Thank you all so much for your kind comments last week, consoling me with the death of my mum. I didn’t reply as I would be repeating myself the whole time but know that it felt so warm and kind. Mum always said, “Why would your readers want to see my old face?”. And I would reply: “Mum, they are even asking for it” haha.
A few of you also said kind, positive things about my outfit with the lemon yellow trousers. Thank you for that. It must have been odd, a blog post with all happy, trivial photos of an outfit, a marina and a friend, followed by such sad news. But that is me, dear readers, a strange mix.
For today I have a new styling of old things, green trousers with an anchor blouse. The green trousers are part of a sleeveless suit (link to post) and the blouse is ancient (link to post from 2013 with this blouse and a black and white striped pencil skirt).
A couple of weeks ago I wore the suit and popped into the shop kpa.haarlem, to say hi to Karlijn, the owner. She has the same suit and we both loved it on each other and far less on ourselves. I like it much better now as I get many compliments when I wear it. She asked me “Have you styled those trousers with something else yet? Or the waistcoat?”. I hadn’t which won’t do of course, especially not now that I have my challenge of buying only 10 items of clothing this year. So, I went ahead and this is the result. I like it, hope you do too.
Marita was my photographer and after the mandatory cappuccino (LOL) we walked through Haarlem, searching for spots in the shade.
Below: A sitting down pose in front of a coffee bar.
Below: I like initiatives like this. Tightening a rope across the alley and let a plant grow from one side to the other. In this case a jasmine. I love green in a city.
Below: In another street I pretended to jump over this post. (Never would I jump; at my age that is not a good idea.)
Below: We found a green wall, perfect to take Marita’s photo, although I did not do a very good job (too much light on her face).
I love the top she is wearing. Great sleeves.
Below: Not the loveliest of close-ups as my head was tilted to the back too much, but hey, good enough to see the earrings (Lara Design) and the blouse (by Marlene Birger) in detail. The belt is Weekend Max Mara.
Below: We saw this beautiful building. The “cut-outs” you see on either side of the door and the window above it, probably used to be windows, which have been bricked up at a later date. It is never difficult to find a beautiful building in Haarlem; the only thing you have to do is turn around.
Below: Or look up. It is said that in old towns you always have to look up to see the most amazing things.
Below: One last shot of the outfit. Leaning to one side always makes the belt look funny.
Below: Close-up of my red and pink bag by Marlene Birger. It is an elegant bag, so it doesn’t go with my arty and edgy outfits. But I would classify my outfit of the day as modern.
Below: It was busy in town with the market square turned into a temporary food court and the market stalls spread out over the streets leading up to the market square. Plus it is holiday time and there are many tourists. No need to go abroad anymore, you can speak any language you want.
What happened in my life this week
Even though it might seem totally ridiculous to you, I had my BVA friends over on Saturday. It is difficult to find a suitable date with six women and this was arranged months ago. I didn’t want to spoil everybody’s fun by cancelling and besides, what good would it do? Even though I share my whole life with everybody, I prefer crying on my own. Not even with my husband around, although that does happen of course. Grief often strikes suddenly.
Anyway, we had a great time, despite my mum’s death.
On Sunday Ron and I went to mum’s nursing home to sort out her belongings and to label the furniture of the house that needed to stay.
Below: I wore this dress and high heels as it was a breezy outfit, well equipped for the heat and I know Ron likes me in a dress with heels. As I was putting labels on things, he said: “Gosh, you do have beautiful legs”. That’s the way to my heart darling, compliments.
You saw the dress before styled exactly like this in an Italy post and with trainers in this post.
On Monday, a charity shop took all of mum’s furniture and cups etc as you have to vacate a room in a home within a week. They would have cut us some slack, but it was easy to arrange; we didn’t even have to be present when they came.
Ron possessed a so-called ‘dementia dog‘ which he donated to the home. He got it a few years ago from a friend, whose father had died. It is a plush dog that can wag his tail, open and shut his eyes, bark, pant and turn his head. Some person in the home with dementia is going to become a lot happier with that dog. Ron got into the spirit of things and bought another dementia dog and a cat and donated them as well. Kind-hearted man.
Monday we went to the beach and in the afternoon I did some admin for the cremation. The undertaker, chosen by my brother, happened to be the daughter of mum’s friend, whom she saw every week at the hairdresser. Pure coincidence.
The undertaker knows my mum well and mum had always said to her “You will be doing my cremation”. Mum just never told me. But it is true as I found the undertaker’s address in one of mum’s address books. It is sooo comforting that the cremation will be handled by someone who knows and appreciates mum.
Tuesday was a hot day again and I just stayed in. Did some household chores, took a lot of clothes to the dry cleaners and let the men in who added the fourth marquesses to the system so it will respond to wind. I also showed the electrician the sockets that needed replacing. They were installed in 1995 and some of them have just disintegrated while others spark little flames when I put a plug in. All in all a very fruitful and boring day.
Wednesday I saw Ayen at last. We had to postpone our get-together a couple of times. As it was quite a while ago we had lots to talk about. Over coffee, lunch and coffee (below).
