I have to be honest, my friends. I am struggling to write my post today. My brain is in full chipmunk mode. Here, there, everywhere, achieving little, moving on to something new, achieving less.
I sat down to write this morning. Then I decided to package up for the freezer the big batch of pizza sauce I made yesterday with the tomatoes from our garden. Our tomato plants are bountiful this year. In between loads of laundry, I pedalled my exercise bike, and talked on the phone to my sister Connie, firming up the dates of my visit which is coming soon. Then I wrote a little, or tried to make a start at least. Then after deleting several beginnings, I gave up and settled in with my book for an hour. The siren call of a new book is hard to ignore. More on that later.
So, what’s the source of my brain fever? Well, it’s almost September. When September is imminent old school dreams and anxieties bubble up from somewhere. You’d think that being retired for eleven years would cure that. Nope. Partly the feeling is due to chafing against the last of summer. Enough with the heat and humidity. I want cool breezes and changing leaves. I long for fall to begin.
But my mind is also dwelling on what to pack for my upcoming trip down east. My fiftieth high school reunion is next weekend. Deciding what to wear is posing a problem. Temperature-wise will it be summer or fall? I well remember our Portugal trip last year when, after all my planning, most of my trip wardrobe was wrong.
I’ve decided to bring my big suitcase on this trip, so I can pack something for every eventuality. Travelling light will NOT be a priority. Ha.
To help with my planning, I’ve been saving photos to a Pinterest board hoping to spark my inspiration. I love all of the outfits below. The photo on the top right is from the Me & Em website; I use their editorial content for inspiration a lot. The bottom right photo is from Alexandra Stedman’s IG feed. I like Alexandra’s style, and her sunny personality too. The middle shot is of Anouk Yve. I love her style and follow both her and Alex Stedman on Instagram. The photos on the left are from Pinterest. You can see all of them here.
Of course inspiration photos are just a beginning. Rarely can I recreate the same outfit. These photos give me ideas for how I might wear my new Mary-Jane flats, and remind me to try my short white jacket with my baggy jeans, and not to overlook really simple looks like in the top left photo.
I did a try-on session a few days ago and really only succeeded in eliminating ideas. Except for the outfit below, which I threw on at the last minute. It doesn’t look like anything special in the photograph. But here’s why I love it.
First, I love the look of the fitted black cashmere sweater with the loose jeans. Tidy and messy together. Ditto with the slim Mary-Janes. This outfit suits my three style words a la Allison Bornstein. The sweater and the flats are classic. While the Mary-Jane-style of the shoes makes them very current. The loose jeans are relaxed and super casual. Possibly even chill, my aspirational word. This outfit is what Amy Smilovik might call, in style grammar terms, playing with my antonyms. It simply feels right. And like my outfit in this post, it’s how I want to look now.
I haven’t actually decided what to wear yet. But eliminating choices is still progress of a kind. I’ll have another go at trying to decide outfits tomorrow.
I know I have lots of clothes from which I can choose. And yes, I know no one but me will care what I’m wearing. I know all of that. But knowing that doesn’t help. I need to feel good in my clothes. Shallow it might be, but there we are. Or rather there I am.
After my high school reunion, my sister Carolyn and I will drive to Nova Scotia to visit our other sister Connie and her husband for a few days. I’ve never seen their new home. My niece and her partner and daughter live nearby. So I’m looking forward to some quality family time. Lots of hugs, good food, and funny stories. I may even get to play with Peppa Pig if I’m lucky.
Then Carolyn and I set off for Wolfville for a night. We’ll be visiting an old friend from my childhood whom I wrote about here. I haven’t seen Suzanne since we were twelve. I’m excited and nervous in about equal proportion. In her last email the other day, Suzanne said she was happy to be part of “the reunion tour.” I laughed at that. This trip is most definitely a reunion tour.
Hubby asked me a few minutes ago what I was writing about today. “Oh, this and that,” I said. “How I can’t decide what to wear to the reunion, and I can’t decide what to write about in my post, and what I’m reading while I’m putting off making those decisions.”
So… what book is calling my name when I should be choosing outfits and writing this post?
Well, the new Ann Cleeves Vera Stanhope mystery, The Dark Wives, of course. It came out in Canada on Thursday. I couldn’t resist ordering it immediately. I never can when it comes to certain writers, like Ann Cleeves.
