Sunday 5 December 2021

Adrift

It absolutely boggles my mind that we have once again turned the calendar's final page to December. 

Is it just me, or has the year really sped by even faster than usual?

2021 was supposed to be a year filled with hope, but sadly it seems that we're still in the same boat as this time last year. What's more, it has sprung a few more leaks and is now more adrift than ever. I'm paddling like mad to reach the shore before it starts sinking.



In my blog, we've only just made it into the second half of November, as no matter how fast I'm paddling, it seems to be nigh on impossible to catch up. Not that I would want it any other way. I'm finding that hindsight does tend to put things into perspective and generally helps me to accentuate the positive.

Saturday the 20th of November dawned yet another dismal day with a distinct lack of sunshine and temperatures just into double figures. 

I had my outfit all figured out, or at least I thought I did. However, the skirt I'd originally earmarked to wear for my blouse's maiden voyage turned out to be all wrong. Still determined to wear the blouse, which is by CKS and was charity shopped back in Spring, I suddenly remembered this burnt orange cord button-through skirt. I'd actually downgraded it to gardening wear after its first wear in October last year due to it having a mind of its own which kept me tugging at it all day.




I'm glad I gave it another chance, as this time I felt completely comfortable wearing it, giving in to its slouchy properties and shoving my hands into its satisfyingly deep pockets.

The rest of my outfit was child's play, using teal for my belt, cardigan and opaques - not that you can catch even a glimpse of the latter - and pinning an orange centred brooch to my cardigan. My long beaded necklace combines both teal and emerald green, while my footwear of choice were the greyish green waxed nubuck boots I'd charity shopped on Friday.




Something else we'd picked up on Friday was a new blind, which we bought brand new from a DIY and home decor store.  We'd had our previous IKEA one for over twenty years so we definitely got our money's worth. Instead of off-white, we went for a coffee colour this time. In my mind's eye, I can see Beate rolling her eyes at the fact that we didn't go for a more exciting colour, but in our defence we do have boldly striped curtains to provided the necessary colour pop. 

We'd earmarked Saturday to catch up with some chores, the first one being hanging up the new blind. It just needs steaming out the creases, but we haven't got around to that yet, hoping that the problem would solve itself.



The rest of the day was spent doing a load of washing, stripping the bed and putting on fresh bed linen, running an errand at the supermarket, doing a spot of cleaning, catching up blogland and writing a new blog post. Oh, and I started a new book, which turned out to be a much-needed lighter read. It wasn't all that bad but rather superficial, and it's definitely not a keeper. There aren't too many books which make the grade nowadays, and I can hear our groaning bookshelves breathe a sigh of relief whenever I'm putting another book into the re-donation bag. I fully admit to buying the book for it's rather marvellous cover!



There was another edition of our recently restarted indoor flea market on Sunday, which is why we'd made sure to do all our chores on Saturday. What with all the alarming news messages about the current Covid-19 resurgence, however, we had second thoughts and decided not to risk it, even with the requirement of having to scan one's Covid Safe Ticket and wearing our masks.

For fear of sounding like a broken record, we'd once again woken up to rain on Sunday, and it continued raining on an off all morning. When it finally stopped, we thought we'd drive down to the garden centre for a mooch around. Me and my twin couldn't wait to wear our vintage C&A burgundy velvet coats!





Underneath, I was wearing one of my black based dresses, a 1970s Swedish "Petri" one, with a riotous geometrical pattern in white, red, orange and the palest of yellows. It has made it to the blog many times before and I don't need to revisit these past posts to know that orange often featured in its accessories.

Although I did wear a pair of burnt orange opaques, I tried to break the mold this time by adding a red rather than an orange cardigan and opt for black and white accessories. I'm finding that my zebra print belt seems to go with rather a lot of things.




On our way back from the garden centre, we were regaled by a brief sunny spell, a moment I swiftly eternalized with my phone's camera!





Apart from picking up a new bird feeder, we also came home with a replacement Snooze Bay for Bess.

