Light the corners of my mind

I have had this dress for 15 years. I bought it when I visited America in 1997, and have pretty much worn it every summer since then.

              It has navigated a path through weight fluctuations, style changes, pregnancies and wardrobe clear-outs.

                                It's light, bright, and the colours and funky floral print always say summer to me.


So the frock led me back to the photos of my time in the US, which I loved. I stayed with my darling friend Debberoo, who I have known since we were 16. She and her husband had settled in New Jersey at the time, and were kind enough to welcome lovely Patsy and me, let us stay with them, and show us around. We explored the many delights of New York, and have such fond memories of a wonderful trip.

                                                          

The hair had the remains of a perm in it, I was thinner, and I seem to have had a thing for black and orange, but otherwise, it's recognisably me. I am wearing that brown leather/suede Sweeney jacket, I see, which like the frock, still gets an outing even now.


True story (a la Misfit): we were on the boat going to visit Liberty and Ellis Islands, along with numerous other tourists. One tall, rather handsome man appeared to be looking over at us. A lot. Patsy nudged me, whispering "He's looking at you!"  I protested, of course, but kept taking sneaky peeks, and he did indeed seem to be looking over at me. Then he raised his camera, and I may have preened slightly, and stared moodily across the bay, displaying my best side...

"Go and say something!" Patsy hissed. No! I couldn't possibly. Could I...? Just as I thought, what the hell, maybe I will just saunter over, we finally noticed a woman behind us, waving to him. He smiled, raised his camera, clicking away as his wife/girlfriend posed for photos.

I do hope she didn't hear. If she did, she probably pissed herself laughing. As did we. We still chuckle about it now.

And also about the bar we ambled past in Greenwich Village, where Patsy practically had her nose pressed to the window as she eyed all the hot young men. She was desperate to go in and mingle (flirt) until I suggested that possibly, since there were no women to be seen, we might not be their type... She always loved a gay-looking man.

                                                                          Those were the days....

                                                         Still, plenty to enjoy about the here and now too.

                                                            Blue nails and charity shop tranklements.

                                                              Forget-me-nots a-plenty in the garden.

                                                      Charles Jourdan espadrilles, £2.99 (Oxfam)

And this lot. Taking the kids out for tea used to be an experience to be borne with gritted teeth, but these days it's a pleasure. Especially since they are prepared to go for a curry now!


              Have a wonderful weekend, whatever you're up to. Paddling pool. barbeque and beers for us!
                                                                                  xxxxx