Another week in Isolation!

Hello dear friends, 

This “Isolation” newsletter is starting off a little bit differently this time.   My lovely friend in New Zealand (who has a great grasp of the English language, and keeps me up to scratch), wrote to me at the weekend, in response to my most recent newsletter mentioning Regency politeness and behaviour, as well as her views on “Isolation”.     I quote her letter below, verbatim:

From L of New Zealand: 

“First of all, I  LOVE this idea… (of Regency greetings, bowing and curtseying …)

Then, this is how I see Lockdown:

My son overworks constantly and I warned him he was heading for burnout.  Now, working from home, he still does long hours but he can rest more because he doesn't have a 90 minute commuter rush-hour at either end of the day. 

Why did it take a virus to make him see just how exhausted he was?  His story mirrors  that of many people: the mad rush, the treadmill, the rat race, call it what you will,  modern life and the necessity to keep a roof over your families heads and food in their tummies is a hard  taskmaster.

  

So devastating though this virus has been, for all the lives it has taken, let's hope it has made people realise life is precious and that being so, maybe it's saved a few who might have been pushed beyond their human capacity by stress and the inability to just STOP and look at our still wonderful world...and 

just breathe……

What is this life if, full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare.

No time to stand beneath the boughs

And stare as long as sheep or cows.

No time to see, when woods we pass,

Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.

No time to see, in broad daylight,

Streams full of stars, like skies at night.”

………..

I would also encourage readers to visit this exquisite short video, made in New Zealand, on Youtube.  The words are so beautiful and make us realise just what beauty we live with and that we are a part of.   Please visit.  …. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKyekQ1njNQ&fbclid=IwAR33SOK4wws9qB-MvkWrVbo8n6-WFsXmS2XFcWhM3MOuvJHWDaP2fXh3Vms

……

Another clever quotation from my friend Judy of WA:

Please -  just be careful because people are going crazy from being in lock down! Actually I've just been talking about this with the microwave and toaster while drinking coffee and all of us agreed that things are getting bad. I didn't mention anything to the washing machine as she puts a different spin on everything and certainly not to the fridge as he is acting cold and distant.  In the end the iron calmed me down as she said everything will be fine - no situation is too pressing....

From Ruth of Victoria: 

“Thank you for your lovely newsletter.  Keep it up, it does not just help you, it helps many people.

As you mentioned the homeless, here is something you might like to have a look at.  I received the attached newsletter from a friend who runs a charity for the homeless.  https://bit.ly/avalonian-gazette-april-2020 

She deserves a mention, and, maybe, some donations from people to help the homeless.

Personally I have been attacking my weeds, making myself very unpopular with them. Hasn’t stopped me from continuing. There are a lot more to get at.

I am lucky enough to be allowed out for shopping and exercise. The last is not just walking, but a lot of talking. Keeps the face muscles strong, and you can keep your distance.

Looking for the positive things in our lives helps too..  Making someone laugh is good for the soul, ours and theirs”

…… 

From my very dear friend Valerie Parv:

“Thank you for thinking of me on my birthday and sending good wishes …  I was given some lovely gifts from organic hand wash liquid (very timely) to books and DVDs. Plus some gift cards which I can plan how to spend until we're free to go out and do so. Sometimes planning is half the enjoyment.

I haven't had to declutter or organise my office, having done so over the last year.  I even joined in the national Garage Sale Trail last October which was a major decluttering exercise. In my small community, garage sale shopping is a "thing" where a group goes from one garage sale to another, ending up having coffee at McDonald's. Personally I don't dare to visit other people's garage sales for fear of finding something I simply must have. Books are the worst of course but fortunately I read most fiction on my Kindle. I only buy nonfiction in paper as I find them easier for reference.

Thank you for quoting in your newsletter my favourite psalm, "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help." When I lived in Canberra there were always hills you could see even from the bus stop or the shopping mall, and this verse was in the back of my mind while shopping or waiting for a bus. It's one of the pleasures I miss from Canberra, but we have glorious rural vistas, as I was reminded when Better Homes and Gardens visited recently and showcased some of the attractions. A tourist magazine mentioned that I live here, quite unexpectedly. I've had many accolades in my career but this is my first time as a tourist attraction.

