tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post3221969365899205402..comments2023-10-11T04:09:53.564-07:00Comments on materfamilias writes: Fabulous Friday! OOTDs, New Glasses, and New Friends!!materfamiliashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-36146629291537165982016-07-31T06:49:59.500-07:002016-07-31T06:49:59.500-07:00Thanks, Linda. I'm really hoping that we will ...Thanks, Linda. I'm really hoping that we will be able to meet up within the next couple of years. Yours and @marob23's IG feeds convince me that I would love travelling through your geographies and it's not such a big hop from places we already go to regularly. . . .materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-50034937562219608332016-07-26T10:38:05.237-07:002016-07-26T10:38:05.237-07:00Agreeing with nohatnogloves about the presence of ...Agreeing with nohatnogloves about the presence of French and Spanish women compared to us Brits. I think of the mother of my daughter's French exchange parter, who always, but always, looks effortlessly elegant in summery linen shift dresses (while also being an extremely nice and kind person), and beside whom I feel a vast, clumping teenager. Lindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11269887100694066103noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-48609270521418962472016-07-26T10:31:33.024-07:002016-07-26T10:31:33.024-07:00That was so lovely to have that invitation from a ...That was so lovely to have that invitation from a fellow blogger. I suspect I would have found the outfits of the audience more riveting than the film - as a Brit I am rather overdosed on AbFab from TV, so will give the film a miss in favour of the new Star Trek (admitting that Chris Pine is rather restful to look at). <br />It is such fun to meet up in real life (bloggers, not Chris Pine, tho that wouldn't go amiss). I have only met @marob23 and Christine from Writing from Scotland (tho it's not really 'only' because they are enriching people to know), but am thinking of facilitating a larger meet up of Scottish bloggers and IGers. <br />Your questions? Love them - even if I don't always answer them, I love the discussions and detours they spark off. <br />The Glasses - they really suit you. Lindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11269887100694066103noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-55837158256241709262016-07-25T10:56:56.534-07:002016-07-25T10:56:56.534-07:00Love the glasses! In response to your post, I rea...Love the glasses! In response to your post, I realize that I rarely end in questions. Is this a flaw? perhaps. Your's always seem so natural, but I'm not always inclined to answer the question you post, and I somehow surmise that is ok. Mardelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04850551308931710502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-19287419863476643932016-07-25T08:36:07.098-07:002016-07-25T08:36:07.098-07:00Yes indeed. Sitting on the beach, in a cafe or ju...Yes indeed. Sitting on the beach, in a cafe or just noodling quietly as I went, it seemed to me that French and Spanish women have much more certainty about their presence. We inadvertently found ourselves amidst a huge Spanish wedding crowd and the women (and men, it must be said) looked astounding. Absolutely no self-consciousness. Even walking on the beach they seemed happily at home, no matter how old. Plus: very few tattoos. Or poorly bleached hair. Perhaps it is because there is a European tendency to live outside - weather, probably - and a greater sense of being part of a visible crowd. Brits: we tend to be more insular. I am certain weather is part of this. I must consult with my daughter and see what the young people think about this.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-89489345821450810792016-07-24T22:42:59.187-07:002016-07-24T22:42:59.187-07:00Thank you! I am indeed and it is beautiful-althoug...Thank you! I am indeed and it is beautiful-although there are too many people on the beach,but I swimm early in the morning and after 6 p.m so this is a good choice<br />Yes,I was afraid so when I've read <br />Your moving schedule for September<br />But am looking forward our Fabulous meeting -this year or next one! No Kate Moss included :-)<br />D.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-7656828924099148752016-07-24T20:28:42.177-07:002016-07-24T20:28:42.177-07:00You had 16 years without glasses? Must be hard to ...You had 16 years without glasses? Must be hard to give that up again. <br />And wow, yes, kudos to Costco! That's really impressive. And now we're both in the club of blue-frame-wearing, greying women . . . <br />I'll be curious to see what you report as you settle into your new town. Those longtime friends are very special, of course, but new ones sometimes let us explore new parts of ourselves. . . .<br />Thanks for commenting and for the kind words Mary.materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-2728259844582728002016-07-24T20:24:44.682-07:002016-07-24T20:24:44.682-07:00So sorry you lost the comment -- appreciate that y...So sorry you lost the comment -- appreciate that you took time to write it again.