Saturday 12 January 2013

Never change, and don't you ever stop




It's been a bit of a trying week.


Seldom Seen Kid managed to need a day off sick, just 2 days after returning to school, which was frustrating; Littlest and I had another lengthy afternoon of waiting waiting waiting at the hospital; and we have been burgled. 


Not much taken, we dodged a bullet really, but my gorgeous much-longed-and-searched-for 1960s vinyl/tapestry bag has gone.






Whatever bin or hedge you ended up tossed into, RIP lovely bag. I will miss you.


Still, the universe may take away, but it also gives.






It gives brown paper packages, tied up with string...


 


...containing a few of my favourite things - perfectly chosen items of vintage gorgeousness and their delightful labels...







...and a cartoon of hilarity!


All from my darling stalker-trouncing, photo-rescuing, heatwave-surviving friend, Sarah.

Thank you, Honey Pie!


And she has also inadvertently provided us with a name for when we form our band.

Idiot and Labia.

Or does that sound more like a kickass female private detective agency, set up to put the fear of God into creepy stalkers and burglars?





I love this 1970s dress, it fits perfectly, and I don't think I actually own anything in this soft cornflower blue. It's so pretty.





Blurry photo but excellent frontage!

See how I am positively reframing?




1970s knit/Crimplene dress and brooch - gifts from bandmate Sarah
Necklace - gift from gorgeous Krista
Cardigan, bangles, tights and necklace - charity shopped
Boots - Ebay



Funnily enough, despite experiencing the usual feelings of anger and vulnerability and frustration and anxiety and regret as a result of the break in, I can credit Sarah and many other of my blogging friends with helping me to keep it in perspective.

Our home may have been broken into and some of our possessions taken, but we are all safe, our door can be repaired, nothing irreplaceable has been lost, we are fine and of course it could all have been so much worse.

It wasn't, and that's good.





 A quiet kind of look for a contemplative mood.


Stay safe, stay positive, and if you need Idiot and Labia to sing you the power ballad of your choice, and/or scare the crap out of some annoying arsehole, just give us a call. 

xxxxx





 
                                

54 comments:

Unknown said...

That's no fun, what a annoyance!
It happenned to us about 2 years ago, they took a lot, and went through everything, the burglar even took wine and steak could you believe it?
But your are safe and only possession but very frustrating , i know

So you had a band? Tell us more please!

Take care and don't think too much about it

Ariane xxxx

freckleface said...

Oh that's really horrible. I hate being burgled. You are managing to be very upbeat about it. I get very upset when it happens to me, so I admire your stoicism.

On another note, (terrible joke, but the best I can manage) I would love a power ballad. I fancy something by Bonny Tyler, please. xxx

p.s. just looked at your friend's blog, can't quite believe how awful her situation is!

freckleface said...
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Unknown said...

Bloodyhell what complete and utter twats im so sorry to read someone broke into your home they should be stung up. Im glad to hear you turning it around though and being upbeat about it, its the right thing to do as you said it could have been worse. I will keep my eyes open for you for another bag. Bless Sarah what a gorgeous package love your dress you look gorgeous just another beautiful blast of colour for you. Sending you a huge hug, dee xxx

Unknown said...

Bloodyhell what complete and utter twats im so sorry to read someone broke into your home they should be stung up. Im glad to hear you turning it around though and being upbeat about it, its the right thing to do as you said it could have been worse. I will keep my eyes open for you for another bag. Bless Sarah what a gorgeous package love your dress you look gorgeous just another beautiful blast of colour for you. Sending you a huge hug, dee xxx

Unknown said...

Bloodyhell what complete and utter twats im so sorry to read someone broke into your home they should be stung up. Im glad to hear you turning it around though and being upbeat about it, its the right thing to do as you said it could have been worse. I will keep my eyes open for you for another bag. Bless Sarah what a gorgeous package love your dress you look gorgeous just another beautiful blast of colour for you. Sending you a huge hug, dee xxx

Unknown said...

