Wisdom comes with age...polishing the bumps and enjoying the blooms.

I used to suffer with a manic condition of collecting things...
vintage collectibles mostly
adornments
fripperies
arts and crafts...

copper was a favourite of mine.

I would attend every local antique fair and some farther afield
I'd get up early on weekend mornings newspaper in one hand, coffee mug in the other
to peruse garage sales with a greedy eye...

not an eye that I am particularly proud of...
greed stinks in all forms

I am distancing myself from greed and manic behaviours...
I am reforming and reinventing this body and mind
there's nothing like turning 56 to give one some well needed clarity.


I used to get very excited at the thrill of the hunt,
sometimes my pulse would even race.
I know I drove rather recklessly through suburban streets looking for sales
and often parked on the wrong side of the street and frequently blocked driveways
I  am the fan of all things safe
and obediently obey and observe rules and who only drives Volvos
those reputable Swedish Safety Stars.

I would be rushing...speeding
hurling myself forward towards the prize...
it might be a lowly trinket or a treasure to behold.

My wallet was halfway open as I approached the vendor...spilling change in my wake with not even a backwards glance...
I'd put on my buyers face...one that would not reveal desperation or excitement
I'd pretend I didn't know the maker or the mark...
I would admit only to be smitten by the piece itself...
and play dumb.

I'd be calm incarnate...blase...impress me if you can!

Whatever was I thinking and why the act?
In hindsight I feel shame.

Curiously I have little to no desire of acquiring more "things"
maybe I have enough stuff now, and I am just over it.

I am moving more mindfully
slower
savouring
and paying attention to what motivates me.

I know in my heart of hearts that stuff does not = happiness
I must have known this forever
but maybe tested the waters....

I am actually trying to pare down...
I am approaching this cautiously and methodically.

The journey to minimalism will take awhile...
not because I don't desire the transformation
simply because I need to reassess and address what I am ridding and why.

I feel that this transformation is necessary
as we advance in age we get closer to death
we rub shoulders with our mortality
and often we experience moments of crystal clarity
the kind that stops you in your tracks...

what I take away with me is what I came into the world with...
and that is humbling in and of itself....


Look at this collection of copper!

Hand hammered

made by a craftsman 

named Peter

a

lovely patina

(original and unpolished)

useful vessels

but why buy 6

shouldn't 1 be sufficient?

I like the interesting detailed work

it feels organic.

This is the first one I bought

before the mania set in!

The copper family of vessels

gathered here are

all a little different...

subtle

and similar 

yet having a

uniqueness of their own.

I've put pines cones, lemons, limes, nuts, trinkets

and all manner of things inside these

and now because I have so many and such a small bungalow

I need to stack them inside each other!

and the sad and sorry truth is 

they hibernate inside the buffet in the dining room 

and rarely see the light of day

I wonder how I will manage to dispose of these...

they are interesting yet somewhat peculiar 

and 

would anyone would want to take them off my hands...

would they?

I'll keep one!

the first acquisition

the one that fueled my fancy

and sparked the mania

as a reminder

of things gone by...

If you collect arts and crafts copper 

you'll know that the original finish is what educated and prudent collectors demand

Polishing devalues the object substantially.

However

when it comes to my personal management

and routine

I employ polish with a fervour...

one day at a time.

Birthday gift 

Fresh Body Polish 

a hard working scrub

sloughing workhorse divine

with a delicious scent

just remember to rinse the tub out well after use 

or you'll be slipping and sliding 

and risking injury!

My newest favourite tool

Revlon's Crazy Shine

my nails have a shiny gleam all of their own

 buff and shine

quick as a wink...

instant gratification...for the impatient Hostess.

Beauty 

is a Phalaenopsis Orchid

 putting on an annual fuchsia flourish

these blooms will last for about 3 months before dropping off

I have put this up high away from Pepper or she'd be pulling them off.

I noticed that she'd pulled another tulip bloom from the birthday bouquet

it was lying on the carpet with a few teeth marks on the petals.

Life is never dull here in the Humble Bungalow

and there's always room for improvement

stay tuned for more deep thoughts

I am embracing change

in all forms...

Namaste

Tea and a little creativity...

Lots of domestics are underway...
I am on my 4th load of laundry
and the bed linen has been changed.

I have stopped for a well deserved cup of tea...
and a little foray into creativity.

Tulips with a hint of colour

camera tricks

Weller arts and crafts jardinere

the detailed tooling captures my fancy

subtle and suggestive

sturdy feet help support the weight

I purchased this piece from a thrift shop

and had no idea it was a Weller at the time nor did the dealer

it is a thrifty find which has become a treasure to behold.

I am wearing these to keep my spirits light

while 

actioning brisk tasks in domesticity.

On a bright note...

the Garden issue is here!

Look at these great new garden gloves by Ethel

as seen in Martha Stewart Living

and 

Laying around

on the Humble Bungalow bed 

playing with the Hostess's Pearls...

These Ethel warrior rose gloves were a gift 

from my BFF on the occasion of my recent birthday

just in time for the pruning season!

(I wonder how the glove will feel?)

perhaps a wee bit jealous?

I hosted a belated birthday brunch with the family

here in the Bungalow...

I had a great time playing on the floor with grandaughter Miss Isla

and so nice to have my family gathered 'round.

My mother came as well and she was very quiet

as she took it all in...

emotion can well up and tears can so easily spill

when ones heart is full to bursting.

