thank you Ivana! Unfortunately, the pain comes and goes, and is exacerbated by stress. xxx

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  12. A charity shop day then walk through a park- sounds like perfecton. I particularly like your fruity skirt! X

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  13. I really like the red and yellow outfit you wore for your shopping and stroll around the lake! I hope your muscles are feeling better, muscle pain is so difficult and painful to work through!
    You got some really nice finds thrifting too - that polka dot skirt is definitely a keeper!

    Hope you're having a great weekend :) We went to a birthday party yesterday which was fun.

    Away From The Blue

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    1. Thank you Mica! I agree on the polka dot skirt! xxx

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  14. That is a beautiful park, even looking at the pictures feels peaceful!

    The scotty dog brooch is a fabulous find!

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  15. Isn't it blissful to have some spring blossom? I hear you about the maudlin mood I've been battling that for a while now. I do hope your neck and arm continue to improve. xx

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    1. It definitely is Gisela! Hopefully we get some more Spring weather to help battling our maudlin moods! xxx

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  16. Ann, this post has my most favourite picture of you!!! - the one where you are in amongst the blossom - beautiful blossom, beautiful outfit and beautiful you!

    Be gone with you neck and shoulder pain, and don't come back, grrrrr. I find 'rummage therapy' to be very helpful too.

    Lulu xXx

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    1. Ah, thank you so much Lulu, and yes, I agree about rummage therapy! xxx

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  17. In such awful times, it's great to see a bit of spring. There is still beauty in the world. What's happening in Ukraine is horrific (and my own government are being beyond awful, can't believe how terribly the UK government is acting.)

    All your outfits are lovely - that berry skirt is especially fruitilicious - and the Sacha handbag is a great find.

    Might be worth doing some exercises for your shoulders if you have regular trouble with them. It's the only thing that keeps the pain properly at bay for me. (And you won't end up looking like Arnie, I promise!)

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    1. Thank you Mim, I will definitely look into some exercises for my shoulder, as the pain seems to come and go! xxx

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  18. Blooms! Sweet, inspiring, utterly gorgeous new blooms! How lucky you are to have started experiencing them in March. We are still patiently waiting here, but know that so long as we are spared any further snow and daytime subzero temps, that point should really not be far off here either.

    I so adore the vibrant, richly hued ensemble you are sporting in the photographs of you nestled amongst those delicate white blossoms. Each enhances the other all the more.

    Autumn Zenith 🧡 Witchcrafted Life

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    1. Thank you Autumn! I hope your daytime subzero temps will soon improve! Brr! xxx

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