Sunday 12 January 2014

Colour my world


January.

Not my favourite month, but I am trying not to be miserable about it, and it's never a good plan to wish your life away. Not when you're probably over half way through it. (I'm 50 this year, it's got me thinking!)

Colour, that's what I need. Colour, print, and a vintage frock.




 
The girls and I headed into town to the Crucible Theatre on Friday evening.
 
 
 


Oliver! was great. I am not the biggest lover of musical theatre, but the production and performances were strong, and of course I know all the songs. It's been such a long time since I saw any live theatre, I had forgotten that wonderful sense of excitement and expectation when the house lights go down and the music starts. 
 

I know Littlest looks as though she's nodding off. She wasn't, she was just being a twit. She was actually saucer-eyed, and because she didn't know the story, she was horrified that Nancy was murdered. 




I was rather taken with the Dickensian street girls' costumes, and feel I may have to do my own Oom Pah Pah tribute post at some stage. So there's something to look forward to.
 
I am also inspired to read some Dickens for the first time in 30 years. I'm an English Literature graduate who has never read Bleak House, and that's a bit shameful.  This year, I am trying to intersperse my usual reading with the occasional Piece of Literature I Should Have Read But Haven't. 
 
I started with Heart of Darkness, because it's short. I'm aware of how shallow that sounds, but it's the truth!
 




On Saturday, we went out for brunch, taking in the River Sheaf and a playground along the way.
 
 
 
 
 


As you can see, Seldom Seen's new specs have been glued back together, and he is rocking them. Give him a sharp 1960s suit and a gun, and he's Harry Palmer.



1960s Tom Jones for California maxi dress - vintage fair
Cardigan, bangles and necklaces - charity shopped
Boots - Ebay
 (The peacock feather bangle was a gift but I can't remember from whom... Was it you, Princess Tan-Tan?)

 
 
 
There is stew with dumplings in the oven for tea, as befits our first major frost of the season (my poor camellia will suffer even more) and a chilly day. 
Homework has been done (albeit painfully).
The week's plans include a PTA meeting, tidying up (Must Be Done), an attempt to sort out the Cupboard of Doom (ditto), and maybe some sewing.
Rock'n'roll!
 
 
 

And what better way to start the week than by meeting up with Patti and her friends for Visible Monday? 
 
See you there!
 
xxxxx


 

36 comments:

Ivy Black said...

Oh yuss...a lovely splash of colour is just the ticket. I love that blue on you. Anyway...soon be the spring.
I do like a bit of Oliver, has some pretty good numbers and I hope to see you doing the Oom Pah Pah.
I too like to re read books I've ignored for years. Just read Nightmare Abbey after twenty odd years and laughed my face off. Also The Yellow Wallpaper because it's short and utterly brilliant. I'm planning a Doris Lessing and Angela Carter re readathon soon.
Harry Palmer? I should say so!
xxxxx

Fiona said...

Glad to hear that Oliver was a hit with you all, I'm not big into musicals either but I'd give West Side Story a go just so's I could sing along - we did all the songs at school. I haven't read Bleak House either (no surprise there, I hear you say) but I did watch it serialised on the beeb. Wasn't it lovely to see the sun yesterday ? Not really warm enough to pose coat-less in the garden although if I had a dress like that I'd want to show it off to the neighbours too. Loving the big blue necklace. No Pet ?
xxxx

freckleface said...

Yes it was my lovely, colourful peacock! I love that Dickensian street wear and am also looking forward to seeing you doing a bit of oom pah pah! I used to be far more literary than I am at the moment. I think that is a good plan, I might follow in your footsteps. Poor littlest, yes, it is totally shocking, the murder of Nancy by that beast Sykes. We're almost halfway through January now, can you believe it? Before we know it you'll be posting about what a lovely summer we're having! Xxxxx

Sheila said...

Oh, I love live theatre, and musicals are so fun, especially when you know them! Love your vibrant colours in this outfit, Curtisse!

Fran said...

Love that huge blue pendant and your bangles and Seldom Seen looks a.lot like Harry Potter. I am afraid I do not know HarryPalmer.

Melanie said...

Live theatre, aaaah. It makes me want to be an actor. I love the magical worlds created on stage and the sudden irrational bursting into song. Great idea for a girls' night out.
I'm reading and rereading the classics as well, mostly because they are free for download on my digital thingy.
You are a balm for rain-weary eyes in that fabulous maxi and zingy bling. Oh, I like your new header too!

