Not Quite Minimalism

Good old "Crotch" and Brentanos bookstore at Old Orchard where I spent every Saturday afternoon between 1976-1979 browsing the remainder tables in the basement after my allergy shots across the way. I loved that place, even when they started selling scented candles and horrible Brutalist art made from hammered copper. God, I spent a lot of money in that place over the years.

 In an attempt to distract myself  from my country careening into seriously bad shit, I've been doing a major clearing out of books over the past few weeks. I've been selling them to Half Price Books, and while you don't get top dollar, so many of them came from the Friends of the Library Book sale over the years at .25 cents to .50 cents I'm not coming away that badly either. Having a little extra savings in times like these seems reasonable. Besides, if you do get rounded-up, you don't want the terrible people left getting your stuff. Who am I kidding...everyone knows they'd burn the books.

So many of our volumes are from the past eight years of homeschooling. I don't mind hanging onto quality books that will be nice to have in a home library, but how many versions of "Easy Science Experiments You Can Do at Home" type volumes do I need? We've probably cleared out several hundred books, with more to go. I had a cull of my cookery books as well keeping only the ones I still use, or the very odd (or historical). It will be nice to get our collection down to a few thousand books instead of the current situation. I'd say 90% of the novels I own can go, save perhaps for the modern first editions, or out of print favourites.

Essential reading when you live in land-locked Nebraska.

I am not selling my anthropology books yet. Oh, I'm done with them but I'm hoping I can give them to a graduate student or someone that will have space for two large bookcases worth. The rare books are staying of course, and complete author collections, but perhaps in time some will go, though I won't be selling those at the bookstore. If you are an anthro student looking for something specific, ask me! There's a good chance I might have what you need. All in all, I am looking forward to easily finding what I'm looking for, and hopefully having an easier time moving if we ever decide to move...which we might consider as my car was broken into (again) and some bastard came and dug up my potatoes in broad daylight Sunday afternoon. They didn't get them all but still, what's the neighbourhood coming to?! We pay for security as well. Sigh.

In the process of culling books, we've been getting rid of the stuff you accumulate if you spend enough time in thrift stores. I was always happy to indulge Danny's various interests but as he's grown out of them, things just ended up in his room in the way. By the time you're thirteen you know what's meaningful and worth saving or what can go back to the thrift store it came from. I'm pleased the Star Wars thing is over. Very, very pleased. We've also been able to sell a number of games, Mega Blocks, etc.

If you follow my instagram, you've already seen the above video. I bought two padded boards at Hand Me Ups and sorted out my brooch collection sans the Christmas brooches as I ran out of room! Seeing everything hanging like that has made me realise I don't ever need to purchase another brooch. I counted nine gold circle pins. At least I am consistent with what I like. As with the wardrobe and books, if there's something you've had your eye on-ask! I might say yes.

The curriculum has been submitted to the Board of Education and I am officially on break. I haven't been to the pool yet as our weather has been stormy, but I am looking forward to getting there this week.

On a more cheerful note...

Danny got the record high score on the pitching machine at the arcade. Couldn't move his arm the next day (you have to pitch very quickly) but bragging rights! It is an awful game-it taunts the player with things like, "Hey, there's always football".

Potatoes harvested pre-robbery. I still can't believe anyone would do that! I'm having a hard time understanding how people can do many of the things they do, and live with themselves.

I have preserving projects going all week to get ready for the State Fair at the end of August. The cherry crop was excellent this year so there's pickled cherries, cherry vinegar and chutney to be made. I'll do a batch of spiced cherry jam as Danny likes it, and it always seems to be a favourite when given as gifts at Christmas.

The Wayne Chicken Show is just around the corner, and Danny will be defending his title in the Cluck Off. $100.00 prize for two minutes of clucking like a chicken isn't a bad day's work. I found a vintage apron with roosters on it to wear to the show. I haven't decided on my hat yet, and this year's State Fair hat is still very much a work in progress.

So that's about it. I'm dealing with a bunch of painful,  miserable health stuff, someone stole my potatoes, half the country has lost their minds, I'm selling and giving away most of my belongings and the only thing I'm really looking forward to is hearing my kid do a rooster call at a chicken festival in rural Nebraska.