And Kate Atkinson. Atkinson’s newest book is coming out on Tuesday. I preordered it ages ago. Death at the Sign of the Rook is the next instalment in her Jackson Brodie series. I’m looking forward to this. I adore Atkinson’s writing.
September is such a bountiful season, isn’t it? And I’m not just talking about tomatoes.
Also upcoming this month is the new Elizabeth Strout Tell Me Everything. Set in Maine, Lucy Barton meets Olive Kitterage. What could be better?
And there’s a new Richard Osman coming soon as well. We Solve Murders. Not the Thursday Murder Club, but I have high hopes.
And Peter May is adding to his Lewis Trilogy with The Black Loch. If you haven’t discovered Peter May’s mysteries yet, you are in for a treat. May is such a fine writer. In fact, you should start with the first three books of the Lewis trilogy. Can it even be called a trilogy now that there is a fourth book?
Yes, September is looking to be a busy month. Lots and lots of visiting, and yakking, and memory-sharing. I’m quite sure I will not shut up for days and days. I’ll be exhausted by the time I get home from down east.
By then every single one of these books will be out. And Hubby is leaving on his fall fishing trip the day after I get home. What shall I do when he is gone? What… shall… I… do?
Still, I mustn’t get ahead of myself. I have yet to decide what to wear next weekend. And what to pack. And then I have to pack. I’ll take Vera with me down east. But the other books will have to wait until I’m home again and ensconced on our deck with my cup of tea.
Since I am going to be yakking and running the roads for the next while, I’ll be taking a two week blog holiday. I’ll be back on September 21. I’ll post a few photos of events on Instagram. So if you don’t follow me over there, here’s the link.
See you in three weeks, my friends.
P.S. The book links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking my link, I will earn a small commission which helps to pay for the blog. If you would rather get your books from the library or from other sources but still want to support my blog, you can always buy me a coffee. In any case, many thanks for just showing up here. 🙂
31 thoughts on “Getting Reunion Ready and Other Stuff”
I look forward to you telling us what you took on your holiday. Classic and elegant sounds good.
Have you come across https://stacieflinner.com/? Super elegant, classy, simple – very delicious clothing if only one had the budget (and lifestyle) to match.
Thanks, Prue. I had not come across that site before. She is very elegant and classy, you are right. Although not really my style anymore.
What excellent news on the books just published or about to be published! I have just visited my library website to put a hold on all of them.
Have fun on your reunion tour! Your outfit choices always look just right to me!
Thanks, Denise. I’ll be packing a BIG suitcase. I’m having trouble making up my mind about outfits. 🙂
Yout reunion tour seems like a great fun! Enjoy every part of it!
It is good to know that Me&Em are back
I’m looking forward to the same books to be released and have read new Ann Cleeves already,always a treat!
Dottoressa
I’m now partway through the new Vera. But I’m reading slowly to make it last. 🙂
This is a trip that is made for the big suitcase! Enough choices that you won’t be tempted to consider an unwise purchase.
I had a blast at my 40th reunion (after not attending since my 10th). People were really settled into their genuine selves, and it was fun making new and different connections. I hope you have a fab trip (your itinerary is making me miss the Maritimes) and am looking forward to following your journey and wardrobe.
Just arrived back home after being away for months. So very nice to look in the wardrobe and put something else on.
All I can say regarding the reunion is ‘wear what feels most like you and have fun!’ It’s not shallow to feel good in your clothes and I think that whatever you wear will be you. Xx
As I said to my friend today, when I arrive home I suddenly feel differently about my clothes. I’m packing choices.
I have a few of those books on my wish list already but was pleased to note the new Elizabeth Strout . Did you see they are making a film of the first Richard Osman book ? with an excellent cast , Helen Mirren in the lead . Something to look forward to . I read Mark Billingham’s ‘The Last Dance ‘ which you recommended & I enjoyed it . Now I’m part way through the follow up . The plot is perhaps a little thin with this one but I like the characters & Dec makes me laugh . Hope the reunion goes well & the catch up with your sisters sounds fun . I can understand why the jeans & jumper combination is your favourite , it’s great – the shoes are the star . See you in a couple of weeks ….
I’m glad you enjoyed that new Billingham book. I am also looking forward to the Thursday Murder Club movie. Hope it doesn’t disappoint. 🙂
Great choices for your outfits. I always over pack and rarely regret it. I was chatting with some neighbors who had recently been to a high school reunion. They were saying how old everyone looked, jokingly I think. As we got further into the discussion we came to a conclusion the more simple you dress-not frumpy, the more current and modern you look. I think it’s adding elements like the shoes you have in the photos that adds an element of interest.
