Saturday, June 22, 2013

Random Saturday Musings

Welcome to Summer!  You Gotta Love Summer!!!

Here are the things jangling in my brain this week:

1) Son's graduation

Well, he did it.  He, his father and I managed to survive 13 years in a public school system that isn't designed for a kid like him.  I am happy for him that he is out and will move on to endeavours more suited to his interests and temperament.  Surprising to all of us (especially him!) he received a scholarship to one of the local universities, so now he may even be considering going to school to take things that are interesting to him...  Or he may take the gap year and find work.  Either way is okay.  There are many roads to take in this life and plotting the route too early is not for most of us!



Congratulations!

2) I must add to the love for the new Kiki ballet flats...

Finally got my Kikis yesterday and did a Dani, putting them right on for the afternoon!  Soooo comfy!  They came in a box with the navy featherweight cashmere cardigan, which is also staying:


Not the most flattering of photos, but then, my daughter is at work and she always makes me look so pretty..

and a close-up in daylight:


They really are the loveliest shade of red!

They fit TTS.  I tried them on against my current J Crew ballets - the kiki on one foot, the older ballet on the other.  I don't have as much difficulty as others do with the traditional ballets, mostly because I have very flat feet, BUT the Kikis are more comfortable and you do NOT feel like your feet are smashing on the pavement.  The little heel makes a huge difference.  I will definitely be ordering the black in these soon, as my black nine west ballets bought 5 years ago are about to bite the biscuit!

The navy featherweight cashmere is the perfect weight and for the price I paid, I am happy to have it.  I prefer this weight of sweater from April to November and my navy jackie cardigan had died and i do think one needs a navy cardigan in one's wardrobe!

I did get a few more things that I will take pictures of later today and put up tomorrow - a couple more colours of the featherweight cashmere cardigan, the pineapple tee and a featherweight merino vneck.  Only one more of these things is staying, the rest will be going back, thanks to my unexpected purchases earlier this week!  Well, to be honest, all of them were never staying to begin with, but sh! let's not tell them...

3) You Gotta Love a Winner...

For the first time in the race's 207 year history, a reigning monarch has won the Gold Cup at Ascot!

You don't often see the Queen beam, but this time..

Queen Elizabeth with her racing manager John Warren react after her horse, Estimate, won the Gold Cup on day three of the Royal Ascot meeting at Ascot Racecourse, England, on Thursday

If you want to read the whole article and see the actual footage, take a look!  Well done Your Majesty!

4) Pick a direction, any direction...

You didn't think I would forget the announcement of Kim and Kanye's baby's name did you?

North West.

I actually like it better than the expected K baby name.  I heard that the parents are already planning the first perfume line: North by North West.

Expect the following siblings:

South West
Wild West
True West

Got others?

I say: good luck to Miss North West.

5) James Gandolfini

The shock that accompanied the announcement of James Gandolfini's passing was palpable this week.  He was obviously a gifted actor.  But he was also described this week by those who knew him well as a gentle and kind man.  He leaves behind 2 children, one of whom is less than a year old.  A terrible tragedy for his family.  RIP James Gandolfini, and thank you.



5) Yoga/Creativity Workshop

I will have a post up tomorrow, but you won't hear much from me.  I have signed up for an all-day workshop on creativity and gentle yoga.  It sounds like a lot of fun and I am looking forward to doing something new and interesting! We do yoga, some meditation, then painting and journal-ling, and then more yoga and painting in the afternoon.  After that we are off to a party in the evening.  Busy day tomorrow.  I will be sure to report back on it all!!!

source

If I can paint a zebra, will let you know!

Today I have a bit more housework and hope to get in a walk!  I am also madly trying to get through The Portrait of a Lady for Dani's book club discussion.  I took a bit of a break this week to read World War Z, which I really recommend for those of you who have not read it - it really reads more as a fascinating history book!

I am enjoying Portrait, but am feeling very cross with Isabel this weekend...

Have a great day all!  Stay Safe out there!


46 comments:

  1. Good morning! I have to start reading Portrait. Fortunately it's not War and Peace (Em's been working on that one since Africa, bless her heart). Congrats to your grad. You all look great and happy and proud. Kiki's look cute, over the K's, James was way too young to pass. Enjoy the workshop and have a great week end. Much love.

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    1. Oops, forgot about the queen. I do believe she is "lightening" up a bit these days. Nice to see her smile more.

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    2. I hope they didn't "let" her win. She looks SO pleased.

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    3. Oh no - her horse just barely made it (by a nose!) - all on the up and up! Thanks BB for the kind words - big event in our house and the mood has certainly lightened up some!!!

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    4. BB, go Em! That is a tome. And Ascot big business, definitely far and square for QEII. I think her passion for horses is the one private indulgence she really has been able to keep all her life, chuffed for her, majesty glee.

