We kissed on a corner, then danced through the night

Cards written and posted.

Presents (mostly) wrapped.

Shopping (mostly) done.

School terms ended.

Tree decorated.

Impromptu Christmas post-work piss-up enjoyed...

and the wearing of festive red is ensuring that I stay bright amid the fog and the drizzle. 

So I'll be joining up with Patti and co for pre-Christmas fun on Visible Monday. (Look at me, getting in early, that's a first.)

1970s Co-op maxi skirt, top, denim jacket, vintage scarf and bangles - charity shopped

1960s tapestry and vinyl bag - jumble sale

Boots - retail (sale)

 

I should also add that the first Baileys of the season has been drunk - this morning, at my friend Joanne's. 

 

Well, you've got to start somewhere.  

1970s Miss Mary of Sweden dress, and bangles - charity shopped

Boots - retail (sale)

 

Nina and I have also had out first Christmas sing-song, featuring a rousing rendition of Slade's Merry Christmas Everybody, followed by our favourite duet, Fairytale of New York.

 

 She loves this song; I heard her singing along to it in a very strange voice, and when I asked her why she was singing like that, she replied that she was trying to sound like the man on the record. 

 

(Tonight, Matthew, we're going to be Shane MacGowan and Kirsty MacColl.)

 

After all, nothing says Christmas like a 9 year old belting out you're a bum, you're a punk, you're an old slut on junk.   

 

 

Her singing is better than her spelling... 

Fart Her Christmas indeed. 

 

 

Look what I got from Jenifer - I will enjoy making these Fuck Yeah Culottes. I just need some time - can one of you send me some more of that please?

 

 

Unlike the kids, I have yet to break up for Christmas - I'm working until December 23rd. But it's OK, things are under control, I think.

 

I don't hate this time of year, but I don't believe the hype. I know happiness doesn't lie in a big gift box with a fancy bow, or the perfectly decorated house/cake/tree. I am neither a Christian nor a pagan, so celebrations of the birth of Jesus or the winter solstice mean little to me. I have family and friends who enjoy the ritual of card- and present-giving, so I'm willing to participate; I like the food and drink, the parties, and the atmosphere of goodwill and bonhomie. I'll even sing a carol or two - they're only songs, and they are embedded in my consciousness just like Merry Christmas Everybody or Fairytale of New York. I like time off work, and time spent with loved ones. As for the rest - the commercial hard sell, the greed, the message that the measure of your love and care is found in the cost of your gift - well, I can do without all that. 

I'm unlikely to squeeze in another post before next Friday, given my schedule of work and social events, so whatever your take on ancient Palestinian myths or pagan fertility rites, I'm sending all of you a big Christmas kiss under the mistleoe - you lucky sods!

I've got a feeling this year's for me and you

So happy Christmas - I love you, baby

I can see a better time, when all our dreams come true.

xxxxx

Best foot forward

So here we go then, heading into 2015.

I like the symbolism of a new year stretching ahead of us like freshly fallen snow waiting for our footprints.

I will try to stride out purposefully. 

 

But of course I know there will be detours, obstacles and distractions along the way.

'Twas ever thus.

Now where's that lovely big present from my old friend Sal?

 Oh.... I'll open that later then.

 

Table all set for Christmas dinner. 

 Plus impromptu cat decorations. 

I wonder if I should try harder with hygiene in 2015?

 

 

A festive game of Creationary.

Willow only wanted to help...

 

 

Let's have some nice Christmas photos then, kids.

Alternatively, practice your Deranged Faces. 

Thanks.

 

 

But that's life, isn't it? You can plan and organise and have all the goals and resolutions you like, but sometimes you have to give in to the random flow of existence, and just see what happens.

And if you can laugh and enjoy it, so much the better. 

 

The big snowfall we had on Boxing Day was unexpected and disruptive for many, but it certainly provided a beautiful backdrop for my beloved Queen Jessamine.

 

 

And the kids enjoyed it.

Ahem, that's my posing spot, Nina!

 

See?

1970s Co-op maxi skirt and top - charity shopped

Boots and C&A Clockhouse suede jacket - Ebay

Pendant - gift

Belt - retail

 

(I'll pop over to Patti's to say hi to everyone at Visible Monday. Better horribly late than never.)

 

 

So whether you are a Jess, embracing challenges and opportunities with an adventurous spirit...

or like Charlie and Minnie, seeking out a safe spot from which to sniff the air and consider the future...