When the lockdown started six weeks ago (six weeks!) I had so many writing plans, but sad to say I've written none of them. I'll include a link to the blog I posted yesterday, exploring the reasons, as I've found many creative friends in the same situation. I have kept busy, however, blogging and taking part in online writing activitities including a week-long WordFest in aid of rescue greyhounds. I also continue to mentor the current holder of the Valerie Parv Award organised by Romance Writers of Australia. Next year's award has just closed and I'll find out mid year who will be my new mentee, or minion, as past winners call themselves. Here's my blog link.

https://valerieparv.wordpress.com/2020/05/03/first-monday-mentoring-may-2020-what-you-can-write-during-the-crisis-and-a-challenge/?fbclid=IwAR1cLEb0-bI3flRqakMkHMyEyDHaygRsVAB9vxzX-PQksWdMK1cPva3mgkM

It does talk mainly to writers but can also apply to any creative goal we may have.  (Note from the NoteBook©:  The hints and strategies Valerie has put forward so easily fit into what we who are not “writers” can do, to take away the stress of “Isolation” …… Rosemary) 

Thank you again for another thought-provoking newsletter. Your consideration for the homeless is commendable. I saw on a news program recently an interview with a homeless man for whom a long term place had been found with others staying in a motel, and he said he had become so used to having a proper place to live and bed to sleep in that he didn't know how he would cope going back to the streets. I only pray he doesn't have to.”

Recently Valerie talked writing with Sarah Williams 

on her Write With Love Podcast

https://tinyurl.com/yamlhdc8

Look for Valerie's 'Desert Justice' in 'Her Hot Desert Fantasy' anthology on Amazon.com and Big W.

Outback Code, 3 books in one from Mira out now in stores, print and ebooks 

From my dear pastors, G and M (from the Village here.  We can not, at the moment, attend Chapel each week, but these two wonderful girls ensure we are not “grounded” without any contact from them.) 

“So here we are another week stuck inside, feeling a little bit frustrated, bored, maybe even alone.  So what can we do in order to help ourselves survive this unusual time we are living in.

What can we do with this time of solitude.  Is there something we can learn from all this time we have on our hands at the moment, from the Scriptures?

Solitude is a state of being alone without being lonely and can lead to self-      awareness

Solitude is a time that can be used for reflection, inner searching, growth or enjoyment of some kind.

Solitude suggests peacefulness stemming from a state of inner richness,  It is a means of enjoying the quiet, and whatever it brings that is satisfying, and from which we draw sustenance.  It is something we cultivate

Solitude is refreshing’ an opportunity to renew ourselves.  In other words, it replenishes us

Solitude gives us time to explore and know ourselves.  It is the necessary counterpoint to intimacy, it is what allows us to have a self worthy of sharing.  Solitude gives us a chance to regain perspective

Solitude restores body and mine and Spirit.  A time to withdraw from the hustle and bustle of lives around us.” 

MAY I CLOSE THIS NEWSLETTER, WITH A MESSAGE FROM MY FRIEND BILL CREWS, OF THE EXODUS FOUNDATION IN SYDNEY:

Hi everyone

The homeless people we work with and love usually have three chronic illnesses.  For them Coronavirus probably means death.  

We do everything we can to protect them. That includes free flu shots and virus testing for everyone. 

Here is the link to the 7-minute video showing how we do it.  https://youtu.be/utNoA7i8vJk

God Bless,   Bill

Fondest regards

Rosemary  🌹 🌹 🌹 STAY SAFE, TAKE CARE EVERYONE.

Lockdown and Emotions

Hello dear friends,  

This is a “strange” time we’re in.  Being in Isolation I find daylight hours seem slow and tedious, whereas as the afternoon unfolds, I find my day is rushing by. When I speak to some of my neighbours by phone or Messenger , they say the same thing!  Just what is going on, I ask?

This morning I opened the curtains to find the sky grey with heavy clouds.   Two hours later the sky is blue, and the sun is shining.   For those readers overseas, we’re in the second month of Autumn (my friends in the USA call it “Fall”).  While the weather here is cooling considerably, one thing I am missing is being able to walk around nearby streets and to see the ever-changing gardens.  I miss seeing the leaves of the deciduous trees turning into their beautiful colours. 

