Hurrah!! it's Monday which means I have a lovely inspiration from the fabulous Two birds for what to wear!!Actually, I cheated and wore this on Sunday since I was going for a lovely walk through Hadleigh country park during the afternoon and thought it would be suitably warm and cosy for that!! I have to say, for me, with the exception of my Sailor sweatshirt, sweatshirts for me, are for the realm of my house doing the housework or just getting on with school work and certainly not something I would choose to wear out! As a teenager though, they were the epitome of fashion. When I was about 14, EVERYONE had a Fruit of the loom sweatshirt (I had one in this colour and forest-green) and/or one from The Sweater Shop or Paco paco. Then, a year or so later, it was the thing to have one with a sports brand on it like Ellesse (that's what I had), Nike, Reebok being the big three! Non-uniform day at school meant donning your sweatshirt! I definitely remember wearing black jeans with River Island black leather loafers and the navy Ellesse sweatshirt!
Anyway, so today, I woke up rather late for church and rifled through my jumper box in search of this sweatshirt which I have had since I was between 11-13 (I forget the exact age!) . I was not aiming for stylish like Ms Holmes but rather warm and comfy for my walk- I could have worn a more stylish-fitted coat, but I felt that my oversize Duffle-coat was more fitting for the purpose rather than any of my three-quarter length coats! I had to don a very-creased grey silk skirt as I just don't do leggings as trousers and again, don't think I've ever worn this sweatshirt with a skirt!!
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| Boots were absolutely caked in mud after accidently stepping off the stepping stone! Garden IS apparently a marsh! |
I have to say, Ms Holmes really looked like she needs the loo in that picture, so I couldn't resist this one!!
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| Ms Holmes requires the trip to the ladies? |
"Are you...?" he asked.
"No, I'm not, I just designed the logo," I replied.
"Oh, I wondered, as I am a bee-keeper and I am a member," he continued.
"Well, my Grandad is a member of the Essex beekeepers and his division had a competition about 20 years ago to design a logo for a t-shirt which I won and this was my prize..." I continued and then realised that he surely must know my Grandad given his age and the fact my Grandad was secretary to the society for a while.
I said his name and he said, "Oh yes, of course I know him!"
We then exchanged a very pleasant conversation about bee-keeping and I mentioned that one day, I'd love to keep bees (even though I don't really like honey!) and he mentioned they were starting courses for beginners. Of course, I really don't have time for it in my present time of life, but it's good to know there are those to share the knowledge and skills in order for younger people to share the skills. My Grandad is 91 and he teaches bee-keeping in a local primary school to him. He can barely walk and see now but he is still enlivened by imparting his knowledge and giving time to the kids. I think it's great that that school has invested in hives and equipment and every child gets bee-experience!I did think it was funny that my sweatshirt had imparted some knowledge about both of us that we would never have otherwise shared or at least for a while longer and we might not have talked and got to know each other sooner! So I am really glad I decided to go with this sweatshirt today.
I have kept this sweatshirt since that competition as it is a lovely reminder of winning. I must have bought an enormous jumper since it still looks huge on me!!
It has also reminded me that one of my resolutions, which I am HUGELY ashamed to share, is to spend more time with my Grandfather. I am disgusted at myself and how little time I have spent with him in recent times. A couple of years ago, I was regularly over his when I had concerts in the area and there is NO excuse since I now live so close and I pass his station on my way home. I am sharing this here because I definitely deserve to be shamed and reprimanded- he has done so much for me. Angela has talked about a word or a phrase to guide you in 2014 and mine should definitely Sharing and showing love.
This Christmas was a pleasing one in terms of millinery as I received three 'hat' items- the cloche shown already, a hat I will share tomorrow and this rather fun turban from my work colleague who I used to job share with who always buys me fun presents. Last year, she bought me a lovely vintage 50's bakelite butter-knife!!
The walk with 3 friends was beautiful today if completely squelchy-muddy (and I swapped knee-highs for walking boots- good thing too as I'd still be stuck there otherwise! We then went home via another couple who were supposed to come with us's house for cake and tea and it was a really nice way to spend the afternoon. I am definitely keen to organise more walks, perhaps a return to Constable country again or another trip to Frinton-on-sea!
Anyway, I do hope all is well with you and you have enjoyed a pleasant weekend!
Love Kezzie xxx
P.S. Don't forget to visit the two birds for other cuddly outfits!!