Return of the prodigal blogger

144 Replies

Yes! the prodigal blogger has returned. Did you notice that I  had been away, flirting with Instagram and loafing about on tropical beaches? Probably not. In any case, no need to rush to greet me with the fatted calf et al.   What I would appreciate, dear readers, if you are willing to indulge me, is some ‘sartorial’  advice, on the ring and  robe side of things. Good Lord, how I need it.

Fashion Failure or Fashion Follower?  Foto failure for sure.

Though, lest I judge my fashion sense too harshly, in some elevated circles  my attire, in this pose, would easily qualify me as a  dedicated follower of fashion.

Yes, well, moving on from odd assortments and mix and unmatch couture….

Very soon, I  will be meeting a little someone’s new friend. It will be a special occasion and I would like to honour it by wearing some purple accessories. ( Purple is such a perfect colour for important occasions. 🙂 ) Please give me your opinions on  which jewellery I should wear for our meeting.

 

As a thank you for your indulgence today, and  your patience with my absence,  I  give you the first, small posy of  spring flowers from my garden.

The first floral offering from my spring garden 2019

If you are curious  to know who the little someone and her new friend are, stay tuned to my blog. In the meantime, here is a  BIG hint.

Meeting Myrtle 2017

 

TTFN.  Hopefully,  I will have a few holiday shots to show you soon, too.

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144 thoughts on “Return of the prodigal blogger”

  1. Brenda Davis Harsham

    I’m glad you gallivanted on beaches during your absence and that you came back to share your humor with us. I’m sure any of those earrings would look lovely on you. I hope your meeting went well.

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  5. Resa

    You need some Purple Turtle Earrings, designed by Art Gowns.
    Egads, your outfit is very un-turtle.
    It should be plaid on the top, and black w/zig-zag on the top.
    Just saying!
    😀

    Reply ↓
    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Wouldn’t purple turtle earrings be fun!!! Lol, yes, my outfit is very un-turtle. Turtles are so beautiful; my outfit almost gives them a bad name. 😀 😀

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      1. Resa

        LOL!!! I tease you!
        However, we both love turtles. We need to rally our friends to do all they can to protect turtles, and all wildlife. 😀 😀

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  7. Tish Farrell

    Such an exuberant return. So happy to see you. I went for the amethyst drops, and then read they came from Zambia, which sealed it. I have a Zambian ring – aquamarine and silver – 3000 kwacha at the Intercon Hotel shop, which I think was about 6 quid at the time. I’ve worn it ever since. Also very taken with your holiday pants on the link.

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    1. Gallivanta Post author

      How wonderful to have an aquamarine and silver ring from Zambia. I didn’t realise at the time how special some of the Zambian gems are. ( I now wince at how they may have been mined! But, as a plus, the workshop where they were made into jewellery seemed to have good working conditions.) Holiday pants, holiday clothes…..I love them when they are light and comfy for the tropics.

      Reply ↓

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  10. rabirius

    Welcome back.
    I always return to wordpress, because here the exchange is much better. On other platforms I have the feeling you only get in touch with people to get more likes, stars, or whatever.

    Reply ↓
      1. rabirius

        I only sometimes use the 😊 to mark irony when I think it’s not clear. Otherwise I prefer words. Also on Instagram. But I don’t do too many comments there.

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  12. Clare Pooley

    So good to see you on WP again, Mandy! Cynthia and Lauren’s new book is well worth celebrating, isn’t it? All your earrings look very pretty and I would probably choose the amethyst ones.

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    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Hi Clare. Good to see you, too. Cynthia and Lauren (and Jo) are amazing. If they continue to publish at their present rate, I will have to put extra bookshelves in my house for all their wonderful books! 😉 I am glad you like the amethyst earrings. I gave them a good polish yesterday, in anticipation of their next appearance on my blog.

      Reply ↓
  13. Liz

    It’s great to see you back in the blogosphere, Mandy. Very much looking forward to your holiday shots, and anything else you care to write about. It’s always a good day when one of your posts drops in to the in-box! Xxx

    Reply ↓
  14. utesmile

    My dearest Mandy, lovely to see you on the blogging sphere. I don’t have instagramm and don’t do Facebook that often. Too much input otherwise 🙂 Purple is a fine colour and rather royal too. I love all earrings, specially the heart ones. However I thing the drop earrings fit perfectly to your outfit. I have the same ones but with a reddish stone in it. I bought them long time ago off tearfund who brings theses things to our churches, and I can buy via internet too. They give the artists what they deserve and not reduced money. Hope you enjoy your appointment.