The Lockdown and Emotions

A number of my friends are telling me they’ve been going through all sorts of emotional ups and downs.  The worry associated with “not knowing” (what this virus is, where it came from, how long we will need to fight it, will it “die” of its own accord, or hide away?), together with not being able to see our families or to join in small groups with our girl-friends, yet trying to cope with the feelings of having no control on almost any part of our daily life, is taking its toll.  

Yet, as another friend from New Zealand wrote in her blog today, “This crisis WILL pass.  We WILL be back to normal, whatever our normal was or will be.   Life may be on hold for many but it still has the potential to be full of dreams and plans.”   She then included a most beautiful Youtube video of her land which has incredible uplifting words.   Visit her blog at:  thelockdowndiary.blogspot.com

Asking for Help

This is a time when our friends - whether close-by or further afield, need us, as we need them.   Too often we hold back and not ask for help, whether it be physical or merely just to “listen” to us when we feel out-of-sorts or “down in the dumps”.   We hold back because we don’t want to worry them, or take up their time.  Yet, I‘ve often found that when I do let my “pride” down a notch or two and actually ask a friend to “listen”, then they are ready, willing and able to put their life on hold, just to hold my hand (figuratively) and walk me through my times of anxiety or stress.    I like to think that I respond in like manner when they call on me. 

This is where, even though the “social-distancing” and “isolation” is restricting us in so many ways, we have opportunities to reach out and seek a friendly word of encouragement through means of emails, telephone calls and face-time.   We don’t need to remain silent, to keep things to ourselves, to wonder how other people are coping.   For when we are aware that we may feel disadvantaged because we can’t meet up with our girl-friends for coffee or get together in groups for lunch, then we become aware that they in turn most likely feel the same way.  

Loving each other

I heard the Joni Mitchell song the other night, “I’ve looked at love from both sides now.” While this is a regretful-love-song, it is more to the point a song about the two sides of love.   We can easily say we love our family, friends and neighbours, but to actually prove that in words, deeds, and caring, we rise above just being someone who says things but never does things,  In so doing, we can then become even more the person we’ve always hoped we would become.

But love doesn’t only have two sides. It is multi faceted. Love is just a four letter word, and yet it is incredibly difficult to define.  There are so many layers.  So many meanings.  So many translations.  Yet love is what makes the world go round.  It’s not being powerful, or being multi-rich, it’s being aware of another person’s needs whether they be physical or emotional and being ready to respond to those needs in whatever way we can. 

We also need to “thank” each other for countless things.   Teena the other morning reminded me about this when she told me she makes a point of saying “thank you” to all the people stocking the shelves in the supermarket where she shops. When you think about it, there are thousands of people who are still working in order for this country to continue moving forward.  To most of us they are the people in the background and we seldom give them a thought.   Why not make a short list of people you can think of, to whom you can say “thank you”.  For doing what they do, whether they are on the frontline (in their selfless examples) or in the background.     

Keep safe , everyone.   God bless you all, without exceptions.

Fondest regards

🌹 🌹 🌹

CARING about one another. CARING for one another.

Hello Dear Friends

For those of us of a “certain age” (don’t ask me what that means, because as far as I’m concerned any and every age is a “certain” age!! Lol), we’ve enjoyed many decades that became enriched following the Second World War, by way of better housing, more choices as far as food and clothing are concerned;  better transport, in fact being able to buy our own car, better and faster access to going to the Dr, the supply of medications, the ability to travel extensively, being able to regularly go to a restaurant for a special meal, the opportunity of education whether it be by attending mature-age university or by learning on the job, the technological age that permitted us to have our very own personal computer and then electronic devices, and the list goes on.

Yet now in 2020, with each day, in fact almost hour by hour, we find more things to upset us;  to cause us inconvenience; to make us anxious and stressed.   We learn there are more things to confront.   

For nothing has prepared us for this dreadful Covid 19 and its horrendous journey throughout the world and for those who say it’s not serious are denying reality.   The government here in Victoria (Australia) is bringing  in even more stringent measures in its endeavour to control the rapid spread of this virus through social physical interaction; casinos, hotels, sporting events, gyms, coffee shops, restaurants, concerts, art galleries, theatres,  cinemas, churches are having to close.    Warnings of social distancing have been rejected by thousands of people, who take the attitude its not serious and therefore doesn’t affect them.  The common laws of good manners and common sense have been foolishly scorned. Hundreds of thousands of jobs are being lost, as well as small businesses going to the wall.  Not to mention large businesses.  

