Saturday 4 April 2020

The world moves in slow-mo

I'm still finding it hard to get my head around the fact that the world keeps moving - in slow-mo perhaps, but moving nonetheless - in spite of the fact that chaos is reigning all around us.

At times, even my preferred la la la approach isn't working and, whether I like it or not, I have to face facts which are beyond my control. Enter Friday before last, when I was told that my working hours were being reduced to a mere two days a week for the foreseeable future. Work had been slowly but surely grinding to a halt when one by one countries the world over went into variations of lockdown and international flights, which are a mainstay of our line of business, were becoming a rare or even non-existent commodity.


At first, I cried hot tears at finding myself, albeit only partially and temporarily, unemployed: another blow to my already battered and bent-out-of-shape psyche. But then I had some sort of epiphany and actually started looking forward to my days off.  

Hadn't I been moaning for years that I would love to work less and have some more time for myself? Okay, I wouldn't be able to go outside much, but now was my chance to do all the things I never seemed to have time for!

The situation wouldn't leave us as poor as church mice either, especially with no flea markets, charity shops and my beloved Think Twice to go and spend my hard earned money in.



Waking up on Saturday morning, it was as if I'd flipped a switch and, although my head seemed to be filled with cotton wool, I hadn't felt as good in weeks. That was over a week ago, and I haven't had another anxiety attack since. Result!

That morning, I happily played around with my wardrobe, digging out a black vintage skirt printed with a yellow, red, green and blue flower and leaf design. To keep it company, I chose a teal based blouse with one of my favourite prints ever. It's from a retro label called Zoe Loveborn, and I have a dress in exactly the same print but with red trim and buttons (see here). The dress was a retail buy many years ago, but I picked up the blouse at a flea market in October 2016.



I added a green cameo brooch, a red and white vintage necklace and a red woven belt, throwing over my yellow batwing cardigan - H&M by way of a charity shop - when we went out into the garden.

I've got Sunday's outfit for you as well, but first I urge you to fasten your seatbelts, as I'll be whizzing you back to Friday to take you on that promised lunch break walk. 

As it was set to be another glorious blue-skied day, I even took my proper camera to work.



Leaving the office at 12.30, I skirted our office building, arriving at the concrete jungle beyond.

That's my office building on the top right. I'm on the 5th floor. The half open window with the half pulled up blind in the detail on the bottom right: that's the floor where I'm spending my working days.

From my lofty windows, I look out on an ever-changing cityscape, which since almost two years includes the ornate lettering spelling Antwerpen (top and bottom left) created for an event titled Antwerp Baroque 2018. Rubens Inspires. Notice the #Staysafe banner immediately below. 



I can see its gracefully tiered 123 metres high spire - now covered in scaffolding - from my office window, but my walk took me past the cathedral's main portal, with its sculptures depicting the Last Judgment.

There were only handful of people passing through the triangular square in front of the cathedral. Lined with a row of souvenir shops at its other end, it is usually teeming with tourists, making photography almost impossible.

On the bottom right is part of the gracious wrought iron construction crowning the so-called Quentin Matsijs well, named after its creator, a blacksmith and painter, who lived from 1466 to 1530. 



Another tourist honey pot is the Grote Markt (Market Square), which is bordered on two sides by a series of magnificent Guild Houses. These, however, aren't as old as they might appear at first glance. As the original houses were destroyed in a fire in 1576, they were rebuilt in Flemish Renaissance style, but revamped again in the nineteenth century, resulting in the current, lavishly decorated, houses. 


On this fine sunny day, with its azure blue sky, the gilded statues topping the houses were positively sparkling.

Another prominent feature of the square is the Brabo fountain and sculpture in front of the town hall. This bronze sculpture dating from the 1880s tells the story of Silvius Brabo and Antigoon. The latter was an evil giant who, as legend has it, cut off the hands of all those who refused to pay tolls to cross the River Scheldt. After the heroic Brabo finally managed to slay him, he returned the favour by severing the giant's hand and throwing it into the river.