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    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Hello, dear Ute, it’s lovely to have you here. I think we share a love of earrings. Do you still make them? Your Tearfund earrings sound lovely. I don’t buy much jewellery anymore but, when I do, I prefer to buy from organisations which help others lead better lives.

      Reply ↓
      1. utesmile

        I do still make them yes not so many these days as work is too demanding. I hardly buy any either as I then make them myself for myself. I do love my earrings.. like you!

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  16. shoreacres

    The first thing I had to do was go to the internet for help interpreting ‘TTFN.’ I didn’t have a clue. Then, I realized you haven’t been completely missing, but since I don’t visit Instagram, I didn’t know that, either.

    So, I’ll just say how glad I am to see you here, especially since you’ve brought along your lovely sense of humor and a bouquet of spring flowers. I laughed at your clothing, which looks remarkably like a varnisher’s wardrobe. Most of us buy our tee shirts and such at resale shops for a dollar or two, and then toss them out when they become just too torn, worn, or splattered. As you might imagine, that can lead to some interesting combinations.

    I rarely wear jewelry any more, since it’s a big no-no at work for safety reasons, but I do like those amethyst drops. It only now occurs to me that I don’t have a single piece of purple clothing. Since I like purple so much, I need to remedy that — but in the winter. No dark colors in this heat!

    Reply ↓
    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Ah, I thought you would be intrigued by TTFN. It’s not something I use often but it is part of my cultural background. I was reminded of the expression the other day when commenting on Steve’s post. https://portraitsofwildflowers.wordpress.com/2019/08/17/wf-squared-g-cubed/ reading I am delighted that my wardrobe choices would allow me to fit in with the varnishers ie until they noticed my varnishing skills didn’t match my clothing. And, yes, please do indulge in some purple clothing. Purple is a very handsome colour. TTFN. 🙂

      Reply ↓
    1. Gallivanta Post author

      It looks like I will be wearing the amethyst drops. So many commenters seem to like them the best. Those earrings used to be very comfortable in the days before mobile phones. I am really not sure how people negotiate dangly earrings and phones these days, apart from removing the earring. 😀 Do you ever experience this culture clash between phone and earring?

      Reply ↓
        1. Gallivanta Post author

          Excellent! I must say that when I had my ears pierced I anticipated some future problems (like sagging earlobes) but tangling with technology wasn’t one of them. 😀

  19. Liz Gauffreau

    Welcome back, Ann! After following the link you provided to the Gucci collection, I would say that your outfit is just fine. Those models give new meaning to the phrase “disaffected youth.” It’s hard to tell, though, whether their unhappiness stems from the egregiously hideous clothes they’re wearing or from the fact that they haven’t eaten in three years. Be that as it may, I vote for your amethyst drop earrings. And welcome back again!

    Reply ↓
    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Thank you, Liz, for your warm welcome. I am so pleased you visited the Gucci link. My daughter showed it to me a few weeks ago and it made me feel both dismayed and hilariously on trend. And, yes, the models do look malnourished. As my photo indicates, I do not have that problem! And, hooray, another vote for the amethyst earrings. 🙂

      Reply ↓
        1. Gallivanta Post author

          Neither had I. Not since I was a child. I enjoyed listening to it again and learning a bit more about it. Another song which popped into my head while I was writing this post ( possibly because it has some connection with the themes of the Myrtle the Purple Turtle) was “You’ve got to be carefully taught” from South Pacific. https://youtu.be/diYlHI8Ghkg I used to know the song well as a child ( it fascinated me). Again it has been good listening to an old song and finding out more of its history.

        2. Liz Gauffreau

          My mother used to listen to the album for “South Pacific” as she did her housework, but I don’t remember “Carefully Taught.” It’s definitely a song for the current times we live in.

    1. Gallivanta Post author

      A very good question, Alys. What would Myrtle wear? She would probably have difficulty with earrings but I am sure she would be happy with flowers and pretty ribbons. I like your perspective. Thank you.

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  21. Mrs. P

    I guessed it as soon as you said you were wearing purple accessories! And, I must say, my friend…your clothing choice is quite hideous! Only a blind person would chose those two patterns together.

    Reply ↓
  22. Lavinia Ross

    Good to see you again, Gallivanta! You should be near the end of winter there, and contemplating spring!

    I just purchased the latest book in the Myrtle series, “Myrtle Makes a New Friend”. It’s on the way!

    Reply ↓
    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Spring is on its way, Lavinia. My magnolia is blooming and bringing its usual delight to us and passersby. I think the white clematis will be next to bloom. It’s a lovely time of year. Hooray for your new purchase! Will you celebrate its arrival with purple nails? Or just with love and enjoyment? The latter last longer, don’t they!

