Wednesday 15 October 2014

Lost and found


Oops, sorry about that - I didn't intend to go awol for a week, but the computer slowed to a standstill and has only just been fixed.

And truthfully, I was pretty downhearted about the loss of Minnie.


But as luck would have it, after an absence of 10 days, a neighbour called round yesterday saying he thought she was hiding in his house. And when we rattled the box of cat biscuits and called her, she came running down his stairs, a bit thinner but apparently none the worse for her unscheduled stay with him. 
 
The neighbour has been having work done on his house, and she must have sneaked in when the workmen weren't looking, and decided to camp out. Bizarre.

Thanks to everyone who expressed their concern and encouraged me to stay optimistic. It's not a trait I possess in abundance, but on this occasion, I am very relieved that my usual doom-laden predictions proved false.
 


Three samey outfits from last week, and three samey poses. So predictable.
 


1970s Lerose maxi dress - Ebay
Jacket, cardigan, shoes, bangles and pendant - charity shopped
1960s carpet bag - gift
 


1970s handmade lurex dress - flea market
Tights and bangles - charity shopped
Boots - retail
 
 
 
1970s blouse - Ebay
1970s skirt (made by me from a 1970s dress)
Tan leather bag and belt, jacket and bangles - charity shopped
 
 
Don't worry, I appreciate it's hard to comment on multiple outfits, so please don't feel under any obligation. I kept taking photos even though I couldn't upload them to the computer, and now I feel I should use them. It's my thrifty nature to make use of what I've got.
 
 
 
It's been a wet old week, and I've felt rather like a soggy rag myself, until today.

Yes, today I am in good spirits, and have done my first shift at the local hospice charity shop. I really enjoyed myself, everyone was very friendly, and I am slightly regretting my offer to work in the new shop due to open soon in the city centre. I think I may want to stay where I am, but we shall see. 
 


Look - it's like a scene from Fame.

Last Saturday, we went to a party to celebrate my friend Alison's 50th birthday. She hired the Lantern, a beautiful little theatre in the nearby leafy suburb of Nether Edge, and various friends performed on the stage. 
 
Here are Claudia (standing, left) and Nina (sitting, right) and friends about to dance to Bad by Michael Jackson (choreographed by Claudia). They opened the show.
 
 
 
I wish I'd had the balls to get up and sing, but alas, I only do that under the influence of an excess of wine when there's karaoke on offer.

Would you join me? What shall we sing?
 


So here's to fresh starts and happy endings, finding what we've lost, and belting out River Deep, Mountain High after one glass of prosecco too many. 
 
You know you want to!

xxxx

51 comments:

Pennyblossoms said...

So pleased puss cat turned up. Missed previous post on her disappearance. If mine are out overnight I get concerned. Goodness...how would I ever cope with kids?
Love your homemade skirt the best. And the blue tights.
Lovely idea for a birthday celebration.
Even with a bottle of Prosecco I'd be very unlikely to join in with the karaoke! (Boring git that I am!!)
Zxx

Pennyblossoms said...

Yay! First!! xx

Debberoo said...

So glad you found M!

Melancholy and Menace said...

I'm so glad Minnie is home, safe and well. I expect he's being spoilt with lots of food and extra fuss :)

Gorgeous, creative images, as always xx

Melanie said...

Yaaaay!!! Minnie is home. Whew. You must know I have a soft spot for your patchwork skirt THAT YOU MADE. I love that your daughters performed at your friend's party. So talented, like their mother, even if you do need fortification. I'll have a drink or two or three with you, if I haven't passed out by then, and we'll belt out "I can't get no satisfaction." Always a pleaser.

Sue @ A Colourful Canvas said...

Whoop-a-dee-whoop-whoop!!! So happy that Minnie is home sweet home! Not time to write more words at the moment, I'm rushing out the door...but the moment I saw your post, her photo, had to check in! So, so relieved for you all! xo

Natalia Lialina said...

I am sooooo happy to read this sweet story of Minnie's return! Hooray!!! I am an optimist, more or less, but I would worry too - 10 days seems like a long time. We keep out cats as indoor pets. I always tell them (especially Bagirka, the most curious one), there are too many predators here (foxes, coyotes), and cats get missing all the time.