 

 

or a Wills, gingerly and somewhat reluctantly facing new conditions... 

 

 

we all make our way through life's vagaries in our own unique way, don't we?

Most things can be tackled with plenty of good will, a sprinkle of grit, and a shovel.

 

Wishing you all a very happy New Year!

xxxx

It's coming on Christmas

Work is finished for the year, the cupboards are full, and I believe I am ready to party!

How to style a pair of your daughter's leopard ears. 

Pinch them; then put 'em on. Simple.

 

Our friends Diana and Jim always throw a winter party featuring a brazier and outdoor seating. I thought a sleeveless frock was fine for the indoor parts of the do, then I can throw the leopard fur back on for the outdoorsy bits. 

 

We're off round to theirs a bit later on today, and look, I'm ready to go!

 

 

1970s C&A maxi dress and ankle boots - Ebay

1970s Wallis faux fur jacket - Kinky Melon's Retro Boutique

Bangles - charity shopped

Ears - nicked off Claudia

 

 

There are more festivities tomorrow, at Sal and Terry's annual Christmas Eve gathering. 

Hmm, what shall I wear?

This was yesterday's final supermarket shop outfit.

Actually, it was all quite civilised at Morrisons, busy but good-natured, and I managed to talk Simon out of buying the entire cheese counter this year... Believe me, that's quite a feat of negotiation.

1970s Decosse Scottish tweed coat - flea market

Flares - made by me from 1970s fabric and pattern

Top, ankle boots, necklace and bangles - charity shopped

Belt - retail (sale) 

 

 

And that's me ready for the festive season. I hope you are doing (or not doing) Christmas in whatever way suits you best, with a minimum of stress and maximum enjoyment. 

Wishing you happy times, my friends!

xxxx

Busy being fabulous

Busy week.

That old chestnut.

I've been...

getting dressed. Obviously.

1950-60s Kashmoor wool jacket, 1970s St Michael pussy-bow blouse, knit top, sequin beret, ankle boots and bangles - charity shopped

1950s brooch - flea market

1970s Dereta velvet maxi skirt - Ebay

 

Spending a lot of time here...

Browsing round town to finish off the Christmas shopping...

and listening to Nina and lots of other kids belt out Christmas songs in Sheffield cathedral.

 Had a haircut...

which looks better when it hasn't been squashed under a beret while out in the rain. Oh well.

Rescued more 1950s-60s-70s clothing from the rag bag in the charity shop...

as well as some amazing fabrics...

and plenty of unused linens.

Been pretty successful with the Ebay selling on behalf of the charity too. Someone give me a halo.

 

The kids have been partying...

including a little cross-dressing.

Cool dude Claud and blonde bombshell Owen. 

 Well, it is panto season, after all.

Christmas; a time which incorporates both the sublime and the ridiculous...

from Jess' extra winter fluffiness, and a new-to-me 1970s C&A maxi... 

to Nina's Christmas jumper off the market. Classy.

The kids have finished school for the holidays, the cards and parcels are posted, just a final food shop and bit of gift-wrapping to do, and the job is, as they say, a good 'un.

Now bring on the mulled cider, I feel like celebrating (and then I'll catch with your blogs, I promise!)

xxx

Wonderful Life

I have somehow made it to 300 blog posts!

My lovely friend Shelley recently made it to 800, and noted that she still enjoys blogging and feels inspired to continue.

So do I, due in no small part to all of you, the friends who bother to read and comment and support and amuse and entertain and inform. I've spent a bit of time this year mourning the people who have disappeared from my blogging world, but I decided that to focus on those who are no longer around does a disservice to those who are. 

And I want to say a big thank you to all of you, you are brilliant!

Yes, I mean you, Patti, Lynne, Tania, Fiona and Shelley.

Vix

Helga

and Jan.

Thank you to Mel and Krista

Vanessa

Jean
 
 

Tamera

Amber

and Em.

Such lovely friends - and of course there are many more, and I would have loved to create photos for all of you. But alas, the kids needed feeding and the Christmas presents needed wrapping and there was work to go to...

Without you, I'd feel like this;

But with you, it's a wonderful life.

An inappropriately summery video, I know, but the sentiment is fitting.

xxxx
 

   

                                                                         

So Merry Christmas to all...

 

xxxxxxx