Hey babe, let's go out tonight

Hello? Anybody there?

I hope so; it's odd being away from blogging. I've felt a disturbing echo of ancient adolescent angst, a fear that everyone else in the world is off having all the fun without me... 

Life's been going on as usual.

 

Work is busy - January is obviously Major Clear Out Month, the donations have been piling in. The vintage shop still isn't open but it's looking likely for February. We'll see.

1970s blouse and maxi skirt, 1960s Astraka faux fur coat, suede waistcoat, vintage leather gloves, beret and ankle boots - all charity shopped

 

We've had a mere dusting of snow, which has made a change from the incessant rain. The garden is a quagmire, the cats and I are not impressed.

 

 

 Jess' winter fluff, on the other hand, is very impressive. 

 

On Saturday, we all went to see An Inspector Calls at the Lyceum theatre (the building on the right).

Over dinner afterwards, we debated the nature of the mysterious Inspector, admired the staging of the production, and discussed whether polemic makes for good theatre. Well, Simon and I did - the kids may have been ignoring us and troughing their puddings at this point.

 

 

It was snowing by the time we went home.

 

 

Thank you for your kind comments on my previous post.

And in the spirit of getting back to normal around here, I'll be joining Patti's Visible Monday, and coming to visit everyone. What's been happening?

xxxx

I can't look at the stars

Please forgive the blogging hiatus, everyone - oh, and a very happy new year to you all.

A hectic pre-Christmas schedule at both work and play, combined with a heavy cold, did some damage to my staying power over the festive period.

And then we learned of the death of a friend of Claudia's, a truly delightful young man named George. They have known each other since they were in nursery together, we know his mum and dad, and our family, like the whole community, is reeling with shock and sadness. 

It's every parent's worst nightmare, isn't it? Even as I try to imagine the unimaginable, that desolate grief and anguish at the loss of a beloved child, I find my mind recoils and refuses to face it.  

I don't mean to appropriate this tragedy as my own, I'm merely a saddened and helpless onlooker, but I must say it has knocked the wind out of me. So I haven't taken many photos, nor worn anything you've not seen before, I can't think of much to say, and honestly, my heart just isn't in this at the moment.

Vintage souvenir Hamsa pendant, talismanic symbol of protection - charity shopped

I'm sorry, I'm sure I'll soon be back to posting and commenting as usual. 

In the meantime, squeeze your loved ones tightly.

 

 This photo was taken on Claudia's 13th birthday outing last March; she has lovely friends, and none lovelier than George (front right, in the pink shirt and bow tie).

We miss him, and will remember him always.

xxx