tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50245721820150089552024-03-13T03:03:32.053-07:00Sent from my iRonThings I make and DoMrsC (Maryanne)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14440723067459232998noreply@blogger.comBlogger574125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024572182015008955.post-81950354321969813882023-04-08T00:28:00.006-07:002023-04-19T04:02:25.911-07:00Quiz Mastering and liking blogs<p> On Thursday last, I Quiz mastered the music quiz at the Southern Cross for the first time!<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1l9DwGQ5V4ceVKuwZIGEOzGzTxerW6LeqDDXNXlPeUvPLX_1uVAW2RgkAcAlOzcP0OfuWl7DRARidA2EF2gjzrx8P0WH6h3uCSScJVddPdqiN-X20V8uOBX2gKXDBjQd7W5ktXCSHI01hU_ZSnl--HwGnByA00wkx_hrgC2qbpcbtjvmWlwv2mQ21/s2048/338488139_3513514618970469_1482452373767950082_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1l9DwGQ5V4ceVKuwZIGEOzGzTxerW6LeqDDXNXlPeUvPLX_1uVAW2RgkAcAlOzcP0OfuWl7DRARidA2EF2gjzrx8P0WH6h3uCSScJVddPdqiN-X20V8uOBX2gKXDBjQd7W5ktXCSHI01hU_ZSnl--HwGnByA00wkx_hrgC2qbpcbtjvmWlwv2mQ21/s320/338488139_3513514618970469_1482452373767950082_n.jpg" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hans on acoustic round, me on the rest!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I did the acoustic round 11 times since April 22, which is a fair few, and because our beloved quiz master Vorn wasn't able to attend, nor his usual back-up, I volunteered.<p></p><p>SUCH FUN. It was a lot of work doing the research and assembling play lists, but as this whole quiz is about listening to songs and answering things like artist and title, as well as in one case, which movie the song was played over the credits of, it's fairly straight forward. </p><p>So now I want to be a quizmaster somewhere every week. It's lots of fun, and I can do it with a 20 minute hair and face makeover instead of a two hour one!</p><p>Of course in spite of this it was not plain sailing - I had bought all of the songs off a website and all was well until an 80s hit came up and it was so quiet we could hardly hear it. Realising this was going to be an ongoing issue, Hans quickly assembled the playlists in Spotify on his iPhone and played them off there. OMG WHAT. Thank goodness for having a millenial by my side <br /></p><p>Lots else has been happening too, of course. I'm giving up lone contracting and joining a consultancy company with handover mid May, I've taken up aqua jogging, and I'm still sorting out how I want to focus my spare time, while squandering it on games on my phone.</p><p>I'm finishing with a thanks to those who still blog, and read blogs. I'm not an instagram kind of gal, I like a good chewy read. I subscribe to a few newsletters that are basically blog posts that get dropped into our email aren't they? And Youtube, with its longer form chatty videos. But I really like blogs.<br /></p><p><br /></p>MrsC (Maryanne)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14440723067459232998noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024572182015008955.post-61870606897431125962023-01-29T21:59:00.000-08:002023-01-29T21:59:25.019-08:00Free time!<p> Well, I am no longer a person who owns a shop. On 1 January it became Wendy's baby and no longer ours.</p><p>It's pretty idyllic really - I love it still and love our team, and I am still welcome and will be teaching hopefully, later in the year. </p><p>BUT, I have my Saturdays back!!!! Hallelujah!!! We went to Martinborough this past weekend with friends and didn't have to worry about what we were leaving behind. Amazing.</p><p>While we were there we went to see Graham and Sons Upholstery about our sofa. It is in good nick, except the cushions which are borked. As replacing it with like is a $6k investment, we are looking at just having the cushions done and these are the two stand out options, either side of the original.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSSkSMwzURmvCHy-ljPWj8qIH6cUD-_5cLNJMAHDVg_gFsP8Zin3gMD2YFCIDzhN17ysJXtOSCjCDPwPIruL54h24rC7bdSyJZGvt6W1qGijOyzT58laxBhdNUZGySImVeEgxNO5H6iLMUqq_QCtZJaJtunl17rgXKaZtXeH7quf0oioKo7_DxKfA/s1600/couch.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSSkSMwzURmvCHy-ljPWj8qIH6cUD-_5cLNJMAHDVg_gFsP8Zin3gMD2YFCIDzhN17ysJXtOSCjCDPwPIruL54h24rC7bdSyJZGvt6W1qGijOyzT58laxBhdNUZGySImVeEgxNO5H6iLMUqq_QCtZJaJtunl17rgXKaZtXeH7quf0oioKo7_DxKfA/s320/couch.png" width="320" /></a></div>I am a big fan of mixing up patterns and having a stripy frame and patterned seat cushions is fine with me. Which one do you like best?