Mr. HB and lovely daughter poured mimosas

I made fruit salad, 

lamb sausages with mint sauce, 

hash brown potatoes, 

scrambled eggs

smoked salmom lox with dill

and 

these amazing

mouth watering tasty pancakes

topped with a small dollop of creme fraiche

YUM!

Do try these

they are a winner.

Break time is over 

the tea has re-energized me so...

now it's back to the chores.

What strategies do you use to keep your spirits up 

when moving through your domestic chores?

The trouble with walking is...

 I took a long walk yesterday...
the sun was shining and the birds were chirping
and I feel rather proud that I have seriously started to action healthier eating
and took the time to walk and meditate on life and all it's gifts...
it surprises me how quickly I can get out of the habit of taking a daily walk...
using weather as an excuse to stay indoors.

Tulips

in an Arts and Crafts Weller vase

such cheery blooms

they are an instant mood lifter

Hours of walking
(another great mood elevator)

punctuated with stops in shops...
and chats with sales staff
and I got into some mischief!

I hadn't planned it as I was dressed so casually
in LuLulemon workout gear
Eddie Bauer Down jacket...
my only stab at fashion was the Burberry pink plaid scarf encircling my neck.

Happy to say the Siebel shoes are comfy
my feet are happy despite the mileage.

First I found...

No not a real Sandwich

have you heard of Sandwich?

they make fabulous garments

I love love love them

and could buy many pieces

but I will not be

  I am trying to be a minimalist

and I could be so easily led into temptation!

back detail

with the ability to snug it in

the style is uber boxy

great piece for a body in transition

(hopefully shrinking)

even better it's packable and lightweight 

a great travel coat

it can be stuffed into a tote for the surprise rain showers that often occur.

a heavenly scarf that set my heart all aflutter

my favourite shades all married together

so versatile with my closet contents

Pepper of fashion police fame

is eyeing up the goods

and now for the taste test!

She does have an eye for fashion...

I think the scarf would look nice with her coat too.

She has been trying to eat all my tulips

I am concerned that they are toxic to cats

I have tried clapping my hands loudly 

and 

I even resorted to spraying her with the plant mister!

She is determined to chew on the greenery...

I have some kitty grass in a pot

 and 

I am hoping that she will enjoy munching on something safer.

We all need our greens!

HMMM...decisions decisions...fashion and more fatty talking...

To accessorize or not
I cannot decide..

Ruffle fronted top

this top can be worn open or buttoned up

my love affair with grey continues...

I plan to wear a white tee under this when it is cold

 and wear it solo in the summer

it doesn't need any extra decoration 

but

I think I might

just because

Pearls 

my first choice

I made this necklace in bead class

Pearls 

and 

assorted Labradites

the big one on the bottom is wrapped in sterling wire 

and can be removed to wear alone

I love the fire and opalescence of these gemstones

they have a glow of their own.

Artist Debra K 

designed and cleverly crafted

this necklace.

My sterling hoops and diamond studs are getting play time

The argan oil I bought a few days ago

is pure genius

it is luxurious

my hair feels ever so soft 

 I find my hands keep reaching up and touching my hair

I cannot believe that just a few precious drops can be so restorative

if you like me have waited to buy some

wait no longer

get some soon

you'll be glad that you did!

Pepper is weary

and 

in one of her quieter moments

atop a plush pillow

she is so much easier to photograph when she is still!

Speaking of quiet moments
I have quite a few books that are waiting to be read.

Books for every mood

I just need to decide which one to choose to read next...

Eeny meeny miny mo....

but first I am lacing up my new trainers

and 

wearing some stretchy Lululemons

and 

am taking to the street

to activate my metabolism

and fill my lungs with fresh salt air from the ocean

it's sunny this morning!

I have been trying to spend less time on the laptop 

and more time getting fit...

I hope that you cherished dear readers, 

will not hold it against me 

if my comments 

are somewhat reduced...

I am desperate to lose weight

you cannot see my flabby thighs

nor will I expose my chunky mid section

what I know is

the scale does not lie!

Hope that you will enjoy a lovely weekend...

tell me what are you getting up to?

56 and dressing today....

Yesterday was a whirlwind of activity...
I turned 56 and went to work....not even whispering that it was my birthday.
I confess that I ate a piece of cake.
How can one say no when the candles have been lit
and it is paraded into the staffroom by singing co-workers!
(Diet be damned...one piece and then it's back on track)
I was honoured by friends, showered with cards, fresh flowers and enjoyed meeting up for tea after work with a couple of friends.
After several long phone calls and reading my emails I changed into a going out for the evening outfit...
I wore my striped black and grey waterfall sweater with the grossgrain ribbon tied in the back and a black silky v neck top with black ponte skinny legged pants and my black ballerinas...

I was taken out for dinner by Mr. HB to a lovely French restaurant...where we supped on French Onion Soup and I had salmon on a bed of French lentils and kale...and a glass of crisp white wine....Mr HB had a grilled steak with Roquefort cheese on top and pommes frites.
YUM!

Josef Siebel shoes

skinny jeans

Gap wool vest

cream top from Joe

Pearls

what else?

Pearls are twisted in the photo

oops!

Curly locks

enriched and nourished by Argan Oil

best new accessory for my hair!

(smells great too)

This is what 56 looks like here in the Humble Bungalow

I cannot believe that I am now moving upward towards 60

that sounds

 well 

a wee bit daunting

I will need to reinvent myself between now and then.

I do not mean Botox or a face lift

I mean a healthier, wiser, woman in all ways.

It's never to late to turn your life around!

now where shall I start!