Below: I wore this outfit. (Link to original post with this outfit if you scroll down a little bit.) In the photo below I am wearing it with slippers but later in the day I switched to my original styling (with sequinned trainers). The necklace proved to be real silver and is in need of polishing.
Thursday was the day of the cremation. Only the family was present with spouses, children and grandchildren, 15 people in total. We gathered in a room together with mum’s coffin and it was an informal and beautiful farewell, very warm.
Friday was my babysitting day. Something I haven’t told you about before.
My bonus daughter and her husband have a baby girl called Zoë and I look after her one day a week since she was a few months old.
I won’t show her adorable face as we don’t want her image being used for scary purposes. Too bad as she is so cute and I want to brag haha, but prudence is best.
Below: Reading a story, as that is what grannies do, right? She loves it when someone reads her a story. She picks the book herself.
When I go there, I put on my oldest clothes, the ones which wash easily as usually you get stained. I don’t check my hair either when I arrive or comb it, and then it looks like this below LOL.
Below: Going for a walk, even when it drizzles. No fashionista in sight.
My bonus daughter lives an hour’s drive away which means I have to get up really early when it is “my day”. Now that my shoulder tension has snapped a couple of months ago, I cannot lift her anymore. Ron is therefore coming with me to do the lifting (in and out of bed and such). He never used to come with me as he isn’t much into babies, but now that Zoë starts talking and he can interact, it is so much nicer for him. She adores him and could say grandpa far sooner than grandma, even though I had been around every week for one and a half year.
Last month we couldn’t go for two weeks because Ron had Covid and apparently Zoë called for grandpa AND grandma (YES!) often and loud. She uses Ron as a cushion, as a playmate, as an entertainment centre haha.
Anyway, that was my grandmother rant. I had to get it off my chest.
Greetje
And…life returns to normal things and just keeps going. I’m glad you got everything sorted out and that your mum was taken care of by someone she knew.
Good for you, styling up the trousers separately! I love the bits of colour-I’m a fan of that lovely purse.
Hugs to you, Greetje.
That puffer bag is handy and lightweight. Very good for schlepping a lot of things around.
And yes, life takes its normal course.
Greetje, So very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. I always enjoyed seeing her on the blog. I really enjoy your posts and your outfits are always so fun – as is the commentary. I find your manner and the tone of your writing very refreshing and do not think you insensitive.
Thanks Sheila. Lovely compliments. I hope you will keep on enjoying my posts.
Greetje, I really loved your earlier comment to Sharon Daly when you counted your blessings so very articulately… sometimes we need to pause and do so. You are definitely in my thoughts these days.
I had a pretty cotton knit dress very similar to your anchor blouse… but with red bicycles on it. I had a red belt too, and classy red shoes. 👠 I loved how I looked in it at the time. I took it to a local dry cleaners, as I was nervous about washing it. It came back to me with orange bicycles… no apologies either. So much for my styling ! Never liked it after that.
You are right. Taking the time to count your blessings makes you happy and grateful. Well, that is, if you have blessings of course.
What a terrible shame the dry cleaners ruined your pretty dress. And not even taking responsibility for it. I am so glad with my dry cleaners. Fantastic people.
Once again I loved your outfits! Enjoy your time with Zoe!
It is fun to see a child grow up, she often makes me laugh. It is especially fun as a grandparent. All the joy, none of the sleepless nights etc.
Glad you liked all my outfits.
Dear Greetje I was so sorry to hear about your Mums passing she sounds like such an amazing woman. My condolenceses to your whole family. I’m sure your Mum is smiling down on you all and watching all your adventures with great pleasure. I loved all the photos you posted and your granddaughter sounds so precious. Take care and keep posting so we can see all the lovely outfits you wear and amazing places you visit. From a fan in Canada.
It is always great to hear someone is fan of my blog. Thank you for that and all your good wishes. I will keep on blogging, fear not.
I’m very sorry your Mother has passed. She was part of the generation affected by the world war as was my mom. I’m certain your mother was like mine in being such a steady force in your life. She will be missed. Much sympathy to you and your family.
Thank you Kathleen. She was a sweet and wise woman.
Greetje, I also offer my condolences. You were an attentive, caring daughter, and I loved seeing your mum on the blog. I also love that you refer to your “bonus daughter.” Enjoy Zoe. They grow up quickly!
Thank you Bonnie, those are kind words.
Sometimes I feel a bit fake, using the term bonus daughter, but it does sound much better than stepdaugher. The fairytale of Cinderella caused that.
There’s a Swedish TV series called bonusfamiljen and it’s about step families and extended families and it gets quite complicated. But I like the phrase bonus family. Sounds like a blessing
I can imagine it gets complicated. And yes, bonus family sounds so much better as there are no negative implications.
Oh my goodness! I loved every outfit you showed this week! Glad everything went smoothly for your mum. Losing a parent just hurts!
Loved hearing about the dementia dog and about your granddaughter. She looks and sounds adorable and am sure she brings light into the current gloom. Hope your shoulder gets better.Best wishes for a good week.