<br /><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><p><br /></p>MrsC (Maryanne)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14440723067459232998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024572182015008955.post-63042448925569451272023-01-21T23:14:00.001-08:002023-01-21T23:20:18.990-08:00Hair and PM refresh<p></p><p>So, after four months it was time to get my red, pink and purple edge streaks refreshed. It's all new for me, well it was 1998 when I last had any hair on my head bleached, and that was sort of bandy streaks of sunset orange.</p><p>It is really hard to get into a hair salon in Wellington. So many of those wonderful senior stylists in their late 20s and 30s have taken off overseas (including my darling Harlie) at the same time as the lock down messed up the more gradual rotation. So I was over the moon to get an appointment within two weeks with the lovely Nicole at Hair Ministry (it's near Parliament) and she was so lovely and the salon is lovely too. All the great service and experience but none of that inner city baditude that I have experienced. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_E3i5Fp-TStcKc800LWHQZquiieELaCnNemMX0jw_43Kq0xl2Ki7zWQi-_Tk2IDfzGLNMGeJAl2BrqDAnAjVtdNaygpd5BV5PdOGFYN6kQkwMzfK3q-az2WgdF4o-w2Q7zkGmLiIqjrGECgm6UghQUKf3qH096laLbdi16vJjYtpi4ELSsc1zjuz/s1309/hair6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1309" data-original-width="921" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_E3i5Fp-TStcKc800LWHQZquiieELaCnNemMX0jw_43Kq0xl2Ki7zWQi-_Tk2IDfzGLNMGeJAl2BrqDAnAjVtdNaygpd5BV5PdOGFYN6kQkwMzfK3q-az2WgdF4o-w2Q7zkGmLiIqjrGECgm6UghQUKf3qH096laLbdi16vJjYtpi4ELSsc1zjuz/s320/hair6.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The regrowth was impressive! The colour looks strong still as I refresh it every few washes, but it was getting dire. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZyZ2CBvQE20G7zc_68drivZEUj6J86eCaVTdcwFvREMnoDRVzYA6iJr8EIOffMz-iWhz9DHXagWR2yevJpFCvWtV_Qz5B7mXtAXXu5gZw0eQKZfSx6UywmYmiGfKIMzsHH08qiNk8yb52g1LXa4cgawh6Lq_zJdPgYT0Up8J1uW7MGb_Z1fu9cU_9/s1347/hair2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1347" data-original-width="921" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZyZ2CBvQE20G7zc_68drivZEUj6J86eCaVTdcwFvREMnoDRVzYA6iJr8EIOffMz-iWhz9DHXagWR2yevJpFCvWtV_Qz5B7mXtAXXu5gZw0eQKZfSx6UywmYmiGfKIMzsHH08qiNk8yb52g1LXa4cgawh6Lq_zJdPgYT0Up8J1uW7MGb_Z1fu9cU_9/s320/hair2.jpg" width="219" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First up, bleaching those roots. Nicola did this in two stages, the very base against my head was second as the product works faster close to the warmth of the head. Such care.<br />I really loved the Trelisse Cooper robe, it even had hand holes in it.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggkoPugaEMP9Lza_XH3xdVWza8sVWaFwIc05rQVE6w2p5fQsnzCWJEqYvYa0u65auzQ1FJT0W_MIZy16J97Z8F0zuvnjzZ2f2jpaSfSGujQo6lo47kv3DJj14gDSd85tEut-fiDh8rKIVvm91HFnhIYpZ8dNrHGl5IaZ5VOrm0OnDutrfR7CbrnKrk/s1402/hair4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1402" data-original-width="921" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggkoPugaEMP9Lza_XH3xdVWza8sVWaFwIc05rQVE6w2p5fQsnzCWJEqYvYa0u65auzQ1FJT0W_MIZy16J97Z8F0zuvnjzZ2f2jpaSfSGujQo6lo47kv3DJj14gDSd85tEut-fiDh8rKIVvm91HFnhIYpZ8dNrHGl5IaZ5VOrm0OnDutrfR7CbrnKrk/s320/hair4.jpg" width="210" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bleach washed out, colours painted on. So many processes! That's Gowry the other stylist (boss lady?) in the background. The guy whose hair she is cutting came in with the biggest mop, she cut SO much oout of it, it was fascinating to watch in the mirror. Yes, I am nosy. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2wCDhv93VxrMI5L95_ryRNSP854Jk2EfYFsFVFDvP9dCR5NljwFxSS0_9jtKjp36SSt2d3m_H_rWNm2iheBmWhhQxzNoxoY4Y2Ay9DL7lrpQo1OIfV_wrcu-FDS3T6avOBNNpocrz2IGOTQi9FENHwOjQ9ACzCTm-aKrq0ffoSHy4DunSsUp7q4U/s1432/hair5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1432" data-original-width="920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2wCDhv93VxrMI5L95_ryRNSP854Jk2EfYFsFVFDvP9dCR5NljwFxSS0_9jtKjp36SSt2d3m_H_rWNm2iheBmWhhQxzNoxoY4Y2Ay9DL7lrpQo1OIfV_wrcu-FDS3T6avOBNNpocrz2IGOTQi9FENHwOjQ9ACzCTm-aKrq0ffoSHy4DunSsUp7q4U/s320/hair5.jpg" width="206" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished look. It is a 2.5 hour process and I eschewed getting the offered curls because I was running late and Nicola's next client was waiting. Next time.<br />Hard to tell in this pic but the top if red, and the next section down is pink, and under that is purple. So on the right of my part (my right) it is just pink and purple. It works!