Bloodyhell what complete and utter twats im so sorry to read someone broke into your home they should be stung up. Im glad to hear you turning it around though and being upbeat about it, its the right thing to do as you said it could have been worse. I will keep my eyes open for you for another bag. Bless Sarah what a gorgeous package love your dress you look gorgeous just another beautiful blast of colour for you. Sending you a huge hug, dee xxx

Unknown said...

Bloodyhell what complete and utter twats im so sorry to read someone broke into your home they should be stung up. Im glad to hear you turning it around though and being upbeat about it, its the right thing to do as you said it could have been worse. I will keep my eyes open for you for another bag. Bless Sarah what a gorgeous package love your dress you look gorgeous just another beautiful blast of colour for you. Sending you a huge hug, dee xxx

Emma Kate at Paint and Style said...

I'm so sorry to hear about the burglary and your beloved bag. Your attitude is admirable though. I will keep my eyes peeled for vintage tapestry bags at the boot sales.
The blue dress is lovely! x

Ivy Black said...

That's a proper shit but as you say, you are all safe n'sound and one day your bag, or one very like it will turn up again.
The bastards.
Lovely parcel from Sarah, she nails it. That blue looks lush on you.
Yep...Idiot and Labia. Pisses all over Scott and Bailey......and make of that what you wish , you mucky cow!
Have a fab weekend, Gawjuss.
Em
xxxxxxx

Kylie said...

If I stumble across a tapestry bag on my travels its got your name on it. Take care x

Becky said...

At least you and your family are safe. Losing the purse is small beans compared to that... The dress does fit you just perfect!!! Hope the Seldom wasn't sick long, sick kids are the worst-- always so miserable :(

Sarah Jane said...

Oh Curtise, what theiving scumbags. I'm always gutted when anyone tells me they've been burgled. Most people can relate to that sinking, burning feeling in the pit of your stomach. More often than not, it's the feeling of violation of your personal space and the sanctuary of your home that's worse than the loss of any physical possessions. The only consolation is that that feeling gets easier from day to day until it doesn't hurt anymore. Your take on it is so positive too. I hope the kids are ok. My parents house was burgled a few times when I was a kid and I remember not really knowing what all the fuss was about, so I'm sure they're fine!

I love the blue dress Sarah sent you. It fits you like a glove and the colour is so pretty. A bit of Stevie always cheers me up "you're the poet in my heart". I suspect another tapestry bag will be winging its way to you before you know it xxxx

Louise Mc said...

Oh no! How awful, big *hugs* my darling Curtise. That's such a horrible thing to happen. You look gorgeous in that beautiful blue frock. Xx

amie k said...

Hey there,

So sorry to hear about your burglary. We were burgled in October and they took all of my precious jewellery (given to me by my grandmother) and also funnily enough, two handbags, a vintage YSL and vintage Gucci one, along with all our electricals, cameras, boyf's playstation, etc. Even my iron! Some people can be such lowlifes but Karma will catch up with them, thats for sure. Hope you're ok. It's a very distressing thing to happen and I didn't quite realise how upsetting it was until it happened to me.
Big hugs Amie xxxx
www.creditcrunchchic.com

Pam @ over50feeling40 said...

Despite the bad week, you look fabulous and in control. We were broken into a couple of years back and the only things they took were mine. They took all of my costume jewelry...obviously ignorant that it would not bring them a dime...and that upset me so much..but I finally just brushed it off and let it go. It is only costume jewelry and with thrift shops, I have built it back up...though there are occasional pieces I miss. Hang in there...you look great!

The Small Fabric Of My Life said...

Poor you. I do think your attitude is spot on. My husband got his £1,400 racing bike stolen this week to after he locked it up outside the gym at lunchtime. In Liverpool!
Lovely shade of blue on you. Why do people associate the colour blue with depression. I think it is a lovely colour.

