Pleasant wonder is no loss of time

I'm not generally very good with change.

I like what I know, I like routine, I like the safety.

 But sometimes, a big old shake up is just the thing. 

 Before I moved, Nina asked both Simon and I whether we would be sad or lonely on the days when she, Claudia and Owen were at the other parent's house. We both replied with an amused but emphatic no!

I can't vouch for Simon, but for me, those days have a strangely unreal quality to them. Time opens up in front of me, space to be filled in any manner of my choosing. Of course work commitments continue, and all the usual chores still require attention, but there have been times when I have a day off, no particular plans, and I wake up without an alarm and lie for a minute in the dark, excited by the prospect of suiting myself, from start to finish of the day. I can't quite find the words to articulate how it feels - it's liberating, but slightly overwhelming, so much choice almost makes me anxious until I remind myself I don't have to cram a million things in, I'll have days like this on a regular basis now. 

It's... a bit trippy. 

1970s dress and cardigan - charity shopped 

Something I did on one such day was go for a walk in our local park and visit Meersbrook Hall, an 18th Century Grade II listed house. Since the 1950s, the hall has been home to council offices, but the Parks and Countryside department has now relocated and this year, the keys to the building were handed over to the Friends of Meersbrook Hall and local charity Heeley Development Trust. They plan to refurbish the house and develop it as a thriving community resource, remaining in public ownership. 

It was the first time I have ever set foot inside the Hall.

Nina's year group at school had an art exhibition on display, inspired by the work of John Ruskin.

Nina's picture. 

Walking home in the dimming light of late afternoon, the low cloud looked like mountains in the distance.
 

But as much as I am relishing some solitude, I am making the most of my social opportunities too...

 
well, it would have been rude to ignore this talented young man, don't you think?

My shop's Christmas do was a night out at a burlesque show. 

My feathers weren't quite as impressive - love those fans!

1950s cocktail dress - gift from Wayne at Mooch

Feather fascinator, bracelet and 1950s crystal necklace - charity shopped

With Heather, Mel and Jo - the most glamorous charity shop team ever!

And while we're on the subject of leggy birds in feathers - look at this beauty, spotted on the River Sheaf the other day. Watching him take off was a joy. 

Ruskin had it right - pleasant wonder is no loss of time.

Linking - for the first time in ages - to Patti's Visible Monday.

xxx

The only way is up

You don't need me to tell you that life is full of unexpected twists, turns and contrasts, and last week provided me with some perfect examples.

By birth, I am a country girl, but by inclination and choice, I'm happily urban. Still, I do appreciate living in a green city with plenty of parks and woodland to explore, and having the beauty of the Peak District on Sheffield's doorstep.

The Y1 trip to Ecclesall Woods was great; we made Andy Goldsworthy-inspired art, admired the bluebells, and enjoyed our picnic.

Negotiating public transport with 82 kids was a challenge, but one which was managed with aplomb. I am always full of admiration for the hard work and enthusiasm of the teaching staff with whom I volunteer. 

And the kids are pretty cool too!

There's no denying that I felt disappointed about missing out on the charity shop deputy manager post last week; however, there's been a further twist in that particular tale. 

I have been asked if I am interested in the same role but at a different shop, and I certainly am. I'll find out more next week, but there might just be a happy ending after all.

Claudia, Owen and Nina - everything charity shopped or hand-me-downs, apart from shoes

Me - 1970s top - gift from Vix

                 Silk palazzo pants - flea market

Denim jacket, 1960s bag, most bangles and 1970s tiger's eye pendant - charity shopped

Striped bangle - gift from Fiona

 Sandals - retail (sale)

So the kids have broken up for half term, it's a Bank Holiday weekend, and I think I've finally landed a job - let's go out and celebrate!

You can tell we were giddy...

Claudia and Nina - Selfie Queens.

A good night was had by all.

We're lucky to be able to hop on a bus at the end of the road, and head in one direction to find woods and countryside, in the other to access our city centre.

Extreme window cleaning is definitely not the job for me...

1970s St Michael shirt, suede waistcoat, shorts, sequin beret and shoes - charity shopped

Tights - gift 

 And while I am a committed dress and skirt lover, I do occasionally feel the need to ring the changes.

 Claudia says I'm pinching her style, she's been rocking the playsuit-and-tights look lately.

Naturally my version has some Seventies' influence going on.

Nothing wrong with learning from our kids, is there?

I think I'd better link this post to Judith's next Hat Attack, even though I'm early; I may not wear a hat again before June 1st, and I hate to miss it!

And now I'm off to follow the twists and turns in your lives - what's been happening?

xxxx

A festival and a girls' night out

I have had a lovely weekend, hope you did too.

Heeley Festival was fun, we always see lots of people we know, and the rain didn't dampen our enthusiam too much.

A cream tea requires deep concentration, whether spreading...

... or eating.

I bought these sweet little 1950s glasses from the mini car boot sale, 10p each.

OH likes his chutney.

Toffees, fudge and caramels made by our ex-next door neighbour Zander. That's him, looking like Gene Vincent in the top photo. He has just started his own sweet-making business called Sweet Delights. The apple and cinnamon caramels are my favourite. 

So that was the daytime entertainment, which was followed by Barbara arriving to have a rifle through my vintage collection. Sadly, although she did try on my blue frilly bloomers, and all my wigs, I was too hopeless to take photos. So I will show you how beautiful my dear friend is in a Goth-inspired photo from a while back!

She chose a lovely 1960s psychedelic shirt dress and some rose print leggings for our night out, looked amazing, and has packed them in her rucksack to take back to NZ with her.

Barbara, Claire, Karen, me, the Blog Hog twins, and Joanne, having a swift Pimms before hitting the pub. (The kids made do with squash, just in case you were thinking of ringing Social Services.)

I decided the jumpsuit needed an outing. The Sheaf View isn't quite Studio 54, but never mind.

Our night in the pub was great, I had such a good laugh with my lovely friends, and received some fabulous gifts.

Claire and Sally.

Diana and Sue.

Trace, looking a tad unhinged.

Joanne and me.

Unfortunately, I failed to get a photo of my other friend Sue, who gave me the most wonderful present. Have a sneaky peek - ooh la la!

Nights out with friends when you never stop chatting and laughing are just the best!

So I'm feeling a little flat today, Barbara left Sheffield this afternoon and after waving her off, I was a wee bit teary, and then couldn't really be arsed doing very much. Saving the air fares to New Zealand is going to be a long job!

 But Littlest is determined that we should go, since she is besotted with Barbara and is most concerned to renew her acquaintance with Barbara's youngest daughter. This photo of our girls was taken 4 years ago, the last time they were together.

We're going to get these girls Skyping soon! 

     xxx