Sunday 12 July 2020

Bumbling along

Although I'm feeling much better by now and the tears have dried up for the time being, my mood is still a bit all over the place. I'm fidgety and unable to settle to anything, and I'm feeling as if I've been just bumbling along lately.  Sometimes, hours seem to have passed and whole mornings wasted away without having done very much at all. The strange thing is, I can think of a million and one things to do, but I simply can't seem to get started.

My non-working days get kick-started by our usual fruit and yoghurt breakfast, which is then followed by one of my greatest pleasures: choosing my outfit for the day! But lately even that seems to take longer than usual. I'm endlessly dithering over what to wear and when that is finally decided, choosing my accessories often involves a lot of trial and error until I'm happy with the result. This eternal indecisiveness really does my head in.

No doubts about this dress, though. A Think Twice sales bargain back in  March 2019, in a mix of solid green and white on green chevrons, it instantly caught my eye when I opened the wardrobe doors on Friday before last. Wearing my favourite colour always makes thing better!




There was also no doubt that I would be wearing red with it, so I started by replacing the dress's matching belt with a red vinyl one with a large plastic buckle.  I think I tried about five red beaded necklaces, though, until I finally decided on this one. 

The floral brooch, which includes Edelweiss and Gentian, is vintage and was a flea market find.

On my wrist, a red plastic bangle and chunky green bracelet, a charity shop find and a rare retail buy respectively. 

The red suede shoes are Tamaris and were charity shopped as well.



The weather that day was another mix of clouds, patches of sunshine and the odd shower. 

We were on our way to the garden centre when we passed the charity shop on the outskirts of our village. As the car park seemed relatively empty, we decided to go for it, so we donned our masks, grabbed a sanitized cart and tentatively walked inside.


Even though all shops here in Belgium have re-opened on 18 May, this was our very first visit to a charity shop since before lockdown, as we'd decided to wait until the first rush to the shops was over.

This particular shop which, as most charity shops here in Belgium, is a lot larger than the average UK charity shop by way of comparison, was an oasis of calm. Being back there felt strange and familiar at the same time, and Jos aptly remarked it was a bit like being on a school trip.


While Jos bought a coffee from the vending machine in the cafeteria, I browsed the well-stocked clothing aisles, quickly finding a cherry print dress from retro label Zoë Loveborn, and a funky print long-sleeved River Woods top.


We'd already added the set of Miss Marple DVD's to our cart after we'd just walked in and I grabbed the three-strand necklace form the jewellery display on our way to the checkout.

As everything went smoothly, it was a positive experience overall. So much so that in the meantime we have visited two other shops which we considered spacious enough to be safe.



We continued to the garden centre, where we bought another batch of bread mix and a box of copper tape to safeguard our precious patio plants against the onslaught of slugs. I was very good, as only one plant came home with me: Agastache 'Apricot Sprite'. It's got the tiniest of orange flowers and apricot scented leaves.


As we were treated to a rare patch of sunshine, we had another mid-afternoon snack of homemade scones with jam and cream, which we enjoyed at our little table in the courtyard.

Taking advantage of the lull between showers, I did some well-needed deadheading and tidying up, finding a pair of Siamese twinned Osteospermums and the first flower in our ancient Clematis viticella 'Etoile Violette'.


Saturday's weather couldn't have be more despressive if it tried. Grey, rainy and windy, and with a temperature drop of several degrees, a return to long sleeves was the order of the day.

I rescued this vintage skirt from a box of unsold flea market items back in April and, funnily enough, I wore a similarly coloured blouse with it back then, only with short sleeves. There really is no rhyme nor reason to the seasons!


The flower infused blouse I wore with it on Saturday is Esprit by way of a charity shop. Both the belt and wooden beads were charity shopped as well, while the brooch was yet again a flea market find.

After lunch, we went into garden to put copper tape on some of the worst affected pots. I removed the sorry remains of the Petunias from the Echinacea pot and replaced them with a pink small-flowered Pelargonium we bought the other week.


Meanwhile, Jos did some pruning and trimming, which included removing some of the wild shoots from our Spirea shrub, so that we can now see the table of plants next to the bench from our kitchen window. However, soon it started raining again which put an end to our gardening plans.



Fully intending to do some dusting, I traipsed upstairs, making a start with the desks in our spare room. Apart from a thorough clean, they needed some clearing and reorganization of the accumulated clutter.

I'm writing my blog posts from our main laptop, which we've acquired just before lockdown. This is the one with the blue spotty cover fashioned from a vintage tablecloth. It is sitting on our main desk, which also has our scanner/printer as well as an old-fashioned desk lamp. Our old laptop, which I'm still using to upload my photographs, is sitting on a desktop custom made by my late Dad, fitting neatly between the main desk and the bookcase, which is off-screen on the right. The funky fabric is hiding an unsightly fuse box.