Fiona said...

So sorry to hear about your break in Curtise, and the loss of your tapestry bag etc. What thieving bastards, probably kids on drugs or pikeys. Will keep an eye out for another. Your fabulous parcel arrived at just the perfect time and what an array of vintage gorgeousness, I'm loving the gingham and fringed number! Your stoic attitude is admirable but I agree with you, being safe and well is what matters. (Feel so much for those poor people in Oz right now) Sarah's labia sketch is a hoot.

thorne garnet said...

Damn, that sucks. Right before Christmas, the house across the street from us got broken into. What got taken? Laptops and guns! The laptops got recovered, the guns are still out there. Scary. You look really nice in the blue dress. Maybe your purse will turn up.

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

You can rise above a burglary, but the thieves never will. You've put a great perspective on it, and on that blue dress, which looks perfect on you! Isn't it good karma that the package arrived just when you needed it. Sarah is earning a big vintage-party-love-shack in the afterlife!

Anonymous said...

crap! Being burgled is totally the pits. I've been through that three times in my life. The part I hate is knowing that there were strangers going through your stuff and they even know what you look like from family photos, etc...but you have no idea who they are. That's the part that kills me.
On a good note though, it makes us safer by rethinking things for safety matters. Like adding a security door, or cutting back bushes close to windows, etc...It's happening so much over here in the Seattle area and the thieves are busting right in while the homeowners are watching t.v. or sleeping!
Anyways miss gorgeous! I love you in cornflower blue. It's such a soft color but still allows your rackage to be showcased ever so lovely.
Have a great weekend Curtise. Now I'm going back to your video. Stevie is one of my favorites!

Kestrel said...

Sorry to hear about your burglary, sounds awful but am glad you are being so balanced about it. I hope it means that you find some even better stuff this year x

Megan said...

That blue is a beautiful colour on you. It looks great with your colouring and hair. I love how your tights are a perfect match!

Patti said...

How rotten to be burgled! Sorry to hear of it, and so relieved that you all are OK. You do glow in that blue dress. And your new band is headed for major success, b/c *no-one* can resist that name : >

Amber of Butane Anvil said...

Aw, crud. Sorry, Curtise! Hope the kids will soon feel better if not already. Priorities and perspective - you are a champion re-framer, my friend. The wonderful dress, brooch, and necklace are reminders that you have friends all around. And I have a new FAVOURITE-favourite band!!! xoxoxoxo

Flora Cruft said...

Oh I'm so sorry to read about the burglary, how upsetting. Hope life settles down again soon. I want to hear Idiot and Labia play their first gig! That is such a pretty dress on you, a very gorgeous blue indeed.

Dear Curtise, I would like to pass The Liebster award on to you. I was just awarded it and had to choose 11 other blogs with a readership of less than 300 to pass the award to.

No worries if it is not something you are interested in, and I know you only blogged recently about another award, I just wanted to pass it along to you as I so enjoy your lovely blog.

Details of the award and how it works can be found back on my blog at www.kikiandthegypsy.blogspot.co.uk

Emalina x

Melanie said...

I am so, so sorry to hear what happened, but as you said, you are all safe and sound xxx

mispapelicos said...

Wonderful inblue, dear Curtise.
My daughter was also burgled afte Chistmas, ahhhhhhhhhhhhh
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx

Trees said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your break in! What A-holes!!! Sad you lost your lovely bag but it doesn't sound like too much else was taken. Although it is just a horrible feeling someone else was in your house! My flat was robbed at uni once and I was so upset. But onwards and upwards that lovely frock from Sarah Misfit would bring a smile to any gals face!!!

Penny-Rose said...

I was really angry to read that you have been burgled - what utter b^%$#@***'s. I can't believe how upbeat you are about it. But you are right, it could have been worse. What a fabulous gift from Sarah Misfit - that dress on you is stunning. By the way I like the band name!!