Unfortunately it affects us all.  And it's important that we, as intelligent, sensible human beings, take into account that each one of us is as important as the other.  Caring and sharing has become a symbol of “charity” (good-will and kindness) to its highest level of meaning amongst many people in our communities.  Young people are volunteering in droves to deliver food parcels  where homelessness and poverty prevent people from buying essential foods.  Each day brings “positive” stories of individuals who have decided to make a stand, and to do things for other people, without thought of recompense.  

I made a conscious decision more than a fortnight ago to semi-self-isolate.   For someone who has always enjoyed my own space, and not needing other people to provide my “entertainment”, it has been quite enlightening to me to realise what semi-self-isolation actually means.  Especially for those who “need” face-to-face interaction with other people.  I cannot comprehend their feelings of loss.  Yet,  I thank God for my one small room which I call my sanctuary - my “Serendipity Sanctuary”! 

So, finding my options were (1) watching TV, which I haven’t done for quite some time with the exception of the evening news each day; (2) reading and I’ve begun to read some of my old favourite authors again;  (3) and apart from vacuuming my room, tidying up and dusting, doing a little bit of simple cooking, it has become clear  I have the opportunity of seeking other means of keeping myself occupied in meaningful and worthwhile endeavours.  I am lost for things to do!   Although I have found I’m increasing my contact with friends, some whom I’ve not spoken with for years,  by telephone, and now by “ messenger” via my iPhone    The sound of another human voice and a voice we know, brings so much pleasure and costs nothing.  Oh yes, I’m playing music far more often that I’ve done over the past few years.   There’s no doubt that music soothes the soul.   

I am most fortunate in having my computer.   I can sit and write.  I can sit and learn.   I can sit and think.  And boy, do I think a lot?   (As most of you know!!)    I’ve decided that “semi-self-isolation” is in fact “solitude”.   Solitude is not loneliness.  It is more a “place of calm and peace”, whereby our well-being can become:

(a) refreshed

(b) reinvigorated

(c) revitalised

(d) renewed

(e) revived, and

(f)  restored. 

With that achieved, we are well armed to provide helpfulness through kind and loving words and encouragement; a listening ear to those who are going through problems that beset them;  and a heart that is open to those who need a friend. 

Women of all ages, since the beginning of time as we know it, have been resilient, adapting to the changing world around us.  Going without - in order that families and neighbours were fed;  in order that children were clothed and educated; in order that elders were cared for;  in order that others were thought of and looked after.  

Women have had to fight for the privilege of education (and I’m not only speaking of the 20th century, but earlier.)   Women had to fight draconian working conditions in mills and workshops as the industrial age came along, not to mention the backbreaking work in the coal and tin mines,  Women had to fight for acceptance to become doctors and teachers, and then typists and secretaries.  Women have had to fight discrimination throughout all facets of every-day life.  Women have had to face hardship, poverty, domestic abuse, and sadly many still do. 

But all in all, as life-style things improved for women, we began to take things for granted in so many ways.    This situation that now confronts us is a “wake-up” call, that things are not as they seem or as we recall just months ago.  We can’t assume that life will continue in that way, after this virus has passed away.  We have to grapple with a new reality and a fight against an unseen and remorseless foe. 

Yet women are born fighters!   And while we are facing and coping with this Covid 19,  if we look beyond our own needs, and share with others their needs, we will all be victors!    And our men need us too.  To provide the strength and toughness of spirit that we can provide them as they also battle with the insecurity and uncertainty presently confronting us.   

Because  women have always had the ability to look beyond what is NOW.  For “now” soon becomes “then.”   

Take care my friends and express love to one another in simple ways.   God bless you all - without exceptions.  We need each other more now than history can recall.   

Fondest regards

🌹🌹🌹

Some day my "prints" will come

Remember the theme song from Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs?   Some day my Prince (prints) will come?

Well, I'll be contented with some of the lovely prints (large and small) that are appearing in our stores, and I believe we're being promised many more variations on the print theme.