Do let me know if there's something you're looking for.

Spring in the Air...if Not in My Step

March in the American Midwest is unpredictable. One day we have an ice storm, the next it is 60 degrees. I know enough to keep out my warm coats (until June, realistically) but I've been slowly shifting everything else to warmer temperatures. 

Thank you to everyone for offering your thoughts on having my spine fused. I'm not in a hurry to do it, but it is helpful to hear accounts that have gone well, and not so well. 

Anyway, onto the clothes-get comfortable, I have some proper outfits to show for a change. 

I loved the colour of this suit-an almost neon orange/red. Alas, the cut was frumpy, so I have already moved it along. That will be the case with most of the outfits I show this week. 

Outfit Particulars:

1980's Made in Hong Kong linen suit-Goodwill

1970's cotton knit sweater-Hand-Me-Ups

Necklace-Hand-Me-Ups

Poodle Pins (on sweater)-Hand-me-Ups

Floral pin on jacket-Tiff and Tam

Bakelite and cinnabar bangles-all over

Vintage Johanssen handbag-Hand-Me-Ups

Earrings-New Life Thrift

Fragrance-Coriandre

So that was a warm, sunny day. Being Omaha, it didn't last.

 Break out the vintage knits, if you have 'em. Oh, I have 'em all right...

1960's knit pencil skirt and matching sweater, both Crown Colony of Hong Kong and purchased in two different shops in Omaha within a few weeks of each other. I am positive they are a set. Must have cleared out granny's house and dumped the stuff in various thrifts around the city. 

 Would you look at the size of this bangle?! It is super-heavy-I could probably use it for a weapon, in a pinch.

Outfit Particulars:

60's skirt and top-Goodwill and Hand-Me-Ups

Wool Fair Isle knee socks-K Mart a few years ago

Telephone cord handbag-Etsyt

1940's swing coat-Hand-Me-Ups

Brooch on sweater-Goodwill

Earrings-Thrift World

Fragrance-Lentheric Tweed

Then, the sun came back (starting to see a pattern here?)

 This wild 90's silk suit has been languishing in my cupboard unworn. Sometimes the skirt would get an outing but generally it was ignored. I gave it one last wear before moving it along to a better home. As it felt too fancy for my tastes, I pinned back the asymmetrical closure with several floral pins, and added a Lynda Barry tee shirt from the 80's for fun.

 He's small, he's black, he's mad as hell. You'll never call him Fi Fi again!

Outfit Particulars:

Early 90's silk suit-can't remember

Lynda Barry shirt for the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago-bought it in the gift shop in the 80's

Floral pins-Tiff and Tam

Zipper earrings-K Mart

40's choker-Thrift World

80's Angela Frascone handbag-Goodwill

Teal bangles-all over

Fragrance-Ombre Rose

I had a serious clear out of clothes this week. Multiply this picture by four. It had to be done. 

 Once I'd gone through everything, I discovered clothes I'd completely forgotten about-woo hoo, new wardrobe!

 Oh, and the sun came out again, so yay!

 My "cabbage necklace."

Outfit Particulars:

80's silk skirt-Goodwill

St. John short-sleeved sweater-Goodwill

Vintage jacket-No idea. I don't even remember buying it. 

Necklace-New Life Thrift

Vintage crystal clip earrings-Goodwill

Vintage handbag-New Life Thrift

Fragrance-Amouage Bracken Woman (review soon-spoiler, LOVE it)

Didn't photograph the outfit, but look at how well my brooch and necklace match. How's that for one-in-a-million?

Finally, it had been too long since the Fart Blaster had been seen (and heard) in public. 

 You get some strange looks walking about with something labelled, "Mama's Fart Blaster." Oh, who am I kidding? I don't need a fart blaster to get strange looks!

 Re-discovered this sequin-lined shirt in the clear-out.

 ...and such a stylish orthopaedic shoe.

