OOTD among other things...

Do you love a dress in a pattern or a solid shade?
I am partial to black, black and more black.
It hides a multitude of sins.

Besides all my LBD's,

I have a couple of reliable patterned dresses which I can pop on

and in a flash be out the door.

One such dress has had oodles of wear and is still going strong,
 the pattern is a marriage of unlikely colours,
daubs of colour that look as if they have been splashed on by a paint brush.

I have owned this dress for several years

when I bought it it was on sale 

 the CPW (cost per wearing) 

now

down to just a few pennies!

I wore a Sherman pin that I've had for eons,

a co worker said it reminded her of a coral reef in Hawaii 

where she and her husband went scuba diving.

I used to wear brooches everyday

I think that was before I discovered scarves and when my only strand of pearls was a small faux pearl choker.

Change is the one constant...

preferring real to faux

I have very little in the way of jewelry.

I do love how fashion conscious younger women accessorize.

They are not afraid of taking risks and seem to have a sixth sense of what looks great.

Vickie is one amazing blogger and she is on the cutting edge of fashion

go and see for yourself.

~ ~ ~

I will be opening this bag soon...

I purchased this as I have been seriously craving some crunch, sour and salt...

as the end of term closes I plan to indulge

(the first in over 2 months)

 naughty yes, but I feel I have more than earned them...

Poppy patterned Mikasa vase

I snatched it from the free pile from down the street

it's just waiting for some fresh cut flowers...

~ ~ ~

The cats have been racing around the bungalow

most of the time they are friendly.

Nose to nose greetings are common

Pepper has been keeping Chester in line when he gets too rambunctious

Chester likes to run full steam ahead, pounce and leap on Pepper's back...

a swat lets the little guy know he's out of line.

 ~ ~ ~

I have been arranging flowers for the year end ceremony this week

tick tock the term is coming to a close...

~ ~ ~

Holidays!

Who knows what the months will bring....

Go Big or Go Home...

It was an occasion of honour, one of our near and dear colleagues was hanging up her hat.
Taking her leave at 55 to travel the world with her husband of 35 years...
they are embarking on a trip of a lifetime and plan to do it in style.
We gathered to wish them bon voyage...

I watched from the wings and had a few moments of envy.
These two have invested in revenue property, paid off their mortgage, and saved their money.

A lively party was held in a heritage home filled with local art.
The gals on staff did the decorating, catering, serving and clean up.

I offered to do the flowers...
something I am able to contribute
and enjoy doing.
(don't even ask about the skit ~ let's just say I was the one wearing the silly costume!)

I use a very sturdy crystal wine bucket

so the flowers do not threaten to tip over.

Roses

foxgloves

dusty miller

lady's mantle

alliums

ferns

I build it big

and 

work from all sides

bulking up with fillers like Lady's mantle

turning the vessel 

as the shape takes form.

I must apologize as it must be dead set boring

 to read and see these roses again...

feel free to 

YAWN!

 I never tire of roses

(no surprise!)

apricot and chartreuse

a lovely marriage of colour

There were lots of comments on the flowers

but I really didn't notice

my focus was on the happy couple

both embarking on their dreams

of travel and a life of adventure 

on the doorstep of their future.

Best wishes J and S.

This quote speaks to me

(I hail from some hearty Irish potato famine survivors)

"May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind always be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

and rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand."

~ Irish Blessing ~

The Humble Egg, Saturday's roses and body image.

The Humble Bungalow stuffed eggs make the rounds.
It really mystifies me that these retro basics are requested for events and always gobbled up quickly.

They are simple, healthy and easy to prepare.
I've been making these for years and probably could make them with one hand tied behind my back.
Good thing too as I have my hands full with Chester these days.

I mix the hard boiled egg yolks with relish, mayonnaise, worchestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, curry powder, salt and pepper.
Mix well and fill the eggs, top with parsley, chill and serve.

The great thing about these stuffed eggs is that you can customize them to suit your palate.
Be creative and have some fun.

Joy is in tatters

(Ode to Joy)

Mr. HB gave this book to me when we were married

 it is a month short of 38 years old.