When we bought the original blue one before Bess came home with us, we were fully expecting it to be totally ignored, so we were chuffed to bits when she started using it. Then she developed the habit of flattening it by jumping on top of it, where we often found her curled up and fast asleep. Nevertheless, the minute we put it up again, she was in there like lightning, kneading and purring like mad. It never lasted though, and she'd flattened it again before we knew it.




We'd tried giving her an open cat bed but she never went near it, so we thought we'd buy her a second Snooze Bay to use as originally intended. 

After giving it the side-eye for a couple of minutes, we were pleased to see her go inside and, after a spot of sniffing and kneading, actually lie down in it. Result!

The new working week went off to a good start. It was slowly but surely getting colder, just 8°C with a touch of frost in the morning on Monday. We were in luck, though, as the sun joined us for most of the day.

In spite of it getting busier and busier at work, I went for a walk during lunch break, having made the conscious decision to do so every day - weather permitting, obviously - and make some photographs of things that caught my eye.




Although just a stone's throw from my office - and actually visible from my office window - I'm ashamed to admit that I'd never been inside the small Chapel of Our Lady of Refuge. Hemmed in between high street shops on the Schoenmarkt (Shoe Market), it is locally known as the Shoemakers’ Chapel, although apparently it has nothing to do with the trade.

I couldn't help but smile at the plaque just inside the entrance (top left) which urges you not to set foot inside without saying a prayer to Mary.  It doesn't sound like much this way, but it actually rhymes in Flemish, which makes it quite charming!

On the bottom right are just of a few of the dozens of ex-votos, votive offerings in gratitude, or thank you-notes if you please, lining the entrance hall.




The small Gothic chapel dates from the 15th Century and has been renovated many times over the years. It used to belong to some almshouses established in 1343 for twelve destitute women.  

The chapel is an oasis of quietness and devotion - an older lady and a young Asian girl were praying there during my visit - and has, through the years, offered a refuge for everyone regardless of rank, social class or age. 

In fact, until the 1970’s quite a few of Antwerp's prostitutes came here to say their prayers, which earned the chapel its alternative nickname of the "Whores' Chapel"




Tuesday started off in the same way as Monday, and this time I decided on a slightly longer walk during my break. 

After passing one of Antwerp's multitude of city bike stations, belonging to a public bike hiring system called Velo, I entered the Hendrik Conscience Square. Named after the Belgian author (1812 – 1883) who is considered to be the pioneer of Dutch-language literature in Flanders, this square used to be the haunt of us punks back in the late 1970s and early 1980s. 




The square is dominated by one of Antwerp's gems, the lavishly decorated baroque Sint-Carolus Borromeuskerk (St. Charles Borromeo Church).

Built for and by the Jesuits between 1615 and 1621, in the middle of the Counter-Reformation period, words failed to fully describe its magnificence even back then, certain people calling it heaven on earth or the eighth wonder of the world.




None other than Peter Paul Rubens played an important role as a painter, decorator and architect. His influence is visible in the tower, façade, high altar and the vault stucco in Our Lady’s Chapel. Sadly,  the 39 ceiling paintings by his hand were lost in a fire when lightning struck the church on 18 July 1718.




Since 1803 the St.-Carolus Borromeuskerk has been in use as a parish church. 

During the Dutch reign preceding Belgium's independence in 1830 the church's lavish interior was stripped and turned into a Dutch Reformed Church. A restoration campaign in the 1980s brought the church back to its original splendour.

The church wasn't open at the time of my visit but I promise to return one day during opening hours and take you along with me.





I'd only just returned to the office when clouds started gathering, bringing along torrential rains which lasted for most of the week. 

Even the weather forecast for the weekend ahead looked pretty dire, but that, my friends, will be for my next post.

Until then, do stay safe and healthy, everyone!