Miss Magpie said...

How shit, poor you and your family, *hugs* I too will keep eyes open for a tapestry bag does the colour matter?

karensomethingorother said...

I'm so sorry you were burgled, Curtise. Frankly, that sucks ass, even if you are always looking on the bright side of life and all that.

Also, I'm not surprised your boyo got sick RIGHT AFTER GOING BACK TO SCHOOL. I have a theory that stomach flu has a one day incubation period, and a bad cold/flu takes two days. Am I a genius, or have my kids been sick a freaking lot???

In other news, you look gorgeous in your BA-BANGO blue dress, and I KNOW you know what I mean when I say BA-BANGO.

Everyone should have an idiot and labia doodle. Wonderful.

Anonymous said...

Bastards, for breaking in, and for taking your stuff and new carpet bag that was so lovely. So sorry to hear, Curtise; it is the worst feeling, being broken into. As you say, perspective is a good thing (and as I told myself this eve after slopping half of dinner on the floor and holding back the tears). Sarah's gifties are gorg; the dress fits you like a glove and the colour is really pretty on you. Hope you're chilling now with a glass of much-deserved vino! xoxo

The Goodwill Fangirl said...

I took that purse. I couldn't help it. I've coveted it since its first appearance on your blog. That dress is next on my list of items to burgle from you...

Seriously, so sorry that happened to you. I know it feels like a betrayal and an invasion. We got burgled by someone we knew - and a very important item of technology was stolen and then used for felonious purposes. Even though it was 20 months ago, I still feel the sting.

Rose&Bird said...

So sorry to hear about the burglary, the thieving bar stewards deserve a kicking. Glad you're all safe though. Hope SSK and Llittlest are feeling better now. What a lovely parcel and it arrived at just the right time. Will keep my eyes out for a similar bag for you x

Unknown said...

You had a band? That's awesome! Tell us about it! Did you play the Idiot or the Labia? I find it really tricky to get new reeds for my labia. We should get together for a jam!

Wow, Sarah sent you the best dress ever - you look FRICKIN GORGEOUS in that beautiful shade of blue.

Were you really burgled or did you just say that so we would all send you new vintage tapestry bags? Cunning like a fox, Mrs!

Love your lungs, lips and labia, SS xxx

joyatri said...

Oh no! I'm so sorry that you've been burgled. Those DANKISH TICKLE-BRAINED VARLETS! (insult courtesy of the online Random Renaissance Insult Generator).
But in that cornflower blue dress, you're a very pretty burglary victim. Great vintage labels and I can't wait to see you in the poncho. Your detective agency/band will save the day.

two squirrels said...

Oh oh that's just so yucky Curtise!!!!!!! I am so sorry some beep beep pig has been in your house and stolen our treasures, and they took that gorgeous vintage bag. Frickin shits!!!!!! Grrrrr!!!!!
Sending much love and squirrel hugs to all your family. v


PS: you look so very pretty in the cornflower dress!!!!!

Melanie said...

If you guys do an Idiot Labia jam can I have it on toast?
Or if you made a TV show called Idiot and Labia I'd watch for SURE!
What superb timing on the bundle of joy from Sarah!, um, not a baby. So sorry about the break-in. Geez... Where are prying neighbours when you need them most?! You've survived that though, and all the rest. Hurrah. Plus you look gorgeous in that cornflower blue. Your positive reframing deserves a mention. Hugs!! xo

bonsaimum said...

How awful.I admire how you have taken it. I would want to hunt them down.The cornflower dress really suits you and you are so lucky that you have such wonderful blogging friends who send you fantastic parcels.I hope that this is the only low in what turns out to be a great year.

Stacey said...

Ugh, it makes me so mad that people steal things! If I ever come across your burglar I swear I'll trounce them over the head with a tapestry bag.

I love your gorgeous blue frock though, and I'd like to reserve front row tickets for the next performance of Idiot and Labia!