Unknown said...

just gorgeous x

Miss Magpie said...

I love musicals, you have got me singing Oom Pah Pah now. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

I love your splash of colour on a grey day like today it's a real tonic.

Tamera's Craft Palace said...

I adore musical theater and the old movie musicals!!

Your girls looked absolutely adorable!! and I love the colorful outfit you are wearing--cheery for the dreary winter!

Angels have Red Hair said...

I was going to say Seldom Seen was looking a little Harry Potter ... but I'm sure Harry Palmer is much, much better.
The gorgeous blue in your dress and cardy should chase away any other lingering blues ... it's fabulous.
xx

Unknown said...

Will start by saying i'm a big, big fan of Dickens, read most of his books in french of course and seen numerous movies about his work !
Looking lovely in blue Curtise! Aren't you lucky not a trace of snow, here it was hell i tell you, ice, icy rain, rain but mild at least - Mr. D and i went for a stroll downtonw today!

Hugs

Arianexo

Peaches McGinty said...

I still think it's shocking poor Nancy is murdered! I'm glad you all enjoyed it, it is amazing when the lights go down (although I haven't been in years!)English Literature graduate too! I'm so impressed, it must have been wonderful, don't feel shallow! I was impressed I finished the Alan Carr autobiography and other 'stretching' reads! (Mr F comments there are puddles deeper than me)
Seldom Seen's specs are fixed brilliantly, and very handsome he is too - I love your outfit, the saucy split, sexy boots and gorgeous colour has lifted me x x x

Olga Rani said...

I love live theater performances. When I lived in Moscow I used to go to the theater pretty often. Nowadays it is not that often. Actually the last time it was two years ago, when me and daughters went to see "Mamma Mia" musical in London.
You look great in this bright maxi! What an amazing print the dress has!

two squirrels said...

Hello lovely Miss Curtise.....happy happy new year sweet.
Oh so lovely to see beautiful you all in colour......the big 50 this year.....you so don't look it and you always look so fantastic in what you wear.....yay I hope you are having a big old party!!!!!
Ahhh the theatre.....love it, but sorry can't go the musicals.
Sending a big old squirrel hug and much love V

mispapelicos said...

The girls are growing so fast. It is amazing...
Lovely dress and wonderful colours for January, yeahhhhhhhhhhhh
Love and sunshine.
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bohemian vanity said...

The girls are pretty, just as you are! Theater is fun but i don't go that often too.
Your outfit is a color splash in january!
That peacock feather bangle is so pretty, i love everything with feathers! Oh and i was wondering if Tania's blog isn't available ? I can't open it... By clicking on the link there's said "domain expired"... ?!
Have a fab monday my dear!
XX Tani

Emma Kate at Paint and Style said...

Love Dickens! The Crucible pics take me back. We were all dragged there to see Macbeth in the fourth year (in old money.) Hate Shakespeare.
Lovely pic of the kids in the caf. xxxx

Shortbread and Ginger said...

Love the dress - the colours are amazing!
Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

Liesl said...

Hi, I normally skulk around in the background but I had to speak up and say your children are lovely, and the theatre trip looked like fun, its prompted me book a theatre trip for myself and my daughter.

Patti said...

Oliver! is such a lot of fun - and you all look so fetching for the event. You hit me at heart with this one: "Piece of Literature I Should Have Read But Haven't" -- there are so many in that category for moi, so I cheer you on. I've started with "A Day In The Life Of Ivan Denisovich -- because it was . . . short! (and very good, it turns out). Love your colors in the garden! Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday. xoxo

Unknown said...

I love a bit of colour to as you know :-) Especially this time of the year anything to brighten up the dull and dark days its a right miserable one today to i can tell you.You look gorgeous, i would love to have seen Oliver with you it was one of my favourite's when i was growing up i have the music score in the loft somewhere. Have a lovely week lovely, dee xxx

thorne garnet said...

Live theatre and musicals? Whatever are you talking about? I don't know how I've managed not to ever do Oliver. It's bound to happen one of these days.

I found the same peacock bangle at a thrift shop last year!

Rachel said...

