It’s been a bit of a week, but the no-longer-a-tooth seems to be healing okay, so far as I can tell. The body connected to it is not feeling as copacetic as it did two weeks ago, but it’s much better than this time last week, so I’m beginning to know the trajectory is a positive one. For now. These little events often leave, in their wake, the residue of a reminder of the only eventual trajectory possible. But today (which turned out to be yesterday by the time I finished and posted) I have a long-ish walk (under grey skies and showers) to my Italian class after a two-week hiatus (first week my instructor was sick; then it was my turn to be out-of-sorts).
And we’ve put February to bed for another year. Grumpy old month.
The last two posts (on horse culture and art and artifacts in Siena) were labour-intensive on this end (and also rewarding to put together) but didn’t draw the crowds — although I very much enjoyed the conversation with those of you who like an idiosyncratic travel post. Sometimes, as my first Italian instructor said when only four of us showed up to class, Siamo pochi ma buoni (We are few, but good). The phrase is also said as Meglio pochi ma buoni — Better, few but good. The idea that although the numbers are small, the best people are together, ready to do what needs doing.
And last week, when I was trying to work my way out of the doldrums, I shuffle-streamed a ’60s/70s playlist and heard this message from Ricky Nelson, who had “learned his lesson well”: “you can’t please everyone; so you got to please yourself.” I know that you already know this.
There we go. No further ado. Pleasing myself (and, I hope, some of you) with Five . . . become Six . . and finally Seven images of a few things that have turned up the corners of my mouth this last week or two . . .
- As the days lengthen, the quality of the late-afternoon sunlight begins to change . . . it changes this space, coaxes a deep sigh . . .
2. But there have also been some less attractive bits of weather . . .
The snow was pretty for a few hours; the ensuing slush not so much. Still, it gave me an opportunity to try out different foul-weather OOTDS . . . Umbrella, wool beanie/toque, faux-fur vest, Harris tweed patchwork overcoat . . .
3. The rest of that OOTD, planned to keep me warm and dry and also bring a bit of colour and comfort to my day, inside and out. . .
Let’s be honest, this one is idiosyncratic and maybe even a smidge defiantly so. Faux fur over cashmere-and-silk artisan-y-Euro dress over Babáa merino knit trousers tucked uncompromisingly into Sperry “duck boots.” With a patchwork Harris tweed overcoat and a red wool hat. . . Hmmm, I obviously take a lot of permission from the fact that I’m walking in my own neighbourhood in mucky weather and also that I’ve got myself outside despite the post-oral-surgery moaning and groaning. (Those legendary and iconic Parisians who don’t put their garbage out or pick up a croissant across the street without shaking their perfect haircut into place and taking 45 seconds for the natural-look makeup and eschewing the sweats for the perfect jeans and French-tucked marinière. SO not me!)
4. Another Harris tweed coat with yellow hat, gloves, and boots might be easier to love.
Worn with the black knit pants I described mending back in this post (scroll down: they’re Item #3) — you can see a photo of the mend in this Instagram post.
5. And since I’m showing you OOTDS for walking the city . . . here’s the city as I snapped it on various recent walks.
On a clear night, framed from under the Cambie Street Bridge . . .
or capturing the late-afternoon reflections of a slowly sinking sun against a grey sky . . .
Or when pewter sky and calm waters, and a rim of snow all ’round makes the promise of catkins even more alluring . . .
6. When she recommended it to me, my daughter (the one in Rome) told me it would probably be one of the weirdest books I’ve ever read. She wasn’t wrong. I’ll tell you a bit more in my February Books Read post, coming very soon. . .
And I think I’ll close with this little teaser,
#7. This is an excerpt from the journal I kept in the summer of ’91; I’d scooped up one of those Keystone wide-ruled notebooks brought home as the kids cleaned out their desks at school, and I’d tucked it into my backpack as Paul and I headed off without the kids for two weeks together in France — after which I was staying on alone for two weeks. I’ll have to tell you more about that at some point, but for now, I’m showing you an excerpt written in a very humble accommodation after a very tough day on a Grande randonnée (a Big Walk!) in the Auvergne. We walked something like 170 kilometres in a week, carrying backpacks with everything we needed for that week. . . Arduous and so rewarding. . .
And we thought we’d follow up by doing another, but then I had a BA, then, MA, then PhD to complete and we both had work and there were our four great kids. . . . But I’ve been retired for almost eight years now, and I’m turning a Very Big Number in a couple of months, so it’s time. . .
We’re going to do a much easier version this time, in deference to the three decades that have passed — we’ll be staying in nicer digs and someone will move our luggage (still going carry-on only) from one accommodation to another each day. Oh, and instead of a grande randonnée, we’ll be doing una lunga camminata — that is, we’ll be walking in Italian rather than in French. But I did tell you this item is only included as a teaser. Feel free to guess our route, but know that I’ll divulge all very soon.
