Close at hand

 

 

My visit was further enhanced

by various tactile expressions: 

 

Vin chaud and a new wool wrap

to ward off the chill.

 

Stiff linen napkins at Ladurée.

 

The heft of silverware at Musée D'Orsay.

 

Heavy, elegant menus.

 

Chilled fingers

stealing heat from a cup of chocolate.

 

Silk wall coverings at the Carnavalet.

 

The supple warmth of

a nutella crepe.



 

Eric Bompard's cashmere.

 

The exchange of bills and coins.

 

Sorting through bins of used books.

 

Vintage furs, silks and leather bags.

 

New "furs" and silks.

 

Soothing lotions.

 

A hot shower and warm bed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Evocative echoes

I loved my trip to Paris.

It was a sensory-intensive experience

from beginning to end.

 

We had many drizzly, but mild, days of

walking to and fro

about the city, absorbing the nuances of its 

quotidian rhythms.

(I wish I'd snapped a shot of the le Pain Quotidian)

My clothing selection was

adequate

- which is all I had asked of it -

in light of the laundry

facilities in our

charming apartment.

 

So, what did I hear?

 

I was awakened several mornings by the

sound of the rasping broom of a

street sweeper below our windows.

 

 

This pianist livened the street corner

at a flea market on a dreary day.

 (We kept hoping the ladies would break into song.)

Rain on my umbrella.

Church bells.

The organ at Notre Dame.

A boy's choir performing the Hallelujah Chorus.

A piano recital in a nearby church.

The melody of conversation.

The whine of approaching motorcycles.

Car horns.

An accordionist on the metro.

Street musicians doing their best with the Beatles.

Laughing children.

The click of heels on cobblestone.

Late-night revelers.

The hushed reverence of memorial places. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Countdown

Next week at this time

we'll be in Paris.

 

This will be a busy week as final

preparations are completed.

 

Here's a section from my to do list:

 

finalize packing selections

go to the bank

get a manicure

pay bills

have my glasses adjusted

compile addresses for  postcards

avoid breaking toes

(or fillings)

 



Faux Snow Bunny

I like Thanksgiving.

Like so many

I have much in my life that

prompts a spirit of thankfulness.

 

Thanksgiving evokes tradition and

a nostalgia unmatched by other holidays

even though it seems to be increasingly overlooked

in our accelerated commercial

holiday season.

Regardless of personal preferences

and health-driven choices

we many of us I tend to revert to certain traditional

patterns and indulgences.

Or maybe I'm just weak-willed and

susceptible to peer pressure...

 

 

Today's outfit was pulled together to

match the retro vibe of the day.

With my "stretch" pants

tucked into snow boots, turtleneck, chunky cable sweater

headband and sunglasses

I felt like I had just stepped off a

vintage travel poster.

 

Over the river and through the

woods, indeed.

 

Hope you enjoyed your day.

 

 

 



Sunday Night

 

I baked an apple pie for some friends

earlier this evening and the fading

aroma is competing with

tonight's shrieking winds to put me in a

cozy frame of mind. 

I was actually on my way to bed

but the opportunity to cross one

more item from my list

was irresistible.

 

Our fall weather has taken a turn toward

winter which means

blankets and sweaters and coats

that would ordinarily not

make an appearance

for another month

have already been put into

 rotation.

 

These were my favorite shoes this fall: 

 

 fun and comfy, they've logged many miles.

 

These clogs from Dansko have 

proven to be a good choice

and have been perfect with jeans

or a skirt and tights.

 

Our flight to Paris leaves in less

than two weeks. 

My packing list has yet to be finalized.

The idea of being able to do laundry

tempts me to pack

light, very light,

 making every choice critical.

Or not. 

 

 

 

 

White Cords Option

White Cords Option by mllibrarian featuring naturalizer boots

Abercrombie Fitch button down shirt
abercrombie.com

J TOMSON yellow tee
amazon.com

J.Crew jeans
jcrew.com

Naturalizer boots
nordstrom.com

Tory Burch leather tote bag
$410 - monnierfreres.co.uk

Packing Report

This was the original packing list from our recent trip. 

I've crossed out the items I didn't use.

