Saturday 22 December 2018

The city sun sets over me

When eventually it stopped raining, I breathed a huge sigh of relief. As we were in the run-up to Winter, this could of course only mean one thing: we were in for a - minor - cold snap. But that's OK, I can live with that as long as blue skies and a bit of sunshine are part of the bargain.

The downside was that all this happened during the week before last, when I was cooped up in the office. Oh well, at least I got to enjoy some spectacular sunsets from my perch on the 5th floor.


I took these photos with my phone and they were not enhanced in any way. The sky really was this amazing fiery mix of tangerines and pinks, with a pinch of darkest indigo thrown in.

The city does look rather lovely, doesn't she? Well, she does, as long as you keep your eyes focused on the skyscape and don't let them wander down to street level, where hordes of frenzied shoppers are hunting for presents beneath the merrily twinkling Christmas lights.

Not for me, no thank you! Working in the city centre at this time of year really is the Nightmare before Christmas!


There, rant over! 

One day, when the weather was really exceptional, I even braved the crowds and walked.

I was almost swept up in a tide of shoppers when I took these photographs of Electra. Standing on top of a building which houses a well-known department store, she seemed to be casting a spell on us, mere mortals. She was being wooed by Anthony Van Dyck, who was making eyes at her from his plinth below. Clearly not impressed, she promptly turned him to stone!



Grey clouds reigned again on Friday. As public transport was seriously disrupted by a general strike, I was obliged to take the day off. Not that I minded very much!

It must have been no later than 2.30 pm and daylight was fading already. However, we made the most of what was remaining by going for a long overdue walk in the park.

Wearing my fake fur coat, which I'd unearthed from its out of season hiding place that morning, I was well prepared for the cold.


Beneath my coat, I wore a crazily patterned, reddish brown handmade vintage dress, its tie secured by a tapestry brooch.The brooch was found at a flea market many months ago. As its fastening was broken, it had been patiently waiting its turn with the other waifs and strays in brooch hospital, for Dr. Jos to mend it.

The sleeveless Welsh wool jacket I've added on top was a present from my lovely friend Vix.

I didn't want my legs to be turned into icy pillars, so I wore a pair of nude tights underneath my burnt orange opaques. My green booties from Middelburg were cozy and comfortable.



I'd quickly grabbed this scarf in my haste to leave the house, but it wasn't nearly warm enough. Same goes for the green knitted hat with its chunky pompom. It does look deceptively warm, but it's a rather loose knit, plus it kept escaping from my ears, leaving them exposed to the icy elements.

The mustard leather gloves did do the trick, even though I had to keep removing them in order to make photographs. Should have worn my fingerless gloves!



In the fading light, the trees are blackish-green silhouettes.

I wonder, are they sleeping, their roots buried deeply in the cold, cold ground? And if they do, are they dreaming of Spring? 



Some of the ponds were covered with a flimsy layer of opalescent frost, while others were flat as squeaky clean mirrors, silently reflecting a motley crew of skeleton trees.



In Flanders parks the poppies blow ...

The bare branches of this lonely little tree were hung with bright red laminated poppies, clearly the result of a primary school project, their messages proclaiming that "war has to stop and peace must come". 


Saturday was another dry, yet bitterly cold day. I briefly braved the cold to show you what I was wearing that morning. This is yet another one of my dresses with a self-tie but, although I like the colour and print, I'm on the fence about it, as I just can't seem to style it right.

It's mainly the unwieldy tie which is the culprit! In a bid to make it behave, I added a floral scarf clip. I also wore moss green opaques, a lilac cardigan and a purple beret.

I only wore the dress in the morning, changing into jeans and a polo neck after lunch. Yes, you've read that right and no, I don't have pictures! 


The reason I was wearing such an uncharacteristic outfit is that for the last month or so, we have been dedicating part of our weekends to clearing my parental home.

We'd made a start two years ago, just after my Dad passed away, but stopped when my brother temporarily moved into the house. This temporary situation turned into two years, but now that he's moved out, we can finally finish what we started.