I'm not a lover of January either but I agree; bring on the colour. I love this colour blue, perfect for brightening a dull day.
Oliver sounded great fun, I wish we had gone to see it now too. I love live theatre, its a favourite of mine.
Stew and dumplings sounds delicious, I could just eat that myself ;-) xxx

Unknown said...

Wow - I love that big blue pendant !
Looks really great having a outing " with the gorgeous kids of your !
xxx

Veshoevius said...

English literature was my best subject at school - I too have guilt trips over not having great works that I should have. Have read Heart of Darkness though - one of my favourites. Hear hear for colour in winter! Love your choice of electric blue and the bright bold print!

Helga said...

Colour is ALWAYS the ticket!!!
Hahaha, Cupboard of Doom!!! I consider my room to be a Room of Doom currently. It's such a mess!
I have not read any Dickens...think I attempted to once, but found it tedious. I must try again, as I do love the old classics. I did watch a BBC adaption of Bleak House, and it really was quite bleak. Oliver is tremendously popular, and I believe I know the plot without ever having seen or read it! A most excellent thing though, taking the kids to the theatre! I really ought to go more, haven't been in years!
That pendant is amazeballs!
Loving YOU!
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Forest City Fashionista said...

January is my least favourite month as well, and this one has been a struggle. Bold colour, and a bit of live entertainment are excellent distractions! I haven't been to the theatre in a while - I used to be a regular visitor to our Stratford Shakespearean festival - and I remember the moment of anticipation when the lights dimmed.

The girls are looking quite adorable dressed up for their outing, and SS would rock a fedora and a suit!

You may have a cupboard of doom, and Helga has a room of doom, but I think I win the prize for having an entire apartment of doom at the moment. Where IS that maid??

silvergirl said...

The theater trip sounds great
I am a big Dicken's fan, but Bleak House isn't one of my all time favs.
Maybe I would like the play better
Brett

Señora Allnut said...

lovely colorful outfit and fabulous printed dress!, you really know how to cheer up the day looking gorgeous!!
and so exciting that you take girls to watch Oliver!, great!
And wish you a good approaching to Dickens!
besos

Krista said...

I concur january can just be on over. Thank goodness for beautiful frocks and bloggers friend distractions. This skirt is sunshine on a gray day and I would stop you in the street to say thanks for the color injection!

It's been so long since I've been to the theatre. What a wonderful evening with the family. I can almost feel the excitement before the curtain parts! Everyone looks so happy! Even littlest yawn is a show stopper.

Lots of LOVEXXOOO

Anonymous said...

Lovely colours - perfect for January. xxx

Unknown said...

Color, you haz it! Lovely and bright and just made my day looking at you because it's also a seriously cool outfit. Boots! So fine.

Oliver ... I was working in a theatre eons ago when the Mark Lester/Jack Wilde version came out. I know every word of every song and I can't wait to see what you do with an Oom Pah Pah tribute.

Edifying reading: you and several other 50 somethings I know are suddenly going back and reading all the stuff you were supposed (or thought you should) but never did. I did that too, and was finally old enough to enjoy some of it! That movement lasted for a decade, so enjoy. It's a thing for your age group, I think.

I've finally kicked my edifying reading habit, but I'm never sure when i'll backslide and read something of excellence. It could happen.



Trees said...

I kind of forget the rest of the world is facing the bleak days of winter at the start of the year! That show does look like fun, I'm not one for musicals either - but I do like non-musical theatre! :D Fabulous bright colours for a winters day - hurrah!

Dawn said...

I am mesmerized by your writings, this post explains it all...an English lit major. Beauty, fashion sense, and you can cook...dangerous combination but wonderful all the same. You look great, Candice, now let me get at those dumplings!! Miss you. I may even do a blog post soon. admirably, dawn suitcase vignettes

Rachel said...

Hi Curtise
I have nominated you for a sunshine award on the blog today. It would be great to hear your answers but I know how time consuming it can be! Enjoy the rest of your day xx

Unknown said...

LOVE this fab maxi - the colour combo is so gorgeous! I am an absolute plebeian shithead... I have tried and tried to do the classics but Pride and Prejudice did me in and no matter how I've tried I cannot give a flying fuck about classics I'm afraid. However, I'm sure I would quite enjoy a musical - especially one with lovely catchy song by wenches in frocks!

I always love to see a pic of your brood. Give em all a lovely hard bum pinch from me.

Love, SS xxx