Inspired

Hi,

Ah the warmth of the turning to spring, a day off, and a proverbial pocketful of, uhh, positives. What’s not to like? 🙂

Lights in dark woods

I could’ve said ‘literary inspo’, but I are an Old, and not down with ‘da kidz’. Do you still put ‘yo’ on the end of that to maintain your props or cred? Sorry, I mean ‘rizz’. 🙃 Okay, enough with the unhip dadness vibes. I’m GenX, so I don’t give a ***k 😁

[ breath…. and focus ]

I do not read as much as I used to. Like most of my hobbies, they lean towards the geeky and nerdtastic, because that’s exactly the sort of things I like. Left of the centre, odd, quirky, unusual…. all labels which feel a bit ironic given geek culture very much exists as a multi splendiferous thing, and provides a variety for all tastes.

Ah, that focus didn’t last long did it? 🫠

The other day I was enjoying a a wee book – that would be a novella to you clever types 😉 – and I was very much into the flow of the story. The words moved quickly, pictures, and narrative formed in my imagination as a good book tale does. Then, time slowed as the mind’s eye settled on the following paragraph:

“The land is broken, the world is unfair, and the innocent suffer terrible blows,” said the boy. And then he smiled, and I felt the warmth of him like the sun rising over a spring pasture. “I can’t fix everything, so I do the best I can.”

Winter’s Gifts – a Rivers Of London novella by Ben Aaronovitch

I’ll not give the context for the above because A) I won’t do it justice, B) I don’t want to spoil what the book’s about, and C) it’s not fully relevant to what I’m about to say.

The character’s voice – or perhaps, more accurately, Ben’s words – like a song packed with emotion and memory, stopped me. Rather than the story, my mind span around what those four dozen words meant to me and the cascade of emotions that followed.

As much as I would like otherwise, the world is unfair – criminally so right now – and, sadly, it feels like the monsters are running the show. So, I do what I can. I try to be kind, to help others, to do things for strangers if help is required, and Chams too. All of those things because that’s the best I can do.

I feel there are times when it’s me holding a lantern in the dark woods. But I think that’s just The Fear talking. I think – and to lean into my geeky, possibly cyberpunk* influenced roots and neurospicy Otherness – I am used to the gloom and the solitude.

Besides, let your eyes adjust and you’ll find other souls trying the same thing. Making their way as best they can, trying to help, and not giving in to the monsters.

[ * F*** you, DIY, be kind, & make a difference ]

Purchases

With the brighter sun and Nature shaking off the old Winter mantle, we’re in that sort of Spring, sort of still a bit nippy period. On the one hand, the amazing blue skies and burst of greenery puts in the mood for prettier, sharper colours & designs. Yet, a lunchtime doggo walk reminds me it is a little soon for bare ankles and leaving the hoodie behind 🙂 That or I’m just a nesh so-and-so 😁

I’ve invested – which is a fancy way of saying I’ve bought something at full price and justifying it as an investment piece 😉 – in a new dress from Unfolded. It’s a summer dress and longer than I’d usually wear. Normally I’m a knee length kinda gal, so I’m trying something new and hoping the fancy green pattern will be me. If not, it’ll be a return and someone will get a bargain in the sale.

It’ll take a while to arrive as unlike fast fashion, Unfolded’s clothes are made to order. So less waste, less ubiquity, and they try to put back. The latter being providing their factory staff with a good wage, and providing funds to help children read. All big wins in my book… and yeah, I’m not getting paid to say this, but do check out their designs.

I’ve managed to flog a few items on Vinted and I’ve bought two new items from them. One is a proper long maxi skirt in a black & white polka dot pattern by Long Tall Sally. I wouldn’t usually because I don’t like a lot of synthetic materials in my clothes. It’s a texture / overheating / comfort thing, but this is more cotton than anything else.

I spotted the name & designs for a longer dress in The Grauniad by a label called Albaray, so a look on Vinted provided a below knee number that’s midway between a spotty/ditsy/polka pattern. Dare I say I feel a little early 80s on given the cut of the hemline, but that seems to be the fashion at the mo. On the upside, it fits nicely on my top half, so that’s a win. That and the fabric feels cool, so I’m hoping this’ll be another spring win.

Chams

Because I am awful with dates and numbers, I nearly forgot it was Chams this week. Indeed, when the Every Lovely Mrs J asked if I was out this week, I said no. Some time later I felt a disturbance in the Force – no, not wind – which prompted me to check the group’s website. Good job that I did, otherwise I’d have gotten a phone call wondering who was going to be opening up!

I overpacked which is a sure sign I don’t really know what to wear. Two pairs of boots and some heels meant the carry bag was pretty difficult to heft into the car. I tried the new dress, liked it, but found the only pair of heels I had brought along were pinching me. Have I put weight on my feet? 🙃 Is that possible?! I hope not!

So, I switched out to a somewhat go-to outfit of skinnies and the cut mesh top & vest. I guess it’s one of those Middle Aged Lady Next-door vibes which kinda works if you’re heading out. Well, maybe not if the sun isn’t shining, I’d definitely swap out the top for something fuller and pop a cardy on for warmth for daytime. But, I felt comfortable – spiritually speaking – and I’ll take that as a win.

Numbers-wise we were doing well with folk coming back in after holidays, minor ailments, and being caught up in the busy-busy-busy of modern life. Good to see Anne & Diane pop in, as – and I say this without judgement or snark – it had been a while since they’d be able to come along. Cue much chatter, catching up, and good natured humour in the group.

I did try something new with my eyes this week. Well, my under-eyes really. It was careful use of an older concealer – a much darker shade – which helped mask the blue undertones, and then careful tapping in of a colour corrector to make it match. As the the eyeliner moving, that felt better, even if it was not perfect. I know, I’m a fussy mare. I think my eyes may have been a little irritated by the kohl, so I think I may need to test my collection to see which are best. But, progress at least!

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I think that’s me for this week, so I shall wish you all a good weekend, whatever you’re up to. Oh, and if you’re reading this later, I hope the week is kind to you and yours.

L x