Oh what a circus

If I ever tried to run away and join a circus, I suspect I would be sent home. I'm wary of heights, can't catch, have dismal balance, and prefer my comedy verbal rather than physical. 

 

 

Life is proving to be a challenging lesson in juggling at the moment, and I freely confess that it is a struggle. Unfortunately, the ball I'm dropping most frequently is blogging. 

It's tedious to keep repeating the same apology, so I'll just say that if I don't comment on all your posts, or I'm slow to do so, it isn't for lack of interest and involvement. I'm really busy with an irregular work schedule, attending end of term events with the kids, and trying to squash domestic and leisure activities into the remaining hours. If anything has to give, it's likely to be blogging, although hopefully this will be a temporary state of affairs. 

 

Do bear with me, please - I miss you all, and am in slight mourning for my previous freedom...

Last weekend, we traveled down south to stay with my sister Belinda and celebrate her 60th birthday with a trip to Giffords Circus.

Nell and Toti Gifford produce wonderfully warm and entertaining circus shows every summer; we've been before (the post is here) and were very happy to have the chance to see this year's production, Moon Songs. 

 

 

That's big sister Belinda in the white trousers (bottom left); the supermodel in the pink dress is my niece Leala (Nina is besotted with her!)

Me and my big girl; brother-in-law Alan in the floral shirt with Mum, and glamorous elder niece Samara. 

We saw the circus in Oxford - that's Keble College in the background. 

 

 

It's a show full of traditional circus skills, performed with skill and good humour, accompanied by live music from the fantastic band. This year, all the songs were moon-related.

Extreme hula-hooping...

amazing flexibility and strength...

 

 

juggling, dancing acrobatics, and a bear riding a horse. Of course.

These spectacular hats were designed by Philip Treacy.

As the sun set, we went for dinner in the Circus Sauce tent.

There were even fireworks in the distance to enjoy.

 

 

The kids really appreciate staying with Belinda and Alan, not least because of the pool and the pets.

While I can't imagine living anywhere other than an urban setting, I do like the space and green of the garden and its beautiful woodland setting.

The kids do too.

Owen only has a week left at primary school. If they took SATs in face-pulling, he'd get a level 6.

Time with Grandma.

And then back to work and school. 

 

It's all go!

 

xxx

I was an impossible case

What do you remember about being thirteen?

Claudia's 13th birthday has prompted me to try and remember what it was like when I was her age; I have to admit, it's all a bit hazy. Who was I then?

A glance at the UK's Number 1 songs of that year was helpful in jogging my memory.

1977.

The year God Save the Queen by the Sex Pistols was banned by the BBC and allegedly (maybe apocryphally) kept off the No. 1 spot, for fear of offending the Royal Family in the year of the Queen's Silver Jubilee.

You wouldn't know it was the year of punk, the songs that made the top of the UK charts were pop through and through. Abba and David Soul reigned, Elvis died, and I Feel Love sounded like a trance-y soundtrack to some sci-fi porn film.

There were strikes, the Yorkshire Ripper murders, Red Rum and Virginia Wade won, Marc Bolan died, the National Front and anti-Nazi protesters clashed, and Rumours and Star Wars were released.

1970s maxi dress - The Queen's Drawers via local vintage shop
Wrap cardigan - gift from Tania
Ankle boots - Ebay
Beret and bangles - charity shopped

Claudia invited some friends out for dinner to celebrate her birthday.

Off we go!

They're a cool bunch of kids. Don't believe everything you hear about teenagers, some of them are just fine - polite, funny, and sweet.

They're nothing like the 13 year old me. They aren't awkward or ill-at-ease in their own skin; they have style and confidence, and a sense of belonging. I'm really glad about that, and wish it hadn't taken me so long to find those things for myself.

I don't have any photos of me from 1977. If there are any, they'll be lurking in a drawer at my mum's, which is probably the best place for them. I remember a centre parting and limp side-flicks, checked shirts, skinny fit t-shirts, flared jeans, and wedge shoes. A humdrum uniform, accessorised by shyness, social ineptitude and poor self-esteem.

