red shoes size 7

I have only just returned to this project in the last couple of days, however The Tally so far is …

Accessories - 5
Skirts - 1
Tops - 7
Unmentionables - 10

Some went to Lifeline, some went to the rag bag that I keep for dusting, polishing shoes, etc. Are rag bags a thing of the past? My Mum had one - I guess that’s where I inherited the idea.

In case you’re wondering about the clothing classification scheme - and who wouldn’t be? - these are the categories and corresponding definitions:

Accessories - For the most part, unessential but pretty wearables. (i.e. jewellery, scarves, belts, gloves, etc.)
Frocks - Conjoined top and skirt
Jumpers - Primarily winter attire, thicker and bulkier than the usual ‘Top’ (see below)
Outerwear - Primarily coats and jackets. (When I work out what comprises “Innerwear”, I’ll add it to the list.)
Slacks - A partitioned skirt
Footwear - Sandals, sneakers, heels, boots, loafers, thongs, etc.
Skirts - A frock with no top
Tops - A frock with no skirt (i.e. collared shirts, blouses, etc.)
T-shirts - Short or long-sleeved Tops without collars.
Unmentionables - Look it up. (If I spelled it out, they would be “mentionables”.)

Having spent the last 6 months wearing really uncomfortable shoes to work (I tend to alternate between two pairs - slip-on loafers and low heels.) I finally succumbed and bought a pair of “grandma” shoes on the weekend. They are quite unattractive, but fantastically comfortable. They support my arch, don’t pinch, don’t slip in the wet, and are all-round fabulous. I love them so much, I may get another pair. If only someone made heels this comfy. Here’s a pic. Check out that rounded bullnose front and chunky wedge sole. 100% shoe goodness.

So yes, I did plant flowers this afternoon. One pot with red cottage daisies and purple alysum alternating around the edge, with a cheery yellow pansy in the centre. Two pots of purple pansies with petals so dark they’re almost black, mixed with jonquil bulbs. Three pots full of freesia bulbs that will smell dreamy when they finally flower. (They’re one of my favourites.) I’m looking forward to watching the bulbs appear and grow. Planting them felt like I was welcoming Spring back into my life. I love this time of year - the smell of the air after it’s rained, the warm winds, the sense of anticipation and hope. Sure, we’ll probably have another cold snap before the month is over, but that’s part of the waiting. What else did I do? Transplanted the sad, droopy bougainvillea and the crowded clivias. I think they’re both destined for either the block garden or kerbside give-aways. It was a nice, quiet time spent digging around in the dirt, watering-in the plants, moving the pots around for best effect, and enjoying the sun on my shoulders. Before I knew it, it was time for church. (I do love my church. I love that the teaching challenges me to get real with Jesus.) Stopped off at The Big Box on the way home. On the way back to the car, I heard a man’s voice from somewhere up above. “Our Father who art in heaven …” Someone was piping The Lord’s Prayer through the speakers. Quirky, but cool. Made me smile. Now I’m home, enjoying a cuppa, listening to band practice across the road, and contemplating an early-ish night. Was considering watching another episode of Spooks, but I think I’ll read a book instead.

Why do election campaigns always seem to descend to character assassination and muck-racking? It’s like the pollies seem to save up all their vomitous vitriol for 4 years and then spew forth a tsunami of insults and shadowy skeletons. Not inspiring at all. Small minded, stinky, school yard shenanigans. Grow up people! Is this really leadership in action? Are these people really the best and brightest minds in our country? I’m seriously considering voting for NOTA. (i.e. None Of The Above). A protest vote so that no one gets my primary vote or my preferences. But then, I guess you get what you vote for. There is a cartoon by Judy Horacek where a woman takes a nap and dreams that Ronald McDonald is made president of the world, and “The really scary thing is that he’s the obvious choice.” That’s what the 2010 election feels like to me. Pointless.

To make me feel better, I’m going to spend some time out in the sunshine planting flowers.

The Vicar of Dibley is laugh out loud funny. I do love a good nonsensical, absurdist comedy.

I’m probably not going to take a year off work.
And I’m probably not going to open a bookstore any time soon, if at all.

There - I’ve said it.

I feel better now that the pressure of expectation has gone.

Sadly, I’m still fully clothed. I did bring up the bags of clothes from the garage. I’ve even hung some of them up. But I haven’t actually parted with any of them. It’s not going very well. Not to worry. There’s still a whole week left before July ends in which to make some serious in-roads on the wardrobe situation.