Block colours are gradually easing out and prints are back!  Does that mean chintz as well? Does everyone remember that fabric - mostly used for curtains and furnishings but brave young women of the day used chintz to make their own "fashion".  For we used to make our own clothes, would you believe?   

When it comes to fabrics, I wonder why we never see things like broderie anglaise and seersucker these days.   They're not seen to be "luxury" fabrics and yet, and yet ......... For one thing they are both excellent fabrics for our warm weather here.   Now I'm talking out of turn here I guess, because the temperature here overnight was zero but the sun is now shining in a bright blue sky and while there's a chill in the air, the sunshine makes us think of the warmer days.  

But then we're in Winter heading towards Spring (officially starts tomorrow!), so that's to be expected.  

In the meantime,
Regards

Procrastination doesn't pay

For someone who believes they are "organised", I think I fell through the floor.  I've just been able to find my blog, and have determined to be a little more regular in posts.

Of course during the time since I last posted on the NoteBook©, I've been battling with a few growing older issues including health, but then many of my readers have found themselves in similar boats, so at least we can laugh togetther, and share notes.

The other thing that happened is that I had a great deal of trouble with my ISP, who startsd billing excessive charges, with no real understanding of my loyalty years.  Some 25 years to be exact.  So I did what any sensible woman does, and I told them to keep their service and I'd go elsewhere.

You know, it's times like this when you realise that putting things off doesn't pay and quite honestly is stupid.   Just because were growing older doesn't mean to say that we've lost the ability to think things through and to make concsious decisions that are favourable and worthwhile.

So that's what's been happening in a nutshell since my previous post.   A tiny nutshell I'll admit, but nevertheless gives an explanation of what I've been up to.

I see on the news last evening that our friend Ita Buttrose has been chosen to be the next Chair of the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporatio).    This lady has proved many times of her tenacity, determination, discipline and her ability to take on extraordinary projects.   I persoally wish her well. recall back in the very days of this NoteBook© that Ita interviewed me on her radio programme on 2GB in Sydney.  She encouraged me, she inspired me and continues to do so.

Regards to everyone.

Springtime

Springtime officially began here in the eastern states of Australia on the 1st September.

Well!  You could have been mistaken about that, for the weather has been somewhat contradictory.  The cold spell we've had reminds us of mid-winter and this of course has reflected in what we are wearing.   It's almost as though we're asking ourselves "when will we be able to wear some of our lovely summer clothes".

But it's merely a matter of being patient, and making sure that our summer clothes are in readiness for us.  

For the more curvaceous woman, the ranges from Maggie T as well as Autograph meet our young-at-heart feelings - whatever age we are!   For the more budget conscious, then the ranges from Victoria Hill and Danart neet that need as well.   Visit both their websites and view their latest catalogues and then get along to a store or purchase from on-line.

Cotton and linen are favourites this year as well as a lot of stretch fabrics, particularly in pants and crops.   The casual but dressy look is one that will carry you from the home, or business, to an early evening get-together with friends.

LATEST VIEWS AND OPINIONS!

There are still a number of stores that well clothing up to and including size 18 and sometimes 20.  Anything higher then you have to look around to find what’s there, and more importantly what looks good.  For as you and I know full well, many of the clothes are so mass produced that they begin to look like just plain olf “stuff”.  We know that most, if not all, clothing these days is made in China.

But I’m not complaining.  Ha, you say.  Rosemary’s not complaining?   Well I suppose I am in a small sweet way, but what I’m doing is stating fact. 

    

There are some good companies overseas, including Making It Big (which now comes under the title of “On the Plus Side by Making It Big” (mib@makingitbig.com).  Monif C (monifc.com) info@news.monifc.com) and Igigi (igigi.com)  who cater for the more curvaceous woman.   

These are very sexy garments and if I were “brave” I might be tempted!

While I’m not suggesting in any way that any garments from these suppliers are anything but top quality, a lot of women are now coming back to the old-fashioned idea of being able to “see” a garment, “feel a garment” and to look at how it is made (sewn) before buying.  Some are perfectly happy buying on-line and have never been disappointed.  I had a couple of experiences and was extremely disappointed, so ……   (Let's be honest here, my purchases DID NOT come from any of these three USA suppliers!)