Before retracing my steps, I walked towards the river to admire the row of rusty gabled hangars with their decorative ironwork pediments. The ornaments they are topped with include typical maritime attributes like anchors and ship's helms.

On the top right is one of the stone lions guarding the cobbled slope up to the waterfront promenade, which also contains a bronze sculpture of the goddess Minerva (bottom left), created by the Italian artist Marcello Mascherini, and dating from the 1950s.


On my way back to the office, I randomly photographed some of Antwerp's street corner and other Madonnas. I do confess to having a weakness for them, in particular the street corner ones, which I think are one of Antwerp's most charming features. There must be about 200 of them!


Freshly back from my short time travelling trip, here's what I was wearing on Sunday.

Although I found this dress with its giant flower print in Think Twice's sales back in December, this was actually its first wear. I definitely needed all the colours that day!


It's from the Finnish Vinetta label and I think its purplish blue is the perfect backdrop for the riot of colour provided by the flowers.

The print is really amazing, with hardly any repeat in the floral pattern.



I picked random colours from it for my accessories, wearing a bright pink belt and ditto opaques and  a green butterfly brooch.

As for my necklace, there was only one likely candidate: my chain of multi-coloured wooden discs, bought from Accessorize many years ago, and still a firm favourite.



And even though we weren't leaving the house that day, I didn't want to leave the side down, and put on make-up like I do on any other day, I only skipped the mascara, but not the lippy. After all, even in these trying times, life simply looks a whole lot better when one's wearing lipstick!

I'll be returning soon with tales of my exciting life as a semi-unemployed in Corona times!

Stay safe!



40 comments:

  1. Thanks for your tour of Antwerp, some gorgeous buildings and wonderful details especially the story about Silvius Brabo.
    I'm happy to read that you're feeling a lot less anxious and a bit more optimistic about your reduced hours. Once you've got your head around the situation just think of all the books you can read and mayabe you'll even give your Mum's sewing machine a whizz.
    Two fabulous outfits, the second dress reminds me of Monica's massive flower skirt she's wearing ohn her blog today and the first outfit is a brilliant study in pattern mixing and fabulous.
    I'm always at my best with lipstick on, too!
    Stay safe and happy and positive. xxxx

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    1. I'll have to give you a real life tour of Antwerp once all this is over :-) The dress made me think of Monica's massive flower skirt too. I'm not sure I'll ever be willing to get back to working full-time ... xxx

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  2. I'm glad you've been able to steady your anxiety-mine comes and goes but instead of dressing up beautifully I'm baking bread. Something about kneading dough that works the stress out of me.

    Stay safe.

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    1. As long as I avoid a news overdose, my anxiety is kept reasonably at bay! xxx

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  3. glad to hear that you came out of the dark - and into the light of the beautiful city of antwerp - minus tourists ;-D
    thank you for all the gorgeous photos!
    love the dress with the giant pattern - once i had one too, worn to dead because it was so chic....
    today it got me somehow - i shed two tears on the shoulder of the BW - but the hike up into the forest gave me my balance back.
    as we still have this icy winds and i´m still a bit cold i just wear the same (muted & practical) woolies again&again - at the moment i have more need for cozyness then for colors.......
    much love! xxxxx

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    1. I've definitely come out of the dark, and I'm actually enjoying my time off work and being a little housewife :-) Not sure I'll ever be a domestic goddess, though! xxx

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  4. That blue dress with big red flowers is so divine...such a pretty print and it looks great on you. Pairing it with a fuchsia pink belt (if I can see the colour correctly) was such a great idea.The pink tights look great with this dress as well. I also like the first outfit you shared. The light blue printed shirt and the dark blue skirt are both great pieces. I always like to see a good print mix.

    I'm awfully tired myself. There are days when I go to bed to 2am and get up at 6am and the workload just keeps on growing. I thought it will be easier with time. I don't know what to do.

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    1. Thank you Ivana! I can fully imagine your workload is making you tired. I'm actually glad of my reduced hours! xxx

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  5. I love your blue floral dress, what a way to brighten up your day.

