Today I wore white

 I bought this dress in Brick Lane, in East London and wasn't too sure I should. 

It was white and I'm not good and keeping white things white.  It was a little breasty and so for a while I wore a little sea blue floral boob tube underneath it to keep my modesty.  Then on this trip I realised that it didn't just have to be dainty - it could be sexy too. 

It's a summer go to dress.  I'm off to a wine bar in a quiet village town.  I wanted to dress up but still feel a little dressed down. It doesn't need much thought or accessorising - so I thought this would do.

I did used to put a turquoise belt under my boob area - but it stopped sitting right - so I stopped wearing it. 

I am a little anti dresses and tops that leave a defined space for your boobs - if you know what I mean.  I think that's why I was apprehensive about this dress.  

Scarf and hair clip H&M. Shoes TK Maxx

Today I wore trousers

Today I wore trousers.  I never wear trousers because I find it  difficult to get a pair that fit my waist and sit comfortably around my ex athletic thighs. So I just don't bother anymore. But I was in Devon - in a place called Topsham - I found a little second hand shop that had these little gems in there for £5.  £5 - what on earth can you get for £5 these days. I prayed they would fit and they did.  So this is me on my way on a day trip to Burgh Island Hotel. I was a little perturbed I hadn't opted for a dress, but I was happily surprised I was out in a pair of trousers that actually fit.  They're originally from Marks and Spencer's circa 1980s.  I thought that's it - when I get home - I'm off to Marks to get me some old people's trousers.  I love them. 

Everything's gone yellow

 

Here where I am I've been walking in the shadows and taking comfort in the shade. 

Yellow sun, calls for a yellow dress and a dashing yellow suitcase someone special bought me a few weeks ago.

The yellow van is my neighbours.  I've lived here for 6 months and never met the owner.  But it's been useful - it tells me where I live when I'm confused by a row of houses that look the same.  When my house number 49 never stands out clearly enough because I've lost my glasses, left them at work, left them at home or it's just a little too dark for the taxi driver to figure it out and drop me off at the right place.

A warm day is an opportunity to get some skin out isn't it? Let the sun soak in and nourish all that is good.  Hot weather generally means a lot of flesh on show.  I don't show my midriff, wear shorts that don't flatter the thighs, or dresses too tight and too see-through.  I still want to feel a little elegant even if the sweat is glistening a little too brightly on my back.

I should have, but I don't have pictures of the back of this dress, but I will do when I remember. Promise. :0)

I bought it from my favourite shop in the world - Ribbons and Taylor in London for £28.  I admit I've struggled a little to get it to sit right.  But I've put on a little happy weight and my boobs have filled the spaces perfectly. 

I'm taking this outfit when I take a trip next weekend to this magical place - Burgh Island.  I've been slightly obsessed by it for years and I'm ever so excited that I'm getting to take my yellow suitcase with me.

Burgh Island, Devon.  Picture taken from Telegraph Travel Section

There's going to be 1930s decor and music.  The sea view and it's breeze will make every sip of my champagne feel extra special.  I'm going to try and eat my afternoon tea like a lady does, but I know the Glasgow girl from Anniesland will find its way through and I'll be eyeing up the tea pots and napkins as a possible souvenir.  My cackles may interrupt the pompous air, but I'm ready and completely excited.

Can you see the yellow tractor in the picture? When the tides up it's the only way you can get to my idea of heaven.  So I'm hoping for high tides.  

I am hoping to wear my yellow dress, cross the waters in the yellow tractor all under the gaze of the yellow sun. 

Happy days to you all.

Dress: Ribbons and Taylor, London
Cost: £28

Sleepless nights with Mcullin

I wake early.

To fill the space between then and finding the energy to start my day I sometimes read and I sometimes watch iplayer.

Today I discovered a fascinating documentary called McCullin.  You see, I have an immediate like for people with passions.  For people who set aside what they should do and stride along the paths they want to.

All pictures are taken by Don McCullin.  I hope you don't mind me using them on my website.

The sun rose whilst photographer Don McCullin with great honesty recounted his days covering wars and conflicts in Cyprus, Cambodia, Vietnam and Northern Island.

He captured moments that didn't need words or explanation.

He said plenty, but it's the pictures I remember.  I thought I'd like one of those to grace a space on a wall where I call home.  

His work is honest, powerful, beautiful and raw.   He makes me want to go out into the world and do better and do my bit.

He said he stopped working for the Sunday Times when its new owner Rupert Murdoch decided he wanted to move away from "this kind of harsh realism and concentrate on the pleasures of life." 

But I figure we are surrounded by so many delights that such stark reminders are needed to prick our bubbles and burst them more often than once in a while. 

Nowadays he takes pictures of landscapes and is spending his time trying to erase a lifetime of horrors.

The documentary ends.  

And I start the day a little more grateful for it than when I awoke.

The love affair I've had 

with photography

 has been total 

commitment 

and I've not taken any 

short cuts to do it.

- Don McCullin