<br />I'm really hoping we will have a Fabulous meeting ourselves before too long. Probably not this fall as our trip is looking a bit complicated, but next year, I hope. Are you at the seashore right now? Lovely! Enjoy!materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-21525449027833357952016-07-24T20:23:10.208-07:002016-07-24T20:23:10.208-07:00Thanks! Isn't it great when we get to meet up ...Thanks! Isn't it great when we get to meet up with our fellow bloggers IRL? Still remembering that lunch from -- what? 3, 4, 5 years ago -- when you and I and our guys got to meet. . .<br />The questions. Yep, like you, I feel mine are contrived at times, but I have to say from the other side of the screen that yours work. And given all you have going on, I think your blogging voice is ringing out increasingly clearly. With the Spanish accent now, right?! materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-25533413573086721042016-07-24T20:20:34.787-07:002016-07-24T20:20:34.787-07:00Thanks, RH. I do feel as if we're chatting, wi...Thanks, RH. I do feel as if we're chatting, wish I could serve up some tea! ;-)materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-43006705639314838722016-07-24T20:19:21.799-07:002016-07-24T20:19:21.799-07:00Thanks Sue. I had to chuckle at my disappearing sk...Thanks Sue. I had to chuckle at my disappearing skirt as well, even as I tried discreetly to clutch it in place. . . <br />Honestly, I can see why you'd give the movie a miss -- I suspect the material is much better suited to shorter duration, and perhaps also to the possibility of taking a kitchen or checking-my-texts break. I felt exactly the sentiment you expressed beginning "Gad . . . " I felt humourless compared to those around me, and I'm not, usually. . . .I'm going to see if I can track down the scene you describe and I'll like to check out a few of the TV episodes to see what I was missing.materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-14373721290496567132016-07-24T20:14:53.719-07:002016-07-24T20:14:53.719-07:00Jenn, the TV show apparently ran for quite a few y...Jenn, the TV show apparently ran for quite a few years in Britain and has a large and devoted following. . . <br />Sorry to hear to feeling a bit at odds, friendship-wise, at the moment, and impressed that you use the perspective to see your overall luck. With that attitude I expect you'll regroup soon -- sounds as if you're already developing friendships that work in your new situation. And I'm still hoping we'll finally meet up again IRL. xomaterfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-69562256410572717222016-07-24T20:10:29.961-07:002016-07-24T20:10:29.961-07:00Thanks Penny. And thanks for letting me know I mig...Thanks Penny. And thanks for letting me know I might not be the only one whose sense of humour isn't completely aligned with the show. I smiled, chuckled a few times, but I didn't enjoy it nearly as much as the women in my row . . . I also appreciate your comments about the questions at the end, both the way you use them and the way I do. <br />materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-12714874357283857422016-07-24T12:04:46.350-07:002016-07-24T12:04:46.350-07:00Just spotted this as I'm rushing off to a pedi...Just spotted this as I'm rushing off to a pedicure appointment (oh, life is so tough!), Brenda, and wanted to extend sympathy and to agree that this might be a worthwhile topic to explore, if a touchy one. I suspect that by "a certain age" there are very few of us who haven't experienced this kind of hurt, and I'd be curious to hear the many ways that we handle it. Also interesting to think about how the politics and/or the times inflect our relationships. Back soon, with better toenails, to think/write about this. xomaterfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-376806298991302542016-07-24T06:20:19.828-07:002016-07-24T06:20:19.828-07:00Love your glasses Frances. I know how tricky this ...Love your glasses Frances. I know how tricky this expensive purchase can be. After 16 years post laser eye surgery, I must wear glasses again. I bought a pair at Costco in November at a very reasonable price, only to be told by my daughter that they were old lady glasses. Needless to say, I felt self conscious everyday since. I found a lovely blue pair of prescription sunglasses, once again at Costco. While being fitted, I mentioned I was not happy with my everyday glasses. The technician helped me find a more stylish pair(blue frames to match my graying hair), and refunded the cost of my originals! Wow! Kudos to Costco. <br />I just returned from a quick visit to the lower mainland and managed to book in a couple of lunches with female friends. It was lovely to catch up with them and share some personal concerns regarding family members. Knowing each other for over 30 years helps with understanding our back stories. As I commented