 

4 sleeveless/short sleeve layering pieces:

berry

gray

charcoal

ivory

4 long sleeve tees:

ivory

tan

charcoal

mustard

3 V-neck cashmere sweaters:

navy

gray

teal

3 button-front shirts:

denimish

gray/teal plaid

gray paisley(tunic length)

2 pants:

white cords

charcoal

1 navy skirt and tights

1 charcoal wool blazer

 

With temperatures unexpectedly warm

- upper 60s and 70s -

layers weren't necessary.  I never wore the blazer.

We didn't do any "fine" dining, so the skirt

remained in the suitcase.

 

It's reasonable to assume that many pieces

can be eliminated, because

in Paris I will have access to laundry,

but, December weather should call

 for some layering pieces, so

I'll be looking for that happy medium

to allow more room for

shopping!

 

These items worked for me.

The color combinations were easy and

flexible.  I felt well-dressed and appropriate

in my choices.  The white cords were

fun to wear, though I don't see them

making the trip to Paris.  My boots

proved to be very comfortable.  I had casual shoes

in the bag, which I did wear, and need

to decide which pair of

shoes will accompany my boots

across the pond.

 

Overall it was a relief to see how versatile

the carry-on bag can be. 

It eliminates a certain amount of "stress"

to know that I can do this,

though it's not a convenient system if there are several

overnight stops involved. 

Everything had to be loaded and layered

rather precisely in the bag

(it was full)

which made for less-than-fun repacking

every morning. 

I'm looking forward to having a destination

allowing me to unpack once.

 

 



Gratuitous Cute Grandson Photo

 

Meet Levi

the reason for our recent road trip.



Trial Run

 

This is the 22 inch suitcase I purchased for the trip to Paris

in December.

 

 

Tomorrow we leave for a week's travel

to the East coast, which is always a favorite

destination.

 

I'm using this outing as a trial run

for the December trip.

My travel guru strongly urged using

only a carry-on bag

which will be a new experience for me.

 

So.  In this bag - this very small bag - I have

4 sleeveless/short sleeve layering pieces:

berry

gray

charcoal

ivory

4 long sleeve tees:

ivory

tan

charcoal

mustard

3 V-neck cashmere sweaters:

navy

gray

teal

3 button-front shirts:

denimish

gray/teal plaid

gray paisley(tunic length)

2 pants:

white cords

charcoal

1 navy skirt and tights

1 charcoal wool blazer

yoga pants. cami and oversize tee

undies and socks for a week

1 pair of shoes

1 pair of slippers

3 scarves

cosmetic bag

my kindle

assorted charging cords.

 

My tote bag holds:

 a small crossbody purse

several books

wallet

aspirin and other necessities

perfume

lipstick

pen

My watch,

pearl studs and

simple hoops are it for jewelry.

 

Tomorrow I'll wear:

 tall boots (tan)

navy pants

ivory vest

the 4th scarf

and a long sleeve tee.

(which I'll leave at Naphtali's and reclaim on our return)

There is also a weather-proof jacket

which will be thrown into the back of the car.

 

Naphtali and Aidan have offered/agreed

to keep Charlie for us while we're gone.

This is a chance for them to see how a dog would fit into

 the new school routines and

we're glad to leave him with family.

So our trip starts with an overnight in

Minneapolis, which is

always a treat.

 

It all works on paper so we'll see...

I went in today for a manicure

- I love the shellac -

so my nails will be lovely

- and indestructible -

for the duration.

 

The forecast for next week indicates mid to upper 60s

with the possibility of a 70 thrown into the mix.

Everything is set for a great time!

 

 

 

white jeans 1

white jeans 1 by mllibrarian featuring cropped jeans

Boohoo flat top
boohoo.com

J.Crew cropped jeans
jcrew.com

Fiorentini + Baker ankle boots
net-a-porter.com

Brown leather purse
lotuffleather.com

Tory Burch scarve
toryburch.com

Memorial Day Weekend

 

We arrived in the Cities on Friday afternoon.

Tim studied the tree and devised a plan.

The first supply run was made that night so he

could make an early start

the next morning.

 

Last year - this same weekend - we helped move

 Naphtali and Aidan into this house.

A tree suitable for a tree fort

was on their list of non-negotiables.

 

 You're looking at one happy kid!

 



The injury to my foot kept me off the ladders

and on the periphery for this project.

They worked hard and nearly

non-stop through Saturday and Sunday. 