On the top left and bottom right are toddler photographs of me and Jos, while our homemade mouse mat has a collage of family photographs from both sides.

The tin on the bottom left used to belong to my Mum and has been roped in to house USB sticks.


In fact, there's a whole battery of boxes and tins providing storage for a multitude of items.

All were charity shop or flea market finds, except for the one on the top right, which was a gift from Tania, one of our favourite flea market sellers.



This tin, which came with a tiny key, holds a selection of family photographs ready to be scanned. It might look a bit worse for wear, but aren't those decorations delightful?



Sunday's weather was a complete repeat of Saturday's. 

My journal says I did some deadheading in the drizzle, washed my hair, removed the residue of the orange nail polish from my toenails in readiness for a new colour which didn't happen, and caught up with the world of blogging.


To lift the overall dullness of the day, I opted for this pink Diolen delight, with a print of yellow and orange green-leaved flowers.

For my accessories, I couldn't choose between these colours, so I decided to use them all: yellow for my belt, orange for my ring and flower corsage and green for my beaded necklace.

Sandals have been banished to the back of the shoe cupboard for now, and I'm once again embracing ankle boots. In this weather, I have been known to wear nylons, but decided to be brave and go bare-legged that day.


But whatever the weather, the garden remains a true sensory delight, and a sight for sore eyes, even if it can only be enjoyed from our kitchen window!

Here's to hoping for sunnier days to come, in every sense of the word.


44 comments:

  1. I also waited for three long weeks until I went to the charity shop with a friend. She accompanied me spontaneously. What fun! As I'm on vacation, I think I will go at least once a week.

    I'm thinking about yoga or meditation to get more balanced ... Knitting may help, too ... :-(

    All the best!

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    1. Thank you, Regula! As I'm not a knitter, I'm finding solace in my garden and in writing. We are also going to the charity shops about once a week. We are trying out the local ones, and have had only one bad experience so far. xxx

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  2. Didn't you do well on your fist trip to the charity shops! I loved your dress and the blouse. The beads are fab. Is Joan Hickson your favourite Miss Marple? She's definitely mine.

    Lovely outfits and accessories. Loved the brooch with the gentians - gorgeous.

    Your garden looks so nice and I'm convinced you and Jos are in a cafe when you are sitting outside at the lovely table in your back garden. Your new plant sounds intriguing; leaves smelling of apricots sounds wonderful.

    Hopefully you're enjoying some fab weather as we are at the moment.
    Take care
    xxx

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    1. Thank you Vronni! Yes, Joan Hickson definitely is my favourite Miss Marple. I think she is THE Miss Marple, actually! We already got another set of DVDs from the same series. We are now trying to convince ourselves that we're in a café when we're sitting there. As the weather is looking up, we might be out there again soon! xxx

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  3. It's nice you were able to visit the opshop again! I've enjoyed visiting the ones near me that are open even though not every one near me is, which is a shame! I bet that really helped your mood, and I like the bright top you got there!

    Also really love the purple skirt, and the pink floral dress is so pretty with the green :)

    Hope you have been having a great weekend :)

    Away From Blue

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    1. Thank you Mica! I think all the charity shops around here are open, but not all of them are fun to shop in! xxx

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  4. I haven't been back to a thrift shop since February, although a few have opened back up. I'm starting to wonder if I ever will again. You scored some great finds, particularly that blouse. That was definitely worth going out for.

    Your green dress is so beautiful, and as always your accessories are perfect.

    I understand that feeling of having not accomplished much, but you likely have. With such long days it is easy to lose track.
    Have a super weekend!

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    1. We're tentatively trying a couple of shops, but there are a lot we avoid due to their layout, which isn't exactly made for social distancing! I'm writing down everything I did in a journal, but some days still look rather empty ... xxx

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  5. Oh Ann it's great you can visite the charity shops again. It's a little therapy for you I think. You need it 😉 You find amazing things and this dress with cherrys is amazing. I love Miss Marple Movies.
    Your garden looks great. When ever you had so much time to work in the garden.
    I hope you have manny sunny days, with a very huge hug Tina

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    1. Thank you Tina! It was such a joy to be able to visit a charity shop again. It's not the same experience as "before", but still enjoyable! xxx

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  6. Miss Marple now there’s a blast from the past! I used to love watching that. Me and my dad used to sit and watch it. I always thought she was a nosey old biddy.
    But I still watched it. I am glad youhad an enjoyable time round the charity shop. I love a spacious shop. I can’t deal with crampt Small spaces. The garden looks beautiful as always.