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Well, our PM has resigned. Her daughter is starting school in a few weeks and she wants to be a Mum. And a wife - not like she just wants to be a wife and mum, but she wants to do those things justice. Jacinda Ardern is amazing, and part of that was, she never really wanted to be PM in the first place. And she's so burned out, she is doing the right thing. Chris Hipkins is our new PM and I think he'll do well. The new deputy PM is Carmel Sepuloni, first Pasifika person to be DPM. they are all great mates, from the 2008 intake into opposition that brought Jacinda into Parliament too.</p><p>New beginnings eh.<br /></p>MrsC (Maryanne)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14440723067459232998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024572182015008955.post-46729376885307048112022-12-25T00:29:00.003-08:002022-12-25T00:29:57.166-08:00Merry Christmas!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Merry Christmas from a New Zealand summer! A lovely day of family and friends and lots of delicious food.<p></p><p>Pictured, a tower of mini pavlovas -rose, orange with black pepper, and coffee flavoured. Slices of orange and plums, and berry coulis to garnish. Toasted almonds in the wee bowl on top.</p><p>What do you call a tower of pavs? Apparently, it's a Pav-illion!!!!<br /> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhABCHlEulUTyI94zTZokZcJqpV8v74BTSsFvrNzSFZgArbhPWx-3bcs3uBW3Kfhxbh1-slQ5H1KVSVii5Z0FI7ychfjNzr8UtIg-GA8M6lTnQ4CTEVA4y5wleOjhMYLPZJBZG6bntZVoY9VSOOR1-Pjvb0ouelgYZvcJ8noRX7AquKSBgPXHEqJICA/s1530/pavillion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1530" data-original-width="922" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhABCHlEulUTyI94zTZokZcJqpV8v74BTSsFvrNzSFZgArbhPWx-3bcs3uBW3Kfhxbh1-slQ5H1KVSVii5Z0FI7ychfjNzr8UtIg-GA8M6lTnQ4CTEVA4y5wleOjhMYLPZJBZG6bntZVoY9VSOOR1-Pjvb0ouelgYZvcJ8noRX7AquKSBgPXHEqJICA/s320/pavillion.jpg" width="193" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What are you getting up to - or what did you get up to? There's no right way to do Christmas! <br /></div><p></p>MrsC (Maryanne)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14440723067459232998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024572182015008955.post-4577102297044969912022-12-24T01:18:00.003-08:002022-12-24T01:18:27.867-08:00Sneaky Christmas gift opening before the 25th!<p> I had a couple of outlier gifts arrive - one from a "Secret Glitter Elf" exchange with other people in the burlesque community in NZ, and one from a darling friend who also happens to be a performer.</p><p>Look at this lovely gift! The budget is $20, and the did so well.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XAZj_V8JQ_uYYgUcDGecxfiDEKT1W_RIc_5Q49uCvYmYK2TeujdUImIJzY9v9qLGQjzaQ1qfsUgdnBdqG3qMQcb6O7OCb174fDDBvmg3rRXava15FVYJ1wjfnqFFbLuXDcBjUmucx_YSGBmmMurooKJO9siFqLJB9tlCn_bMmQT6JZX1accA_EZO/s1676/secelf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1676" data-original-width="921" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XAZj_V8JQ_uYYgUcDGecxfiDEKT1W_RIc_5Q49uCvYmYK2TeujdUImIJzY9v9qLGQjzaQ1qfsUgdnBdqG3qMQcb6O7OCb174fDDBvmg3rRXava15FVYJ1wjfnqFFbLuXDcBjUmucx_YSGBmmMurooKJO9siFqLJB9tlCn_bMmQT6JZX1accA_EZO/s320/secelf.jpg" width="176" /></a></div>This one was a really cool idea - a chain decoration made from fabric. Each loop has press snaps and I enjoyed organising what order to put them in enormously. Ellen knows me so well and chose the perfect colours. I have draped it artistically over the gifts around my tree. The rhubarb coloured mohair rug is thrown over all of the boxes and containers of makeup so the tree has a nice background.<p></p><p>SO artistic! Thank you Ellen! <3<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bA9phV8_tU-K-_-Wynwxh_IsKX5B34b-mLI7M9BBWwmV0VC2CB2kAGaQVaZGLGQgUoAAqyBrltT0tud6lX_KNsEKR8_VHeEU65MP9ijtZzMf6M0kc1DMW36LN003OLLXw5pONN2PYbxmPmzcaEdSUo8RAs2_xCpAM-C6B2n3Kbv7Y7mUtvdNDXwN/s844/chain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="670" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bA9phV8_tU-K-_-Wynwxh_IsKX5B34b-mLI7M9BBWwmV0VC2CB2kAGaQVaZGLGQgUoAAqyBrltT0tud6lX_KNsEKR8_VHeEU65MP9ijtZzMf6M0kc1DMW36LN003OLLXw5pONN2PYbxmPmzcaEdSUo8RAs2_xCpAM-C6B2n3Kbv7Y7mUtvdNDXwN/s320/chain.jpg" width="254" /></a></div><br /><p></p>MrsC (Maryanne)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14440723067459232998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024572182015008955.post-49817246467092970792022-12-17T20:40:00.005-08:002022-12-17T20:40:36.231-08:00Is it just me....<p> ...or is this fabric motif somewhat...er...yeah.