previously, I don't anticipate developing such closeness with friends I am trying to cultivate in my new town. But, I remain open to possibilities as long as I remain true to myself. <br /><br />I appreciate further exploration of this topic. As well, I pay particular attention to comments and suggestions regarding communicating with our adult children. Sometimes, I wonder what the new norms are surrounding this ever changing landscape. <br /><br />Keep writing Frances. I look forward to reading your thoughtful à propos words. MaryB<br />MaryBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09425210540881406038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-89755872307957666412016-07-24T06:04:58.891-07:002016-07-24T06:04:58.891-07:00Oh,my comment is lost :-),maybe because of mobile ...Oh,my comment is lost :-),maybe because of mobile phone or I can't find it!<br />Like the questions because I like conversation and thank you for answers,I appreciate it very much<br />Like the frames,-they were my favourites- and the outfits<br /> It is AbFab when friendships from blogosphere continue IRL!<br />You both look great<br />When I would be in Z. again,(this time from Adriatic) I plan to see AbFab<br />DottoressaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-85552681886235832532016-07-24T01:15:16.482-07:002016-07-24T01:15:16.482-07:00Those frames are so incredibly excellent! I'm ...Those frames are so incredibly excellent! I'm really glad to hear that a blog friend reached out to you and invited you out for some fun.<br />I have had the same debate with myself about questions at the end of posts. I do think they tend to invite conversation in ways that just ending the post without them does not. Yet, I sometimes feel like mine are a bit contrived and forced. I especially feel this way now after coming back to blogging after such a long break. These past few months it's been a challenge to find my blogging voice again. Raquelitahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13138113830990586689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-17508963552553300822016-07-23T20:03:09.304-07:002016-07-23T20:03:09.304-07:00I think it is wonderful that you ask questions and...I think it is wonderful that you ask questions and our opinions. It makes me think about different subjects and it let's me hear other people's views. It is like we are all having a wonderful conversation. Not forced at all.<br /><br />RHaguehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06787598661103795858noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-52368746674560960392016-07-23T19:06:58.263-07:002016-07-23T19:06:58.263-07:00Love those new glasses. Still smiling at the image...Love those new glasses. Still smiling at the image of your skirt disappearing between your legs at the "slightest encouragement from the wind." <br />Surprisingly I think I'll probably give the Ab Fab movie a miss. I've watched the show many times, although not always all the way through an episode. I love the characters, and the idea of the characters, but the over-the-top-ness of it can wear on me pretty quick. I still chortle at the scene in the TV series when Patsy had minor surgery and tried to order room service "darling" in the hospital... but not sure I could hang on for two hours or even ninety minutes. <br />Gad... that makes me sound like a stick in the mud....which I'm not... usually. <br />As for questions at the end of a blog post...like Sue/Une Femme I think they are more of an invitation as opposed to an assignment. Perhaps giving readers a place to start. I use them most of the time... but not always. Sometimes they just spoil a really good ending:)Sue Burpeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07282970328494769657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-53112297162878397052016-07-23T18:15:14.477-07:002016-07-23T18:15:14.477-07:00I absolutely did ask, Mary, and I'm glad you f...I absolutely did ask, Mary, and I'm glad you feel comfortable answering honestly here. It would be a boring world if we all agreed, right? I hope your weekend is a good one also.materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-33556135417662916732016-07-23T15:58:07.918-07:002016-07-23T15:58:07.918-07:00Love the outfits and the new frames Frances. I am ...Love the outfits and the new frames Frances. I am not super happy with my last frame choice but will live with them till my next prescription. I go to Costco for mine which saves hundreds of dollars and then get $200 from extended health to supplement the price. <br /><br />I am totally unfamiliar with the TV show that movie is based on so likely I would be like you, missing most of the punch lines. That being said, I was an avid movie goer for many years, then my marriage ended and a later movie buddy dropped away and the movie going ended. I have been a few times this year with friends and do love the change from Netflix- the big screen, the audience, the popcorn...