I wonder what the designer of this egg dish had in mind for the centre section.

I mix it up and often I place olives or cherry tomatoes in the middle.

Today it's a bed of parsley and a few thin slices of orange pepper.

A jolt of coffee has been brewed 

it's helping me to jump start this cloudy Saturday morning.

Molly Johnson is hosting the CBC radio 2 drive...

she's taking us on a trip down music memory lane.

The coffee is Drum Roaster from Cobble Hill

if you love a smooth tasty brew this is the ticket.

This mug was a gift from the student that I sponsored this year.

She shadowed me for 3 weeks and I wish her every success.

It heartens me when I see young women who are wise, capable, sensible

have patience and have realistic expectations of the special needs students.

In a few years I'll be retiring and it's good to know that our kids will be well looked after.

Saturday Roses

Climbing Royal Sunset

I'm Really Not a Waitress

OPI

I cannot believe that I need to return some Land's End clothes that I ordered...

they are too big.

I will reorder them in a smaller size.

Don't think that I am wasting away because I am a size 10-12

still register as overweight by the online BMI calculator.

I'm just whittling away at the middle section

which was making my clothes feel snug and uncomfortable.

Weight and body image are a mine field for many women...

perceptions, reflections

impressions, misconceptions

acceptance

denial

comfort, confidence

reality 

Life is such an interesting journey

it startles me often when I stop and reflect.

How we women never stop growing

how we are constantly reinventing ourselves

learning to love and be joyful in the now

the everyday simple things that keep ticking along 

whether we are fat or thin

tall or short 

pretty or plain

introverted or extroverted

 weak ~ strong

who will you choose to be?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this subject.

Embrace the beauty that is within

you are an original....

Hostess

XO

Bring on the tradesmen and Happy Birthday Mom!

When you plan a renovation you think that there will be lots of willing and experienced trades people waiting in the wings...
if you hire them they will come
not so...
our basement renovation has hit the skids
and not for the want of money or planning
there seems to be a lack of skilled artisans about
and those who excel are in huge demand, booked months in advance.

My advice to young people is get yourself a trade, apprentice, work for a high profile firm and then start your own company.
If you do a good job you'll have a secure future.

So we wait.....
Mr. HB is a patient man
I am in the camp of I want my reno finished and I want it done now!
(yesterday)

There's nothing that I can do to help so I have been keeping myself busy in other areas.
I try and occupy myself and put the situation in the back of my mind...

I am replacing some very tired linens

and it's been long overdue.

It's simple linen tea towels 

 I find this rather exciting.

I LOVE linen.

It took me about 15 minutes to choose these towels over all the others in the store...

Irish, Belgium, French, American

all the linens lined up

all loverly...

being a tactile woman I had to touch each and every one in the store...

a new shop by the way 

and one that has such wonderful and tempting stock

that I am already planning what I might purchase next time I visit!

I evaluated the colours, the patterns, and the fabrics.

Price did enter the equation....

would you spend $ 50 for a a tea towel made in Belgium?

I think these are made in the USA

and at $20 each more affordable

they'll last and get softer with use.

The colour is natural looking and will work with any decor

they even look good by candlelight!

Evening and lighting a candle 

can make the ordinary something a bit more special

they elevate the mood

and scent the space

I have a few scented ones and the rest are beeswax.

I love the soft scent of beeswax as it melts

plus it has no toxins to worry about.

Speaking of candles...

I am taking Mother out for her birthday dinner

she'd need to have 85 candles on her cake.

(I already know that she wants creme brulee)

Perhaps we'll have one candle!

I am taking Mother a posy of roses for her birthday.

meet

Abraham Darby

a David Austin Rose

many petals do make me happy.

My letter to the local deer might say...

dear deer

please do not munch all the rose petals

I'll be ever so grateful

spare me...

leave me something to pop in a vase

something to dead head

and something to photograph and blog about!

I hope that all my rose photos are not boring you to tears...

it's just that I am so infatuated with them 

and I can't help myself!