Thanks, Robyn. I agree. Too much muchness is frumpy I think.
Your reunion tour sounds like great fun! And I have no doubt you will find the perfect thing fo the 50th. I remember my angst going into the last reunion I attended, but you are so right — once you are comfortable, that’s really all that matters. No one else will care as much as you do. (BTW, your hair is looking great!)
So excited for a new Elizabeth Strout book!
I am excited for the new Elizabeth Strout as well. I love her work.
You always look so elegant and whatever you wear at your reunion will be stunning, I am sure!
I’m not happy to hear that the September (for me, it’s August) dreams continue after retirement as that’s what I’m looking forward too the most, I think, when I retire from teaching in December.
On another topic – did I hear about the writer Deborah Crombie from you? If so, thank you. I’m devouring her books and really liking the series – British mysteries are my favorite (new Kate Atkinson!).
I’m hoping my own retirement looks a lot like yours – you’re laying out a lovely path for me. Thank you for that, too.
I really like Deborah Crombie. I had not read her for ages and had forgotten where in the series I left off, so I started back at the beginning. Audible offers the first several books for free to members. So I am taking advantage. I’m on book four already.
Don’t worry too much about the school dreams. Sometimes they are worth the sense of relief you feel when you wake up. Ha.
Oh, Sue, we have so much in common! Retired from teaching for 17 years (how is that even possible?) I still have those end of summer/beginning of September school dreams and anxieties! This time of year always seems more like New Years to me than January 1st does.
We’ll be attending hubby’s 5oth university reunion later in September. I’m excited for him as he missed his own graduation ceremony because he was working up north. 50 years later, he’ll finally wear a cap and gown, but what will I wear? That’s my dilemma. There will be a reception at a rather posh venue after the ceremony, so I want to be properly attired.
Enjoy your “reunion tour”! I look forward to hearing all about it when you’re back.
I will Elaine, thanks. Although I think my reunion will be much more casual.
If you haven’t read The Women by Kristen Hannah put it high on your TBR list. It is an insight to the early Viet Nam war, the important part women played and how they were treated in war and home.
Thanks for the suggestion, Debbie.
I’m heading east Wednesday. I’ll be in Fredericton for a few days the following week so looking forward to a good explore. Any consignment stores to recommend? I’m trying my best to shop thrift or consignment after hitting my 5 and beyond. I think if I keep it to 10 this year it will be a step in the right direction. One does need a few new pieces to keep their wardrobe current.
Loving your Mary Janes!
No consignment store suggestions. But The Palate restaurant on Queen Street is well worth a visit. 🙂
Enjoy your trip away. I’m sure once you meet up with family and old classmates your wardrobe won’t be a concern as there will be too much catching up to do. In my opinion you always dress with chic style.
Thanks, Kenzie. 🙂
At my 50th, in 2017, everyone was just so happy to see one another! To still be upright. There even a few in wheelchairs. I admit that I was taken aback by how few were in attendance despite combining two graduating classes together.
I wore a simple, sleeveless, black long tunic over black leggings. Metallic sandals and a few antique pieces of silver jewelry. I felt wonderful…and thankful. A few of us had traversed from kindergarten to high school together. We remembered each other’s parents. So poignant! Went with two dear girlfriends and chatted our heads off!
Have a marvelous Reunion Tour! Sounds like fun!
I’m going to the events with two old friends from elementary school as well. Should be fun.
I’m still chuckling about your last post… everything going south! Oh, gosh, I can totally relate. Your “Reunion Tour” sounds wonderful, enjoy every minute, and since you plan to be comfortable (and you always look great) I am certain you will! If it was you who recommended reading Susan Juby’s series, thank you very much. Mindful of Murder is the only book I’ve been able to read and thoroughly enjoy this summer. Even got my three sisters to read it with me. Thanks, and have a delightful time!
XO
It wasn’t me who recommended Juby’s books. Maybe someone in the comments? But I will certainly check them out now.
I was teaching again last night…as usual, all confusion…just as term starts this week and nine years since I last ran a classroom. Brains are weird. Enjoy the reunion.
Those exhausting nights of teaching! Sigh. I get them occasionally too when I am under stress.
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