Oh, the stuff my parents kept!  They hardly threw anything away. Consequently, we filled bin bag after bin bag of rubbish, while many carloads of stuff have gone to the charity shops and the recycling centre.


It was unavoidable that some things ended up at Dove Cottage too, ranging from practical items to those of sentimental value.

My Dad's nearly new food processor and retro style portable radio both found a home in Dove Cottage's kitchen. 

Bags of household linen, some of it yellowed with age, were given the charity, but I just couldn't bear to part with the tablecloths on the top right and bottom left. 


The framed document above, dating from 1930, was presented to my paternal granddad after he finished his military service. I'm sure we will find a bit of wall to hang it up!


Sorting out my Mum's sewing box and the vintage tin, both full of sewing materials, provided hours of fun on a rainy afternoon. 



I suspect that the 1950s fruit bowl and Space Age thermometer were both given to my parents as wedding presents. As long as I can remember, they lived side by side on top of our living room sideboard.

Both were covered with a layer of dust by now, but were given a good clean and a new lease of life at Dove Cottage, where they are getting the love these heirlooms deserve.

Last but not least! While clearing out the attic, we stumbled upon a rickety wardrobe, its contents a big question mark as its key had been lost.

When Jos finally managed to open it, there it was, my Mum's coat!



Not only had I forgotten all about it, I never even suspected that it was still around. Clearly it was waiting for me. I mean, look at that colour! And what's more, it's a perfect fit!

My Mum must have had it custom made back in the 1960s and now that I set eyes on it again, I actually remember her wearing it. 

I did choke up a bit when I first tried it on, and there might have been a few tiny tears ...

I simply had to wear it to the flea market on Sunday. But that'll be for a next post!

Meanwhile, I'm joining the other girls at Nancy's Fancy Friday. I'm also joining Patti and the gang as usual at Patti's Visible Monday!



30 comments:

  1. As usual you find and wear the most interesting prints. And I love how you match your beautiful surroundings perfectly! Your scenery photos are always a treat. That is so wonderful you found your Mom's coat. And the color is spectacular. I do not have one article of clothing from my Mom. Have no idea what became of her older stuff. It would so be nice to have for sentimental reasons.

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    1. Thank you Theresa! Would you know I hadn't even noticed my matching the surroundings until you pointed it out? I'm so pleased I found my Mum's coat. I wish I had more of her things even if purely for sentimental reasons. xxx

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  2. finding that coat is magical!
    cant wait to see you in it - its very chic. last time my mums 60s clothes fitted me i was 14 - in the wide, but they were on the short side, i was 20cm taller as mum already, ;-D
    i do know this kind of berets - was interested because of the style - but they´r made to sit on top of a short curly hairdo - not for housing my horse mane or keeping ears warm. so i left them behind, even in one of my fav colors - dust pink!
    tons of hugs to you! xxxxx

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    1. It is, isn't it? I will wear it, but only once in a while, as I'm so afraid of wearing it out. It's the only item of clothing I got which belonged to my Mum! xxx

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  3. Isn't that coat fantastic? What is even better is the fact that you are wearing cherished memories. Personal connections to our clothing creates value.

    I have two dresses from my Mom that I cherish. I may have to lose a few pounds to fit back in them. For years I could wear them and when I hit 51 things started sliding down to my waist.

    Wishing you and Jos a wonderful Christmas and New Year!

    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

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    1. It is, isn't it? I couldn't believe my luck, as I thought my Dad got rid of all my Mum's clothes after she passed away. The coat purely survived because it was hidden in the wardrobe in the attic! xxx

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  4. Oh Ann what a beautiful coat! It's absolutely perfect for you. xx

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  5. I'm practically crying reading about you finding the coat. How lovely to have found something so meaningful. A very happy new year to you and Jos.

