A.W.O.L

I'm not even sure how to start this post. It has been such a long time since I logged into my blog with any writers intent, that I have ran out of excuses as to my lack of commitment.

Nearly two and a half months have passed since my last update on this funny thing I call life. Two and a half months of new-job stress, including lack of sleep, working at home, lunch and even in the car (while John drives, not myself,  I hasten to add). The ironic thing is that my new job means that I am now in the centre of Bristol only a stones throw away from many a charity shop but lunches have been spent attached to my "I wish it was done" list or in front of the work computer. I have become one of those people consumed by the retail rat-race, repeatedly saying to myself "just get through Christmas, just get through Christmas".

Managing three stores is as hard as I thought it would be but only in that I know myself so well. I cannot do a half-assed job, so in trying to do everything 100% of the time, I am slowly working myself into a lonely grave with a headstone that will read - I told you so. In addition to work, we have been crippled by an intermittent internet connection, something that really raises my anxiety levels (and John's when I repeatedly look to him as man of the house, to sort it out). This does not bode well for any blogger so that too has been hampering my return.

In other more exciting news, my DIY king of a husband has nearly completed our en suite and our bedroom which means I have also been assisting with sanding and painting (I am in charge of painting all the tricky straight lines) so I have spent a lot of time in close proximity to skirting boards and door frames. Once that room is done, we are going to give ourselves some time off for good behaviour and give the house a break for a while. At least over the festive period. Next year will be all about phase two: ripping out the kitchen and redesigning the garden. It's amazing to think that Christmas is far too close corner. It doesn't seem that long ago that John and I were goofing around in our huge paddling pool in the garden.  As I look out on the garden today, it's a slightly different  landscape. Despite the beautiful verdant greens all around, there is also rain all around. Just as I've hung up the washing of course. The blue sky has been replaced with a blanket of grey and even my beloved birds seem in a somber mood. The bird table today has been home to many a fracas, with nourishment at the heart of every encounter.

So what can I do to brightn up the proceedings? Well I can pull myself up, dust myself off and start all over again (in blogging terms anyway).  Let this post be the re-start of Ad-Vintage...

Now of course, along with all work and no play, there has been a distinct lack of foraging going on. To be truthful, I haven't even been interested really. My only release being a quick trip to Westbury-on-Trym recently on the way to collect John from work. It's a quaint little village in Bristol that is full of lovely second hand shops, all offering very nice items from the relatively affluent population that live there.  So here's a couple of things that I found...

Another beaded top but I can't resist them. For me, anything beaded harks back to a bygone era (although not sure the style would be appropriate on Downton Abbey). It was under a fiver and for all that intricate work, well worth it. Not yet worn but I am hoping I will get chance to show it off at Christmas. 

This necklace is so beautiful. It looks like something my Nan would have had on her dressing table and this is definitely worthy of Downton. It was £3.50 although I probably would have paid £10 for it

And finally, a firm favourite of mine, a horseshoe.  Still no sign of my treasured horseshoe necklace, it has fallen into the void that we are now calling "not seen since we moved house". Also in that void are my Dior brooch, wedding shoes and green ring John bought me for my 40th last year.  I try not to think about them or I get upset. 

So there it is, not a massive shopping spree but a successful one nonetheless.  I am now off to attempt  to pick something to wear for a night out tonight with friends at the local indian restaurant. I have also neglected them (along with many others) since taking the new job so I am really looking forward to a catch up and a curry. 

Au revoir et  à bientôt mes amis.