After at least a month of not sleeping more than five consecutive hours (combo of anxiety and reflux and colds), I slumbered right through last night, and wow! that feels much better.
And having begun the week with Thanksgiving (L’Action de Graçe, I learned at my French class this week), I think it might be good to round it out with the same. . .
I was chuffed — and grateful — for example, to be quoted in Alyson Walsh’s post (about how to wear skirts if they’re not your usual gear) at her splendid blog, That’s Not My Age
Personally, I wear skirts or dresses often, but wearing them with boots and bare legs, as in the top photo and as Alyson does in her post on skirt-wearing, is a stretch for me (although I recently wore a skirt with bare legs and flat shoes here). Way back here I wore ankle boots and bare legs with an above-knee skirt, and I wouldn’t do that now, but I loved wearing that slightly edgy/street but easy-to-wear combo at top — and then a week later when the temperature had dropped, the same combo with tights and flat oxfords. The skirt is actually a dress, one that I wear often enough that variety needs to be introduced by throwing a sweater over top — this one’s a cozy, slouchy, lightweight delight from Aritzia. The scarf I bought in Paris last visit — it’s light enough for this transitional weather; the bag’s M0851, the boots are Blundstone’s, obviously, and those metallic Oxfords are MOMA (I bought them last fall in Portland, and just had them re-heeled and soled).
Other things that have me grateful and smiling lately. . .
Such a smart idea for developing future voters — one of my daughters sent me this link. She’s been doing her best to raise politically conscious kids, keeping the accent on the possibilities for positive action. Teaching them how to vote, nurturing an eagerness for their turn to participate, seems so clever, no?
And speaking of kids and things that make me smile — how about this video of my granddaughter teaching her Mama the names of colours — in Italian?
Even some of the world’s depressing news is leavened when a wise friend aims the near-century-old words of a poet at some “eminently presentable men”. . .
And then there’s my garden terrace. . . .
where chrysanthemums bloom golden while hydrangea blooms lapse into mesmerising decay. . .
and snowberries finally demonstrate the effectiveness of bumblebees. . .
the geraniums gifted by a friend prove the perfect addition to their corner. . .
and the New Dawn rose which hasn’t been terribly generous extends a gracious nod (perhaps the season farewell)
Meanwhile, we thought we’d eaten all the apples, but discovered one that had fallen behind a pot — I plan to sketch it later this morning. . .
And will also sketch a few of the figs which we’ve enjoyed sautéed (with a splash of cognac and a dollop of ice cream); or with a dab of Boursin (the Three-year-old allowed, the other day, when trying the combo very tentatively, that it was “a little bit good.” And then he asked for another bite); or alongside my toast this morning (on which I’d spread a layer of Cambozola and a smear of honey);
or several times (once shared with a good friend who’d stopped here for the night after a flight home from France) atop a bowl of muesli mixed with Greek yoghurt. . .
The fig tree sprawls from its container even more thoughtlessly than that man-spreader next to you on the bus (and I suppose I could extend this unfortunate comparison, given some of a fig’s characteristics, but I won’t ‘kay?). . . As much as it hogs real estate, however, I think it’s guaranteed itself another year, at the very least. I mean, really, stepping onto my terrace to pick a few figs for my breakfast — in Vancouver!!! — seems so wonderfully exotic. So . . . Gratitude. L’Action de Grace. . . .
I’ve just hauled Friday’s bread out of the oven, and with this post written, I rather think I might get out into the sunshine. Just to show my gratitude, you know? And you, what are you up to this Friday? Any weekend plans? Anything special you’re feeling grateful for? or joyful about? I’d love to hear.
I'm feeling grateful that I could have a beautiful sleep and a bowl of muesli and fresh figs with you after a long journey!
I loved sneaking in that visit — you just in from the airport, me just heading out …
I am grateful for my recent trip to Stratford, Ontario to see some great plays, to eat some wonderful food, but, most importantly, to connect with an old friend. We laughed, talked, ate, toasted each other and both agreed that we travelled well together which is a precious thing.
I am glad that your cold is receding and that your grandson is open to the joys of new tastes.
I still am envious of those metallic oxfords, so chic.