That’s all for now. Drop a line in the comments section below if you’d like.
xo,
f
I’m planning to go back to reread but your black knit pants got to me. I have a pair of black Italian double knit wool pants from the late lamented original Filene’s Basement. They must be 40 years old but I haul them out every winter when it’s really cold in Boston. Since we are and have been snowless, that’s only been once this year. But they continue to fit no matter how much my shape has changed in 4 decades.
Oh, Filene’s Basement…sigh! So much of my youth was spent there. RIP.
Author
Those pants sound perfect — being double-knit they’re obviously much sturdier than mine are. But sounds as if they share with mine the forgiving quality of a knit pant over a woven-and-stitched pair. Sweaters for our legs! Just what we need when it’s really cold and we want comfort, right?!
Beautiful city photos!
Echoing Susan L.’s comment!
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😉
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Thanks!
This turned up as I arrived in Bologna from London on a (last) business trip. I’m ahead of you in years, and have been coming for more years than I care to admit to… It’s a place I love and recommend. And it’s warmer than the UK. After a few days work, my husband comes out and we’re off to Rome for a few days. So glad I went back to Italian lessons last autumn. Best, Elizabeth
Author
I haven’t been to Bologna yet (I’d love to see the portici!), but I do know the feeling of being welcomed by a city that’s become familiar over many years. Enjoy! And a few days in Rome as Spring arrives won’t be so bad either! 😉
Your photos of Vancouver are stunning, as is your ensemble featuring mustard good (a color that I cannot wear but admire on others). And your mention of your upcoming camminata is intriguing! Can’t wait to learn more.
I loved your post on Siena, a city we visited about 13 years ago and one which I didn’t love, for some unfathomable reason. A friend went to the Palio, which sounded incredible, with elaborate dinners held in the various contrade. After seeing your photos I now want to revisit & give Siena a second look.
Hope you continue to feel better. I too have had a recent health challenge, and it does give one pause. Thanks for sharing your journey.
Author
Our response to a city depends so much on when and why and with whom and for how long, etc. (I didn’t like Rome the first couple of days my first visit!) We arrived in good weather — beautiful fall sunshine, and there was a lively market the first day.We had the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Siena almost to ourselves . . .
I’m glad you enjoyed the post — and I hope you continue to feel well also!
(Elizabeth- at the mention of Filene’s Basement, a big meaningful sigh from me, and the sign of the cross. May it rest in peace! Oh the joy- and ironic cachet- found there).
Frances, that is such a handsome plaid coat, can not imagine you will ever tire of it. It makes a statement and keeps you warm. The gold beret with it is perfect.
What misery, huh, that the dentist brings? Sometimes wonder how they deal with all the transferred dread their patients don’t mean to burden them with. It is such intimate work, but unlike a massage, which can be so nurturing and intimate, the process and results are so fraught when it comes to pick and drill and needle and file on your teeth. Ugh. All my sympathy for anticipating, enduring and steeling yourself through the nasty medicine reactions of your recent dental trials and tribs.
A.in London
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So many of you nostalgic for Filene’s — I like this conversation between you 😉
Thanks, A, I don’t think I’ll ever tire of it either — makes me smile every time I button it up!
And all things dental, ugh! I think there is much less trepidation with a younger generation who have been brought up with different techniques available — depending on the dental care they had access to growing up. So much inequity there, unfortunately, in the access.
The bejeweled night view of the city is so wonderful! Laughing about the mythical person shaking out their perfect haircut! If only!
Ceci
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Laughing with you, Ceci! It’s definitely not me!
Honestly you make me feel better about my getup for walking in my neighborhood on truly cold days, the longjohns which are at least 3o years old, old equestrian vests, an old purple parka which in addition to being warm is large enough to fit over all this padding. On my feet a pair of Hoka sneakers I purchased last year at a sporting attire store at the recommendation of the salesman. I had never heard of this brand but they are comfortable. I guess it is both good and bad that they are showing wear and I need to replace them at this point. If course I am talking about your first outfit, the second one so stylish but unique. Great shots of the city.
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I actually like that layered outfit for myself (dress, vest, wool leggings), but wouldn’t wear it with those boots — and could NOT be bothered to change from dress to another top just to get myself out for a walk 😉 And of course I heartily approve your walking clothes — by coincidence, on my walk yesterday I spotted a young woman (whose sweet GoldenDoodle has just jumped up to dance with me!) wearing Hokas — I’d never heard of them either!
