Thursday 21st October
In the garden ...
Wednesday mornings (for the next three weeks) are busy with three back-to-back classes from 10 am to 1pm. The nutrition class was the first one and discussed emotional eating issues. This was followed by my piano lesson with C and finally the style coach online class to finish.
The piano lessons are going well and are one of high spots in my week. I've just completed the first book and will start on pieces from the second book for this week's practice, which sounds like rapid progress but isn't really as I started back at a much easier level than the music I had been playing so I could learn/improve my technique. C asked me to consider entering an adult beginners class at one of the local music festivals next year, again not to do with my ability but something she encourages all of her pupils to do. I haven't said no but I think it's unlikely that I will as performance nerves have always been a biggie for me and I don't want that additional stress. I'd like to work on a piece to performance standard anyway but part of me says to go for it and step outside of my comfort zone ... we'll see nearer the time! Anyway, Covid has to be taken into consideration and with the numbers continuing to rise in this area I think it's highly unlikely that I'd consider taking part to be a safe option.
The style class introduced the concept of a capsule wardrobe which she was quick to stress is something that means different things to different people. I'm not looking to take a hard line approach to this and I've come to realise that my own interpretation of a capsule wardrobe is actually better described as a co-ordinated wardrobe. I want the mix and match approach but have no intention of restricting myself to a limited number of items or to change to a new set of clothing for a new capsule wardrobe after a few months. My aim is to put together items of clothing that address all the activities in my lifestyle, can mix and match, are good quality and are timeless. I'm not setting a limit to how many items I can have but every item I buy will meet my choices of colours and suit my style personality and body shape - for me this means choosing items that suit an hourglass body shape, are of a classic and/or natural style and fit in with my chosen colours. With the colour aspect I know that I am a 'winter' so cool shades suit me, but within that colour group I still have to decide what my dark neutrals will be, my light neutrals, and my pops of colour, and so on. The challenge for this week is to determine what you'll have in your capsule wardrobe - how many skirts, how many pairs of trousers, how many tops, etc., and to decide on your colour scheme. Apparently Pinterest is a good source for inspiration. I'm actually changing the challenge to suit me and will decide on how many of each item I will buy for starters!
On to today and G will be here this morning to cut my hair. I have some wine for her as a thank you for finding buyers for the doll's house and the saxophone. Then it's the Indian cookery and today we're learning how to make paneer. I'm expecting some of my Christmas goodies to arrive as I've received notifications of despatch so any that turn up will be wrapped and put away in the hope that I have time to forget what's what before Christmas!
Interesting. I'd never considered the difference between a capsule wardrobe and a coordinated one and I think, like you, I must be aiming for the latter. I think capsule would be too - er - 'smart' (not quite the right term).
ReplyDeleteThe thought of entering a festival gives me the wobblies. I know I put some of my students through it in the dim and distant past but not for me, no way!
It's nice that she thinks you could though, isn't it?
xx
Although I've mentioned wanting to create a capsule wardrobe before I don't think I'd enjoy the experience. I don't want to have a huge amount of clothes but also don't want to be restricted in any way, even by limitations that I've set myself!
DeleteI am definitely not a solo performer. I'm okay in a group like the band but cannot see myself performing a solo piano piece in a month of Sundays, no matter how easy the piece is. I admit it was nice that she thinks me capable 😊
Wednesday mornings certainly are busy for you and it seems ideal that your piano lesson is in between. It is nice that your teacher thinks you are capable of much more. I have far too many clothes in my wardrobe and not wanting to buy more I need to do the opposite and let go, i have tried and failed!
ReplyDeleteWednesdays will be much easier once the style course is completed but at least it all works out for timings for now.
DeleteWe're moving on to sorting out your wardrobe and deciding what to keep so I'll let you know if I pick up any tips!
Sounds like a busy morning with three back to back classes! But, they are all such interesting classes and I'm so happy to read that you are moving on to the 2nd level book, already! Well done! You have to reward yourself with some stickers! :D
ReplyDeleteI like the term "coordinated wardrobe". There was a time when I had a rule that any new item of clothing I bought had to go with at least two items I already had in the wardrobe. It made it easier to mix and match.
It is busy, but fun. The only frustrating thing is that, until the style course ends, I don't have time to chat with C after my piano lesson. I'm pleased to have moved on the the next book and am hoping to get through this one in good time too as then I can start working on playing pieces I like, like Les Mis or Harry Potter! I have awarded myself some virtual stickers but will use this progress milestone to reward myself to some new music - I don't know what yet though. I already have Harry Potter and Les Mis is one of my Christmas goodies so I'll have to look online and see what I fancy.
DeleteI like you rule about new clothing having to go with at least two items already in the wardrobe. I think I'll pinch that idea from you ... many thanks! 😂😁
Fabulous photo - I like the behind view.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the wardrobe tidbits. I think making a wardrobe work for each is individual; love of clothes, income to spend on things; lifestyle. I like coordinated wardrobe, it's how I shop now; each piece must go with at least 2-3 other things. Glad to hear that the piano lessons are going well. Yes saw on our news about the increase in COVID cases, along with that new strain!!
Thanks Mary-Lou.
DeleteI find a lot of the style course a bit too much for me. Everything seems to be in terms of creating and wearing outfits and seems to apply more to people who are working and socialising a lot rather than the retired stay at homes like myself. In saying that though, I've learnt loads and will make better choices when I start to update my wardrobe.
The Covid numbers and the news of yet another new variant is worrying to say the least. Numbers are very high in this area, not helped by so many people receiving negative PCR results in error so too many infected people haven't been self isolating. It's unbelievable!
Hi Eileen,
ReplyDeleteBeautiful flower right at the start! She is beautiful!
Your days are very well programmed and full of activities with a lot of interest.
This is very good to occupy your time in a pleasant way.
I wish you a continuation of a good week.
Hugs
Ailime
Hi Ailime, I love that fuchsia, it's very pretty.
DeleteI'm lucky to have plenty of interests to keep me occupied, especially with the colder months ahead of us. I hope you have a good week too x
Oh that sounds like a hectic Wednesday morning! Good it's only for three weeks. Piano sounds like lots of fun. You hit on a good choice of teacher. The garden is looking great.
ReplyDeleteOn another matter, I have a problem: I've only taken 47 photos for "autumn" and I don't know if I'll have time to take more in the remainder of the month...
Piano is turning out to be a lot of fun ... even the daily practice. I was lucky to find C, she's a perfect sort of teacher for me.
DeleteAs to the autumn photos, only 47? I have to say I'm rather disappointed that you haven't made more effort! 😂😂 Please can I have your rejects? I haven't taken any yet.
Careful what you wish for! You wouldn't want to put your name to my rejects ... but there are plenty to choose from ... 200ish? All with my special grey blob in the top left.
ReplyDeleteOh it's alright, I'll add your name in huge letters so it's clear they are your photos. It'll just give me something to post! I'd forgotten about your signature grey blob though so now I'll have to go out and take my own. 😂
DeleteGlad the piano lessons are going well. I would say that if performing would be stressful, give it a miss. You don't want to cause yourself undue worry.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry, I'm 99.9% sure that I won't be entering the music festival even though I think I should do some things that take me out of my comfort zone. I'm learning the piano for fun and this sort of stress won't be fun for me but there may be other opportunities in the future where there isn't the competition element.
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