45 comments:

  1. I love the first outfit, the teal and orange are so ebautiful together and it's great you enjoyed wearing that skirt this time! nice to see you wearing that beautiful velvet coat too :)

    Sorry things are getting bad and making you feel unsafe again. I'm not sure what will happen here when they reopen the borders, it will happen in a few weeks and so people will no longer need to go into quarantine for 2 weeks when they come here. We are still covid free but other states have outbreaks. It's good news that they think vaccines for kids will be available middle of January though, so hopefully I can get the boys on a waitlist soon. All my family except my kids are vaccinated as they are too young right now.

    Hope you had a good weekend! We had a busy but fun one, with a big Christmas night out at a theme park and a couple other events.

    Away From The Blue

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    1. Thank you Mica! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that your boys will be eligible for the vaccine soon! xxx

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  2. Grey and rainy weather every day here. Good we turn the lights on. They are good for my mood.😊
    Antwerp is a stunning city, The weather was good for your walk. Very nice pics.
    The burgundy coat looks fabulous Ann. Great find.
    I wish you a good week, with a very huge hug Tina

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    1. Thank you Tina! We've been having grey and rainy weather almost every day here too. Those daylight therapy lamps are a godsend! xxx

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  3. Bess looks adorable and she seems to be enjoying her new bed. Your zebra belt looks cute and versatile. You look great in both these outfits.
    xoxo
    Lovely
    www.mynameislovely.com

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  4. as a fan of all things baroque i love the altar in the little chapel - a big surprise behind the simple gothic brick fassade - and of cause the oppulent front of sint-carolus borromeuskerk!
    wearing orange and going for little city walks definitely helps against cobwebs in ones head..... the new velvet coat suits you very well btw.!
    very spoiled cat bess! lisbeth has to do with our beds and chairs for her naps ;-D
    xxxx

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    1. ps: the new blinds look good - the coffee colour goes well with the couch and the other tones in this room..... :-D

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    2. I thought you might appreciate the baroque interior of that little chapel, and I'm glad you approve of the new blind :-) xxx

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  5. Hi Ann, Loved this mini tour of some of Antwerp’s architectural delights - especially the little gothic chapel with its fascinating history. I’m drooling over that orange cord skirt and the Swedish abstract print dress is a stunner! I can see why it’s a favourite. I think the blind looks very classy and Bess is a lucky girl. I discovered something called a “cat perch” the other day which is a little like an egg chair on legs for cats, but at £70 I decided against it as Lotte is sure to studiously ignore it. The weather has been much the same here. We have another storm heading our way tomorrow. Stay safe! xxx

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    1. Thank you Claire! Antwerp does have its architectural delights. Oh, I've seen those egg-shaped cat perches too. Not sure whether they would meet with Bess's approval :-) xxx

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  6. It's such a good idea to get out and about at lunch and we benefit too by seeeing the wonderful sights. I loved the little chapel and the big church looked magnificent! I especially liked the votives in the little chapel...

    It sounds like your weather was just as miserable as ours but your outfits always spell cheerfulnes. I loved the shirt and orange cord skirt - with deep pockets, too. The black dress teamed with orange and red was also fab and of course the sebra belt goes with a lot. Animal prints are neutrals, I believe! I bought a dress the other day that as soon as I saw it I said; 'Ann would wear this'. It's pink (!) and I have to hem it first before I get to wear it.

    The new blind is cool and as for Bess's new bed = what a lucky girl she is!

    Hope you have a good week.
    xxx

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    1. Thank you Vronni! What with all the Christmas shoppers, including those from Holland who come here because they are in lockdown, I'm not venturing outside much for the moment. I love the dress, by the way, it's indeed very "me" :-) xxx

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  7. Bess is one lucky cat.
    Lovely pictures.
    Great outfits as well.

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  8. How wonderful that you can find a little boost of energy by blogging as well as from your walks and trips - and we benefit from this too! I love your orange corduroy skirt and the exciting combo you've created with it. Your home is very cozy and stylish, and the new blinds are just on spot.