There was a neighborhood

gathering scheduled for 6ish Sunday night.

The tree fort was complete and

Tim had manned the grill by 5:30!  

 

Unfortunately there is no photo of the finished project.

Naphtali created a charming focal point

by hanging a few accessories

and arranging a table and chairs under the platform.

I've been told a rope and bucket has been added

to serve as a dumb-waiter.

 

We'll be returning to build a deck

under the upper-tier,

but Phase 1 is complete.

 

 

 



Accessories Count

 

We went to see Naphtali

and Aidan over the Memorial Day weekend.

We had a great time.

 

These were important parts of

"that look"

for Charlie and me.

 

 

I won't even try to tell Charlie's saga.

You'll have to be content knowing

he almost died,

but didn't.

 

My story will be abbreviated.

Hurt my foot,

saw the doctor - twice - and

have an MRI scheduled for next week.

I have hobbled, iced, elevated and tolerated

pain and activity for about two weeks.

 

 

 

 

 



Monday Morning

Productivity is over-rated.

 



Killing Time

Or waiting for paint to dry.

 

Nail polish

but you get the idea.

 

The shellac manicure has spoiled me.

Suddenly, the time involved in "doing"

my nails at home

has become intolerable.

Keeping my nails presentable consumes

 at least two nights a week -

nights that could be used for so many

other pursuits.

 

I use the nudest of nude polish

and keep my nails fairly short

so it's not a matter

of maintaining fire-red talons.

It's simply that they have to look "done."

 

Thinking it would minimize my OCD

concerning chipped polish, and thus allow me to coast

with just one session during a week,

I tried just a clear coat for

 shine and protection.  

It didn't work.

It's been three days

and I just couldn't take it!

I've just applied a quick coat

of color so I can go to work.

 

Obviously wet nails don't interfere

with typing

so the time would provide a good excuse

to post on a regular basis.

There is never enough time for reading

so wet nails would be the

perfect cover story

to curl up and read the night away.

 

Yes, it is a trivial complaint, at best,

and there is always a

suitable resolution

for such matters.

 

 

Faux Fuchsia says it best:

"Chipped nail polish still revolts me." 

 

 

 

Just to let you know...

... it's

snowing

 

 

and thundering.

In Season

The air has been filled with the

long, shifting V-s of

returning geese.

Their honking

alerts the casual

witness to this seasonal

trek pulling the eye to the horizon

where they hover en masse

looking for a place to rest.

 

We've also seen a flock of mallard ducks

and deluded and bedraggled robins

 huddled in the falling snow.

 

Within my four walls there

are signs of impending spring, as well.

This morning I opened the

storage space built into the fireplace shelving

 

 to retrieve some seasonal accents.

 

Today's bright sunshine is whispering that it might

be reason enough to debut

some "spring" clothes at work tonight...

 

Sunday Evening

I still find it

hard to believe that time can slip so quickly

through my fingers.

Intended posts and other projects

were set aside this week

to allow for the unexpected.

 

Last weekend Tim fell while cross-country skiing,

causing something in his knee to pop.

He iced and elevated through the night

and decided the next morning that it should be seen.

Preliminary diagnosis

was a torn ACL.

An MRI on Thursday indicated a torn MCL,

which means that surgery won't be required.

A round of PT twice a week for the next

 month or six weeks

and he should be good as new.

We're very thankful.

It did mean, though, that I was the designated

driver for work and appointments,

a role that will continue for at least another week.

 

We had several snowfalls last week

and the truck just went down our street

spreading the de-icing solution in

anticipation of freezing rain/ice later tonight

and into tomorrow morning.

Yippee.

 

Anyway, I was able to claim

some of the week for myself:

 

Tonight the last few rows of my sweater back will be finished,

bound off, and the front section begun.

 

My navy wardrobe selections are coming together.

A mariner dress from llbean

will be nothing but fun to wear.

A cotton/cashmere blend V-neck sweater

will prove versatile.

Local sales added a solid (but lightweight) 3/4 sleeve cardigan

a coral top (which may not make it)

a tank with embellished neckline

a 3/4 sleeve mariner top

and a pair of tan jeans.

 

 

The sneakers were found online.

A local store carried the style, but not

this color, so they were ordered and shipped to my front door. 

