Wednesday 1 April 2020

Nothing rhymes

We were blessed with a string of bright sunny days last week. Still a wee bit too chilly, courtesy of a persistent, at times frosty wind, it nevertheless made the world outside our windows look a little less hostile.

In spite of this, I had quite a wobbly week, choking up and getting all teary-eyed at the oddest of  moments and usually at the most inconsequential of things.

Perhaps it was the juxtaposition of the glorious weather with what is slowly but surely being considered as our new normal that hit me in the solar plexus? I mean, how can it be Spring when everything else is awry and nothing rhymes? Things are so surreal that I keep expecting to wake up from this nightmare any moment.



But wobbles are just that, brief moments in time when our hearts can no longer cope with all the pent-up emotions, and we have to let off steam. Then we pick ourselves up and carry on. Never did the famous Keep Calm and Carry On slogan ring so true.

So, I tried to keep calm and carried on wearing my most colourful outfits. And while the first bit wasn't always a success, I'd like to think I nailed the second with my choice of outfits!

If I remember correctly - sorry, head's a bit of a jumble too - this is what I was wearing on Monday before last.



The outfit was built around the exuberantly dotted aubergine blouse, which I was determined to wear as a pick-me up. From its print, I picked orange for my cardigan, and yellow for the flower corsage pinned to it, as well as my belt and tights. Both orange and yellow were combined in my vintage beaded necklace. The one that always reminds me of bubble gum balls!

My skirt is vintage St. Michael, and is part of a suit, with a short-sleeved belted jacket. See here.



Picking a final colour from the blouse's dots, I added a white poodle brooch. Isn't he the cutest?

I hadn't been out of the office during my lunch breaks for over a week but, after feeling particularly wretched on Wednesday morning, I needed to clear my head and thus walked to Antwerp's botanical garden again.

The sky was an almost surreal blue, contrasting most picturesquely with the sunlit buildings, with Antwerp's famous Art Deco skyscraper (top left) dwarfing my office building, which you can just catch a glimpse of in the bottom right corner.


Making a slight detour through some traffic free shopping streets spacious enough for social distancing, I passed a covered gallery of shops (bottom right) where weirdly enough music is gently tinkling from the sound system all day even though all the shops are closed.

Where the traffic free streets end, I happened to look up and spot an umbrella hanging from a branch of a tree.  

Dodging the traffic on the busy street I'd arrived at, I briefly retraced my steps, then walked past the magnificent neoclassical Bourla theatre (top right), completed in 1834 and topped with statues of Apollo and the nine muses.


Then, after rounding a corner, the decorative stone balustrade bordering the botanical garden soon came into view. Topped by a series of ornate lampposts, it offers a bird's eye view of the sunken garden, a haven of serenity away from the chaos.




Dating back from 1825, the botanical garden was used for medical purposes for the adjacent St.Elisabeth hospital. Legend has it that its little pond was used to keep bloodsuckers which they used at the hospital. 




The garden, affectionately known as Den Botaniek, has been managed by the city of Antwerp since 1926 and in 1950 it was listed as a valuable landscape for the city of Antwerp and its inhabitants.

There was no sign of the tulip with my name on it, but at least the label made me smile!

Not that you'd notice, as I was wearing my scarf doubling as a makeshift face mask.



Despite its small size, the botanical garden still houses an incredible 2000 plant species, with some artwork dotted among them. 



Feeling refreshed and in a galaxy of my own, courtesy of the starry night print of my dress, we did some outfit photos in the garden after work.

Thanks to our heavy duty pruning, I was able to stand in the small paved sunken area in the middle of our garden, where even Phoebe had trouble getting into before, as it had become completely overgrown.

I was actually waiting for a spaceship to pick me up and zoom me over to a virus free planet, but none came so I gave up in the end.


The dress is vintage and once again it's one that's been in my wardrobe forever but hadn't been worn for a silly amount of time. It is made of a swishy rayon fabric, made even more swishier because of its lining.

I wore Monday's orange cardigan on top to which I clipped another one of my flower corsages.