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQmHhYDzRDrc08SthkY9vutwTH6PQl9QPXKi1bsBd42eSCFqL4VNp6CySxmlFYiDLe8QZRcF9nPjm4H1j132He_uQMnVD-tS0IfQBfqVjJtNugex9DNh_s7nWy9KgXhqRAEMjxaoA6933NJ7CuB13VE8L84fBezGbaV2AfOSo9B2bD_SXh5T5dzBU/s1615/dicpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1615" data-original-width="921" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQmHhYDzRDrc08SthkY9vutwTH6PQl9QPXKi1bsBd42eSCFqL4VNp6CySxmlFYiDLe8QZRcF9nPjm4H1j132He_uQMnVD-tS0IfQBfqVjJtNugex9DNh_s7nWy9KgXhqRAEMjxaoA6933NJ7CuB13VE8L84fBezGbaV2AfOSo9B2bD_SXh5T5dzBU/s320/dicpic.jpg" width="182" /></a></div><p>I know, I am a child. Anyway I bought it, arguably BECAUSE of the.. er...rather than in spite of it. It is a rather nice brocade in metallic copper and black, and Constance I think would enjoy wearing it. and not even noticing the er....yeah.</p><p>She's like that, contrary to popular belief!</p><p>How goes your run up to Christmas? I'm pretty much under control, much to my own delight and amazement. </p><p></p><p><br /></p>MrsC (Maryanne)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14440723067459232998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024572182015008955.post-18625983695002162042022-12-09T22:41:00.001-08:002022-12-09T22:41:41.594-08:00The tree is up.<p> Hi team, It's been a TIME. Since I got back from Canada I've had a nasty chest infection, requiring prednisone even. And we've sold the shop so lots of admin to do before the end of the year and handover. <br /></p><p>I'd love to blog every day. Going Gently is my cliffhanger read, even when not much is happening, John tells us and it is a good read. But I am not good at habit forming.</p><p>There may be a reason for this - I had an assessment last week and am waiting for a report. Wish me luck because this may mean I'm not disorganised and lazy! </p><p>Here's my tree. It is set up on the dining room table - which is usually CC's makeup table. But she's done for 2022 so yay!!!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ci5qoVUI1tNMNGhsDhcg5NIe9imV1Ji60eTmo7QyyXfBNikaPkO7WaRboirzS5xh41FEGLeOSNN9sp1REDoC1mwUmoKMn9AGMyGIn44RxSL-kYuTrHtDwCI8_k6T0xbHoVZlTafuJZ_A-3ceJ3DRN3ixeZDWtHGAw8-YGhqgF95RjogWb9lPzuhf/s1634/xmastree(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1634" data-original-width="921" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ci5qoVUI1tNMNGhsDhcg5NIe9imV1Ji60eTmo7QyyXfBNikaPkO7WaRboirzS5xh41FEGLeOSNN9sp1REDoC1mwUmoKMn9AGMyGIn44RxSL-kYuTrHtDwCI8_k6T0xbHoVZlTafuJZ_A-3ceJ3DRN3ixeZDWtHGAw8-YGhqgF95RjogWb9lPzuhf/s320/xmastree(1).jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiny but Mighty!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p>MrsC (Maryanne)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14440723067459232998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024572182015008955.post-8465670197950409442022-10-08T10:30:00.005-07:002022-10-08T10:30:41.468-07:00Saskatoon International Burlesque Festival<p> Hi team! I've been in Canada nearly a fortnight and the SIBF has come and gone. I have limited secure wireless so here's a few stage shots for now.</p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZbgsd_qgW8ZCeewI7Xfc12_fcAMadhUNTvu2rRCD9Rt1CKhyFWX_VDq3CdJ3URmf1UVOFxZIEiOkv_EPq7_HDBY-9mpRuaZfQfOc9aVL0T8gNXHvJgeZiQpEAvvkVyhpBRwaYi_xDBAKnTXnZdxcAxgh1u3oeKAGvIPBpL2w-Lde-0rJIi30t8Sz/s2048/310146323_1049956982507380_8605544878780525037_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZbgsd_qgW8ZCeewI7Xfc12_fcAMadhUNTvu2rRCD9Rt1CKhyFWX_VDq3CdJ3URmf1UVOFxZIEiOkv_EPq7_HDBY-9mpRuaZfQfOc9aVL0T8gNXHvJgeZiQpEAvvkVyhpBRwaYi_xDBAKnTXnZdxcAxgh1u3oeKAGvIPBpL2w-Lde-0rJIi30t8Sz/s320/310146323_1049956982507380_8605544878780525037_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THIS is the culprit that led to the cut cord. I love how sculptural it is, and of course it is very comfortable. worn with Snag Tights Pride Love is Love tights, oversized prop sunglasses as a headpiece and very cheap earrings I blinged up.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqq7HSzGcGTUBWmZpJi5HLcMzGzq5jhBoAwSUcViqGaM1sND6hlIB1NGXWoLVemSGpNUa10tt3yzBKXvNs266DfzGDkV_PSFUGJ-oN2CY6dA70WgNK2osJGOtUJWiHV7OVKJEPO73CuY2LvyZAJQrTGb7NdfjGPbtY2o6o2zJ0dgJppBRJDdaRTeNd/s2048/310060443_1049957032507375_1796267756279217291_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqq7HSzGcGTUBWmZpJi5HLcMzGzq5jhBoAwSUcViqGaM1sND6hlIB1NGXWoLVemSGpNUa10tt3yzBKXvNs266DfzGDkV_PSFUGJ-oN2CY6dA70WgNK2osJGOtUJWiHV7OVKJEPO73CuY2LvyZAJQrTGb7NdfjGPbtY2o6o2zJ0dgJppBRJDdaRTeNd/s320/310060443_1049957032507375_1796267756279217291_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I renovated this costume which is one of my first ever, and made a fab new jacket at the last minute for it, then forgot to put it on. If you can see the creases just above the knee of my tights, that's a bandage. I had had a fun 24 hours, shall we say! More on that later. Love this look, prefer with jacket, not bingo wings!!!