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry you've been burgled but glad to hear you are all ok.
I'd go for the detective agency - Idiot & Labia sounds just right.
You look lovely in your new frock and what a great collection of treasures.xx

Miss Simmonds Says said...

Next time things go tits up and I'm miserable. I'll call on idiot and labia to help me out.
I'm so glad you're all ok but it must be such a horrible experience, even if not much was taken. It's bad enough getting your purse nicked... Like Lucy says there's a particular horrible feeling that goes with it. I hope the kids are ok too, they've already had a sucky week. Hurrah for Sarah and her wonderful parcel of love. That blue dress is beautiful on you. Looking gorgeous all round. Can't wait to see what that fringed thingy is!!
Xxxxxxxx

bohemian vanity said...

Oh no I'm so sorry to hear what happend but glad you're okay and safe ! As you said it could have been more worse. Hope you'll find a bag similar to that beauty. Oh and you look wonderful in that pretty blue dress. It fits you soo good ! Wish you all the best my dear and btw thanks for your nice comment ! Xx Tani

Vintage Coconut said...

*Uhgggg!* I hate when people steal things. I am sorry your house got broken into and stuff taken. The Mr. and I have had our vehicles broken into and things stolen. You never forget the feeling of happening upon a (Smashed) window or door and realizing some of your belongings have been taken.

I wonder if the said burgler has a eye for vintage things. I think it's odd they took your tapestry bag... Unless it was the one you were using at the time.

p.s. I am glad your Labia pants didn't get taken.

Thank goodness for Sarah and her gift and the fact it arrived just when you needed some happiness and sunshine.

Rachel said...

Oh I'm really sorry to hear that. What bastards. Was the bag perhaps taken to carry stuff in? My Mum was burgled and they took the cover off the back of the sofa to carry stuff in - meaning she had to get a new sofa, as half of it was then 'naked'. Grrrr.

I am glad you are taking an onwards and upwards approach. The new blue dress is beautiful, glad the package arrived when it did.

Krista said...

Ah Curtise this is awful news there are nothing worse than thieves! You have the right attitude about te while thing but that doesn't make it an easier to deal with. I'm so sorry.

I do hope everyone in the family is feeling better, sending you all a big protective hug! The package fom Sarah is the perfect medicine and that blue dress is banging on you! What a babe you are even with all ths riff raft you still look so dam good.

Please take good care of each other!
Lots of love!
Xxxxxxoooo

Vintage Bird Girl said...

What's the go with such trying times for so many lately??? A robbery would have really topped a craphouse week! I must say what good taste they obviously had to pick that tapestry bag! But hurray to Sarah's parcels of joy. I LOVE that frock on you. Your frontage is spectacular, the fit looks amazing on you Goddess like figure. You have such a wonderful outlook despite a rotten week. Keep on smiling Beautiful one. Xx

Anonymous said...

Ugh--so awful to hear--but thankful y'all are ok!! Now there's some THIEF sporting a very cool purse!!!

You look awesome in cornflower blue! What a cute dress!

Lots' of goodies from dear Sarah--

Idiot and Labia---roflmbo!!

Unknown said...

So sorry to hear that. What a lovely bag they took. Rotten peeps.
I love your wonderful dress.

The Style Crone said...

So sorry to hear of your trauma and I understand the feelings of vulnerability after your home invasion. However, you are smashing in your cornflower blue and provide inspiration in your response to a frightening incident. Yes, you are absolutely positively reframing!

Tamera Beardsley said...

My dear your positive outlook is an inspiration. I know it is easy to be drawn down in the circumstance ...your strength has rippling effects! Hope this week is proving to be a better one!

P.S. you look fabulous!

Vicky Hayes said...

I hate it that you were burgled Curtise. Been there too. Your attitude is brilliant and that's good for your health. Hope everyone is better now as well. Vicky x