While we were out in the garden, I had the opportunity to take a rare portrait of Her Majesty in which she isn't a blur or has just closed her eyes. You can see the little chink in her right ear, made when she was picked up and neutered as a one-year-old stray, before she was adopted by us.



Another view of my dress, without the cardigan this time. The squishy blue belt with its rectangular buckle is an old retail buy, as is the turquoise birds-in-flight brooch. The mottled blue beaded necklace is one of a plethora picked up in a long-gone vintage shop.

Putting on my Smiling Princess act here, but this can change in the blink of an eye.

When I went for a little walk during next day's lunch break and came across this heartbreaking scene in front of a cavalry group sculpture around the corner from my office, tears once again blurred my eyes, making me cut my walk short and flee back inside.




Today was my last working day of the week, so I'll probably have a bit more time for blogging now.

I promise to return shortly with photos of another, more successful, lunch break walk. 

Until then, stay safe my friends xxx



45 comments:

  1. nothing wrong with crying when we feel like it!
    we must give way to our feelings if we want to stay sane - this bizarr happening is way to much to burry inside ones heart.....
    blogging saves me again - reading & communicating about life, seeing fabulous photos & clothes has helped me in the past and it still does.
    speaking of frocks - i needed sunglasses for you first outfit - super sunny fabulousness!!! the 2. dress reminds me of fireworks - and i love the pale blue accessorizing....
    extra big hug! much love! xxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Beate, it's good to know I'm not alone. Blogging really keeps me grounded too! xxx

      Delete
  2. Oh, honey...((((((Ann)))))) Our emotions are so close to the surface now, aren't they? I'm also trigged at the drop of a hat into tears. Some of us just can't help but feel everything so deeply. This ongoing gloom cuts us over and over. But the flip side of that is all the good stories coming out of this: the neighbours serenading each other, people helping each other out. Those bring me to tears too. Anyway, feel what you feel. It's okay to do that. Hey, I'm crying just writing this. :)

    You are a vision of sun and joy in these outfits! You know I have a special place in my heart for yellow and that first outfit just sings with the orange and purple.

    I love seeing nature when I'm feeling overwhelmed - it calms me. The umbrella in the tree is very poetic - I would have noticed that too!

    Your swooshy dress is also so cheery - the flower brooch is lovely. I have a collection of those that I've gotten out of the habit of wearing, but they work as a cheat of nature!

    I admit I spent at least a few minutes talking to Phoebe's picture! She's so regal and haughty!

    Take care of yourself, my dear.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the hug, darling, it did make me feel so much better to know I'm not alone. Sometimes I'd like to tone down the volume of my feelings, but then again that wouldn't be me! xxx

      Delete
  3. I finally had a cry the other day when the local teaCHERS HAD A "CAR PARADE" up our street. Everyone came out and waved, but then I completely lost it in a pool of tears. There's no rulebook for dealing with this sort of thing, and anyway how do you deal with trauma while still going through it?

    Hang in there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Goody! I've had less wobbles, but sometimes the silliest of things get to me. I'm a crybaby at the best of times ... xxx

      Delete
  4. You are certainly successfully in wearing your most colourful outfits! Your polka dot shit is particularly cheerful!
    Getting outside can be such a lovely remedy to our troubles, I'm trying to go on a walk everyday and the fresh air is lovely. I've had my wobbles too.
    What a lovely shot of Phoebe, it's such a delight to capture them like that!
    Take care Ann - this too shall pass
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  5. Obviously I meant polka dot SHIRT! I didn't spot that I'd missed the R... how embarrassing, but it did make me laugh, I hope you did too!
    xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh yes, it certainly made me laugh, Hazel, and it seems it did some of the other commenters as well. There's something about that shirt, you know. The first time it featured on my blog, I called it my "striking" aubergine shirt, and one of my readers read it as "stinking" :-))) xxx

      Delete
    2. :OD
      Maybe it's the spots messing with our eyesight!?!
      xx

      Delete
    3. I wouldn't be surprised :-) xxx

      Delete
  6. Great picture of the cat! I think we have all had moments of fear and doubt over the last few weeks. It is a terrible time. Your lovely outfits add a splash of colour and cheer. Thank you and take care.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Liz, it is indeed a terrible time and the only thing I can do is try to stay safe! xxx

      Delete
  7. I have felt overly anxious at times but try to stày calm and carry on. Looking forward to when all this is over, I look forward to seeing the sea again. The Botanical Gardens are beautiful, thank you for sharing your visit with us. All good wishes, Carole.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Carole, I do look forward to seeing the sea again too. We were supposed to go there over Easter :-( xxx

      Delete
  8. How nice to be able to get to the botanic garden - being in contact with green space is really good for the spirit, I always find.