I am also grateful that I have 300 pages yet to go in the new Tana French (a departure for her, not in the Dublin murder series; it reads very much like Ruth Rendell writing as Barbara Vine to my eye) and a comfortable chair to curl up in. Enjoy the weekend everyone. Brenda
Your trip sounds perfect — and I agree that it really is precious to find someone you can travel well with.
I do love my oxfords — hoping to be earning your envy in them for years to come 😉
I've got that Tana French on hold at the library, but might not manage to wait that long — I've read another of hers that wasn't in the Dublin series. Interesting comparison to Rendell as Vine — I've only read Rendell as Rendell and not so much.
A lovely Friday evening read, Frances, as the wind howls round the house and the rain batters the windows…I love your styling, the brogues with the pleats in particular.
And such a sweet Italian lesson. What good fortune to be growing up bilingual.
Oh the figs – I'm having fig withdrawal after eating so many luscious figs bought in French markets last month, including sur les quais in Bordeaux!
Thanks Linda! I do think she's lucky, our little girl, to be growing up bilingual — I expect she'll add a third and fourth language without too much trouble.
Your travels last month had me drooling — I do love that Bordeaux market along the Promenade Fluviale!
It was such a mild sunny afternoon (7c, but it has not been anywhere near that lately) and I felt so cheerful that I figured I should tackle the most disagreeable outdoor job on my list. So I emptied, moved and refilled a compost bin (full, but not recently used). 🙂
Good for you getting the compost done — was it wonderfully full of worms who had done their work or do those guys go dormant by now, where you are. I'll admit it's not everyone's favourite, but I used to be fascinated by compost, the way it heats up and then cooks all the detritus into lovely humus, Can't do that on the terrace, and we're (okay, be honest, HE) always hauling biomass down to the communal compost bins outside. . .
I'm grateful for the gift of sleep, and health, along with these glorious autumn days, full of light and warmth.
Yes, sleep is such a gift, and health, and this weather — isn't it amazing?!
We've been having a deliciously mild and cool October (usually this time of year we're bouncing from heat wave to heat wave) and I've really been enjoying that crisp feel to the air in the mornings. Your balcony garden is such an inspiration! I love those variegated geraniums…colorful even without blooms!
I'm working up the nerve to try some skirts again. The fuller styles are such a challenge for me, as it requires a complete silhouette shift. But I've noticed some longer straight skirts lately that may be workable. You look wonderful in yours!
Isn't that Geranium (pelargonium) great? It was developed by a local amateur horticulturist and named in honour of the city's 100-year anniversary, Vancouver Centennial. I'd like to get a few more next year or try to divide this one — so much impact from one plant.
What an adorable Italian lesson! I just showed it to my youngest daughter, home for her fall reading week from first-year university. She is taking an Italian course and loved the video!
Denise L.
Thanks for finding my granddaughter's video adorable. I can't help but agree — perhaps she needs to do a series 😉
-Not a skirt wearer myself, but I like your look.
-After discussing various candidates/issues with my children when they were young, I used to take them with me into the polling booth to vote.
-Your granddaughter is absolutely delightful!
-Your comparison of figs characteristics – hilarious.
-Extreme gratitude here that after almost six months of relentless heat and humidity our air was finally scoured by a cold front. Blessed, blessed relief.
-The weekend brings a visit to a Fall Festival Pumpkin Patch with the 4 yr old grandson and then taking him to our RV which sits on a river by a wildlife preserve for an overnight stay. Not sure which of us is more excited.
A great idea to take your children along to vote — and to precede that by discussing the issues and the candidates. I'll bet they're all voters now.
I'm glad you got a chuckle from my comparison — wasn't sure I dared here, but it's rather inescapable really.
Ah, pumpkin patches — wonderful!! And much more enjoyable if the weather has cooled a bit. Have fun!
Practising gratitude is something that really helps if life is bit dull or dreary and there is always something to hand, I find. I am troubled with mild insomnia but as I wake up quite cheerfully it might be that I only need a few hours so perhaps I shall learn to accommodate. Re skirts. I cannot and never have been able to. Only long for me and that, rarely. Any sort of tuckage around my waist makes me very uncomfortable. You have enviable ankles.