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    5. I have to admit - never read War and Peace....I always think of Jerry Seinfeld saying:

      "Did you know that the original title for War and Peace was War, What Is It Good For?"

      still makes me laugh!

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  2. I know you worry about him, as we all worry about our kids, but I can tell: he is going to be fine. Yes, I can tell. And that Barry the Wonder is looking mighty handsome in that photo. Love the size difference of your feet; you looked wonderful for his day!

    No comment on K_Kubed (K to the third) progeny. Not a class operation from here.

    JG was a fine actor. Many spoke of his sad eyes-- I think that's true. Such a loss. ( I have loads of fun Providence mob stories from the 80's--"I know people")

    Those shoes are the business on you. I like that little 1/2 inch heel so I think I will try. Shocked these are your first red shoes, WMM!

    Oh, and the super moon is back! I think tomorrow if it's clear. Next one is not til late next year.

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    1. Oh will have to stay up and see tonight!!! Agree - no class act with the K's and the Wests...

      It is always funny that I could give birth to someone who ended up so big. Actually, he was 10 1/2 pounds at birth, so he started out that way, too!!! I think you will like the kikis a lot! I am THISCLOSE to being done with heels. Seriously. I know it is heresy...

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  3. Congratulations on your son's graduation. You seem like you have a wonderful perspective about your son's interests and future. He will succeed because he is so well loved.
    Every one needs at least one navy cardigan, and I em now eying the Kiki shoes- but not in red, because it not that becoming on me. I am always amazed at how much great stuff you write in each post. They are so enjoyable to read. Have a great weekend, and let us know about your yoga experience!

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  4. GO WEST (East West...don't get me started.) I am with Lane, no further comment on the Kardash P.Diddy's. It's the first family's noteriety for nothing that keeps them going.

    Loving shoes (have given in, but basic black), grad pics of our beaming future headliner, tribute to James. As always a super Saturday start, WMM. Have an excellent time tomorrow. DH wants report on last night's barbie. I am trying to catch up with Calgary, mountain friends via Skype. So sad to see businesses, houses I know well torn and submerged. But so long as people are safe, AB has energy and spirit to re-build. (NOT good for summer tourism season tho'!)

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    1. Oh, and I giggled about the Crewlade being blissfully unaware about its rejection, return journey. Hubs looking at me funny (regular event, no worries.)

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    2. Well it was an interesting BBQ - Forrest had two of his buddies over so you had three vegan eating vegan hot dogs and burgers and beet salad and three others eating pork spareribs. I must admit to having guilt... Nice sweet boys! But i have discovered that anything more than one glass of wine (Anything!) and I don't sleep! This is a tragedy! Maybe I need to try drinking more water! It is making me do a Sophie's choice between the glass of wine before dinner on the weekend and the one with dinner! Curses!!!

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  5. So glad I have membership in this exclusive club. It is such a joyful place and the hostess is divine.

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    1. Hi Yippee! that is so kind! It is only truly exclusive because I wait for people to stumble in here and then we all wow them with our charm and good humour!

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  6. Congratulations to your son! You must be so proud.

    Love that red shade. red is hard to get right but those manage to be a neutral somehow.

    But what do you mean by they fit TTS? Sorry but don't know the lingo!

    RIP James - he had so much heart and his role was so iconic - he was the new JR!

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    1. Sorry CSW - they fit true to size (TTS). And I agree with you on the right shade of red! I do love me some red!!! Thanks for the kind words re: my son!

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  7. Loving the pictures from grad! And I'm so happy you like the kiki flats, aren't they great. I wore mine yesterday with my navy and red Kate Spade suit. Having red shoes has somehow created new outfit options!
    Very sad about JG, he was too young.

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    1. They are just such happy shoes! And did you find the flats with a skirt? Again - I think the little heel will help with that!

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  8. Yay for your son and yay for good shoes!

    He is such a great looking kid and I love the photo of you all together!
    Well done xx
    Short post as rather worse for wear and it's late

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    1. uh oh - hope it is worse from wear from fun, not continuation of the flu!! Hang in there!

      Thanks for the kind words!

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  9. Congratulations to your son!!!

    Do you think the Kikis are best for people with narrow feet?

    Did Kanye & Kim seriously name their child "North"? !!!!

    Enjoy your class tomorrow, it sounds interesting!

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    1. hey cate!

      Yup - North West!

      I often walk out of shoes as my heels are narrow and these held firm, so I think you would be okay if you have narrow feet. The noras are perfect for people with wider feet!

      Thanks - I don''t know what to expect, but it will be fun!

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    2. I have wide feet, but it's at the balls of my feet not the heels. I don't think I've ever tried the Noras. I've sworn off ballet flats because I don't wear the Ceces I have, but you and DaniBP are sorely tempting me with these Kikis...