They are cute, comfy and will be a fun option

 for casual outings.

There are a few more packages

scheduled to arrive in the next few days.

Paint chips have proven helpful

when trying to "remember"

a color from one place to the next.

 

And this:



 

was going to be so much fun.

Projects using bleach pens and various

fabric mediums are featured on Pinterest

from time to time

and this was going to be my

grand experiment!

The scarf was clearanced for $3.00 - why not

take the chance?! 

 

It didn't work.

Plan B doesn't exist at this point

but I'm determined to

transform this scarf.

 

 

Flotsam and Jetsom

It's snowing.

I've already shoveled twice today:

before I left for  the gym

and after my return.

My guess is an easy 6 inches so far,

and it's expected to continue through the night.

 

The library will close early

meaning I won't be working tonight.

So rather than entering my full-on

getting-ready-for-work-mode

I shall blog.

With a cup of hot chocolate

comfortably within reach. 

 

We had our first cross country skiing

experience over the weekend.

I will tell you that I'm willing to give it

 another try,

express thanks that no footage exists of our outing,

and then move on to a new subject.

 

Our trips to Minneapolis are always too short

and very busy.

This trip also included a

Chinese New Year celebration with Aidan

pizza and foosball

pot roast, roasted marshmallows

snow removal and

 our farewells to Proton.

 

 This:

 

called my name at the thrift store during a blitz stop.

I'm embarrassed to admit that

Naphtali was wearing it at the time.

We did the "Oh no, you should take it!"

routine for a couple  minutes

and then it was mine.

 

This is why I don't take pictures.

This sweater is the loveliest, lightest

 mohair concoction in a rich caramel color.

The collar

(I know "fur" is divisive)(but I love it)

creates a soft frame.

The smile it generates starts in my toes!

 

 The plan was to wear it to work today

with a black tee and jeans.

It will make its debut tomorrow!

 

In return for Naphtali's generous capitulation

I offered to alter the sleeves on a

  beautiful black linen tunic

that she would have otherwise walked away from.

See? Win-win!

 

Not one, but two new berets

have recently been finished and made their public debut.

No photos exist of either event.

 

This:

 

is the sweater I'm knitting.

Let me say that again:

I'm knitting myself a sweater!

 

My list of things to try someday

includes several items that I should just

well, try.

This past year has already seen so many new

experiences why let

a small detail like primitive needle skills

prevent me launching another

new project?!

 

Actually, I recently read some good advice that went something like this:

Knitting dishcloths won't teach you to knit socks.

If you want to knit socks, then knit socks.

 

Here's to "knitting socks" in the new year!

Appropriate

The third word to describe how I want to

 be seen is appropriate.

 

Healthy.

Casual.

Appropriate.

 

So, here's where I am:

 

I hadn't planned to even think about

spring/summer clothes

until April, but everyone else seems to be...

 

Our weather can be unpredictable until

well into April.

Because my internal thermostat

is wacko

my current supply of clothes are

lighter and layerable

and hopefully will see me through

for a while, yet.

 

The undeniable fact, though, is that with my weight loss

I have no spring/summer clothes.

 

If I'm going to shop I want to add

pieces that will fit a broader plan for this

next phase of building my "look."

 

I've spent  many hours

sifting through Vivienne's wonderful archives.

The starting point always seems the

biggest challenge.

Two neutrals?  Three?

A favorite painting?

A scarf?

Just tell me where to start!

 

In spite of my ruminations it has been a good week.

Important decisions have been made;

Nails?  Shorter.

Hair? Longer.

The third word.

 

While looking through my closet for something else

I found several unexpected items that

helped shape a plan.

 

For whatever reason these things

have survived both the moving purge

and the weight loss shuffle and were buried, forgotten,

in the depths of my closet.

 

 

A blue Missioni-style sweater.

A plaid fabric belt. (!?!)

A pair of blue tweed pumps.

Blue and white cardigan.

 

 

 

Add the tan bag

- my favorite summer bag -

and I think we can see a pattern developing.

 

At this point I'm happy to go with a

Not So Crazy Eight

plan in navy.

It's a good starting place for me.

I'm excited to get started.

 

 

 

 



Sunday Afternoon

I should be driving, so today counts as

a free day.

Free days - as you know - should

be used for projects or naps

or movie marathons

but shouldn't be wasted on ordinary

household tasks like

laundry.