You look adorable in all of your outfits! I'm glad you posted them. I love that patchworky looking skirt, and the delicate floral print dress, and your enormous blue pendant. I too fall into the trap of repeating the same poses over and over again. Maybe we need to drink a bit before we shoot and come up with some new poses as we relax. :))

I absolutely love the idea of your friend's birthday celebration! What fun! I am really impressed with Claudia' doing her own choreography, and both Nina and her performing. You rock girls!

My dear Curtise, I would LOVE to sing with you if only you don't mind my thick Russian accent! :)

The architectural shots are fantastic. Very fun inspiring post! xxxxx

Kezzie said...

So glad Minnie was found! That's often how cats go missing (when not the dreaded car incident)!
The show sounds a fun and novel idea for a birthday!
Wishing I had a lovely patchwork skirt like that! I bought a vintage patchwork dress/skirt a while back when I was at Snape maltings and then didn't like it so got rid of it- SHOULD have made it into a midi!x

Fiona said...

Was so happy to hear that Minnie had been found yesterday, I kept thinking of her you know. Those cats of ours are very complex creatures aren't they? Have you been watching Catwatch? Fascinating.
As for outfits...I'm favouring your you-made skirt, I'm having dilemma deciding on this weekend's. That theatre is delightful, what a lovely 50th treat. I'm like you I'm afraid and sing only in the shower, the car and under the influence of alcohol. I sang Like A Virgin in a Bahrain bar once and won a T-shirt....I was very drunk and swung the mic round on it's lead a la Tom Jones. Not my finest moment. See you soon.xxx

diaryofapennypincher said...

Hurrah! Thank goodness, I was so worried about Minnie, especially now the weather has turned. Smart girl was stowed away inside though! Love all your outfits, especially those boots as I'm trying to find some decent ones myself at the mo.

I'm not singing in public, you're on you own I'm afraid!

Jayne H said...

Hurray Minnie has been found, good news xx

Fran said...

So many pretty pictures and I am glad you found your cat. That very same thing happened to us. After ten or more days our favorite old kitty came waltzing home, apparently none the worse for wear. Apparently wherever she was she was well cared for.

Mother of Reinvention said...

So glad that Minnie has returned in one piece. Cats are such a worry when they swan off on a holiday and leave us distraught in their wake. You look lovely in your outfits but I am going to add agreement to the above comments in that your self-made patchwork skirt rocks. Go you! Glad you are enjoying working in a charity shop. Sounds like heaven. Fab idea for a birthday celebration too. You have such talented family and friends. xxxx

Patti said...

Hooray, hooray - Minnie is home. I was worried about her, and I must confess I share this trait with you: "I am very relieved that my usual doom-laden predictions proved false." Do you think it's a mental health professional thing??
Love the looks, and I really, really want to see "Bad" performed right now. xoxo

Miss Magpie said...

You look lovely in all your outfits same pose or not. I'm so pleased Minnie is home, I wish for the same happy ending for my stray pusscat.

Miss Magpie said...

You look lovely in all your outfits same pose or not. I'm so pleased Minnie is home, I wish for the same happy ending for my stray pusscat.

silvergirl said...

So glad you cat was found
The worst is when you don't know what happened.
Glad he is safe and sound
I think I am going to have incorporate the word samey into my vocabulary from now on
Brett

Suzanne said...

So happy you found your cat. What a great end to the story...for a change : )

I too only sing when completely wasted. I have a horrible voice.

All the shades of blue are lovely on you.
(I'm a poet and I didn't know it! LOL)

bisous
Suzanne

Angels have Red Hair said...

YAY!!!! I love a happy ending ... Welcome home Minnie.
What a creative way to celebrate your birthday ... though I'm with you ... I need to be well lubricated before I can sing in public :0)
xx

Connie said...

Minnie! So happy she's back!it's difficult to believe that you do not ooze optimism because your wardrobe certainly does! Could there be anything cheerier than your patchwork skirt? And the putty colored shoes..Mary Janes? Wedges?? I love 'em. What a great idea to rent a stage. The kids were super Adorbs, no doubt. But Curtise, you really must have a few nips the next time. Will you join me in a rendition of "Super Freak"?? You know you want to.

Fashionista said...