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  10. Hi WMM, congratulations to your new grad - it's such a relief to get them to that point, isn't it? Your red shoes are lovely, I really like the outfit with the navy top and neutral trousers. And I thought that the Queen winning was just adorable - I agree with GF, so nice to see her enjoying this private passion as really the rest of her life is filled with duty.

    It sounds like your day will be very serene and uplifting - enjoy!

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  11. Congrats to your son (and to you for raising him of course!) on his graduation. Wishing him success and joy in his future endeavors.

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  12. Hi I just found you via "about last weekend", love your list! Congrats to your son, we are at a similar point with our eldest; & I love those ballet pumps, red is my absolute favourite colour for shoes!

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    1. Hi Jay! Glad you dropped in! It is nice when they are able to move on! I love red shoes, too! For some reason, I didn't have a pair in the last few years and am glad to have remedied that! Have a wonderful day!

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  13. Congratualtions on your son's graduation. It is always a huge accomplishment because it's the beginning of adulthood. You must be so, so proud. Glad he will be able to do what he wants and you and Barry being so supportive is so invaluable. What great parents!

    Love the Kiki flats. The red is goregous. Always loved red shoes. I may need to buy a red and black pair...ugh...I always think I can resist the Crewlade, but its bewitching intoxications is too powerful for a girl like me...But resist, I must. I'll just live vicarisouly through you...for now!

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    1. wendy - I hear you - I feel like Al Pacino most days: every time I think I'm out they pull me back in...

      Having spent my summer's clothing budget by mid-June, I am nor officially shopping my closet!

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  14. Wendy, what beautiful pictures of your son, and what a great moment! You must be so proud, and rightfully so! Barry is looking like the marvel he is (does he know he has a fan club?)
    Love the Kikis, may have to order them as I am on the hunt for black flats. I've been stepping away from the Crewlade a bit, so I get a free pass with the Kikis ;)
    Love the video of the Queen, we never really see her be "human". Oh, and regarding your son, my brother never went to college and became an opera and rock singer. I spent my 20s in college and graduate school pursuing a PhD so you're absolutely right, college is not for everyone and does not determine success. So excited for the future ahead of him!

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    1. HI Anthro Blogger - well he reads the blog now and then, so maybe he knows!!!

      Good on your brother! I am a big believer in following your passion! I didn't and it made me very unhappy for a very long time!

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  15. Your Sunday is my idea of hell, I'm so uptight I'd need to arrive drunk. My primary school report card read "has difficulty in movement"

    How tall is your son? What a fab pic!

    And the Kikis - comfortable shoes, what a marvel!

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    1. HI Tabs! I have done some yoga, not sure what this will be like.. My son is 6'4" and I am wearing 3" heels in the picture with him!

      I hear you on the comfy shoes - a marvel!

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  16. It costs me money almost every time you write a blog post on your latest J Crew purchases. Those red flats are on their way to me as I type.

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    1. Oh I am SOOOOO sorry! and I mean that! Don't read tomorrow's post. Well - read the first part on the reno...

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    2. Oh, don't be sorry. I don't blame you one bit. Although if I were to have a bad influence in my life, it may as well be a stylish one! These are CLASSICS. Totally justifiable. I also ordered the cream with navy cap (this is Dani's fault too, you know) and one is going to have to be returned or else I'm going to be cutting into my Fall closet budget! I can't wait to see tomorrow's post...

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    3. Kind of like my boots and loafers - completely unplanned/unbudgeted....

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  17. Congratulations to your son! That's right, he's done with the public school system and now he can really thrive out there in his way. Good job!

    I felt sad hearing about James G's death, I only watched a few eps of the Sopranos but I think it's the sad eyes, he died young and had battled demons earlier in life that did it for me.

    I was happy for the Queen -- others will say what they want about her, but she's a tough broad, still going at it at 87 (?) and I'm thrilled she scored a victory for herself (with a horse race!)

    Have a great weekend!

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    1. HI LR - how are your rivers doing - any rain up your way?

      I think James had sad eyes, too!

      Am very proud of my son - he is a nice boy and will be good for him to go on his way!

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    2. We are good here in Regina (had some heavy rains this past week but nothing like AB).... but I saw on FB from friends that the floods are expected in Medicine Hat too.

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  18. What a wonderful picture of your family. best wishes to the handsome grad. Don't think I could handle the workshop.
    I swore I wasn't going to buy Crew shoes but It sounds like the Kiki are actually comfortable. Go figure!
    I got such a kick from seeing the Queen's reaction to her win. Just love her.

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  19. I missed this post yesterday! Congratulations to your son - exciting times for all involved! The red Kiki shoes are excellent on you!

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Kindness is a virtue...