Thank you for your kind comment. I am glad you liked so many outfits. Must be doing something right LOL.
It is life I suppose, one dies, one gets born. And eh.. my shoulder is never getting better anymore. Again, such is life.
I like the featured pants and anchor blouse. I think your choice of belt pulls the outfit together. I am not a grandmother but almost all in my social circle are. I hear many grandmother stories.
Often it is the accessories that do the trick.
I never thought I would be a grandmother as I don’t have children of my own and could never build a relationship with my bonusdaughter when she grew up. Fortunately that all turned for the good and now I am a bonus grandmother. Who would have thought. Often you can also fulfil that role with a family who have children but no parents anymore. But it would require a “click”.
So sorry about your mother; it is, I agree, a very odd experience to lose the only person who has known you all your life and with love. So lovely to see you enjoying a young one.
Such is life, one dies, one is getting born. I will get used to not having a mother. It takes some adjusting.
I’m glad your mother’s cremation went well. It sounds like you are taking good care of yourself too, which is important. Ron is definitely a great guy! Take care.
Ron is bending over backwards to make me feel good. Bless him. Of course I cry now and then, but overall I am fine.
I can’t imagine a more “circle of life” post — your mother passes on and your granddaughter emerges on scene. You’re the hub of the spoked wheel that travels around you.
Yes, it is kind of the essence of life, isn’t it. One dies and another one gets born. I suppose everybody is the hub of their own scene, right?
As we say in America, with your green pants outfit, “You hit a home run.” It’s perfect. How wonderful that your gathering with your friends was already scheduled for when you needed it most. In many cultures such a gathering at a mourner’s house would be expected and spontaneous. You have the gift of attracting and keeping many wonderful friends, and you have the fabulous gift of closeness to a grandchild. I’m so happy for you.
You are right, I think I am truly blessed. Blessed with my upbringing, my family, my husband, my bonusdaughter and her husband and my bonusgrandchild. And last but most certainly not least, my wonderful friends. I also have a reasonably normal figure and a reasonably agreeable face and a comfortable amount of money. Not too many and/or severe infirmities, plus I live in a country which is 6th place on the list of the World Happiness Report. I mean…how lucky can you get? And now I hit a home run LOL.
I also like that blue and white dress! You keep your clothes a long time! If i stopped gaining weight I could do that too! So nice to see that you have a granddaughter and that you get to see her regularly!
It is actually a blue and pale pink dress.
If an item is really good, I see no reason to get rid of it. And because I would hate not being able to wear something because I changed size, I keep myself the same weight. It helps that eating isn’t really my hobby, clothes are LOL.
I like those green pants with the green jacket/vest also! Looks really modern!
That is what I thought when I saw Karlijn in that sleeveless suit. And we both aren’t sure about it. Strange, right?
Your posts always cheer me…the outfits and the shots of beautiful places.
I’m sad for you losing your lovely Mum : when your Mother dies it is always too soon.
You look smashing in that blue and white dress.
As my main goal with this blog is to entertain, I am glad you wrote that my posts cheer you. That is a lovely compliment.
And yes, it is strange after having a mum for my entire life (70 years) to not having her.
The outfit is quite nice. Take care of yourself.
Thanks, I will. Glad you like the outfit. I felt quite proud of myself for creating it.
I really like the shade of green of your pants and love you styled it with the red…just sending ❤️❤️ for your Mom…
The trousers are a soft green and the style is a bit different which I like. Thanks for your comment.
I like that slightly olive green with the red. And Ron is correct, you do have great legs!
I’m glad you have a grandchild to cheer you up! Also I love your outfit.
Such is life, isn’t it? Someone dies, someone gets born. Thanks for your comment.
Gecondoleerd Greetje. Ik had het nog niet gezien dat je moeder was overleden. Jullie hadden een mooie lieve band.
Dank je wel Claudia. Ik wist niet dat je mijn blog nog las. Aangename verrassing.
I was quite pleased with myself for coming up with this combination.
I love your feature outfit, casual but so smart and looks to be comfy. I also LOVE your gorgeous dress and it certainly highlights your legs. You have a sensible attitude to life and death, it doesn’t diminish your depth of caring for your beloved Mum.
Apart from high heels, all my outfits are really comfortable these days. Never thought I would become a woman who prefers comfort over style. I never used to.
Thanks for saying those words about my “sensible attitude”. It is reassuring. Sometimes I wonder whether I am insensitive.
Hi Greetje, even without seeing her face I can tell that your granddaughter is adorable!
I can imagine that it was very meaningful to have your dear mum’s cremation presided over by someone who knew her so well. Yes, indeed, the grief and tears often come unexpectedly; nothing for it but to let time do it’s thing. Take care.
Thanks Patricia. I am fine and just let those sad moments happen. Nothing you can do about it and it is to be expected. Actually, it hasn’t sunk in entirely yet, that I don’t have a mother anymore. All my life (70 years) I have had a mother. Not many people can say that. I feel lucky for all those years.