H, Frances. I loved your post about Siena and the horses and especially your sketches. And your plaid coat with the yellow hat is a great outfit. Thanks for both!
Author
Carol, thanks again for directing my eyes in my art tour of Siena. What treasures there!
Great city photos , especially the spectacular nighttime one . You sent me off down a rabbit hole , wondering what Vancouver was like before the sky scrapers & searching on the net for old Vancouver photos . All very interesting .
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I was pleased to catch those nighttime lights and their reflections! and I know you’ll find the old photos of that part of Vancouver very, very different. So much of the transformation happened after Expo ’86 . . .
Very happy to bid January and February farewell this year, even if March has come in cold and with snow forecast for us. Flowers and the sight of very pregnant ewes in fields means that we are on the cusp of all that is new. I have seed potatoes to chit and seeds to sow, two very pleasing tasks. I am in favour of cheerful defiance so wear those outfits with aplomb.
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Yes, I needed the downtime January and February provided, I think, but I’m ready for sunshine! And I could do with the hope of lambs gambolling nearby, but that’s not so likely in the city.
Cheerful defiance, for the win! 😉
May Spring come soon, bringing the same kind of light and joy as that wonderful mustard hat!
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From your lips . . . 😉
Somehow the past few weeks have been a bit more hectic than the usual pace of retired life, which has meant I am behind on reading and commenting! We did a short trip up to see the little granddaughters in Oregon. . .We had some of the snow you did up there, but also came home and had a few snowy days in the Sonoran desert of southern Arizona! This past weekend was about various volunteer commitments back home in Tucson, much of that at our amazing annual Tucson Festival of Books (and luckily, the weather was back to being spectacular.) Frances, you would be in heaven at that event, one of the biggest of its kinds, with authors of all sorts coming to talk about their work, and of course sign books. . . and there are all kinds of activities for families and performances from many cultures. . .I think I am still floating on air from being part of that! (And a bit tired.)
I want to express that my most favorite outfit above is the very interesting one with all the warm layers and varied styles! So fun!!!
What a treat to see that old bit of writing about a challenging but wonderful trip. Can’t wait to hear about your next adventure.
Author
You have had a succession of busy weeks! How rewarding though! Both the time with your family in Oregon, I’m sure, and then your involvement with the Book Festival. It’s been a few years since I volunteered with similar events, and I envy you that buzz! (and the quiet time now, with stacks of new books to read, their authors’ voices in your mind’s ear as you read to yourself).
I’m pleased you like that outfit — It definitely expresses a (quirky!) part of me 😉 and I like it as well.
Amazing photos of your beautiful city!
I don’t like the weather but your lovely outfits cheer up the situation outside
I’ve read about Cursed Bunny,didn’t read the book so far and am waiting to hear your review
Looking forward to hear about your Lunga camminata-what a great idea to mark A Very Big Number!
Dottoressa
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Thanks K! As for CB, I doubt I would have read it either except for my daughter mentioning it. And I suspect she read it for book club. . . I think you’d find it interesting and thought-provoking and entertaining.
Yes, we’ll be doing this Lunga camminata just before I hit that HUmoungous number — who knows what I’ll be able to do afterward? 🤣
Filene’s Basement. My grandmother used to take me there when I was a kid and to my mortification, she’d have me try on clothes in the aisles. They didn’t have changing rooms. There I’d be, shivering in my undershirt as she tugged dresses over my head.
Frances, what lovely photos of your city. I need to visit someday.
I am looking forward to hearing more about your lunga camminata. It’s good that you are celebrating a big birthday with a special travel adventure.
While February wasn’t particularly stormy here in Boston, I’m still happy to say goodbye to it. As pretty as snow can be, I am not a winter person. I love that the days are getting a little longer and I appreciate your photo of the late sun coming in through the window.
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Memories! So many of you share memories of Filene’s!
I think I already mentioned my memories of Siena when travelling with my parents in the 1960s. At the time, I bought a scarf with the colours of the oca contrada, but it has disappeared, I do not remember when.
I am looking forward to hearing more of your camminata. My own desire for hiking faded when I left work. At the time it was probably an antidote to the overdose of social contacts that go with working as a teacher. So I cherished those days of being on my own, moving from A to B in that absolutely independent fashion, without having to speak to anybody between breakfast and dinner.
At the moment I am curious to get to know more places in Italy. I hope to return to Puglia this summer, but would like to interrupt the journey at least once (in Milano). Perhaps also get off the train in Bologna on my way back.
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I’m curious to see how I feel about the walk — there’s something about covering long distances by foot that I have found so satisfying — we’ll see if that outweighs the fatigue and discomfort!
Can you believe that with all the times we’ve been in Italy, we haven’t yet spent any time in Milan? (Nor Bologna, for that matter).