It's good to know that life can still surprise you, isn't it?
Mostly, I find I trundle through my existence along fairly well-worn tracks. And that's fine with me, although I appreciate that the risk-taking bravehearts among you will cringe at the very thought.
But now and again, it's therapeutic to be given a little shake by the universe, to be reminded that there's a first time for everything, whatever one's age.
Jo and I made a welcome return to Chesterfield flea market last week, after a six week hiatus over the summer holidays. It was so good to be back; not that I bought much, I am trying very, very hard to donate/sell at the moment, not to accumulate more.
But one little vintage pattern (from 1964 - the same age as me) can't hurt, can it?
I have to confess, I don't love this outfit, and I was giving the dress a final road test to decide whether to keep or sell it. It's a 1960s Jersey Masters silver lurex/wool knit maxi dress which has a pretty sparkle to it, but from a distance it just looks grey, and I feel drab in it.
See? Lovely up close (there is a matching tie-front cardigan too) but I don't wear it enough to justify keeping it, so I think the set is destined for Ebay.
Anyway, there I was minding my own business and browsing though some vintage sewing patterns at the market, when a man approached me and said you're Clarice, aren't you?
Err - no.
He seemed convinced he knew me; I was equally convinced he didn't, and that he had mistaken me for someone else. Then I told him my name, and he said you write that past caring blog, don't you?
We had a bit of a chat about photos, the market, the blog, then he wished me well, and went on his way. An older lady standing alongside me looking at patterns witnessed the whole exchange; she chuckled and said you've been spotted. Mind you - no offence, love, but with that red hair, no one can miss you.
I am still laughing to myself over this whole incident; how funny to be feeling rather lacklustre and looking dull and inconspicious (or so I thought), only to be recognised by a complete stranger for the first time. Now I know how Vix feels!
This is rather more my usual style - and I might even sneak in to join Judith's Hat Attack with my hair flower. Better late than never!
Another unlikely occurrence which has put a spring in my step, and made me aware I should never say never, is being a cover girl. I know - whoever would have thought?
Now that isn't something which happens every day, is it? Or indeed ever. But it has now, thanks to Melanie, who chose darling Clementine to be on the cover of the latest edition of Vogoff.
The poor love could do with some better luck, she's had quite a fall from grace, and has resorted to parading in her scanties to make ends meet.
It could happen to the best of us...
1960-70s maxi dress and Indian tooled leather bag - vintage fairs
Bangles, flower and necklace - charity shopped
So even though life can seem predictable, comfortable, (oh all right, maybe a little pedestrian at times), I'm happy to find there is room for the unexpected and first times.
I'll be joining in with Patti's Visible Monday gathering as usual, where there are cover girls galore - see you there!
xxxx