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    1. Thank you Goody! I might have shed a few tears when I first put it on ... xxx

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  6. I'm so happy that you can finally sort out the house and absolutely thrilled to bits that you found your Mum's coat - if I saw it in a vintage shop I'd say that's an Ann coat, it's so you!
    Love your cold weather outfits, colourful and stylish with not a hint of fleece in sight! We've had those beautiful skies, too but it's been mild here.
    Sending you, Jos and Phoebe lots of love and happiness for the festive season. xxxx

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    1. Thank you Vix! Just the mention of the word fleece is giving me the creeps ... xxx

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  7. It's lovely that you found your Mum's coat Ann, it's perfect for you, I agree with Vix above, it's so you.
    Those sunset photos are beautiful and peaceful, a reminder to look up!!
    Wishing you and Jos a very happy Christmas and New Year xxx

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    1. Thank you Sally! I've been enjoying these sunsets from the office window for over 20 years, and I'm still captivated by them! xxx

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  8. Oh how lovely you found your mum's coat! What a beauty it is. That sounds like a major job clearing your parents house but now you've done it I bet you feel good and what lovely mementoes you have decided to keep.

    I loved both your outfits and it must have been freezing to wear two pairs of tights!

    Wonderful photos of the sunset sky...

    Season's greetings to you and Jos.
    xxx

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    1. Thank you Veronica! Clearing my parents' house is indeed a major job, I'll be glad when it's finished and we can put up the For Sale sign! xxx

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  9. Beautiful photos, clothes and writing, Ann! Your posts are such a treat! Wishing you, Jos & Phoebe a very Merry Christmas! Hope you have a wonderful day. Thank you so much for all of your lovely comments on my blog, Ann! I really appreciate it. XXX

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  10. Awh I got a lump in my throat when I saw your mum’s coat and how perfect that it fits you Ann.
    I kept Philip’s mum’s coat for a while then gifted it to Vix and it’s been seen on her blog a few times. I can’t see the next generation having these treasures can you.
    Enjoy the rest of 2018 both of you and here’s to a happy and healthy 2019 dear friends xxxx

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    1. Thank you Lynn! I do remember the story of Philip's Mum's coat. At least it's gone to a good home! And I think you're right about the next generation ... Sad, really xxx

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  11. Oh what beautiful photos. Such a beautiful city. And at least your dad's items ended up some where good. I have the same mixer in red. And that green coat that was custom made is GORGEOUS!

    Allie of
    www.allienyc.com

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    1. Thank you so much for visiting and commenting, Allie! xxx

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  12. The city shots are truly spectacular! I am glad I live away from all the hustle and bustle, and this season is very quiet here, as is the rest of the year really.

    Lovely dresses, both green and red ones, but the green wool cardigan just steals my heart! Such fine details.

    I hope you enjoy your break, dear Ann, and slower pace of life for a while! Happy New Year!! Hugses!

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    1. I'm not a big fan of the hustle and bustle either. I do like it quiet. I'd live at a slower pace, if I could, but alas ... Not yet, in any case. xxx

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  13. It must feel nice to be able to make progress sorting out your family home. And how nice to be able to bring a little of it home with you.
    xx

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    1. Thank you Hazel! Yes, we're finally starting to get somewhere with the family home! I will both breathe a sigh of relief and shed a tear when the house is sold. xxx

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  14. How bittersweet, to go through all your parents' stuff, but to find that coat! How amazing! I love having a few things that belonged to my family - it makes me feel closer to each of the previous owners.

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    1. It really is bittersweet, especially the unexpected little things you'd forgotten all about. And yes, I love having a few family heirlooms. There are things that would have been downright cruel to get rid of. xxx

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  15. How hard it must have been to go through your parents' things. I felt that hard when I was helping clear my Grandad's house. I remembered lots too. And also found out things (like the fact he and my Nan were naturists!!! I had no idea!)

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    1. Sadly, I was far too young when my grandparents passed away. In hindsight, I would have liked to have kept some of their things as mementos. It is really hard, as I am far too sentimental ... xxx

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