Checking In!

 

I've become one of those annoying people who publishes posts without visiting other blogs. Life's pretty hectic at the moment so apologies to my blog-writing sisters, normal service should (hopefully) resume soon.

 

Before we left for Womad we went to see the superb The Invite at Walsall Light, as recommended by our swimming pal, Nigel (and The Guardian). Inspired by Olivia Wilde's updo in the film, I've been wearing mine in a similar way. 

 

After cataloguing my outfits almost daily on TikTok for the best part of a year I've taken a break, taking pleasure in wearing the same clothes on repeat when I'm not on show at the festivals. This 1970s sundress was bought from the Vintage Relics £5 rail at End of the Road in 2024.  For the first time in my make-up wearing life, I've ditched the under-eye liner and just draw a flicky line on my upper lid using these £3 pens by Trouble Maker from Superdrug. 

They last for hours, never need reapplying and I can even swim in them. They're probably aimed at teenagers but who cares?

 Tidying a drawer I uncovered a box of belly button studs I thought I'd parted with years ago. I used to change them regularly but have stuck with a ring for the last 25 years, I'm liking the change!

We saw The Odyssey at Walsall Light on the weekend it was released. Having read Homer's account many times I initially found myself getting irritated by Christopher Nolan's interpretation but, once I'd told myself that it was entertainment and not a faithful study in Ancient Greek mythology, I settled down, stopped finding fault and thoroughly enjoyed the ride. I love that we're still being entertained by a story written at least three thousand years ago.

Here's the revised make-up look in closer detail. Several of you have mentioned how much lighter my hair is, it isn't intentional, just a side-effect of our gloriously hot Summer, but I'm loving the change.

 

On Saturday it was the grand opening of Liz and her friend, Simon Tew's What A Wonderful World: Two Ways of Seeing exhibition at the Rose Patterson Gallery at Weston Park in Shropshire. Their art is incredible and the turn-out was fantastic. It was great to catch up with so many friends, most of whom, in my current live in the moment mood, I didn't get around to photographing.

Photo courtesy of my friend, Annie! 

 The exhibition runs until 3rd September and both Liz & Simon will be running demos throughout, for more info check out Liz's socials HERE.

We've been frantically shopping to restock the rails for Beautiful Days and, you know how it is, when you're not purposefully looking, something you never knew you needed always pops up.

This Ulisse walking stick stool for instance. Designed by Ivan Loss in 1981, there's one on display in the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam and they're higly collectible (HERE) I paid £3. I'm continuing with my osteopathic treatments and my hip's pretty good at the moment but at least I can look stylish when I do need my stick!

This Kashmiri crewelwork silk rug was £2 in another chazza. It's got loops at the back so I'll probably hang it rather than have it on the floor as William is still bringing us mangled mice!

Remember me mentioning buying a couple of things at Womad? Well, here's the dendritic agate and sterling silver ring I bought from our lovely neighbours, Glitzy Vintage Jewellery...

Is it just me or does it remind you of the iconic Japanese woodblock print, The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Hokusai (1760 - 1849)? 

And don't faint when you see this (like I nearly did!), an Arts and Crafts enamel, silver and peridot pendant featuring a bathing nymph by, I believe, Scottish artist Phoebe Anna Traquair (1852  - 1936). I swear I will never need to buy another necklace again, I have attained the pinnacle of antique jewellery perfection! Clara and Kyle, I love you!

The most momentous news is that tomorrow (5th August) marks Jon's 60th birthday and the celebrations have already begun. Last night Liz and Al picked us up and we had a few beers in Aldridge Spoons before a curry in Laboni where, as usual, the wonderful staff treated us like royality, hanging up birthday banners and surprising Jon with a pistachio kulfi complete with sparkler!

He was allowed to open his from Liz & Al present early ....

 

I think he liked it! 

What are we doing for his actual birthday? Stay tuned! 

See you soon!