Dancing, donating and dithering

Tree pollen means squinting eyes and no eye make-up…

Look at my new Retro jeans – took me straight back to the 70’s drunkenly trying to unbutton jeans in a disco.  I bought them in Walmart for full price because they fit so well.

These are my azaleas in full bloom so spring is here in SE Texas (it would be summer north of the Wall).  When the azaleas were first planted, they were exactly the same bright pink but I think the soil around one has changed because of its proximity to a pine tree.  The purplish one is underneath our Live Oak.  Isn’t nature wonderful?

Yesterday was a fun day!  I went to my local thrift shop and snagged a coral jean jacket, apple green shirt and brand new faux fur vest – all for $3.  That’s right, $1 each.  They were playing 70’s funk music and the girl behind checking was grooving on down so I joined her, swaying the hips.  She asked where I got my cute skirt and laughed when I revealed it was from Forever 51 21.  Then I taught her how to say Good Morning in Arabic (this segued naturally from a comment about my accent) and I think that’s why I got such an amazing bargain.  I also donated a beautiful quilt so it all works out.

The day before, I was shopping unhappily in Burlington because a gift card was burning a hole in my frontal lobe.  The shop was gigantic but I couldn’t find anything decent.  I noticed a little Central American girl looking loudly for “Papi!” I saw him in menswear and said to the little girl, “Papi, alli!”  Dad placated her but then she ran off wailing “Mami!” who was hiding elsewhere.  I understood their pain…

The previous week I had gone to a Premium outlet out of town, again because another bloody gift card was creating mental chaos.  I went into one store to get some stuff for Ted and was helped by a man?  He was very attractive, with long pink dreads which coordinated with his cute little white wool shorts and sweater and long fuchsia jacket.  His long black legs went on forever with size 11 pink pumps.  I have no judgment, just curiosity, especially since he didn’t have fake boobs.  Then I saw him helping a Mexican man who, by his reaction, thought the assistant was a woman.  Life is interesting these days.

To top my shopping mania, I browsed through Macy’s after the thrift store snag.  At the clearance racks I came across two black ladies getting on down with some more 70’s funk (is there a musical plot in our forest?) so I started dancing with them.  Why not?  The world has gone mad with such sadness in New Zealand.  May they rest in peace.

On a lighter final note, we bought Toffee a new knitted catnip toy at the weekend.  I forgot it was in my purse but delighted Toffee with a new toy.  She rolled and purred.  Then she made a new LOUD vocalization which sounded a little like “I have done the stinkiest poo” but there was a note of elation.  We think it was meant to be Captain America bird but since Toffee is from Egypt he has a new name every day –

• Captain Ahmed
• Captain Amun
• Captain Ali
• Captain Azim
• Captain Abdul

I could go on and on but that’s exactly what this post is – a quirky Kerry rambling.  For clarity, I am petering off my anti-depressants because of side-effects and under the care of my psychiatrists.  Let’s just say I am a little ‘happy’ and ‘tense’ all at the same time.  Teddy thinks it is an alluring combination!

 

Fall into Navy

Loft flowered blouse, Walmart junior jeans,  Silk flower ankle boots from Ross?

Do you notice that lovely glow on my face?  That is desperate sweating because it was still in the 90’s but I wanted to do another Fall Fashion post.  It is about 9 am in the morning and you can see the humidity on the deck.  Welcome to the swampy south!

Isn’t it great when you have friends who are the same size as you?  The blouse above was a gift swap from a friend.  The jeans were bought last year and, as always, I have to shop in the juniors section to get a good fit.  The pink dangling earrings cost about $2 in Waco and I love them!

Very fine knitted navy sweater from Nordstrom’s Rack, Linen pants from some years ago, Iridescent Navy kitten heels from Steinmart

This time the freebie was from another friend whose mother passed.  Like me, her mom loved clip on earrings so I inherited some.  I love these ones with a ‘ruby’ center.  Everyone keeps asking me why I don’t pierce my ears.  My ears are perfect and my Nana told me only ladies of ill repute had pierced ears.  Some things stick with you…😁  Despite that I am wearing a see-through sweater showing off my lovely 34 DDD bra (yes really).  Thank you to whichever ancestor gifted me them.

Bell sleeved blouse from Loft, ancient boot cut jeans from Marks and Spencers, those favorite Green Boc sandals

This is another gift of a blouse from the first friend.  It was a trip to the outlet mall that went wrong…to my benefit!  The pretty green earrings were also from Waco.  On a road trip I found this amazing place like a souk, and I have yet to find earrings that are as comfortable.  I bought eight pairs…

One of the reasons for the skin glow is a recent facial.   My skin had started to break out in acne cysts.  Her conclusion was that I was just filthy.  I don’t know how many times she applied a mask and took off layers of humidity and skin.  My mother gifted me beautiful skin but I forget that I have to be a little more careful in the tropics to avoid breakouts.

Why don’t you try gifting or swapping clothes with friends who are a similar size?  I had one tunic dress that I wore until I was fed up, gave it to a friend who wore it until she was fed up and now I have it back again.