Reeling from rudeness and soaking up gratitude or post # 622

Do you ever say something without thinking?
I try very hard to filter my thoughts and not blurt out everything that comes to mind.

I had a rather awkward moment with a co-worker who blurted something very unkind and embarrassing to me.
It was said in front of 5 other colleagues and I was so embarrassed that I looked around the room from face to face to see if anyone would come to my aid.
No one did and a couple of people laughed....
perhaps nervously?

I wanted to bolt out the door and run.
My legs would not move,
I was gobsmacked,
and stuck at a loss for words...
Struck Dumb!

The event re-played in my mind throughout the day and into the evening.
Only silenced by watching TV,
The Batchelorette season opener with lovely daughter.

This morning a couple of my colleagues who had overheard the comment approached me and asked how I was feeling about it and apologized for not supporting me at the time.
They felt badly.
Now that I have thought things through and discussed the rude event with others I feel a better sense of clarity and have some time and much needed perspective.

The speaker of the unkind words has a checkered past history of doing this with almost everyone on staff.
I am relieved that I am not the only target of these nasty barbs.
(security in numbers!)

"Hootie" 

made by darling daughter

to add to the box of toys here for the lovely Miss Isla.

Who by the way brought sunshine and light with her on Mother's Day visit. 

Patterns are few and far between in my wardrobe.

I have several dresses in patterns which I wear to work, for errands, shopping and dining out.

this dress has a wrap feature built in

chris cross over the bust

I am knackered tonight

 my day has been fraught with autistic uncertainty

some days are like that.

I have been full on

so I am putting my feet up 

breathing deep Yogic breaths

making mental notes about all the things that I am grateful for...

Mr. HB drove up island today to see a lucrative client

he had the top down on his BMW 

and after clocking many kilometers is home safe.

Hi Honey!

Pepper was in a cuddly mood when I got home so I have had lots of kitty cat love

I have leftover roast beef and am making beef dip tonight with a salad

easy peasy...

The sun is still shining and it's light outside

I have a great book at my bedside

(The Post Mistress)

we have fresh running water

the house has a roof

it's warm

I am alive

and 

aware.

I work with some pretty amazing people 

we have fabulous kids at school

and

I love my job.

How was your day?

Happy Frye-day

Lovely daughter has some new boots and my gosh they are gorgeous....
(I have serious boot envy)

leather lovelies

foot friendly

she says they are so comfy

I tried one on and yes they are!

they've been making boots for a very long time

sneakers for the Hostess

patent leather

European "comfort shoe"

It's been a hectic week

and this is the first time that I have put my feet up

don't even want to rehash what's been going on

let's just say it was not one for the memory books

and I am glad it's Friday.

 The weekend will be spent honoring Mother.

Celebrations are in order and they will be fun and we will be dressing up for the occasion.

A theatre matinee

and

a luncheon

and yes there will be flowers.

Happy Mother's Day!

To all Moms

for all that you do

and have done for your offspring

 enjoy your special day.

Fly little bird fly!

Fly little bird fly...
be free and easy.

Test those wings that you were born with and use those aerodynamics...
you have the ability
 just do it.


Be very afraid of this next image....
footwear,
of the mummsy kind...

I have lost my mind and gone for comfort over fashion.

It''s true.

I am no longer barefoot prancing on the slivery wood floors.

My feet are warm and happy.

But they scare me when I look down and see those faces.

I put these soft slippers on my feet and fell madly in love.

Not with their looks but with the way they conformed and cushioned my tired toes.

Lambs or Sheep...

does it matter?

They are a fashion no no of the first order,

scary!

I am shuffling through The Humble Bungalow in these...

toting my Haws watering can

pottering and watering the house plants.

This miniature orchid is putting on a great blooming show

and I water it once a week.

Routines are so not on these days..

everything has changed.

I hope that I have chosen the right job in the career department...

the move is radical

I am going back to my roots...

elementary school

and I'll be working with special needs students.

Autism was my forte and I have come full circle...

I may be posting less

or possibly more

I suppose it will depend on my level of energy

and what inspires me.

I 'll let you know how things are going but it might take awhile...