Outfit Particulars:

Parachute material skirt-Goodwill

Sequin top-no idea

Jacket-part of a 70's suit

belt-came with a cardigan

brooch on shirt-can't remember

Earrings-Goodwill

Vintage handbag-Goodwill

Silver bangle-Goodwill

Silver link bracelet-Hand-Me-Ups

Fragrance-Rive Gauche

So there you have it, our up and down weather depicted in wardrobe changes. Wonder what else I'll find as I excavate the packed away clothes? I really hate this time of year-it is almost like I forgot how to dress myself as I need to adapt to the changing weather. Anyhoo, good to clear out the less than favourite stuff so I can bring in new...

Christmas Brooch of the Day-Day Twenty Six

I have owned the Donald Duck on skis since I was a small child. While not strictly a Christmas brooch, that was when I received it. Santa was purchased a few years ago at Goodwill.  

This snowflake is very delicate made of a thin, tin-like metal. As it bends easily, I tend to wear it on hats, or places where it is unlikely to get bumped by a shoulderbag or coat.

Christmas Brooch of the Day-Day Twenty Five

 I have a few brooches today as time is running out before Christmas.

 This tree sat in my repair pile for two years until I finally glued the red bead back on.

I have this identical reindeer in white.

We are in the home stretch now. I need to do a final photo with all of the brooches, which might prove challenging.

Christmas Brooch of the Day-Day Twenty Four

Lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with flu you.
I love all the details on this brooch from the hats on the riders to the holly on the sleigh. No markings, but it looks suspiciously like the sort of thing I'd buy at Woolworths in the 70's. I miss Woolworths at Christmas the most.

I don't remember where this dove came from.

And it wouldn't be Christmas without a few bows to wrap presents.
See you tomorrow.

Christmas Brooch of the Day-Day Twenty Three

Today's brooch proves wrong the rule against wearing silver and gold together. No markings on this little tree.

Christmas Brooch of the Day-Day Twenty-Two

 Today I have a cluster of trees. Large tree in the centre is Tancer, tree on the right bottom is Gerry's. My favourite of the group is the small tree on the upper right.

Christmas Brooch of the Day-Day Twenty-One

Vintage, Unsigned, No idea when it is from. It has a 60's feel to me, but that's not based on anything other than gut-feeling. Great colour on this one-I do love green.

Christmas Brooch of the Day-Day Twenty

For me? Oh, you shouldn't have.
Vintage, no markings. Heavy little brooch with nice details.

Christmas Brooch of the Day-Day Nineteen

Can't do a feature on Christmas brooches without a poinsettia. This enamel one isn't terribly old, as evidenced by the near-perfect condition. I remember buying it retail but I am at a loss for when or where. 80's? 90s? All one blur I'm afraid. I have matching earrings somewhere but haven't been able to lay my hands on them (of course I can't find them-they will turn up in June!) but I suppose that's typical. No markings on this one.

Christmas Brooch of the Day-Day Eighteen

A cheerful little Modernist-looking tree. No markings. I love how the top is tilted just a bit-gives it a whimsical look. That was deliberate as far as I can tell as the brooch does not appear bent.

I bought the fish for Christmas eve today (frozen). As it is difficult making seven different fish dishes I cheat a bit and make a paella with fish and fava beans (and if I'm feeling fancy, some veggie sausages). I make my own sofrito and this year I have tomatoes from my garden roasted and frozen for it. I buy seven different small-portion frozen fish and we'll still have leftovers for a few days (I don't eat it). As I only make this once a year (don't want to splash out on expensive rice everyday) it is typically enjoyed (I've never actually ruined it, but I've come close to charring the bottom beyond repair). Anyway, as I was purchasing my fish I realised just how close Christmas is, and that Danny's Birthday is Wednesday. Yikes! I think it might make sense to extend the brooches through 6 January when we take down the tree, decorations, etc. Then, since everyone gave me such wonderful feedback about the feature, maybe I can do a weekly or monthly feature on a group of brooches in a certain style, or time period, or colour. I do have an awful lot of them and if it helps someone identify theirs it would be a worthwhile thing to put on the internet. I mean, yeah I could be posing in my underwear playing video games (which would be great) but in terms of helpfulness and mass appeal I think I'll go with the brooches. Me in my undies is more of a specialised interest.

