First of all, thanks so much to those of you who took the time to read and comment on my last post. It was one of those that emerged at the keyboard, took a form I wasn’t too sure of, but that ended up saying at least as much as I’d meant or wanted . . . I found that I liked what I’d written, and I’m so pleased to know that so many of you did as well. This community is important to me in so many ways, so to occasionally find that I’ve facilitated a space for meaningful conversations gratifies. If you haven’t had a chance to read the post — and the many thoughtful comments it received — I invite you to stop by. And perhaps share the link, if you know anyone who might find it relevant. There’s room, I think, for a broader conversation.
But today, I thought it was time for something lighter — not so much despite, but rather in light of that body blow of a Supreme Court decision Friday morning. Not my country, it’s true, and it’s also true that I generally don’t talk politics here. But this is really big, and it affects all of us, so I’m registering my horror and my anger and my disbelief and my deep sorrow. And my hope, as well. Which I think can be nurtured in self-care (chat with virtual girlfriends about What I Wore, being my prime example today) as well as in political activism and financial contributions to appropriate organizations (I’ll be donating to Planned Parenthood, following the example of my daughters, I’m proud to say. Towards a future for my granddaughters).
But lighter, I said, and lighter it now will be.
Let’s talk Weather and What I Wore . . .
Incrociamo le dita, says Francesca (my nascent Italian alter ego). Let’s cross our fingers that summer is finally arriving here on the West Coast of Canada (and much of the Pacific Northwest on both sides of the border).
We went from this kind of weather (augmented by a small umbrella I always had in my bag)
to this. . . Linen pants, so a bit lighter than the jeans, and the T-shirt is cotton, but still want the scarf because the breeze is cooler than “fresh.”
And then there was a day I was encouraged by some sunshine to bare my legs (oh, how I loved having been able to do that through April and May in Italy!) . . . Linen/cotton skirt (3 years old), new linen/cotton marinière, 2-year-old sneakers — and then my “just in case it gets chilly” lightweight cashmere v-neck (about ten years old) tied ’round my shoulders. . .
and then earlier this week, the sun shone most of the day and the temperature climbed to 20C and stayed there for a bit, and we walked downtown to sign serious documents (new wills, and powers of attorney, and representation agreement. . . legacy and end-of-life stuff, sobering, probably had something to do with my writing this post) . . . and then later in the day I walked to my first full physical since before the pandemic. . . And to keep myself feeling a teeny bit jaunty amidst all the serious, I wore a skirt with swish.
Bare legs and sneakers and a skirt with swish, I will tell you right now, are very good for performing jauntiness when you are actually feeling a bit sombre. And so often, performing a feeling can nudge that feeling closer to existence. . . Worth the effort at least. . . Worn with a cotton T underneath a linen mesh pullover. The purples are at least four years old, T-shirt from last year, sneakers bought last fall and already showing evidence that I walk almost as much as my mother used to. . .
And today is the first day of what we’re promised will be four days of “warmer than average” temperatures. I have all my linen summer dresses on standby. . . my Birkenstocks are chomping at their bits, and I’m in my beloved faded old Levi 501s (true confession: I bought them, already artificially faded, in 2015. But they’re only getting better as they get older!).
The shoes, as you already know, are new (as seen in this post) — I love the way they’ve slipped so seamlessly into so many outfits, quietly supporting, not drawing undue attention, but adding a certain subtle something.
And then there’s the linen top (by Velvet), which I’ve had at least five years, bought in Portland where I fell in love with the extravagance of the sleeves in an otherwise simple garment. Surprisingly, they don’t get in the way of eating or even cooking, and they even stay out of the paint when I’m sketching. I don’t end up wearing it often, so it was fun to pull it on this morning and feel as if I had something new.
And that’s it for me, this Friday evening. The workers who are doing a months-long maintenance project on the exterior of our condo look set to arrive on our terrace sometime next week, so the bulk of what’s out there right now will have to move. Just when we’ve finally got the summer weather to enjoy it. Luckily, it’s a once-in-fifteen-years project, and it’s one we know is important to do, so I’m keeping the grumbles to a minimum. And also spending every possible moment out there while we can. Heading there with a book as soon as I sign off here. Might knit there for a bit as well. Definitely eating dinner out there, served up by the very good in-house chef who is whipping up a Friday night Steak Salad Special.
So I’m off, but I’m very much looking forward to reading any comments you’d like to leave. Unless it’s from the other side of the political issue I referred to above. I won’t be providing space here to debate the fundamental right of a woman to choose.
Happy weekend,
xo,
f
Thanks for your support on the Supreme Court decision. Many of us are simply livid. My one word response on Facebook: SHIT!!! (Or as in my beloved Inspector Gamache novels, “MERDE!!!”)
Nancy
Gainesville, Georgia
Author
Both those words work. And could be joined by others also used by our favourite fictional detectives. . .