    It was great 'joining' you on your lunch break walk, the Madonnas are spectacular! Wait til my mum sees them.

    I'm glad your perspective has changed a bit and you're looking at your time off as a chance to do all the things you wanted to do for yourself. Take care. X

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    1. Thank you Jess, I'm actually enjoying my time off. Within reason of course. If only there wasn't the threat of the virus ... xxx

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  6. Hello Ann. I'm glad to hear you're viewing this extra time at home as an opportunity to do all the things you couldn't do while working full-time. My anxiety still goes up and down but I am baking bread and cakes which is great for my peace of mind but terrible for my hips!

    Thankyou for taking us on a little tour of all the magnificent buildings around your workplace. Those Madonnas in particular are amazing. I'm slowly collecting some statues myself - my aim is to have a Madonna filled bathroom. I'm very particular about the statues that I collect though. The face has to be serene. I've seen some nasty faces on some Madonnas!

    I really love your first blouse and skirt outfit. What a glorious combination of patterns. Your dress has such a fabulous large floral print. I've said this before on your posts, I do love the darker tones on you.

    I can do without lippy, but mascara is a MUST!

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    1. Thank you Suzy! I knew you'd love the Madonnas. As you know, I've got a little collection myself. It's true though that some of them have nasty faces. I wonder why? xxx

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  7. I am glad to hear that you are feeling less anxious Anne! Me too, and aren't we lucky that the weather has been so good. How lovely to have a tour of your city without all the tourists! You have some lovely buildings and statues. I really love the street corner madonnas. The print on that dress is amazing! No wonder you feel cheered up wearing that! Sending love and ((hugs)), stay well XXX

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    1. Thank you Linda, and hugs received with gratitude. I hope you are well and keeping safe! xxx

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  8. Thank you so much for this wonderful Antwerp pictures. It's a strange feeling to go out for work. Wonderful weather and blue sky, but nothing to visit outside. Ann you look soooo amazing in your colorful dresses. I love all your styles. They are positiv and say Yes to life! Stay healthy and take care, a very huge hug Tina

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    1. Thank you Tina! Now that I'm only working 2 days a week, it's even more strange to go out for work. I do prefer staying into my little bubble! xxx

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  9. Antwerp looks beautiful, the corner Madonnas are so unusual.
    Your massive print dress is fab, it looks unique, what a pattern.
    I'm glad you feel so much less anxious and are able to enjoy your time at home. I don't know about you but I just keep finding new things to do! xxx

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    1. Thank you Sally, and I can honestly say that I haven't been bored for one minute. And I certainly love the slower pace! xxx

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  10. That last dress is beautiful on you! It must be so strange having your work cut back but it's good you are able to see the positive side :) At lot of people here have completely lost their jobs which is sad.

    Hope that you had a lovely weekend :) We all stayed home and stayed safe, hope you did too.

    Away From Blue

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    1. Thank you Mica! We too have been staying at home as much as possible. Feeling safest in our little bubble! xxx

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  11. Sorry about your reduced hours but it's great that you are looking on the positive side.. in the long run the extra hours to your self may be just what you needed.
    You look like a ray of sunshine as always... stay well.

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    1. Thank you Hena! I've been thinking about working 4/5 for some time, and this might be the final trigger to do so. Stay safe! xxx

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  12. Antwerp looks spectacular! How brilliant you can get round and take fab photos with no pesky tourists getting in the way. The virus does have some upsides!

    I'm glad you are feeling better and deciding to enjoy your enforced leisure. Happy reading. sewing, sorting etc.

    I am so enamoured of that gorgeous blouse; the print is so good but I particularly like the piping. The multi coloured dress is superb. No one could fail to be cheered by your colourful outfits and fab accessories.