    I am glad that the new bed was approved by Bess. Our cats didn't show much interest in them, but Bagirka loves sleeping undercovers with Anya!

    The old chapel is a beauty! xxx

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    1. Thank you Natalia! My colourful wardrobe has been keeping my spirits up lately! We were surprised that Bess actually made us of her cat bed - our previous cat, Phoebe, never did - but she's still using our couch and bed as well :-) xxx

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  9. I used to love popping into churches to have a look around when I lived in Boston (most were open all night). If I tried that here they'd call the police and report a stranger looking suspicious.

    The new shade is lovely and must look very comforting when the sun is coming through it.

    I'm glad Bess finally figured out how to use her bed. I'm surprised she hasn't dragged it up into your bed yet!

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    1. Thank you Goody! That'll be the day, but I think dragging it up the stairs might be beyond her. Keeping my fingers crossed, though! xxx

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  10. I'm so glad you're getting out during your workday to get a mental and physical break from the office. Good for you.

    Lovely outfits, with your new waxed boots just stunning in that teal/orange mix. I am drooling over the velvet coat. I love the zebra belt too - an excellent neutral (I find the same with my leopard belt - it goes with everything).

    Glad Queen Bess now has the Flat House and the Cat House! Vizzini has never touched his - I'm using it to keep him out of the corner of the Christmas tree! Ha!

    Hope your week goes well, my dear friend.

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    1. Thank you Sheila! The weather has been letting us down, though, so I haven't been out during lunch break much lately. Ha, the Flat House and the Cat House. I love that, although they are both Flat Houses by now :-) xxx

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  11. Glad you are able to enjoy a lunchtime walk and take some photos, I thoroughly enjoyed a peek at Antwerp's beautiful buildings.
    Your outfits are always so beautifully co-ordinated . I did love your black and geometric dress.
    Glad Bess has taken to her new bed, she is quite a character.
    I agree where has this year gone. xxx

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    1. Thank you Jill. I haven't done a proper wander around Antwerp post in a long time. Bess is quite a character indeed :-) xxx

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  12. Oh, I love love love your orange skirt. It reminds me of a dress I had when I was 14 years old. We wore orange together with brown those days. All the best in December. We are all in the same boat! xxx Regula

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    1. Thank you Regula, and yes, I remember the orange and brown of the 1970s very well indeed! xxx

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  13. Isn't it great to with in such a city? When I was still working, in Arnhem, I often left the shop at my lunch break to stroll the old streets, often with managers from other shops. Our cats have a cattower. With 3 places in the tower and one on top. They usually like to sleep, both, in the tower. Funny animals. What a joy iy is to see how relaxed Bess is.

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    1. Oh yes, I do love roaming around Antwerp, preferably in better times though. I guess Bess would love a cat tower all to herself :-) xxx

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  14. Your burn orange skirt is fantastic. I love how you styled it. Lovely dress. The geometrical print dress is gorgeous!
    Lovely gothic chapel. I love to have a look at a historical church. I hope that the church you wanted to see will be open next time. This square is wonderful.
    Bess looks happy in her new bed. She is so lovely.

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    1. Thank you Ivana! I've been inside that baroque church once, but it only opens at 2 pm, so I'll have to skive off if I want to go there :-) xxx

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  15. I love that orange skirt, I'm glad you gave it a second chance and it redemmed itself. It's fabulous on you! I knew you'd rock that belted velvet jacket and the new to you boots are crackers!
    How cute is Bess, trashing her old igloo and being a good girl and adpating to her new one so quickly - other cats take note!
    I had to laugh at the Whore's Chapel, I'd be in there having a look too - such a brilliant story. The church door is exceptionally lovely! xxx

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    1. Thank you Vix! I don't know what was the matter with me that I didn't take to the skirt first time around ... Bess has trashed her new cat bed as well by now. Other cats look away :-) xxx