 

The weather kept us from making the trip

to Minneapolis to

 say goodbye to

Aidan's dog, Proton.

He wasn't himself when they came for Christmas

and a trip to the vet yielded a

sad diagnosis.

 

We were already on the calendar for the

Chinese New Year program

coming at the of this week, but it

seemed urgent to make

the trip now.

Unfortunately the weather interfered and we

made the call to stay home.

So we skyped instead!

We were able to chat.

Charlie added his greetings.

Proton responded to our voices and wagged his tail.

 

None of us know what the next few days

will bring.  So we were glad

to see Aidan and Proton.

We talked and laughed together.

It was far from perfect, but

it was good.

 

 

Senior Discount

I've noticed that many

retailers

restaurants

service providers

calculate senior status

beginning at different ages.

 60 being the most common with
an occasional 55 to be found. 

 

Apparently This Old House marches to its
own beat on this one.
Or has a terribly slow/thorough process
for finding seniors.

 

This came in the mail for me today:



 

 

Such a deal!

 

 

 

Thursday Morning

My haiku challenge has ended.

On Tuesday the last one was composed and posted.

You'd think that after a solid year, those few minutes

would still automatically beckon.

Nope.

No topics clamored for expression as I walked to work

and back yesterday.

No snippets pushed their way into my

consciousness as I woke this morning.

Seems odd that something so vital to your

everyday rhythms for that length of time
could so easily stop.

 

I am thinking of planning on a new

- but less formal -

challenge.

How to go about it

will require some thought and

coordination.

It will take me waaay

outside my comfort zone, as they say.
 

But I can remember thinking

that kickboxing/gymrattery was waaay

outside said zone.

A new ten-week session has begun at the gym.

There are 60+ students

and four of them are part of our regular

class time. 

I've agreed to be a coach, assisting

a woman who has done this

for previous sessions.

We're not instructors.

 

We help/support the newbies as they
sort through all the terms and techniques,
 easing them into the mainstream
of class activity.
Four days in and so far, so good.

I'll get back to you with that other project.

 

 

 



365 Homeward

The scent of wood smoke

Rides the north wind suggesting

That warmth awaits me.

364/365 Passage

We track our times of

Challenge through those dear faces

Standing alongside.

363/365 January Sunrise

Neon lavenders

And pinks overlay the fresh

hues of dawning day.

362/365 Over the Rainbow

Certain memories

Replay in technicolor

Dazzling wistful eyes.

361/365 Fine Lines

New territories

Of thought and practice require

Careful attention.

Don't Call Me - I'll Call You

Some days, all you can do is laugh at yourself.

In a year filled with personal challenges

and new experiences

I've encountered an unexpected hurdle.
 

 

I've recently upgraded traded up to a smart phone.

Not the smartest phone,

 but definitely smarter than the old one.

(The kind referred to in movies as a $10 burner phone.)

 

And yes, it will make certain 

communications easier.

And, yes, I expected a certain learning

 curve would be involved. 

 

The biggest challenge, so far?

Learning to carry it.

 

A gadget that has to be on or near my person?

At all times?

In an accessible manner?

Who thought this would be a good idea?

 

Do I want it in my right-hand coat pocket

when I run into the store?

Then my keys have to go somewhere else. 

When I return to the car it has to be

removed from the pocket

before the seat belt is applied.

Can't just dump it in my purse

can't leave it home

can't answer it in the car

can't stand the thought of carrying it

from one room to the other.

And on and on and on.

 

The old phone was treated as

a phone.  It sat on my desk

 - next to the land line-

unless I was using it.

Which wasn't very often.

In fact, I blithely and

routinely ignored it unless a road

trip was scheduled.

It was a safety net for solo travel situations.

 

I still ignore the new one

when I'm in the car.

Absolutely.
It stays in one spot when I
roam the house.
I'll figure it all out

but it makes me laugh to think

I've joined the ranks of those who sit

in parking lots to check

their latest message.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

360/365 Quickening

Bleak morning haze,

Thick with silence, dissolves as

The sun climbs westward.

359/365 Day's End

From behind closed doors

Comes the deep rasping chorus

Of well-earned sleep.

358/365 Pause for Breath

A satisfied air

Of relief follows the end

Of scheduled effort.