Hi Frances,
It’s been a tough day at my house. The Supreme Court decision is devastating for women in the US and it will greatly impact the lives of those who cannot afford to seek reproductive help in places where it will still be available. And, this is just the beginning. Some states are working on ways to restrict contraception and one justice hinted in his opinion that it was also not a “right.” I’ve contributed to Planned Parenthood as well. There are also a number of organizations that are coming up with ways to help women who need it, and we can contribute to that as well. If anyone had told me 30 years ago that the rights people worked so hard for in the 1960s and 70s would be taken away in the 2020s, I don’t think that I would have believed it.
Meanwhile, we cannot make significant progress to stop gun violence in this country.
Deep breath.
Isn’t wonderful when warm weather arrives and we can get rid of some of the layers? I’ve been wearing sandals for a couple of weeks now. My Birkenstocks are being put to use and so darn comfy. I haven’t worn any linen yet, but that will happen soon. It’s still a bit cool for linen and bare toes. I cannot wait to slip into linen pants. I have a wide-leg navy pair that look a lot like the ones you are sporting, so your photo is making me think about wearing them soon.
Your brown linen top is lovely. The sleeves have just the right drama and how nice that they don’t get in the way of things.
Enjoy your terrace while you can!
Author
Yes to your first three paragraphs . . . deep breaths are good . . . self-care in preparation for the work ahead.
I’ll wear those wide-legged linen pants with my Birks now and wonder if you’re wearing yours as well 😉
(and I’m on my terrace writing this. . . in sunshine!)
Not my country either but I’m appalled by the decision. No doubt this Supreme Court decision will give ammunition to groups all over the world wanting to wind back the clock on women’s rights. There is currently a very sad case in Malta, (widely reported, including by the BBC) where in my opinion, doctors put second their obligations to the patient in deference to the “law”.
It’s fun finding clothes tucked away that haven’t had an airing for a while and they still look good.
Love your brown linen top, I hope you don’t mind if I use it for inspiration. I want to make some tops for my daughter in law to take to Malaysia later this year where it will be hot and humid. This will be perfect both for the weather and her style which is feminine but not girly. Also, I can use up fabric bought on the internet that turned out to be colours that aren’t great on me but will suit her. Win, win.
Author
Yes, I fear you’re right about the possible global effects.
As for the linen top, I’d love to think you’ll make your daughter-in-law something inspired by it — what a thoughtful gift that will be.
That top! Fabulous! And in Houston, I’d wear it nine months out of the year!
Author
I can only imagine — it barely gets nine days here! 😉
Everyday the U.S. is looking less and less like the leader of the free world and more and more like a backwards country. I’m just spitting mad. Donating to Planned Parenthood at the very least.
Author
Many of us spitting alongside you. . .
I do like linen. I broke out my two favourite linen dresses this week (They are twins, because that’s the way I roll. One off-black, one olive.)
The Supreme Court decision. Yes. Grr. I cannot say more for fear my rage will set my keyboard on fire.
I have been thinking long and hard about your last post and now based on your comment re ‘a broader conversation’ might go back and add my two cents. I look at my life a bit differently and sometimes trying to articulate that with a reasonable amount of brevity can be, well, tricky I guess. (But I feel I am letting myself down if I don’t try. And maybe someone else thinks the way I do and is too shy to speak.) lol I should just go do it now!
Author
Two such dresses could constitute 50% (or higher) of a travel carry-on to many places. . . I could live in the right ones and x2, even better.
I’m so glad you did add those thoughtful pennies. Will get ’round to responding there soon. . .
… And I am late again for commenting on your last post. What struck me was not only your text which put into words what many of us feel, but also the many comments, sharing very similar perspectives, and, at the same time, respecting the differences of experience and outlook. Ageing is not for cowards, as a they say, and what you have created here is a network of courageous, strong, thoughtful, and supportive women which stretches around the globe. Something to be quite proud of in the wee hours of the night. And which also provides a space where to share feelings of disbelief and anger at the violation of basic women’s rights.
Author
Thanks Eleonore, I do feel very pleased to have facilitated this community coming together — and it provides me company, support, inspiration, and courage, even, in those wee hours and also in the daytime ones.
lovely post and fun linen top.
yes to all the comments re the Supreme Court decision and its ramifications for women.
My country will be riven for a generation. My step daughter in law had a pregnancy and at
~16 weeks the fetus died from a genetic issue. If she had carried it to term it would have died anyway. In another state than Washington (any of the Southern or deep red states), who knows what would have
happened to her health. I grieve for my country and will work this year to support Stacy Abrams
and congressmen and congresswomen who will support women, gun control, climate issues!
Strongly recommend a book:
The Treeline, by Ben Rawlence
about climate change and trees. Beautifully written and so thoughtful.
Trees live longer than we do-oh my!