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNtOIqagMMKz6aJfynpfHV-zwlkOAsxkcJZ1ZRIpLR9BoKm40RQ5VlZhcdb0Xnt5klp-1f_T0igBTgMBZkbOGIMcJPHQpRKq6_p5oy86ZjkNV8C7B6kTNerMNge8LYl4w_9Fm9ai3UnOU9eJ8J9CkoyUeMVyDT0Bc4c-9SogGgckIBABMSEqNB_wQ/s1080/310165650_407993768013699_5373923260964694996_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNtOIqagMMKz6aJfynpfHV-zwlkOAsxkcJZ1ZRIpLR9BoKm40RQ5VlZhcdb0Xnt5klp-1f_T0igBTgMBZkbOGIMcJPHQpRKq6_p5oy86ZjkNV8C7B6kTNerMNge8LYl4w_9Fm9ai3UnOU9eJ8J9CkoyUeMVyDT0Bc4c-9SogGgckIBABMSEqNB_wQ/s320/310165650_407993768013699_5373923260964694996_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this so much, I look like a small forest creature who has been turned into an MC and is bewildered! New costume, revitalised jacket with wings.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQ49pSQiV7Ycfc1HmmnbOYOB2yPKGnYK1AQOn_L9cLsXJov3DwqVqTkmyBrEirKfDLX1I7tgX6VaMexl9PROURO0naGy2usQ6DRkpyTOrkZLs5pVYYadwfZQVeJf097TsvWckVvIax4TGIGZ_WWrDiU6O-5eu_EsGik0vXYpIEB5X9AGNNmMgD1d1/s1080/310273590_843246883343799_2874397373168739978_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQ49pSQiV7Ycfc1HmmnbOYOB2yPKGnYK1AQOn_L9cLsXJov3DwqVqTkmyBrEirKfDLX1I7tgX6VaMexl9PROURO0naGy2usQ6DRkpyTOrkZLs5pVYYadwfZQVeJf097TsvWckVvIax4TGIGZ_WWrDiU6O-5eu_EsGik0vXYpIEB5X9AGNNmMgD1d1/s320/310273590_843246883343799_2874397373168739978_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My last look on Saturday. rose gold/pink sequin dress and bolero from City chic, but I added rose motifs and rhinestones, turned back the bolero front to make lapels. Tiara borrowed from the Crown Jewels. One of these statements is a lie.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>So, four looks over two nights! A lot of last minute work! Worth it. I have a show on the 16th and 3/4 are going to it, probably 1,2 (with jacket) and 4. :)</p><p>Off to have ramen with another friend. I love this place!<br /></p>MrsC (Maryanne)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14440723067459232998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024572182015008955.post-87139990716792575872022-09-24T16:40:00.002-07:002022-09-24T16:40:39.124-07:00Cutting the Cord<p> Sounds dramatic, but that is precisely what I did. On Thursday evening I decided to make a new costume to take away. what can I say, I find deadlines can be productive.</p><p>It involved laying a big chunk of sequin net on the floor of my studio, as the table is too small. Then I started happily cutting around the pattern and as I got near to the desk I felt a slight resistance on the scissors. Hmm, I am hoping I didn't have a fold tucked up under it as that would ruin the project but no,</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5rBlRS_CPBN33Y0CJ6rEcuo5zkeopc2uONEUSoG6qYOO06DoIG_w5YRcJJPfO9erTSae2H49rotGxuA0fd-4jlWmrkoXScz5BhRDtw1h0QY1LlKONDjQv3i-VK_OJgl4Ev3q-LqW3BEfoW6RAdMeTsGJEjRa7ddSb3IHMrybCMfe0yVgP2bx4FFo/s1920/307390316_1519508731820847_7070550830386003057_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="954" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5rBlRS_CPBN33Y0CJ6rEcuo5zkeopc2uONEUSoG6qYOO06DoIG_w5YRcJJPfO9erTSae2H49rotGxuA0fd-4jlWmrkoXScz5BhRDtw1h0QY1LlKONDjQv3i-VK_OJgl4Ev3q-LqW3BEfoW6RAdMeTsGJEjRa7ddSb3IHMrybCMfe0yVgP2bx4FFo/s320/307390316_1519508731820847_7070550830386003057_n.jpg" width="159" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RIP iPhone charger<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>it was my friend Polly's phone charger! He is staying with us this week and thank goodness because having an experienced drag queen in the house has really helped make decisions. Like, the new costume needs black stretch velvet, not the gold sequin mesh he brought over for me from Shine.</p><p>ANYWAY, like the good girl scout that he is, he had another cable so all was not lost!</p><p>As for the costume, it's FREAKING FANTASTIC and photos will ensue because as soon as I pressed it, I packed it!<br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>MrsC (Maryanne)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14440723067459232998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024572182015008955.post-75244097872292450472022-09-24T04:48:00.001-07:002022-09-24T04:48:28.099-07:00Oooh, we're halfway there, oooh, packin' on a prayer!