I had an endlessly supportive and encouraging mum who repeatedly told me that I was unique, and uniquely great. I just thought she had to say that because she was my mum, so it didn't count. I wish I had believed her, and I hope Claudia believes me when I tell her what's great about her. I found being thirteen really tricky; she seems to be approaching her teens with an enviable insouciance.

Good for her.

Oh Charlie!

Claudia made her own birthday cake, with the help of one of her friends - it was delicious.

So what was it like for you, being 13?

 

And share your memories of 1977, if you have any!

 

xxx

          

Almost blue

I've got a touch of the Back to School blues.

It's the thought of getting up early tomorrow morning and having to display a modicum of efficiency again. I'm not too keen.

But at least all the snow has gone.

We slithered our way on treacherously icy pavements to spend New Year's Eve with our friends Claire and Ron, a mere four doors away; by the time we tiptoed home in the small hours, the ice had mostly melted.

A 1970s-does-30s maxi and a red feather boa, a suitable outfit in which to welcome 2015, I think.

Yesterday was Nina's 9th birthday, and we went out for dinner to celebrate.

That jug of beer looks enormous next to Owen... Went down easily enough though.

(Simon was there too, please don't think I guzzled it all by myself!)

1960s mini dress - Second to None, Walsall

Windsmoor faux fur coat - vintage fair

Beret, scarf and tights - charity shopped

Boots - retail (sale)

So I'm feeling a bit quiet and subdued, as I often do at this time of year. The stretch between new year and Easter feels long, and a little gloomy.

Nothing a coffee and chat with my mates can't sort out though (on the agenda for tomorrow) and I'm looking forward to getting back to the charity shop to continue with my Vintage Rescue mission.

In addition, I'll be starting at the new hospice charity shop which has opened in our city centre. My original plan was to get up to speed with the volunteer role at my local shop, but transfer once the new branch opened.

Now, of course, I don't want to leave what I have come to think of as my shop. I have grown very fond of the little band of Wednesday volunteers and the manager with whom I've been working.

Not to mention the ongoing house clearance and its vintage bounty...

The manager was delighted when I called in at the shop after Christmas with the cash from the Ebay sales. I also sold some of the vintage fabric to my sewing/crafty friends.

Anyway, I'll see how it goes doing a day in each shop. If anything has to give, I can always call time on the PTA, can't I? (After our jumble sale in March, of course...)

What are your plans for January? Same old routine or pastures new?

Edited to add: how could I forget - Judith's first Hat Attack of 2015! See you there.

xxx

Three have fun in Nottingham

Birthdays.

They come, they go, and we're another year older, but we don't really feel any different afterwards, do we? 

 

I want to say a massive thank you to everyone for all the birthday wishes, Facebook messages, texts, cards and gifts. I have been thoroughly spoiled, feel a bit overwhelmed, but very, very grateful and appreciative. You are a lovely lot!

 

 

On Wednesday, I headed off to Nottingham for the day with my two best buddies, Joanne and Sue.

 

We had no particular plans, we just wanted a relaxed and meandering sort of day, and that's exactly what we had.

Robin Hood and timber-framed buildings...

bronze statues...

Nottingham Castle...

 

and a fabulous view over the city.

 

The sun shone for our picnic...

 

and we had homemade rock buns, complete with birthday candle and of course, a rousing chorus of Happy Birthday to you/me!

There may have been G&Ts involved as well.

Lovely.

Then some art...

 

 

some vintage browsing...

 

a coffee stop...

 

 

and of course, a selfie in the mirror in the toilets. You're welcome.

 

1970s Hong Kong-made maxi dress - flea market

Bangles - charity shopped

Sandals - retail

Miracle pendant - car boot

Friends - made them myself 

 

Obligatory dodgy selfies in the pub; I do love my girls!

I'm out at a joint 40th/50th party tonight (fancy dress - you'll have to wait and see!) and my mum and sister are visiting on Sunday. So I've managed to extend my birthday treats over a week, and have had the loveliest of times.

 

I'm rather behind with your blogs having been unplugged for a while, but I'll be catching up as soon as I can. 

Have a great weekend!

xxxx