Mmmmm.....so you scored a gig in a charity shop huh? Me thinks it is merely a ruse to peruse the merch first hand and pick up the goodies. I am green with envy......

Unknown said...

Oh, I'm so glad your kitty is home! What a relief! I love all your outfits but my fav is the patchwork skirt (of course)! :)

Aya said...

I'm so, so glad Minnie's okay. You must've had the most awful sick feeling in your stomach while she was missing.

Also, that 1970s Lurex dress (2nd outfit) is DYNAMITE on your figure. Rock it!

Krista said...

I too am so thankful Minnie is back at home. Remember when Zoe went in the neighbors attic? What the hell is right?
You sound happy and look beautiful in all your outfits! A charity shop gig sounds fun and right up your vintage love alley! What a 50th! I'm inspired!
Loveuxxxxooio

Goody said...

Well, I don't imagine Minnie will be running off like that again any time soon-so glad she's OK. Must have been a relief when she heard you call for her.

How great that everyone was able to put the stage to use for a birthday celebration. I really can't think of a better gift than people you like giving you their hearts that way. What a nice thing-and for your children to be able to take part as well. Love it.

Your frock-into-skirt creation is so fun. I love a good patchwork pattern, and that's a great one. And a lapis pendant! So pretty.

Connie's right-we have to sing Super Freak.

hippyatheart said...

So glad Minnie is back!!!

Emma Kate at Paint and Style said...

Hooray for Minnies return! I'm so pleased. I was terribly worried and we lost you for a week too!
Your patchwork skirt is awesome. So glad you enjoyed the chazzer.
All good news.
But no, I would not get up and sing with you.
Ever. :) xxxx

Kylie said...

I'm so glad you found Minnie Curtise x

mondoagogo said...

I think I'm probably too tone deaf to sing aloud in public, but I'm glad the cat came back :)

Anonymous said...

Oh, so glad Minnie's back. I should have told you this story before, but the same thing happened to my Mom 's cat - missing for ten days in the dead of a Canadian winter. She finally wandered into the garage one day, completely scared and disoriented. Now she goes out only when supervised. :)

I haven't done karaoke since my 20s. It would take ALOT of wine to get me up there. But what a great idea for your pal's Bday, to have friends and fam perform. Must have been very special. Xoxox

Shortbread and Ginger said...

What a fabulous idea! Glad the cat is back.
Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

Vix said...

So happy that Minnie is back home. What on earth was she thinking? I'd love to see inside a cat's head, no matter how well we think we know them they always do something weird just to keep us guessing.
Loving all three outfits, colour, print and fabulousness all round and, of course, the classic Curtise pose. We wouldn't have it any other way.
A theatre for a party. How fab. Loving the girls on stage.
Hoping the chazza volunteering stays fun. I saw some sights in my 10 years with Scope, the worst being a dead dog and the best £650 in £10 notes. Some of the knickers I unpacked at yesterday's jumble still haunt me!
Love you! xxxxxxxxxx

Olga Rani said...

So glad to hear that Minnie is fine and back home. Love your patchwork skirt, what a beauty! The birthday celebration where everybody can perform on stage sounds like something really interesting.

Beth Waltz said...

Oh, joy! Minnie's home! Do you know the lyrics to the old campfire song: "The Cat Came Back!" (...the very next day, the cat came back, he couldn't stay away! Theeee Caaat Caaame Back!)

Must remark that the first maxi ensemble benefits from the *pop* of bright blue cardigan.

at my dressingtable said...

Love all your wonderful outfits Curtise , I am so happy your cat was found it heart breaking when they go missing, and a big thank you for the comment you left on my stepdad passing I am really grateful xxxx

freckleface said...

That is the best news! It's awful when the furry ones go missing. I bet you are making lots of fuss of Minnie cat now. The biscuit box is irresistible! Fact. Lots of lovely outfits here. I'm giving the lurex dress Best in Show. Talking of which, I spotted your two immediately. Looks like great fun. Choreography, eh? Pretty impressive. Ooh, new job! What a lark! Good for you. Xxxxxx

bahnwärterin said...

i´m to late for the party?
;-)
wonderful that the kitty is back!
3 outfits - 3 times chic and esprit!
wish i could see the performance of your daughters and friends! so cool! you did a good job as mum i think :-)
great that your new work had a good start! imagine to sit at the source!
thanks for your comment about art!
xxxxx

ArgentGal said...