<br /><br />How wonderful that you are making new friends and starting new routines in your new Vancouver life. I have gone through a time when my closest friends have moved away or life changes have altered relationships and for the first time since my teen years I have felt kind of adrift and am spending lots of time alone. It gives me a total appreciation of how fortunate I have been throughout my life to be surrounded by good friends. I am really enjoying the new and developing friendships this past year, including reconnecting with you after more than 30 years. Life is so interesting with the different stages we move through!! Jenn B<br /><br />Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16672725172624302454noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-77599354073285238462016-07-23T15:54:45.591-07:002016-07-23T15:54:45.591-07:00Yes my comment on our differing opinions of films ...Yes my comment on our differing opinions of films is based on previous posts where you have mentioned films you have enjoyed. Facilitating discussion and encouraging participation of students were what I had in mind. While I totally understand why you use the questions in your blog, they do put me in mind of assignment setting and you did ask. Have a good weekend MaryAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-81143031952424458462016-07-23T15:36:13.672-07:002016-07-23T15:36:13.672-07:00I like the questions; they make the blog less of a...I like the questions; they make the blog less of a diary but more of a conversation. <br /><br />Your frames look great; the blue is very up to date.<br /><br />It sounds as if you had a great time with Melanie. I do look at her blog and love her brave fashion choices and inventive use of colour. I am a huge AbFab fan and hope to see it soon. I am sure there are many in-jokes, many about Patsy.<br /><br />I am veering off in this comment to say I am sad at heart at the moment. I know you will be posting more on friendships in the next few weeks, so here’s some food for thought. In the last two weeks, I have had two friendships changed irrevocably. In the first instance, an old childhood friend has lost me as a friend. She’s somewhat notorious at the moment, but I won’t give any identifying details here. I had no idea as I had hidden her Facebook feed for years, but when I looked at it, her sad progression from curiosity to paranoia was all too apparent. The other, in the context of criticizing a group of people implied something so nasty about a family member of mine that I had to call her out. To her credit, she apologized for my hurt and took her post down; however, she made it clear that she stood by her belief with a hasty “with the exception of my relative” thrown in. There were some awkward private messages and a final “agree to disagree” from her. From now on I can’t “unknow what I know” to be her opinion which will forever put a barrier between us. I will not be able to speak completely openly with her again, and it makes me sad. I love the posts about finding new friends, of which you and I are an example, I think. Perhaps you might also explore how you feel about the friendships that fall away or lessen? That might be too fraught a topic though!<br /><br />It is interesting that both of the problems with my friends came about because of their embracing conspiracy theories. These are paranoid times! Brenda<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-30376591532771199942016-07-23T10:12:17.589-07:002016-07-23T10:12:17.589-07:00Great choice of spectacle frames, they suit you ve...Great choice of spectacle frames, they suit you very well. I really like both your outfits in this post Frances, particularly the first one, the colours are great, and the style is relaxed but very well put together and perfectly accessorised by the scarf. I have not seen the Ab Fab film. I only ever enjoyed the tv series moderately well, it always promised to be funnier than it was, though I do like watching Joanna Lumley, she is a good actress, and I love her voice. I think I would smile, rather than laugh my way through, the film. Re questions at the end of blog posts; I ask a question occasionally at the end of my blog posts occasionally, but not always. I like the questions at the end of your posts, it makes you sound (as I have no doubt you are in person) interested, enquiring, listening, curious about the world. It is a little trademark of yours and a very nice one XPennyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03174324346613155013noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-30562446650282907552016-07-23T09:24:31.526-07:002016-07-23T09:24:31.526-07:00Yes you have, thanks! ;-)
We are really lucky -- i...Yes you have, thanks! ;-)<br />We are really lucky -- it's an extension of those early penpal communications that we could never have imagined four or five decades ago, and I love the way it indulges my need to reach out and explore.<br />Nice distinction: discussion vis-à-vis conversation. I will ponder this. . . <br /><br /><br />materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.com