    Sorry to hear you had a wobbly week. I find my mood dips and rises. Dressing nicely is definitely the way to tackle it - I find I'm always much more ready to tackle the day (even if that is sitting in my chair, working on my laptop) once I've put my makeup on. I hope your lovely clothes lift your spirits!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Mim! All dressed up and made up, but nowhere to go, but as long as it makes us feel better, that's OK! xxx

      Delete
  9. Hazel's spelling mistake just made me spit coffee all over my PC!
    I'm so sorry that you're feeling anxious and having a few wobbles but I love that you're counteracting the doom and gloom by dressing in glorious colour!
    The Botantical Gardens really are lovely as are your photos. Connecting with nature is so good for our souls.
    All your outfits are gorgeous but the spotty one wins for me.
    What a lovely photo of Phoebe, I love her chubby cheeks!
    Hope you're having a relaxing day.
    Much love to you and Jos from us both! xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm happy I wasn't drinking any coffee when I read it :-) When I called it "striking" the first time it appeared on the blog, Fiona read "stinking" instead, so there's definitely something going on with the shi(r)t :-) xxx

      Delete
    2. Sorry Vix! Hope your PC survived the coffee.
      :OD
      xx

      Delete
  10. Oh Ann, don't worry about having wobbles and crying you're human! It's a scary time but just think about the time off you'll have. Time to spend in the garden - better weather on the way, time for reading,time to play about with lovely colourful wardrobe and accessories. Loved your outfits and you look like a very happy princess.

    And talking of princesses - what a lovely cat Phoebe is; what a glossy coat and I love the little nick in her ear.

    Stay safe and well, Ann and Jos.
    xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Vronni. I've a friend who says she hasn't cried even once, which is really something I cannot imagine! xxx

      Delete
  11. Phoebe is a beauty, animals keep us sane don't they? I'm sorry you are feeling anxious, it's a scary time isnt it. I decided to avoid the news today, it helped.
    Your photos of Antwerp are beautiful, doesnt the sunshine help? I'm thinking of you, take care xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Sally! I need to skip the news once in a while as well, otherwise it would be a downwards spiral! xxx

      Delete
  12. As always, you look beautiful in your wonderful vintage dresses. I also love your first look, with the orange cardi and a skirt.
    As for wonderful weather- it seems a bit surreal in these times, doesn't it. These are indeed crazy times. It is normal to cry. I'm sure I got teary eyed a few times this week. I'm fine, but I'm working practically non stop. I feel like I'm working a never ending shift.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Ivana! I'm sorry to hear you are inundated with work. It's quite the opposite with me, which isn't good either ... xxx

      Delete
  13. It's comforting to know that you are putting down in words all that many of us are feeling. The anxiety is affecting us all in different ways, but at least we have this little platform to express our concerns and connect with each other.

    I'm so glad you have adorable Phoebe. It has been proven that pets are such an asset during times of stress. I'd love to be fostering some kittens now but seems like everyone here has the same idea and the local RSPCA has reported they've all been fostered out. Seems like we'll just have to wait our turn.

    As always, you bring a smile to my face with your beautiful outfits. I so love going over all the little accessory details. Your first outfit just screams sunshine. I love it.