    Stay safe and well, Ann.
    xxx

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    1. Thank you Vronni! Antwerp is well worth a visit, and in normal times I'm happy to work there, and go for little walks - or rummages in Think Twice - in my lunch breaks. Now it does feel a bit like enemy territory ... xxx

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  13. I'm so glad that you're feeling better and making the most of your free time. Your outfits cheer me up in such an incredible way!. Love your teal and colorful blouse, its print is so magnificent (love your dress too) and how lovely it looks with the red necklace and cute yellow cardi!. Looking fab!
    I also have a weakness for architectural details and street corners niches containing statues!. I love these collages, the gilded sculptures, the amazing façades and the history and legends!. Thank you!
    And I'm obviously in love with your massive flower dress, such a stunning piece! and you look particularly gorgeous in it!. Love your necklace and cute brooch too, you're so talented picking fab accessories!
    besos

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    1. Thank you Monica! I too have a weakness for architectural and other details. I often wish I could make photographs just by fluttering my eyes ;-) And I'll always be thinking of you when I wear my massive flower dress! xxx

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  14. I am so happy to hear that you're feeling better, Ann! Like you, I've officially been given reduced hours as of today/Monday - I'll be going to 3 days a week in the office. I'm grateful for this, as my alternative was to be fully laid-off and then have to try to claim unemployment from the government. We have savings (and L is still working full-time), and will not hurt for money. I am also saving a ton from not shopping right now!

    I loved your walk and pictures - what a beautiful city! The gold statues remind me of the one we have here on top of our legislature building.

    Gorgeous dresses/outfits! You are a riot of colour in the first one - I used to have a similar yellow cardi! The pattern on the second one reminds me of that black maxi I just wore last week - don't you love those ginormous patterns?

    A little lippy goes a long way to helping us feel normal, doesn't it? Glad to hear you are doing better. Hug!

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    1. I actually seem to like being at home. In fact, this might be the final push for me to reduce my hours to 4/5. I am claiming unemployment benefits for the 3 days that I'm not working. They've made it really easy to do so, just completing an online form with my Union, who will do the rest. xxx

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  15. It's hard ot let things go ... I'm glad you find pleasure in being at home more. Hopefully your partial unemployment will be temporary. I believe that we all have "to let feathers" (this is a saying in German, I don't know if it's also English). All the best! Regula

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    1. Thank you Regula, I do hope it will be temporary, and our company will recover once all this is over ... xxx

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  16. Thanks for the walking tour, it's such a beautiful place.
    Your Sunday dress is fabulous, what a find!
    I'm glad to hear that you're feeling more chipper, a bit of positive thinking and re-framing the way we look at things can certainly help the situation. I thought I would be taking the time to do more, but I decided I needed to just be instead. The house continues to cleaned and tidied though, I get so much satisfaction from that.
    Take care
    xx

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    1. Thank you Hazel! I too thought I would be able to do more, but I'm constantly deviating from my original to do list, tackling little things I enjoy instead, and just being for the rest of the time. xxx

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  17. I'm glad you haven't had any more panic attacks, though having your hours cut must be horrible. I hope you're able to enjoy your unexpected leisure time.

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    1. Thanks Mim! At first I thought it was horrible, but I've come around from that, and I'm actually enjoying my time off. I'm trying not to think too much of the future ... xxx

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  18. You see, there is always a sunny side! To everything! What a beautiful sculptors you are passing there. I only heard from Antigoon as in Suske en Wiske. Yes I'm a culture barbarian. You look ravishing as always!

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    1. There is, Nancy, you are so right! I had to smile when I saw your remark about Suske en Wiske, as I was just about to publish my next post featuring Lambik! xxx

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  19. Your GORGEOUS outfits are a sight for sore eyes- ooooh, so so sartorially genius!!!! I love them!
    I'm so sorry that your work has forced you to cut hours but I am glad you 'flipped the switch' and began to feel positive about it.
    It's lovely to see beautiful Antwerp in all its architectural beauty! Gorgeous!x

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    1. Thank you so much Kezzie! Yes, Antwerp is a beautiful city. I hope that one day I can show you around in real life! xxx

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  20. I'm so glad you have been able to see the best in your reduced hours, this too will pass. Fabulous outfits as ever and wonderful pictures of Antwerp. xx

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    1. Thanks Gisela, and indeed this too will pass. I'm actually making the most of my reduced hours! xxx

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