<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSW2-UtCtFCb2RORqNVXaeF5cKZPIpr8QT3-RtmwxD83eiSaQ45mrEnQ7nBh4_aDyHUO1e9FvUSjWaP45aq-aqpco8U1vIIb_PcZlRME-MNe8iNZlbwo0xNTheStXC_TsfAcBXli1Ewdl9tv52kIba2iz4DXWv3tE4E1zg9Nmaab1h5XRrvs9MEK_h/s2000/307815582_1891394597730392_2835963894154210461_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSW2-UtCtFCb2RORqNVXaeF5cKZPIpr8QT3-RtmwxD83eiSaQ45mrEnQ7nBh4_aDyHUO1e9FvUSjWaP45aq-aqpco8U1vIIb_PcZlRME-MNe8iNZlbwo0xNTheStXC_TsfAcBXli1Ewdl9tv52kIba2iz4DXWv3tE4E1zg9Nmaab1h5XRrvs9MEK_h/s320/307815582_1891394597730392_2835963894154210461_n.jpg" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lid of my case is tightly crammed with big sparkly costumes and makeup. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> 1.5 more sleeps until I get on a plane to Canadia bound for the Saskatoon International Burlesque Festival.<br /></p><p>I'm part organised and part frazzled wreck. I bought jewelry on Thursday and I cannot find where I put it, so I have no earrings for one costume and no hairpiece for another. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdm4mlm24vfOksJMcrKeV2NeloC8q15fXcdk4nOmkcJmUWdteV078mlpU4318fPng3OoJ5X2SNzKkJ8aOX8waxcyr1f92yi4RDdRl-1L-wS5h6WNHvR0Lh5p0OHec6pduEMlT_9SL_KM-54bff9oJrGMgalqYmIQaiU2UppOz6yFgsC1Rkq0uYA2n8/s2000/307819943_1167227780894333_6724708163360794222_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="2000" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdm4mlm24vfOksJMcrKeV2NeloC8q15fXcdk4nOmkcJmUWdteV078mlpU4318fPng3OoJ5X2SNzKkJ8aOX8waxcyr1f92yi4RDdRl-1L-wS5h6WNHvR0Lh5p0OHec6pduEMlT_9SL_KM-54bff9oJrGMgalqYmIQaiU2UppOz6yFgsC1Rkq0uYA2n8/s320/307819943_1167227780894333_6724708163360794222_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>However, for the first time I know exactly where my current passport is. It is in this pile of crap on the kitchen bench. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_FW4ZNtab5P6zd_BkG78l1RcKvObYrEGqSq5up5D9edwFOPMzijHMB-V9YC6gU7MlIVK9RqYoOxeY73f_BgEmQSL3zvPlvq8G1w-1DSje_3cKK5j_M-N2y-SkBrKe4U2r47dZ_1YZQ7vt0XukGs4BQDMjIsQdN-u4bH62bqWsK_Tupr2dHJntbLCX/s1728/307889199_1204414977086143_3228246412937123528_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="777" data-original-width="1728" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_FW4ZNtab5P6zd_BkG78l1RcKvObYrEGqSq5up5D9edwFOPMzijHMB-V9YC6gU7MlIVK9RqYoOxeY73f_BgEmQSL3zvPlvq8G1w-1DSje_3cKK5j_M-N2y-SkBrKe4U2r47dZ_1YZQ7vt0XukGs4BQDMjIsQdN-u4bH62bqWsK_Tupr2dHJntbLCX/s320/307889199_1204414977086143_3228246412937123528_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The front of my hair is now red, pink and burgundy. I'm experimenting to see if I can sculpt it into curls sitting on my natural hair. It's an ambitious plan.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I am excited, I cannot deny!<br /></p><p> <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>MrsC (Maryanne)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14440723067459232998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024572182015008955.post-3340148528157183402022-08-30T02:32:00.002-07:002022-08-30T02:32:25.889-07:00Outfit of the Day<p> I've never been one to take photos of what I wear, costume notwithstanding, but I love it when others do.</p><p>So when I realised that the wharepaku block on my office floor had a big full length mirror, it seemed a waste not to enjoy it.</p><p>Wharepaku is Maori for loo. It's a sort of crescent corridor lined with fully kitted stalls. Very new and very nice. But not relevant - only the mirror is relevant!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycZkKUfBtuoSWaeMMfppBdAaodG0pY8xAn_s6Sj_fnfTKK-KdkYj54k4N8QTRw5HrJvxyFl8HHmFC7_ozwd4MQgFx8DF24LyvIHtXY2fMCfLz2800GO3Xew8CV86UtIRwW7kviT_LBjCdP7z0IiBrYliAL9c-X72WxxhLAwH_lmNUGVMBhysBnuTk/s2048/301354269_10159029362173105_6957544944950659476_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="922" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycZkKUfBtuoSWaeMMfppBdAaodG0pY8xAn_s6Sj_fnfTKK-KdkYj54k4N8QTRw5HrJvxyFl8HHmFC7_ozwd4MQgFx8DF24LyvIHtXY2fMCfLz2800GO3Xew8CV86UtIRwW7kviT_LBjCdP7z0IiBrYliAL9c-X72WxxhLAwH_lmNUGVMBhysBnuTk/s320/301354269_10159029362173105_6957544944950659476_n.jpg" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Viscose chiffon dress featuring parrots and foliage from Zebrano, with Snags tights.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EHXN-snc_m3vJsAhYyncX4wc8kfrjrBfuewtzeOSs1cQcSxvvMECUHCeutWoqQz0W8yvdMcAbFdjtK2nsbM_AEnWhI6j6C-RMVHyZm9hVibA5Ts9v_IJ3yUuXyZ2-3HzzajSb-4cUHiMxUW9WyGClpW1wt0l9qAzFedytHNXIlWwt2qxLaUkSxI8/s1460/301554723_10159031538728105_2051331924686674690_n(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1460" data-original-width="813" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EHXN-snc_m3vJsAhYyncX4wc8kfrjrBfuewtzeOSs1cQcSxvvMECUHCeutWoqQz0W8yvdMcAbFdjtK2nsbM_AEnWhI6j6C-RMVHyZm9hVibA5Ts9v_IJ3yUuXyZ2-3HzzajSb-4cUHiMxUW9WyGClpW1wt0l9qAzFedytHNXIlWwt2qxLaUkSxI8/s320/301554723_10159031538728105_2051331924686674690_n(1).jpg" width="178" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silk and viscose velvet tunic, memade, with leggings and a cotton spandex long sleeved t-shirt. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCe-Hgy6nwudsmjYiTjg5dGfNOKutQ9pQc5_2VBoVEfoPVPLCM9bFmzmyP-KtRuiz79JyAg8rK7Cm7Mk_C7dcLML2MnuqzS8WAUHcdagUUuwQab1svDmQvOjIT0nUnyCrEfEm6KbY-Oy4Y1UMTn_Bu9qf4U7SvKhVgyuSTyfBfzRQVEC7aHv0PkBYn/s1285/302240043_10159035734003105_5751233155537600009_n(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1285" data-original-width="689" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCe-Hgy6nwudsmjYiTjg5dGfNOKutQ9pQc5_2VBoVEfoPVPLCM9bFmzmyP-KtRuiz79JyAg8rK7Cm7Mk_C7dcLML2MnuqzS8WAUHcdagUUuwQab1svDmQvOjIT0nUnyCrEfEm6KbY-Oy4Y1UMTn_Bu9qf4U7SvKhVgyuSTyfBfzRQVEC7aHv0PkBYn/s320/302240043_10159035734003105_5751233155537600009_n(1).jpg" width="172" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zip front hoodie tunic hybrid memade and probably viscose, with green jeans.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsw7rwyf2VQgmMjjJNuhKji6FvkiRbOGPM16lLn4zRM4U0WyhroKekuB60wnUav-VazxvJJ_HVMaroFz6cfG0y7yqCsNRnFo7h98gK7NzInN2TWevJJK6ro8eri73LnLDcoE4CpsxpPhDRmiBj_aecgHTdkW4Bxoe6KBVFZGOvAWjIMdvL9PiS4Qid/s1433/302429209_10159036866838105_7186070706891573327_n(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1433" data-original-width="752" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsw7rwyf2VQgmMjjJNuhKji6FvkiRbOGPM16lLn4zRM4U0WyhroKekuB60wnUav-VazxvJJ_HVMaroFz6cfG0y7yqCsNRnFo7h98gK7NzInN2TWevJJK6ro8eri73LnLDcoE4CpsxpPhDRmiBj_aecgHTdkW4Bxoe6KBVFZGOvAWjIMdvL9PiS4Qid/s320/302429209_10159036866838105_7186070706891573327_n(1).jpg" width="168" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Embroidered maxi dress in viscose</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table>WELL!! Guess who likes viscose!!! AKA rayon, it breathes like cotton, I choose fabrics by their breathability, texture and hand, as well as print, hence I have a lot in my stash and in my ready to wear wardrobe.<br /><p>Feeling much better now, although my tinnitus seems worse and I'm still a bit other worldly. Well, more than usual ;-)<br /></p>MrsC (Maryanne)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14440723067459232998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024572182015008955.post-44951487186700879632022-07-22T23:47:00.001-07:002022-07-22T23:47:49.205-07:00Tales from CovidLand<p> I am late to a party nobody wants to attend - my husband D and I both have Covid. I feel it is basically inevitable at this stage, given the winter onset spike. We've both been pretty sick but it has eased off fairly quickly. Still sick five days in, but feeling human again. So, skipping over the obvious things, here's what I have found.</p><p>In New Zealand, the sick person and their whole household must isolate for either 7 days from the onset of symptoms. SEVEN DAYS without going out, legally mandated. It is heaven. I was a little shocked by this realisation but i don't recall a time when I was sick when I didn't feel guilty for not working! Being guilt free feels a lot healthier. This revelation has given me pause for thought all right.<br /></p><p>It is complicated. With D not being able to be at our shop, that leaves us short-handed. Then we have people on holiday and otherwise unwell. We are so incredibly lucky that our shop manager is a superstar and found a ringin, rostered anyone who had any time at all, and has worked 8 days in a row. He is a STAR.</p><p>Miss.Mx Burlesque Aotearoa is tonight (Saturday 23 July) and I was meant to host. It's my favourite gig and only happens in even years, and I have made a FABULOUS new costume. I was putting up two out of town friends who have had to relocate.</p><p>In both of the scenarios above, the appalling weather that closed Wellington Airport on Thursday has caused further stress and uncertainty. However thanks to some generous plane seat trading, all of the staff, AND all of the contestants, made it home on time. Phew. <br /></p><p>But hey, it could be so much worse. I am really not complaining, just noting how something like this can disrupt life more than a typical does of flu. </p><p>Today after days of rain, wind and freezing temperatures, we awoke to still, sunny bliss. <br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYxmUWbXPTezQPM48IRwgWKHkAR_KjKkK3t9IetoB5zpy6plbR9XbwQ8649XNv0GWpFD3XZP1PBS46t2wYpwPaPQlYzlGoVbbZEaeBGY3itjha07nWf6UHGerZqbVy5YP-uYanMrXQPoFqcnYRxDo5nhziEaBTPFqJvla5y7bB4YDBwJwVwW2m30v/s2048/mmba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1689" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYxmUWbXPTezQPM48IRwgWKHkAR_KjKkK3t9IetoB5zpy6plbR9XbwQ8649XNv0GWpFD3XZP1PBS46t2wYpwPaPQlYzlGoVbbZEaeBGY3itjha07nWf6UHGerZqbVy5YP-uYanMrXQPoFqcnYRxDo5nhziEaBTPFqJvla5y7bB4YDBwJwVwW2m30v/s320/mmba.jpg" width="264" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not in this picture and I don't like it!