    Thankyou for taking us for a tour of your local botanical garden. All the pretty new blooms bring hope of new life and better days.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Suzy! I'm keeping a journal at the moment to vent my feelings. I do not want to preach doom and gloom in my blog, but I can't very well ignore what I'm feeling either. It's a thin line ... But I'm glad to bring a smile to your face, that's what I'm doing it for! xxx

      Delete
  14. You have a wonderful blog! The topics you write about are very close to me. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

    I follow you through GFC! If you want, go to my blog :)

    MY NEW POST: TOP 11 VERY CHEAP PROM DRESSES 2020 ♥

    ReplyDelete
  15. These are strange, incredibly uncertain times with an undeniable sense of the surreal to them. Sweet Ann, it is 110% okay to have wobbly moments, to cry, to feel uncertain, to question the future, to not be fine all the time, and to have our thoughts and moods fluctuate a good deal right now.

    You are not alone. Your concerns and emotions are endlessly valid, and it is hugely commendable of you to speak so deeply from your heart.

    Please know that my support, understanding, love, hope, and hugs are with you - and that I am always just an email away.

    Autumn Zenith 🎃 Witchcrafted Life

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Autumn, it is such a comfort to know I'm not alone and there are kindred spirits out there! xxx

      Delete
  16. Oh what a wobbly week it has been, I emphasise with you completely. Spending time in nature is about the best thing we can do, I think, it can be very calming.

    Your outfit is so cheery, and the poodle brooch is just adorable.

    You made me chuckle with your spaceship remark. Wouldn’t it be interesting to do some UFO watching at a time like this! Take care and be kind to yourself. X

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jess! I wish we had a nature reserve nearby, but they're all a car ride away ... xxx

      Delete
  17. I so love your first outfit, Ann! It's vibrancy makes me smile. Your colourful style is a treat for these uncertain times. Phoebe is looking more majestic than ever! She is a beauty! Take care, Ann! XXX

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Sasha. Yes, she is rather majestic, isn't she? She knows she's the boss! xxx

      Delete
  18. Dear lady, I'm glad that you're wearing your colorful outfits to cheer you (and us) up and feel better, 'clothing as armour' as Sheila says!. And glad that you could go for a lunch walk and enjoy some landscapes and flowers and trees.
    Love your polka dots shirt (with a r ;D), its aubergine color and how fab it looks with all the orange color around. Love your delightfully matchy belt, necklace and floral brooch!
    Love the starry night print dress, it looks like a shooting stars shower, and such a fab color combo, love the orange cardi and tights and the blue beads and brooch!. You totally rock your accessories!

    Her Majesty looks Regal actually!, such a personality!

    It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed, moved or sad and it's good to share it!. It's impossible to avoid all the nightmare-living sensation, and it takes time to get used to this 'new normal' situation (I don't want to get used to it, anyway!)
    We're in this together!.
    besos


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, spring and sunshine collide with the odd situation. However, I am no longer afraid of the virus. I've read many articles about it and listen to what is happening in Sweden. We will see. It doen't mean there are no changes to the world as we have known it. Meanwhile let's keep doing what we like doing. Let's focus on the positive. All the best! Regula

      Delete
    2. Thank you so much, Monica, I totally agree with using "clothing as armour", now more than ever! And I definitely don't want to get used to the new normal either. The better we all behave and comply now, the sooner this nightmare will be over! xxx

      Delete
    3. @Babajeza: I admire you no longer being afraid of the virus, but having an older husband, it's not something I can get out of my mind! xxx

      Delete
  19. It does feel like a nightmare. E are so blessed that Gerben doesn't have to go to work hole April. It takes of so much stress. But when everything is back to normal, he will have to work a lot and have no free days anymore. So this year we want to forget before our it's even has good begun. But we are having a good time at home, just the two of us, so let's not complain. That dotted blouse is gorgeous, also love the jacket that belongs to the skirt. I'm thinking Miss Moneypenny.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Nancy, I'm not complaining either, as I'll certainly be able to find many things to keep me occupied at home and in the garden. We'll have to go without our usual holiday this year, but hey, I can still look like Miss Moneypenny ;-) xxx

      Delete
  20. That's a gorgeous picture of Phoebe- she is a beauty!!
    I am sorry for your wobbles- they are totally understandable- I had a few of them too- I just keep praying when I get scared!
    Beautiful outfits and I love the spot blouse! x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Kezzie! I agree, Phoebe is a beautiful cat, but she does have her own mind. Well, which cat hasn't? I'm happy for you that you've got your faith! xxx

      Delete