      Reply ↓
  24. Lisa Dorenfest

    I for one love the eye-catching outfit; comfortable and fashionable (said by one who has been away so long she has no clue as to what is fashionable anymore but knows what she likes ;-). I would go with the heart-earrings. Great to see you back here and looking forward to more

    Reply ↓
    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Isn’t it wonderful to know what we like, and not be at the mercy of fashion trends! Plus when you travel the world as you do, you see how each place has its own style, its own ‘fashions’ and that puts western fashion trends in perspective. Just one small part of a very big world. The heart earrings were given to me a few weeks ago. They have a lovely sparkle to them. I like sparkly things more and more as I age. Is it because my ageing eyes can see them better, I wonder?

      Reply ↓
    1. Gallivanta Post author

      I am glad to be back, Leslie. There were times in the last couple of months when I didn’t think I would find time ( or energy) to return. The amethyst earrings seem to be everyone’s favourite. Although I bought them in Kathmandu, I don’t know if they were made there. But I do know the origin of the amethyst ring and little amethyst heart pendant. They were bought and made in Zambia more than 30 years ago. Precious treasures from an interesting period of my life.

      Reply ↓
    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Ditto, with the smiles. I can see, from the comments, that those amethyst drops are likely to have an important supporting role to the star of my special occasion blog post.

      Reply ↓
  27. womanseyeview

    Of course you’ve been missed – IG’s just not the same. ‘When I grow old I’ll wear purple’ isn’t that how it goes?..so you may want to wait a while yet. Welcome back and thinking of returning myself.

    Reply ↓
    1. Gallivanta Post author

      That is definitely how it goes. “When I am an old woman I shall wear purple / With a red hat that doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me.” Apparently Joseph wrote those words in her 20s so she was really thinking ahead. It has been fun connecting with you on IG and it would be lovely to see you on WP again. All the spam and bots on IG annoy me a bit. WP has a good system in Akismet.

      Reply ↓
    1. Su Leslie

      Welcome back to WP. Your flowers are lovely, as are all the earrings. How could I possibly choose? I tried five different pairs on this morning before realising I was going to be late for a lunch date, and ended up wearing my least favourite. 😬

      Reply ↓
      1. Gallivanta Post author

        Oh that is funny. I had an almost similar problem this morning. My fingers were fumbling with the backings of different earrings as I rushed to get ready to go out. I ended up going with the old faithfuls, my pearl studs. So easy to put on but I really wanted to wear the smokey quartz. Sigh! But it’s grand to have choices. 🙂

        Reply ↓
        2. Gallivanta Post author

          I used to be a ring and bangle addict but earrings are, for the main part, much more practical ( you don’t have take them off when you’re making bread, for example.) Sigh, again, so many earrings, so few ears. 😀

        3. Su Leslie

          😂 I got multiple piercings when I was younger so I could wear more earrings, but it never looked that good and I let the holes close up.

  29. Clanmother

    You are back! What a celebration! I love your fashion sense as I have the same comfy pants, that are deep purple with yellow stars. I find that it goes with everything from plaids, paisley to stripes and polka dots. Your purple fingernail polish adds zest and energy to the reading to Myrtle the Purple Turtle. As for the earrings- I can’t make up my mind because they are all beautiful. But as one of my favourite numbers is “3” – I would chose # 3. Hugs coming your way.

    Reply ↓
  30. restlessjo

    I do hate to be put on the spot. Can I just take the flowers and run? 🙂 🙂 Most probably the amethyst drops…? Now can I see the holiday photos, please?

    Reply ↓
    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Tee Hee! You are most welcome to take the flowers and run. The holiday photos will come soon. They are of my trip to Fiji. Have you been to any of the Pacific Islands?

      Reply ↓
  31. Leya

    Well! I have followed your outings in media…but so very welcome you back here in the “real” blogosphere! You know you have been sorely missed…and my suggestion is – you wear the amethysts. I guess you will end up lovelylooking in any of your suggestions though. Thank you for the posy, we are running out of them here!

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    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Thank you for your warm welcome here, Ann-Christine. And thank you for your support on IG. I do like Instagram especially if I am travelling; it’s a quick way to add some creativity and communication to my day. But it is not like the ‘real’ blogosphere, as you say. My Kathmandu amethysts seem to be a popular choice. I am glad they have your approval, too. It looks like I will have to give them a good polish in preparation for their special outing.

      Reply ↓
      1. Leya

        I will be happy to read about your outing! And IG is excellent for traveling and quick communication. That is what I use it for too. Would not dream of bringing the PC with me! Cumbersome and craving…

        Reply ↓
    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Thank you, Sharifah. I am very fond of both. The hearts are very comfortable wear. They are nice and light. I am not greatly interested in clothes but I LOVE jewellery. Do you?