Anyway, I need to get my shit together and start baking cake.

Christmas Brooch of the Day-Day Seventeen

Today I have another Tancer II brooch from the 70's. It is a fairly recent purchase, and I haven't had an opportunity to wear it yet. I think it would look nice on a high-collared blouse. 

Christmas Brooch of the Day-Day Sixteen

A trio of cheerful reindeer (too much eggnog?) to brighten an outfit. Almost feel obligated to wear them with a gaudy holiday sweater. Signed "JJ"

Almost reminds me of Alvin and the Chimpmunks.

Another Snowless Week in Omaha

I must say, I've enjoyed looking at the beautiful snowy scenes from the American south and across the Atlantic in Europe. I don't exactly envy it, as I know we'll have our own soon enough, but I can't help thinking these outfit posts would look better with a bit of snow. We've been warm, we've been cold...sort of like me since the onset of menopause😁.

Outfit Particulars:
Vintage polyester dress-Thrift World (I think)
Brooches-both Goodwill
Earrings-Can't remember-at least 20 years old)
Headband-K Mart
Boots-K Mart
Tights-Walgreen's
Handbag-Sequels

Apologies for the phone-camera photos. I need to get more comfortable with the new camera before I use it for blog photos. Meantime, enjoy my blurry face-I know I do (wrinkles show less)!

 I know for a fact this outfit would look better with snow, but there wasn't any. Instead, we went to the semi-abandoned mall in Council Bluffs, Iowa to use their shitty decorations as backdrops. I say, "Shitty Decorations" in the very best, semi-abandoned mall kind of way.

You have no idea what kind of looks you get walking around a semi-abandoned mall in Council Bluffs dressed like a cross between Cookie Monster and a disco queen.

This would be the disco  queen part. I've had this jumpsuit for a while, but only now got around to wearing it. I bought a similar one with a silver and black animal print that I'll probably save for some other inappropriate occasion-Easter perhaps?

Outfit Particulars:
80's jumpsuit-Hand-Me-Ups
Faux fur jacket-K Mart
Boots-K Mart
Handbag-I made it
Headband-K Mart
Brooch-Goodwill
Belt-Hand-Me-Ups
Vintage Shiny Brite Christmas corsage-Thrift World
Fragrance-En Avion

My new barware is getting plenty of use. This is a gingerale, brandy, and lemon juice cocktail.

Recently discovered this ginger beer-quite nice, with a strong ginger flavour. What I wouldn't give to win the 7 night get away to Jamaica. Unfortunately, the contest is for UK residents. Bummer. Good ginger beer though.

 Went to the DeSoto wildlife refuge on Sunday. It was a beautiful day, and there were loads of geese, ducks, and swans to see. There were plenty of bald eagles flying about as well. I love going to DeSoto. I always meet the nicest people, and come away feeling like there's still something to live for. The feeling typically fades as soon as we leave, but for a few hours, the world seems like a better place. It is a wildlife refuge, but it is a bit of a human refuge too, in the emotional sense.

 There's always one person that can't disconnect, and has to bring their tablet along. Hrumph. We should have left him there😏

The light has such a wonderful quality this time of year.

This sweater is the one I most wish I had snow for. Reindeer in knit scarves sort of demand a snowy winter scene, don't you think? I had to make do with 50+ mph winds today, and you'd better believe I wore my "Pervert-proof-panties" beneath that skirt.

I adore the goofiness of this cardigan. What you can't see well in the photo are the pom-pom noses on the reindeer. I'm wearing reindeer earrings as well.

 Outfit Particulars:
Skirt-Goodwill
Cardigan-Hand-Me-Ups
Poloneck- K Mart, I think
Shoes-Goodwill
Tights-K Mart
Crochet handbag-Hand-Me-Ups
Earrings-Big Lots (I think)
Fragrance-Bellodgia

I'll leave you with a peek at Danny's most recent bake. He's already trying recipes for the State Fair in August. If we could just get a wee bit of snow to keep it from feeling like August...