I'm glad your insomnia isn't interfering too much. Mine has been persistent for a while now and given that I've caught two colds in little over a month, I'm trying to find ways to get a better night here and there.
Thanks re the ankles — I dare say my legs are my best feature, short and sturdy though they are. Did you wear a skirt as part of your school uniform? I suppose doing so accustomed me early to skirts, but it could just as easily have set up a horror of them. I actually find skirts much less uncomfortable in the tuckage department than pants — and dresses the comfiest of all! I'm very short-waisted, which might explain. . .
Yes, school uniform was all skirts until sixth form when we could wear jeans (1973) and I never looked back. My legs are very sturdy and pretty strong now but I inherited the maternal leg line…photos show that my grandmother, mother and I are all the same, not gifted in the knee or ankle department.
I am impressed by your fig harvest. This is the first year our tree has given much…and it's in the ground! But we had such a drought until about a week ago, and the final figs dried out on the branches. They are so delicate, the only way to enjoy them is to grow them yourself and eat them immediately!
I love dresses. In summer, they are airy and cool. In winter, I wear sweater dresses with tights or leggings, which is as good as being in pajamas all day but far more chic. Being short and pear-shaped, I don't look great in flats, but my feet can't take heels. So tough luck. I wear white tennis shoes a lot, or sandals in summer, and boots in winter. Well-shined tall boots make a good impression.
I wonder what variety your figs are — the ones we have, suitable to this cooler, less sunny zone, are not nearly as succulent, but still, the feel of the skin, the shape, and that exotic interior with at least an approximation of the full fresh flavour.
And I absolutely agree — sweater dresses are simply a more polished version of pj's! And I applaud your Tough Luck! I'm not particularly flattered by flat shoes either, but we can do our bit in redefining Flattery (or dispensing with it altogether), right?
The comparison of the productive fig tree to the boor on the bus seems a bit unfair to figs? Or maybe I'm just overly influenced by the yummy cheese/fig duo?
ceci
Spluttering with laughter here — yes, you're probably right. That was unfair of me. . . 😉
I feel more comfortable in skirts and dresses. I recently tried the bare leg look with booties. I like both your looks and would wear either. The Italian lesson is so funny. She really is a good little teacher.
I bet you rocked those bare legs 😉
And thank you — I thought she did a great job teaching — I loved her little prompts to her Mama, her gentle correction (those rolled RRrrrrr's) and especially her warm Bravissimo.
I love wearing skirts too and I wear tights and ankle boots. Hooray for a longer nights slumber that’s a gift! Sleep patterns seem unpredictable and so random…grr but I am thankful for these sunny days, our sweet grandchildren and the joys of our garden. Yours is absolutely stunning…the figs look tasty too!
Honestly, I'm more comfortable in the tights and ankle boots, like you.
Yes! These sunny days, such a gift before the long rainy slog from November to March. Your garden is so joyous and your grands so sweet. Happy Weekend!
Hope that you are feeling better…saw that you were out for lunch today!
We'll be hosting them for dinner this week as we have family coming into town…we need to squeeze in a visit before they have go to bed!
Hope you are on your way back to restful sleep.
We are having golden October days here, but I haven't had time to enjoy them, I regret to say. My son is moving out (and, simultaneously, a young student is moving in) so I have been hauling stuff from room to room and cleaning like I haven't done in ages. All very exhausting on various levels. Even the cats complain about the changes around them, and they seem to be blaming me…
Next spring I am going to get myself a fig tree in an container, I think. Or a lemon tree. or both.
So many lovely things you've written about…. F. is amazing and so sweet
We have fig trees in our"former wineyard"-it is a miracle that they have figs ,as well as yours,isn't it?
I love to wear dresses with ankle boots,with or without tights
We have a beautiful,golden l'été indien from the last weekend and I'm really grateful. Last weekend it was raining heavily at the seaside ,before the wedding,but than the sun reappeares and the bride and the groom were so blissfully happy and made us so happy too
Yesterday I've spent a beautiful sunny day at the coast too,quite unscheduled…….priceles
Dottoressa