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      1. Sharifah

        I go more for comfort where clothes are concerned. I do love jewellery especially rings and bracelets. And I always seem to gravitate towards the aquamarine and turquoise hues.

        Reply ↓
        1. Gallivanta Post author

          Oh, I love the blues, like turquoise and aquamarine. I usually wear those hues in clothes and jewellery. I love purple, too, but I don’t wear it as often. Good to know that we both like comfort in clothes.

  34. insearchofitall

    I’m having a hard time deciding as they are all perfect. Black slacks would be perfect. Glad to see you back here for a bit. I still have one of my copies of Cynthia’s book. I gave away the other. Enjoy your visit.

    Reply ↓
    1. Gallivanta Post author

      I am glad you said “for a bit” for, surely, I am having trouble being a consistent blogger. I can no longer guarantee when I will blog, or if I will blog. Is it age, circumstance? I don’t know why, but I don’t have the pace and stamina that I had in 2012 when I began this blog. Lovely to see you here. Black slacks (and I do have some) would look good.

      Reply ↓
      1. insearchofitall

        I’m less consistent as well and I’ve been at it since 2011. I think our priorities shift. Summers leave me with so much to get done outside that I have no time to write about it. I have part of a post written but must go out now to shovel mulch before the rain and then sew a gift when I get back in. You show up when you have the time and inclination. No one is going to fire you for being an irregular blogger. 😉

        Reply ↓
        2. Liz Gauffreau

          I know exactly what you mean about needing to be outside doing the summer. Ours are so short, I want to grab every precious moment of warmth and color that I can.

    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Thank you, Peter. Your comment touches a tender spot in my heart because I have in recent months been preoccupied with where I belong. Perhaps a little of that preoccupation has filtered through into my post?

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  37. Steve Schwartzman

    Your sartorial questions are way out of my league but in your “dedicated follower” link I caught the song’s opening reference to Baroness Orczy:

    “We seek him here, we seek him there,
    Those Frenchies seek him everywhere.
    Is he in heaven?–Is he in hell?
    That demmed, elusive Pimpernel.”

    Reply ↓
      1. Steve Schwartzman

        To tell the truth, I wasn’t familiar with the song “Dedicated Follower of Fashion” and I haven’t read Baroness Orczy’s book The Scarlet Pimpernel, though I have seen the 1934 movie with Leslie Howard and Merle Oberon several times:

        https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0025748/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2

        I think I’ve also watched the 1984 remake with Jayne Seymour and Anthony Andrews. From the article at

        https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084637/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

        I see that Julian Fellowes, who played the Prince Regent in that version, went on to create Downton Abbey.

        Reply ↓
        1. Gallivanta Post author

          I haven’t seen either film but I seem to remember hearing the story as a radio broadcast. Interesting that Julian Fellowes was in the Scarlet Pimpernel. Perhaps that’s where is fascination with the aristocracy began. 😀 I see he has a new Downton Abbey project; a movie. https://youtu.be/tu3mP0c51hE

  39. Val

    The drops or the circles… either. 🙂 And the top but not with the bottoms! 😉

    I’m a big fan of wearing purple (as our patio birds will tell you, the ‘purple no-wing’ feeds them often!) but I haven’t the courage to wear purple nail varnish – what fun!

    Reply ↓
    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Your choices have been noted. I agree, the bottoms have to go but not before I find a suitable replacement. I wouldn’t want to subject anyone to the sight of my bare legs (with mighty purple veins, I might add). 😀 I am glad you are a fan of purple. I expect your patio birds are, too, by now. Purple nail varnish is a great deal of fun. Give it a go, please do. 🙂

      Reply ↓
    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Hello to you, too. Whimsical; that’s a nice way of putting it! 😀 And another vote for the amethyst drops. Wonderful. In a previous life I wore them regularly because I loved the way they caught the light.

      Reply ↓
  41. Steve Gingold

    Wellll, I am about the last person in the world to offer style advice, although I do try to coordinate my tee shirts with whatever is worn on top of them. We share a similar carefree aesthetic, I think. 🙂
    However, I can say that I am happy to see a new Gallivanta post and,on the anticipated visitation.

    Reply ↓
    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Ah, Steve, I am well-known for my carefree aesthetic. Well spotted. But on the day of that photo I was both forgetful and careless. I had been very busy (and more than a little frazzled) and only realized very late in the afternoon that I hadn’t finished dressing for the day. I was half in street clothes and half in pyjamas. I will leave you to guess which is which. I couldn’t stop laughing at myself.

      Reply ↓

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