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  16. Keep paddling dear friend you’re doing great and yes the strangest of years has flown by quickly, I agree. Fingers crossed that 2022 is a better one globally.
    Your home looks ever so cosy with its new blind and Bess is a little star with her playful quirky ways. Don’t we spoil them. She’s a lucky girl.
    It’s lovely that you are discovering new things about the area you spend so much of your time in. I chuckled about the Whores Chapel too like Vix
    Great post Ann xxx

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    1. Thank you Lynn, I'm doing my best. Let's all cross our fingers for 2022. Oh, and I just had to include the Whores Chapel didn't I? xxx

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  17. I just love the way you combine colours in your outfits. It's uplifting to look at you! Xx

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  18. Firstly, your outfits and brilliant style always cheer up my day!, love your teal and orange ensemble with the cute skirt and printed blouse and fab accessories!. Totally in love with it!
    And totally agree about putting things into perspective, it helps me too (even if I'm not a particularly positive person!).
    The new blind looks perfect with the orange walls and earthy colours, and love the new SnoozeBay you bought for Bess, she looks really happy in it (and always so cute!).
    The book you're reading looks really appealing to me, the cool cover and the frivolity. I really fancy a light reading these days and it's not so easy to find a good one!.
    The burgundy velvet coat is totally amazing (and looks cosy too!). And I'm loving your dress, its fabulous geometric print and the delightfully matchy accessories (black&white!, so fab! and your belt!). Totally uplifting and beautiful colours!
    Great idea to go for a walk during lunch break, and enjoy some fresh air and fantastic architecture. Your photos are Fabulous!. The 'thank you notes' at the chapel are particularly charming, the old-style typography!. The jesuits' church is totally amazing, a baroque fantasy!
    Hoping some sunny days to come!
    besos

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    1. Thank you Monica! I am not a particularly positive person either ... I'm doing my best to find joy in my wardrobe and surroundings, but some days are just better than others. It's lovely to hear you love my photos! xxx

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  19. Hello Ann, the year does seem to have sped up... I think 2021 has had enough of itself! You are totally rocking the colour orange, both in your fab outfits and cosy home. How wonderful to have all that stunning architecture on your doorstep, including the intriguing gothic 'Shoemakers' Chapel. Stay safe, Lulu xXx

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    1. Thank you Lulu, and you might be right there, 2021 has definitely had enough of itself. Here's to hoping 2022 will be better! xxx

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  20. You are not alone in the slightest, dear Ann. I too am nearly dumfounded by the fact there are, as I type these words, a mere half a month left to go before we ring in the new year again.

    What at times 2021 has been agonizingly slow for me/us, by and large - and years are apt to do - this one felt like it went by the blink of an eye.

    While I wish time would slow down in general, objectively, I'm eager to embrace 2022 and the positive potential inherent to years while they are still in their infancy.

    Autumn Zenith 🧡 Witchcrafted Life

    PS: I am swooning up a proper storm over that beguilingly gorgeous yesteryear architecture.

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    1. Thank you for your kind words, Autumn! I often wish I could slow down time too, but unfortunately it has been quite the opposite since March 2020 ... xxx

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  21. Teal and orange is one of my favourite combinations. I adore that first outfit. I would wear it in a heartbeat!
    I am so envious of those nubuck boots. If I saw them in a charity shop, I'd be over the moon!!!
    That church is gorgeous and I really love the stained glass window. I really like the look of Belgium and I long to visit again after loving my visits to Ghent and Bruges. Antwerp is next on my wishlist if it ever becomes wise to travel again.x

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    1. Thank you Kezzie, and you know Jos and I will gladly be your guides. I do hope they've removed the scaffolding from the cathedral by then, but the inside is pretty marvellous as well ... xxx

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  22. It does feel like the year has gone fast - yet simultaneously like this time last year was an age away. It's been a funny old year.

    I'm always happy to see that Petri dress, it's lovely.

    And I'm late replying to this post, so I hope Bess' new bed is still intact!

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    1. I'm always happy to wear it! And I'm afraid Bess's new bed has met the same fate as her old one :-) xxx

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