I'm so happy for you that Miss Minnie has returned home safe and sound. She should be roundly scolded for causing you such stress. And by scolded I mean hugged and petted and generally fawned over. I love the birthday party idea. What a great way to all celebrate and have fun together. With tv and now the internet, we no longer entertain each other and I think it's a loss.

Unknown said...

All your outfits are lovely, but I particularly like your homemade skirt, tis fab. I'm so glad puss turned up safe and sound, I'd have been so worried if it was one of my pets, after all, they're part of the family aren't they? x

Unknown said...

It's a miracle. And Minnie has learned a lesson there I hope. I am not much of a singer but I do love a show! I have been selected (yes, selected) to be part of a dance troop with some fellow Lindy Hoppers.... Can't tell you how exciting and exhausting that prospect is. The message is it's never too late to find a new talent. xxx

Anonymous said...

Glad you and Minnie have reunited! We accidentally lost our cat for an entire week once. Then one day we went out and opened up the doors to the shed/barn and here she came! Animals can go without food for a few days but she amazed me that she made it for that long. Poor little thing!

Forest City Fashionista said...

What a great idea for a 50th Birthday bash! Perhaps I'll do that for my 60th and ask my talented friends to put on a show.

Sooo happy that Minnie turned up. Who knows why cats do what they do. I have a hard time being optimistic when things like that happen. I "hope for the best but expect the worst".

Jazzy Jack said...

You have artistic kids too!
How lovely.
And yippee! Hooray! Skips around the kitchen, Minnie is found!
Looking your usual immaculate self in your outfits. Xo JJ

Sue said...

So glad Minnie is back home. Cats do odd things like that, and we stress about them being away while they are tucked up somewhere. I quite like the the set of three outfits with the same pose, you have it down pat and look very model like!! What a great 50th party, I too would not make it on to the stage, I am a spectator myself. I have down back up vocals on a karaoke one night but my singing is best left to the car when I am alone.

bonsaimum said...

Glad Minnie was safe and well. They will send us all grey! :)

Catherine said...

hurrah! so good to hear kitty is back! Those sweet little things, why must they run off? I see there is a show on bbc or one of those called Cat Watch. I wonder if they might mention it in there? And all 3 outfits are spectacular! i love the patchwork look skirt!

Catherine said...

hurrah! so good to hear kitty is back! Those sweet little things, why must they run off? I see there is a show on bbc or one of those called Cat Watch. I wonder if they might mention it in there? And all 3 outfits are spectacular! i love the patchwork look skirt!

Unknown said...

You always know where to find my comments ... at the bottom. Sigh. Sorry, but they're always sent with love!
Working backwards, so glad you found Minnie! Wonderful how cats can turn up again when you've given them up for lost! Lucy takes off for a day or so every six months, and I no longer freak out on such a grand scale, 'cause she can come back and so far has done so! (Knocking on wood ...)
You look lovely. Cool how that diagonal print "moves' the eye around, and it's a very pretty print, too. That's a great shade of blue to show up in your wardrobe choices this week.
What a great 50th thing to do! Alison clearly rocks and I hope she enjoyed the show. Clearly the girls get their talent from you.
You just rock in your volunteer work. No matter which option you choose, they're lucky to have you.
Have a great week, Curtise!

Shawna McComber said...

I am sooooo glad about Minnie's being found! I have been thinking about her and have missed reading blogs for about a week and I was a bit afraid to look. I had a cat who did something similar. The whole experience of getting lost made her freeze up in terror and she just stayed where she was hidden until she was eventually found.

The show looks fantastic and fun! I would definitely sing with you and I will even let you have all the prosecco.
xoxo

Sheila said...

What a fun idea for a birthday celebration. I have only sung in public once, doing Shania Twain's "Don't Impress Me Much." It required a lot of liquid courage, but I will certainly join you in the prosecco!

Trees said...

I am SO glad your kitty friend has returned, once one of our cats went AWOL for three months!I do love your patchwork skirt and that party sounds like a blast - I'd sing with you, if it was at karaoke!