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    1. She IS a nosey old biddy, I agree, but I still love watching the series :-) I can't deal with cramped spaces even at the best of times, but certainly not now! xxx

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  7. Your garden is delightful. Colours are glorious. Your purchases from the charity shop are brilliant. I have only found books in our charity shops the clothes aren't up to much. I did find a very large West German vase. It replaces the one my partner broke whilst vacumming.

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    1. Thank you Carole! It's been quite the opposite for me. Lots of clothes but nothing much else. I hope the vase is as lovely as the one your partner broke :-) xxx

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  8. Hi, I find your Blog really interesting! I am passionate about vintage accessories, especially scarves. I love your suggestions, I will follow you with pleasure. I love to embroider, crochet and patchwork. Have a good week! Carmela

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

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  9. Your first paragraph mirrors me exactly Ann and many more friends. Strange times but we are all getting through by supporting each other.
    To see your lovely colourful outfits and collections and to see what you and Jos are doing is always a joy.
    Take good care, you’re doing great xxx

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    1. Thank you Lynn. I think there are a lot of people feeling the same way. I thought I was over the worst, but then the panic attacks hit me again :-( xxx

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  10. Well your indecision certainly doesn't show in your outfit photos, every one is a winner!
    Fancy visiting a charity shop, I don't think I'd know what to do in one any more. that blouse is wonderful, you certainly haven't lost your shopping skills.
    Love the mask photo!
    Thank you for the tour of your desks, wasn't your dad clever? I love the ladies with the lambs, what a lovely illustration.
    Your garden just gets better and better! xxxx

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    1. Thank you Vix. Well, I had the time to give these outfits a lot of thought! I admit it was a bit awkward being in the shop at first, but I soon got the hang of it. Still not the same as before, though. xxx

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  11. outfit 2 resembles the flowers in the collage above.....
    i´m still not in the mood to enter a shop. but actually its no problem at all, i do not need anything - a have plenty of clothes & accessories, the garden has plenty of flowers and looks better by the day just by itself. bookshelfs are full, even got sended new to me books i yet have to read.
    but maintaining a 700m2 garden takes some time every day, even without elaborate watering sessions because of a bit of rain. and i finally do some long waiting sewing projects - whitch leds to even more wearable clothes :-D
    stay safe and sane! xxxxx

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    1. I hadn't noticed that, but you're right :-) I admit I didn't need anything either. The only thing I needed was some second-hand retail therapy. I love it that I now actually have time for the garden and some little projects around the house. I'm certainly not ready to return to my full-time job yet, if ever! xxx

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  12. It sounds like you might have a touch of depression - tho that's understandable, we live in odd times. We're in the middle of a pandemic and it's going to cause all sorts of stresses and strains. Be extra-gentle with yourself, and I hope you start to bounce back soon.

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    1. I think that's exactly what it is, Mim! I thought I was over the worst, but now that infections are going up again, I find myself once again in a downward spiral. Trying to take it day by day and find joy in simple things! xxx

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  13. I know about dressing. Last weekend couldn't figure out what I wanted to wear. I should always stick with my first thought. Laove that new top! Amazing print. Also the pink dress is gorgeous. But all your dresses are a art piece to look at!

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    1. Thank you Nancy! I'm glad I'm not the only one with indecision. I try to go with my first thought, but then I'm always dithering about how to accessorize! xxx

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  14. Oh, I so get these feelings, Ann. I'm having similar problems: just finding the motivation to put an outfit together seems such a huge task! For me, I've also gained a few pounds (stress-eating) so some of my clothes aren't fitting the way I want them to, and that does a number on my brain.

    Your bright outfits really cheer me - I hope they do the same for you! You are practically "garden camouflage" in your wonderful floral outfits, particularly the purple/pink one. I love your new purchases (hurray for browsing in a thrift store! you both look great in your masks), but that River Woods blouse took my breath away! What a gorgeous top!

    I enjoyed the glimpse of your working area and all your little tins and containers.

    Good luck with the slugs! They are pernicious creatures.

    I hope this week brings you metaphorical and literal sunshine. It's supposed to be up in the 20s here this week, which we haven't really seen at all so far! Hugs to you, my dear friend. Hang in there.

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    1. I'm glad I'm not alone. Having gained a few pounds must be so frustrating. I have actually lost some weight, as my stress-eating used to take place at the office. I do know what you mean, though, as a lot of my Winter clothes were getting a bit tight, which drove me mad. That River Woods top was a bit more expensive than what I'd usually pay in a charity shop - but definitely worth it! xxx

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  15. Sorry to hear you have been feeling blue.. I know how it feels.. I was right there with you a month ago.. it's a very tumultuous time we are living in.

    I love you green and red combination. You found some great things.. the first cherry dress is incredibly cute.