Now we come to what is available in the stores here.  Autograph has some lovely garments, including underwear/lingerie did you know?   It’s always worth your while to visit an Autograph store because they do have some great bargains occasionally.   Taking Shape - well I’m on their email list but for some reason nothing seems to take my eye.  But then, as most of you will be aware, I’m not longer “young” (even though I'm still seen as young at heart) and I’ve come to the stage where I have worked out my wardrobe and what suits me, and I stick with the guidelines I’ve set myself from years experience.   So a number of Australian stores that supposedly stock and sell clothing for curvaceous women have a focus on the younger woman most of the time.

I even find (here I go - am I in fact complaining?  Probably).   I find Maggie T garments are attractive but so pricey that I can no longer do more than look at their catalogue (on-line) and drool.  That’s where I’ve gotten to, girls.

I’m also on the mailing list for “In Fashion”, the catalogue that includes Damart and Victoria Hill.  While Damart,garments go up to size 24, many of Victoria Hill garments go up to size 30.   This latest catalogue for Spring 2016 has some really attractive items.   Let me say at the outset that the prices are comparable to those in the stores, but it’s a matter of sensibly working out a mix-n-match outfit and then being able to add items at a later date that will in effect create YOUR own profile outfit.   Let this be the start of something BIG!

Victoria Hill has Jeans, regular lengths as well as Crop,  Tunic Tops, Lightweight Cardigans, Knee Length Crinkle Shorts, a dress or two, tee shirts, sweatshirts, plain and printed polos, skirts, and a selection of jeans, shirt, cami and skirt in Lyocell (which in the catalogue looks very much like Tencel - remember that fabric)  

Their catalogue also has a range of swimwear, shoes, handbags, hats (including floppy hats for the sun!), and jewellery.   Not to mention nightwear and lingerie.

This catalogue is 100 pages, and well worth having a look at the hard-copy.   Again, I’m old-fashioned and like leafing through the catalogue and making my mind up slowly rather than going mad on-line and ordering half a dozen items that I may not like in the long run.

So there, has this given you any ideas?   Perhaps you’ve got ideas of our own that you could share with me, and the other readers of RoseMary’s NoteBook©  Then we’ll all be the Gold Medal Winners.

'Til next time

Rosemary

PUT A LITTLE ZING INTO YOUR STEP!

When it comes to being flambouyant, there’s nothing quite like a full-circle skirt.  Especially a long full-circle skirt. 

There’s something quite sensual about the skirt flowing freely around your legs and with Springtime not too far off, why not look into adding this type of garment to your wardrobe.

For those of us who are “growing older”, it can quite often become a matter of “I’m too old for something like that”.   Well more to the point what’s growing older got to do with wearing something that makes you feel good?   

So get out there and let your hair down, as the old saying goes, and even if you only wear it indoors, make it your goal to start looking at yourself as a unique, one-off individual.   Age, size, colour have nothing to do with being a woman and enjoying life as a woman should do.   

Our younger women are experimenting with all sorts of variations and trends all the time.  Don’t put off doing something really nice for yourself.

It’s your time you know,  Right now,   Let’s know what you’ve added to your wardrobe recently and what you intend to add in the short term.

'til next time

Rosemary

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!

Well, as you’ll see it’s been a long while since I “posted” on my blog.   Some people have asked the reasons why, while others haven’t said a word.  Does that mean not many of my regulars have been following me after all?

However, ever the inveterate optimist, that’s me.  So I’m starting the New Year off with a reminder to everyone to please keep this blog current and to “follow me” on your computer.  Perhaps you’ll learn a thing or two, perhaps you’ll be entertained, informed and/or educated.  Perhaps you won’t learn a thing, but hey, let’s keep in contact one way or another.

Many of my friends have gathered up the courage to try out FaceBook.  Well, my friends, believe it or not, I’m trying to grasp the ins and outs of FaceBook myself.  But it’s not as easy as it sounds.  Oh yes, young people seem to be able to navigate it quite smoothly and even to make it work for them.  Me, I stumble and I stagger around, but at least I’m trying.  Yes, I hear many of my friends say, you definitely are “trying”, Rosemary!