Author
Thanks, Mary. I’m so sorry to hear about your step-daughter-in-law’s loss, but happy to know she was able to get the best care at the time. Your work to ensure other women will again be able to access such care is laudable and obviously so important.
Now to go see if my library has a copy of The Treeline.
I am not going to mention the Supreme Court and its decision either (except imagine me standing, fist raised, placard in other hand, ready to be thrown in back of police van, should this be necessary) but I will say that I too am sporting a lot of linen. Yesterday I took out a long black linen dress that I made a couple of years ago and had mentally relegated to A Bit Smart. Then I realised that it is simply an ankle-grazing shift dress, loose and comfortable and put it on. Exactly right for our weather, which has been very hot and is now sunny but breezy and cooler. It will go on again today (might need ironing), with denim jacket and my umbrella is already in the bag.
Author
I imagine you and your placard and your raised fist as completely formidable. Even (or especially?) in linen!
I remember you making that dress — it will still work well as A Bit Smart, but if you go about your more casual everyday in it, you’re simply A Bit Smart and also Cool and Casual. Nothing wrong there! (Wondering if you might need its twin — see Georgia’s comment above, with her favourite linen dress in olive and also in black).
I was so angry Friday that I found it hard to contain myself. Yes, this is my country but one I find difficult to recognize these days, the decision on Roe, the adulation of gun culture, the restriction of voting rights, all of it. I will vote, donate, protest where I can. But we do need to go on, practice self care. And so your outfit posts were much appreciated as a counter point. We need to put out best selves forward. I am trying to see the beauty of what is in my life however it appears. The little rabbit who joined me on my patio as I drank my morning tea. A trip to the local farm, a treasure in this suburban area and the conversation with the couple who farm it. Making a dinner of the fresh produce in the evening. I am planning my wardrobe for vacation next month, mostly things for the beach but at least a couple of more stylish outfits for dinner in a nice restaurant.
Author
Thanks Darby, both for sharing your indignation, and for the lovely examples of self-care. . . (I’m wondering how I could coax a rabbit to join me for my morning tea, but the fifth-floor terrace might be tough to hop — settling for the hummingbirds at my fountain 😉
Most of us here can well remember when 50 years ago women were given the right to make decisions about their bodies without government interference. And now, here we are. Here. We. Are. The only glimmer of hope I have in all of this, is that the MANY, MANY, MANY women and men will express their outrage and anger by voting out those in power who want to take ours away.
And on that lighter note, that brown linen shirt is a WOW!
Author
I hope, as well. . .
And yes, I think I have to get those ruffled sleeves back into the rotation!
I loved your segue from the horror of that Supreme Court decision to the optimism and delight of linen! (It’s not my country either but, as you say, this is a decision that impacts us all).
Thank you x
Author
You’re welcome, Genevieve, and thank you! I do think we need respite occasionally, so that we have the energy to work towards what we hope for. And sometimes Linen is the respite we need 😉
So much to enjoy – lovely ensembles, delightful word pictures of chomping at their bits Birkenstocks, extravagantly sleeved linen tops (I have a similar hot pink top purchased pre-pandemic, that I’ve rarely worn since seems out of step with more sombre times, so thank you for the encouragement). And I can definitely see you as “Francesca”. All a very welcome counter to the horror of that Supreme Court decision, which I fear will reverberate for decades. The USA is not my country either but I think there may be repercussions for women, and other groups, worldwide and of course, my thoughts are with American women in the affected states. The concept of a United States seems sadly hollow and unattainable now.
Author
My inner Italian thanks you for seeing the Francesca in me 😉
And yes, it’s the wider vibrations that are so worrisome. . .
It seems that “Mrs America” rides again-I’ve watched the show with amazing Cate Blanchett only a couple of months ago….and now this!
What’s next? M.Atwood was so prophetic so many years ago…..
But,back to linen-wonderful material for summer! I love your dresses and trousers,you wear them so well
I am a lot in hospitals with my mother recently,so wear more trousers and sneakers-don’t like bare legs and feet there but can’t wait to wear my dresses and sandals again. I’ve bought saffron yellow linen dress for the sea (but doubt that it will see the beach this year)-such a lovely colour,I couldn’t resist,must wear it with a scarf, because it is not my colour at all,even when I’m tanned
Here is over 35°C…..
Dottoressa
Author
I don’t have a subscription that includes access to Mrs. America, but I’d love to see the series. Looks like a stellar ensemble cast!
Oh, I think you must get to the beach, at least once, just so that you can wear that saffron dress! Or you could wear it at home and sprinkle some sand? (if the Parisians can have “Paris Plage” along the Seine . . . ) And pour yourself an Aperol Spritz? I think that might make the 35 degrees more palatable 😉
Lovely set of outfits, they look good on you. I love all of it, specially the last one, linen top and faded old Levi, you look stunningly beautiful in that outfit. Love the combination.<3