    Stay well, take care.

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    1. Thank you Hena! I think a lot of us have been there, which is hardly surprising. xxx

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  16. Hello Ann. Your written words are a view into my soul at the moment. I think all this worrying is heavy on our bodies and is completely draining us. I too, have a million things to do but just can't muster the energy. It just took me two months of nagging myself to finally clean out our linen cupboards!

    Glad to hear your outing to the charity shop was stress free. And fruitful too, your new dress and shirt are fantastic. Good buy the Miss Marple set too. Jess and I have ventured into a couple recently. Like yourselves, we found it fairly smooth going - people kept their distance, thankfully.

    Thank you for the view of your work station. You've inspired me to pretty mine up a bit. Those tins are gorgeous and very practical for storage.

    My favourite outfits are the floral Esprit shirt/skirt combo with the cute belt and the beautiful pink Diolen dress.

    What a marvellous seating area you've set up in the garden. Jos looks very happy eating his scones!

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    1. Thank you Suzy! I started off ticking things off my list, but then it all went downhill. I've now decided to do some well-needed decluttering, starting with the desk, but I'm taking it slowly. xxx

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  17. I'm sorry to hear you've been feeling so down lately, I think this year has been a lot for our subconscious to process. Even though I don't want to go to crowded places and I wear a mask, I think subconsciously the world feels a less friendly place it doesn't help that you can't see people smile under a mask. I find myself smiling at people then remembering they can't see it!
    The brooch on your green dress is beautiful and I love both the cherry print and the River Woods prints, fantastic fabrics both.
    The weather is just rubbish isn't it, bring back the sunshine.
    I love the pink diolen dress, it's so uplifting, it looks like a bit of summer in a dress,
    Have a good week Ann. xxx

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    1. I've been smiling a lot behind my mask as well! I'm definitely not planning on going anywhere crowded - I hate crowds at the best of times - but anywhere you go it feels as if you are among potential 'enemies', which makes the world a less friendly place indeed! xxx

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  18. You went to a charity shop! How exciting! I am looking forward to going but I’m staying away for now (helpful for my spending ban), just for a little while longer, until it feels a little safer to do so here. I love your purchases. the cherry dress will be so nice on warm days that we’ll (hopefully) have plenty of, and the shirt will be something to look forward to wearing in the autumn.
    xx

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    1. I know :-) We're only visiting a select few, though: those ones we know will feel safe. There are a couple where I don't see how they can guarantee social distancing, and we are avoiding these. xxx

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  19. That green dress with white details is so lovely. I also like the red plastic belt you wore with it. The floral brooch is lovely and I do like the red necklace.

    I noticed that I become even more indecisive when I'm stressed. I always wondered what one has to do with other, but maybe it is just that feeling down makes the brain struggle to focus- if that makes sense.

    The cherry print dress you picked from that vintage Zoe brand is fantastic. I can't wait to see you wear it.
    Your face masks are fun. I have one fun face masks as well, sometimes I wear disposable ones, sometimes the fabric one.

    That pink dress is beautiful. I love its floral patter, very subtle and pretty. Well selected accessories as well. Have a nice day.

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    1. Thank you Ivana! Yes, you are right: the indecisiveness is definitely stress related! I think our brains are in overdrive having to process all that's been going on! xxx

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  20. I understand very well this feeling of having wasted a whole day without doing too much. Same about the indecisiveness when choosing a dress and then accessories (it takes me ages!). But I try not to feel guilty and accept every different mood. I say to myself that it's not necessary to be productive and efficient all the time.
    Love your Green dress and fab red accessories! and the cute brooch which enhances everything!.
    Glad that you could visit some charities, it makes a difference. Your 'masked selfie' has put a smile on my face!. And such fab purchases!. Love both the cherries dress print and the psychedelic orange blouse (one of my fav prints!)
    So shocking to see you back into booties and long sleeves, even if your outfit is such a lovely one!. Love this color combo and the delightful floral blouse (and how its colors are also in the belt!).
    Lovely to have a look at your desks and the place where you blog!, and also lovely tin boxes to keep small ítems stored, they're really useful and cute!
    Totally in love with your 'pink Diolen delight', it's such a fab dress!, and perfect to cheer up any dull day!. Love to see you wearing it in your garden, so appropriate!
    besos

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    1. Thank you Monica! I do realize it's not necessary to be productive all the time, but I'm just feeling better at the end of the day if it wasn't a wasted one. I know it's all in the mind, though. You are right about the booties, it is shocking indeed. I even unearthed a pair I'd put away for the season. And I hardly wore any of my sandals yet! xxx

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  21. I LOVE your two charity shop finds, that cherry dress is gorgeous.

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