I might be a stranger in a strange land

for a wee bit...

bear with me as I am standing on the precipice of something new...

I hope to soar and not plummet

but with any new endeavor there lies a modicum of doubt...

I wish that someone was holding my hand!

 Hope that your week is off to a great start.

Hugs from the Hostess

XO

Lazy Saturday...after a big night on the town.

I slept in and am sipping a mug of real coffee, the first in many months. Feeling very lazy sitting here in my robe and slippers...
There is something so decadent about waking up to the aroma of coffee brewing in the kitchen.
We had a wonderful evening last night and it was a later one than is usual on a Friday evening after a busy week.
It's hard to imagine that we can go out on the town and live it up like we did when we were much younger. Good to know that we haven't forgotten how to have fun!

We were celebrating the fact that I have a new job!

Flowers from my daughter's fellow!

We walked downtown and dined at one of our city's top restaurants and then we hoofed it over to a heritage hotel by the sea and had a bottle of champagne, a gift from my daughter's fellow. I don't like the word "boyfriend" as that does not adequately describe him because he is a man not a boy.

I could have pinched myself as we were sitting on sumptuous leather sofas enjoying the lights of the harbour living it up and savouring the moment rubbing shoulders with international tourists.

As we were leaving we strolled through the convention center and were surprised to see a large group of red headed Lucille Ball look a likes...the Ricky Ricardo's were inside waiting!

It was a dreamy date and such a memorable way to celebrate and mark new beginnings.

New beginnings and the rapid way that change is making an entrance into what was a predictable routine has taken us by storm and I am reeling...
but all in a good way.

Once I started to action change with a new approach to fitness and health, lots of things started happening and there seems to be a domino effect.

The new job is going to be a challenge and one that I am keen to take on. I am ready to embrace a new direction in the late stages of my career and have so many tricks in my bag just waiting...so wait no longer, it's time.

Walking to work is going to be such a bonus.
Not only is it healthier it's greener and cheaper!

I did have to go out and buy some good looking walking shoes that I could wear to work.
(They cost less than 4 Michelin tires for the Volvo though!)
I never need an excuse to buy shoes, who does?

Adrienne over at The Rich Life (on a budget) has done some shoe shopping recently...
she has chosen some lovely colours.

I imagine that you are not surprised that the shoes are black...

Lisa over at Privilege shares a love of black footwear.

She just started a new job and check out how great she looks in her khaki and black.

a little silver bling in the mesh

they are not shoes for the faint of heart

they have serious support and are made by Geox

which has a patent on their shoe building technology.

I am lusting over some Frye boots and tried on some fabulous Ralph Lauren riding boots at Winners...

they are most definitely investment boots...

(cheaper than Michelin's hmmm....)

I just don't know if they are in the budget right now.

The reno is taking most of our cash and still is the number one priority around here.

Lots to think about...

I am taking today as a lazy day to ponder the whirlwind of change that is blowing through the Humble Bungalow.

(I had better get dressed as the plumber will be here in a few minutes!)

I am still the same Hostess

but with a newness that is redefining 

how I view my life and the direction that I seem to be going.

Make the most of your weekend whatever you choose to do...

carpe diem

take a leap of faith and shake up your world.

Back to school wardrobe....basics that might bore you and a lip dub that won't!

The rain today reminded me that summer is slowly turning to fall.

In just a few weeks we will be back to school.

I have been giving some serious thought about what clothes  I "need" and what I "want". Embracing minimalism and thrift without suffering.

In the Library of a Middle School, one needs to dress age appropriately, professionally, and look polished.
The clothing needs to be comfortable for the physical aspects of the job. Everyday bending and reaching for textbooks and shelving of books necessitates that clothes do not gape or are too low cut to expose too much flesh.


Think of the "dress code" which dictates what is acceptable for students and it does transfer to staff.

I have spent enough money over the years to know that washable is preferable to dry cleaning and sturdy fabrics are worth their weight in gold.
Many a cashmere cardigan has been lost to the wear and tear of the job.

Dressing in layers is necessary...
heavy lifting, air conditioning and floor to ceiling windows factor into this decision!

