Currently- April 2018

We were in Italy this time last month. We returned to the Viterbo and Rociglione area where we spent the first few nights of our honeymoon. It remains a favorite, even when we managed to arrive on the coldest week Europe has experienced in a while, the day after a blizzard.  There was far less walking around and a lot more driving on roads that haven't been cleared (and are a challenge on a good day) yet the beauty of Lago di Vico and the surrounding hills with the ancient medieval towns, tiny villages, and farmlands stood out even against the gray sky. And the food. And European-style hot chocolate. The cold and lack of good light hindered picture-taking, but I did get just enough which you can see on my Instagram.

I'm still not a fan of 2018. The year has started horribly terribly awfully as our Bob passed away on New Year's Day. I didn't want to talk about it for weeks that turned into months. I still don't want to. All the vet visits in the months prior (I know I've mentioned it here) were inconclusive, but it was most likely a very well-hidden lymphoma. He was also considerably older than we thought. All cats are special. A few touch your soul in an indescribable way. That was Bob.

The rest of the herd is doing well. The three kittens are growing (we just got Sally and Jane spayed. Bingley has been taken care of two months ago). Celeste is double the size she was when we rescued her. She still won't let us pet her, but she's happy to sit among the other cats and bask in the warmth and comforts of home. Sometimes she watches the birds and squirrels with a faint interest, seemingly telling them they were far less tasty than the cat food that grows in the bowl and doesn't require chasing. Then she rolls on her back in some catnip and falls asleep.

Book
I bought Zadie smith's essay book, Feel Free, with the intention of reading it in a flight or while on vacation. Didn't happen. So I guess it'll be my next reading because I'm quite excited about this book. I appreciate Ms. Smith's writing, but it can be a bit much at times. I figured shorter essays are going to be more enjoyable.

Music
A couple of months ago the husband and I went to see Rufus Wainwright live in Englewood. His sister, Lucy Wainwright Roche, opened for him. I admit I was a little disappointed that his other sister, Martha, wasn't there (I'm a big Martha Wainwright fan). However, Lucy won my heart immediately. Her voice is beautiful and she's delightfully funny and witty.  I bought most of her music the next day.
(Rufus was his wonderful self, as always)


TV
We tried to watch the first episode of Alan Cumming's new show. He might be my favorite actor (and should have been voted Sexiest Man Alive. No, I'm still not over that Blake Shelton fiasco), but I've forgotten how unimaginative and predictable network TV can be. Not worthy of his talent. Or of my time. At least The Americans are back. We're DVRing several weeks so we can binge.

Perfume
Vintage Colony by Jean Patou. In trying to figure out how pineapple note became a thing I'm going back to the original and best example. I've recently acquired a very vintage sealed parfum of it (part of a trio in the berry bottles) and it's giving my brain and nose a serious workout.

Makeup
Chanel everything. It's the antidote to the queasy feeling I've been getting from several YouTube brands.

Frequently Worn Item/Outfit
It's April and I still need my winter coats. Not amused.

Food
Sumo oranges. I'd eat them until my stomach explodes.

Bane
I need serious help with this blog, which isn't going to happen and it's stressing me out. I want to do so many things to make it the site that's personal, different, yet focused on my views of beauty,but my own limitations are overwhelming.

Joy
I'm typing this sitting in my playroom with Lizzy perching on my left knee and a purring Bingley draped over my shoulder and chest. Bad for typos, good for the soul.

Anticipation
Prince Harry's wedding.


Wishlist
I want a pair of reasonably heeled nude color Manolos that I can wear all spring and summer long for the next decade. There's this style, but I wish it came in matte and not patent leather:

Random Thought
Speaking of shoes: Do I love these? Do I hate these? Should they even be a thing? Should I buy them (Saks is having a F&F sale)?

DVF  Mikaila Leather Mules

How are you? What's on your list of loves and banes? Any wishes and recommendations?

Art: Alexander Young Jackson, Frozen Lake, Early Spring, Algonquin Park, 1914