Hello! Again!

So, here I am once again with nothing to say.

Actually, that's not true. A lot of really cool stuff has been happening that I'd love to tell you about, but I just don't have the time. Or rather, I just don't make the time. Or rather, I'm letting all my thoughts mellow until I have just the right words to share with you.

Nah. I'm just lazy.

Until I get my act together here's another picture of me: 

There, don't we all feel better now knowing that I still exist?

Obviously not a current picture. You can tell by the flowers in the background, and by the still uncut hair.  There are a few more unpublished photos in the files. Procrastination is my friend. I have a winter's worth of Visible Monday outfits saved up. Now I won't have to go out into the cold for pictures if I want to participate. Yeah!

This outfit is a combination of recycled, upcycled and Canadian-made items. Except the shoes. My fussy feet require just the right shoe, so when I find ones that work I buy them. Ideals be damned. 

The shrug and the trousers were both bought on consignment. The tank is Canadian-made by Miik clothing (Purchased at Be clothing). The bracelet is stolen from a gift from my mom. (I think she knows I have it.) The pendant is locally made from recycled bicycle parts. (Rose Pedals Jewelry if you're interested. You should be interested.)

Linking up with Patti of the Patti dress over at Not Dead Yet Style for Visible Monday. Hope you'll stop by and check out the fun. And if the promise of stylish women with impeccable taste isn't enticement enough, there's a contest too! You should seriously check it out.

Why?... Why Not?... And Other Questions...

Look! I'm still here! Here's a picture to prove it:

Yes, I know. Not a very flattering picture. 

I had a migraine that had just receded enough to go out in public.

I had just been for a consult with a new stylist/hairdresser/individual of scissorly skills. My hair had been left to its own devices, as I wanted demonstrate what my hair actually does, rather than what my hair can be made to do. (I think we have a plan. Appointment in a week. We'll see if it's a plan I can actually enact. My sister inherited all the hairstyling genes in our family. I, on the other hand, can almost always figure out which end of the brush to use.)

The picture was taken up close, with an iPad, under questionable lighting in the front shop of a local optometry practice. There were other customers around. I was feeling rather self conscious. (I stopped there on my way home from my hair appointment, in spite of the headache, because the stylist was wearing really cool glasses that she had purchased there. And because a co-worker also got great frames there. And because I really, really need to replace my current glasses.)

Strange how I feel the need to justify/explain/make excuses for my appearance. Do we all do that? Do men do that?

Why am I sharing this? Probably because I cringe every time I see this picture. My instinct is to rip it to shreds, or at least delete it and try to forget it. Which is ridiculous. This is my face. Or at least a digital reproduction of my face. I should love my face. Shouldn't I? Or would that be vain?

Of course, one could perceive vanity in sharing one's face on the internet. Why am I sharing it? I know I'm not looking for approval, or reassurance or compliments. You're going to have to take my word on that one.

So why am I posting it? To torture myself? Because I don't want to, and I'm contrary by nature? Because it scares me and I'm tired of letting my fears hold me back? 

Maybe because each time I see it I cringe a little less. I find a little bit more to like. I'm a wee bit gentler with myself. I judge a bit less harshly.  And maybe if I can do that for myself, I can expand the skill and extend it to the world.

Though maybe I should be asking why not?

It's only a picture for crying out loud.

Reaping in the Rain

This year the stars (and schedules) aligned to allow me to help with the grape harvest at Sleeping Cougar Acres.

It was a great year for grapes. In some cases we were able to fill an entire bucket with grapes from a single plant. It was a less-than-ideal day for working in the vineyard.  There was rain, and there was the knowledge that not all the neighbourhood cougars were sleeping. Reports of sightings in the area added a little extra excitement to the day.

Petite milo grapes, the ones we were harvesting, are considered whites even though they are a lovely pink when ripe. There are 350 of these plants at Sleeping Cougar Acres. There were six of us picking. You do the math.

In previous years they managed to pick the whites in about three hours. This year there were so many grapes it took more than seven. We did take a brief break for a delicious picnic lunch that L prepared for us volunteers. Yep, I work for sandwiches. And cookies.

By the end of they day we were all wet, exhausted, achy...

... and in some cases silly.

The grapes were purchased by Southend Winery on Quadra Island.  They don't have a final weight for this harvest, but the winery's truck was practically groaning under the load. A bumper crop! Or rather a bumper-to-bumper crop. We filled four of the winery's transport containers. I understand that in past years they only filled one. And we haven't even started the reds.

Yes, I said "we". In spite of the rain, the aching muscles and the possibility of being eaten by a mountain lion, I'd definitely invite myself back to help harvest the reds. A bad day in the vineyard is better than a good day at work. And that's before we've tested the fermented fruits of our labour. So much to look forward to!

On the Rocks and On the Water

Last weekend included more active adventure than is normal for this couch potato. I've been wanting to write about it all week, but I haven't been able to lift my arms to the keyboard before today. 

OK, that may be a bit of an exaggeration, but there's nothing like trying new things to help you discover muscles you never knew you had.

It started on Friday when my friend T and I headed to On the Rocks climbing gym in Campbell River. T had always wanted to try climbing, and as she was kind enough to share a gift certificate with me, I was more than willing to tag along. 

T took to climbing like she'd been doing it all her life. I took to it like someone who spends a lot of time reading. Still, I had an amazing time. I'd certainly do it again, but I think I need to work on upper body strength first. And balance. And core strength. And convincing my arms, legs and brain to work together...

I love how my rented climbing shoes match my outfit. If you can't be physically coordinated you should at least be colour coordinated!

Not hanging there like a big salami! Go me!

 By Sunday I had recovered enough for paddle boarding. Once again my access to adventure was due to the generosity of friends. L and L were kind enough to allow me to use the boards they brought to the beach. 

Notice how in my case it's not "stand-up paddle boarding". I have yet to attain "stand up" status. My first attempt earlier in the summer ended in a splash. As I was still rather stiff from climbing, I wasn't sure I'd be able to hoist myself back on the board if I fell off this time. Still, in spite of the lack of vertical achievement, I had a wonderful time. My aching shoulders actually felt better after a couple of cruises around the lagoon. 

I'm on the right. Not standing up. 

It's taken me almost 50 years, but I'm starting to realize that being active can be enjoyable. You just have to choose the right activity. And have friends who are willing to share the adventure!

Not A Real Green Dress

Was browsing the sale rack at be clothing when I spotted this dress by We3.

I wasn't really looking for a green dress. I wasn't sure I wanted a green dress. The store owner thought it was blue. I wasn't sure I wanted a blue dress either. She thought we could settle on teal, but I tolerated teal the last time around. (Was that the 80's? The 90's? I don't pay attention.) I refuse to do teal again. We decided to settle on "not a real green dress". 

It's Canadian-made, washable and comfortable. The belt can be tied in a number of different ways. It's a no-brainer on days when outfit planning fails. I can't ask for much more than that, though I wouldn't mind a tree fort in our yard.

Joining Patti and the not-so-barenaked ladies over at Not Dead Yet Style for Visible Monday. Hope you'll head over and check out the fun!

Spotted While Walking - September 17, 2014

I spotted someone who spotted me!

Spotted While Walking - September 13, 2014

The King of the Jungle enjoying the Breakfast of Canadians.