My back to school basic need list:
Black fitted denim jeans, unadorned for versatility.
Black shoes which might be loafers this season.
White tops in a jersey knit, one with long sleeves one short.
Grey cardigan professor/boyfriend style in a short petite length.
Black cable knit V neck cardigan in wool for warmth.

I already have dressy pointe skinny leggings
a crisp white shirt
black jersey short sleeved top
black knit A-line skirt
several work appropriate black knit jersey dresses
grey tunic top with zippers (NEW)
undergarments (NEW)
Several long waterfall sweaters in black, grey and tweedy knits
and flats in silver and leopard print

Pearls, bangles, brooches, colourful scarves, and a few belts are waiting to add some interest with what might sound like a very boring work wardrobe.

Vintage baubles make up most of my brooch collection.

This was a gift from Lovely daughter

Thanks J!

Vintage boots

I would like some red shoes and new boots...
but they are on my "want list" not my "need list."

Behold the Bungalow Romneya

blooming on a sunnier day.

Lovely contrast of texture in yellow against that frothy papery dress she's wearing.

Or maybe a mustard yellow cardigan might be fun!

What would you add?

Any thoughts or suggestions?

What are your impressions of how the staff at your children's / grandchildren's school dress?

P.S. If you want to see an energetic campus lip dub....check this out
and I hope that put a smile on your face...
our young people have so much energy...
I think we've got to love that.

MOA at UBC continued...

The Museum of Anthropology 

UBC campus

if you have not seen the previous post please consider reading it before proceeding here,

it is the introduction...

Vintage Cowichan wool sweater

Slight segway...

my father had one very much like this one

he wore it traipsing around the province when he was employed by the BC Forest Service

I "borrowed" it on many occasions in my youth.

I bought my first Cowichan sweater when I was 15

with my BFF 

my current one was purchased with my BFF 

a couple of years ago

the Cowichan knitter's name is Arlene

here is my sweater

The art of knitting these sweaters could be lost

I spoke with an elder at Hills when I bought my lovely daughter a sweater in September this year

and she told me the young women are not embracing knitting these today...

It would be such as shame to lose these designs and warm water resistant garments.

and now back to the MOA!

masks 

cases and cases 

of carvings

works representing all the major tribes from BC

I have a particular fondness for First Nations baskets

(if you go back into my early blog posts you can see the baskets)

I confess that I was overwhelmed by the variety and number here at the museum and after awhile stopped taking photographs

I was on sensory overload!

dolls

look at the patterns and motifs...

I have never seen a table such as this!

we walked through several rooms 

cases and drawers full

Meandering and weaving through rooms

and then an open space...

prepare yourself...

this carving was made out of one large tree trunk

skill and craft merge

from all angles it is brilliant

I walk around many times in awe...

look closely at the details

Read about Bill Reid here,

I hope that you can read the plaque

The Koerner's commissioned this piece for their garden!

The museum has many other displays

a collection of ceramics

Japanese, Chinese, and Inuvit art

travelling shows

films and photographs.

We focused exclusively on the First Nations collection

and were not disappointed

and were most impressed.

We spent a rainy Sunday afternoon perusing this museum

which has a

 tea room, gift shop and grounds with totems, outbuildings 

and paths with reflecting pools 

I encourage you to visit if you ever find yourself in Vancouver, BC

this place is a treasure

bring your camera

it is a photograph friendly place.

I'll leave you with this lasting image

of 

admission stickers

not recycled

in the suggested container inside the museum!

urban art 

at the

crosswalk to the car park...

and as a post script

P.S.

I worked at UBC...not far from the MOA

at the Computing Centre

Computer Sciences Building

mid 70's 

(a beautiful campus located slightly south and west of the city)

 the IBM mainframe computers took up several rooms

the technologists

sat at a desk with a space age looking dashboard of dials and lights

they would manually feed the tapes onto the disk drives

we had card readers

(which jammed on a regular basis)

and dial up was the handset of a telephone resting in a connection box!

How far we have come from coastal villages of indigenous peoples

to 

communicating via the internet

and blogging on laptops...