But with that, I’d like to start off by stating, the obvious.  I don’t know where “fashion” is here in Australia - has it gone to sleep, is it hiding, or does it only come out at night?  As all my loyal readers know I am a great “observer” of people, particularly women, and I can’t see where there is anything exciting being worn by the majority of women who visit our shopping malls and larger centres during daylight hours.  Once again, and please don’t blame me, but it seems to be to be “same all, same all”.   Where’s the flare, where’s the fun, where’s the flounces, where’s the feminity, where’s the feisiness?

Dull, boring, cut off pants and tee shirts.  Jeans and tee shirts.   “Hippy” style long skirts with tee shirts.   Slip slop thongs (I mean the footwear not the undies).   Bra straps showing and for those who don’t wear bras, a lot of “other” showing.   

Let’s start 2016 off with an understanding of what we can wear, how we can wear it and how we can embrace our femininity with style.   It’s a matter of experiment, experiment, experiment.  Experiment with colours, with textures, with fabrics, with designs and what ever else you can think of.

Layering brings with it a whole kaleadiscope of possibilities.  You can put together colours that you may not usually wear, but take the plunge.  You’ll enjoy the experience.

'til next time

Rosemary

THE PACE OF LIFE

So much has changed during recent years, not only in our daily lives, but in the way we live.  And especially at the speed at which we live.  Who would have thought even five years ago that "social media" would take over our lives.

Communication today is instantaneous.  Social media has made a lasting effect upon our thinking and this can be both a good as well as not so good thing about organising the hours in any day.

No longer do we need to depend just on women's magazines that came out monthly rather than weekly to read the latest fashion trends, celebrity gossip, what is occurring on the other side of the world.  We hear about these things so quickly now that for many of us, our heads spin trying to take it all in.  For "fashion trends" change not only seasonally but almost daily.

Yet many quotations by notable people from years ago are still pertinent today when it comes to fashion particularly.

I'd like to quote Yves St Laurent who said:

"FASHION FADES, STYLE IS ETERNAL"

Instead of chasing fashion trends (which so often don't suit us at all), why not study the effects of "style"?   Observe other women and how they dress, whether it be casual or conservative, and see how confident and self assured women use clothing in such a way as to expxress their own individual personality, rather than being part of the "mob".  And they do it with a certain panaché.   

QUOTATION for the DAY

When people have light in themselves, 

it will shine out from them

then we get to know each other as we walk together 

through the darkness,

without needing to pass our hands over each other's faces, 

or to intrude into each other's hearts.

.... Albert chweitzer - 1875-1965

QUOTE FOR THE DAY

And the song

from beginning to end

I found in the 

heart of a friend

..... Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

QUOTE FOR THE DAY

NOT a problem to be solved!

I've just discovered this on FaceBook (but was unable to "share" for some reason) so full acknowledgement is given to the author/artist whoever it may be.

The important thing is that this is the type of "poster" we should see more often.   I wonder sometimes why we don't see many children's books about "chubby" boys and girls, in a positive way.

In fact why why don't we see a lot more curvaceous "female" heroines (or larger "male" heroes) in novels.  Can you think of any?  Write and share your finds.

A GLIMPSE OF THE SEASON'S TRENDS

I have to confess I was “giving up” on a number of the Australian suppliers for not having the courage (or initiative) to seriously look at the plus-size figure as something of beauty to be complimented and enhanced by loving clothing - rather than the run-of-the-mill sameness that has been appearing in our stores for far too long.

But size 22 plus women, want something that glides over the figure - yes, we still have a figure whether you believe it or not.   This is why I was so pleased to see the latest range from TS 12-24 Celebrate Your Curves.   

Taking Shape - the name says it all.  Now the brand is coming up with some great ideas for the woman whose size ranges between 12-24.  What a pity they don’t go into higher sizes!

This is a fabulous tunic/gown.  Called the White Noise Shirt Dress, it can be worn with leggings, slim pants, and if you have fabulous legs (like Maggie T) then black beautiful stockings.

With a button down front, this garment can be worn dressed-up or dressed-down, open or closed.  Large side splits at the sides allows for comfort, especially when sitting.  The cap sleeves (15cm) I would have preferred to be longer, but then if you like layering then a smart black sleeved cami or light tee shirt can disguise the thicker arms that many plus-size women experience.

I love the length of this garment and I also love what appears to be a collar.  Collars always seem to me to add a bit of class - don’t ask me why, but that’s my humble opinion.