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>MrsC (Maryanne)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14440723067459232998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024572182015008955.post-298878542732227362022-06-11T21:58:00.001-07:002022-06-11T21:58:08.860-07:00Domesticity rocks<p> Oh what a lovely Sunday I am having! Absolutely no plans except getting my house in order, quite literally.</p><p>After a sleep in, I;</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li> gathered all the costumes discarded from three shows in a week, </li><li>put all the makeup away,</li><li>washed my makeup brushes,</li><li>read a delicious lamb shank recipe and it is now simmering away,</li><li>completed laundry, </li></ul><p>all while Mrs Bradley Mysteries plays on the DVD. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3V1z3kq4aqAX7LhyPbbk7QgrXkXbZSmz4jfo8N-U4LdMC1C0OrMwOKcOMLcw6vl6h1ICRroi5FwTNN0Surhfb1J7EiJW4NRXrxGhsmgYwg_Z5gAKzIt7D_gaBeBVhi2SnzKY2F_ludidhu19eNHqfibzQaElmHuP3oZf4vHuhMCquC5b6ZdPeizko/s1524/kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1524" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3V1z3kq4aqAX7LhyPbbk7QgrXkXbZSmz4jfo8N-U4LdMC1C0OrMwOKcOMLcw6vl6h1ICRroi5FwTNN0Surhfb1J7EiJW4NRXrxGhsmgYwg_Z5gAKzIt7D_gaBeBVhi2SnzKY2F_ludidhu19eNHqfibzQaElmHuP3oZf4vHuhMCquC5b6ZdPeizko/s320/kitchen.jpg" width="189" /></a></div>We've had a hail storm of deafening proportions today, while my beloved was out buying strip lighting for my makeup mirror.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7fv9IRJ-_FnmCKjuRAIS1_j58fUeWc6xuVPcS5QplvcCCE6CGqap4Hz-Ke0Pj3uSlUhlsFPNrBLTSCNAov_dRMRJFRRxfs0uRl54398LO7laaIJySBBp_zA74azZlS5YANVDUp8p4l14LtHFx0f0Q8ej7k-4Okb_wo5vNJFGTZge2Nz6jgtFWl1U/s1255/flashback%20maryanne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1255" data-original-width="777" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7fv9IRJ-_FnmCKjuRAIS1_j58fUeWc6xuVPcS5QplvcCCE6CGqap4Hz-Ke0Pj3uSlUhlsFPNrBLTSCNAov_dRMRJFRRxfs0uRl54398LO7laaIJySBBp_zA74azZlS5YANVDUp8p4l14LtHFx0f0Q8ej7k-4Okb_wo5vNJFGTZge2Nz6jgtFWl1U/s320/flashback%20maryanne.jpg" width="198" /></a></div><br /> This is why. I look like I stuck my face in a bowl of cornflour! The light is so bad at my table, I find it hard to get my skin tone right. Clever MrC!<p></p><p>On Friday night I did a show requiring no clothing at all. Avoiding using certain words here. I sang two songs and did a second set of comedy. It was one of those bucket list things I wanted to get ticked off.</p><p>People have asked me how it was and my response is, like any other show only, breezier!<br /></p><div><p> </p><p><br /> </p></div>MrsC (Maryanne)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14440723067459232998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024572182015008955.post-18218961634468423902022-06-05T23:29:00.003-07:002022-06-05T23:30:58.754-07:00Covid and Snags<p> No I don't have it. Not yet. Yet friends going to extreme lengths to not catch it, are catching it. I keep getting respiratory symptoms (my respiratory system was ordered from Wish) and RAT testing, but still nothing. Am I the only one partly wishing it would just arrive and be done with it? And if it did, I'd be thinking, be careful what you wish for...</p><p>This week it would suck hugely, and next week. My dear friend and wifey4lifey is coming to stay, I have gigs Friday AND Saturday nights. Friday has already lost a performer to covid, Saturday's gig I am a ring in because of it. Satuday 17th June I have Like a Fine Wine in Hamilton. The fourth time this show has been scheduled, due to Covid. </p><p>Honestly, playing musical chairs with stage time is a tiny impact compared to the impact on our health systems, and I am not complaining so much as showing how these huge things have large and small impact chains. </p><p>Anyway here's a teeny video of me showing off my costume backstage last night, and showing how inept I am with technology! But it's also kind of fun and dark. Anyway my red and black Snag tights were very cool.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyBQ_vA-_EVGrjZhr8WIwYhALtDS9eUGei8u6Xm2E8NVsk2VPfoXgjIVPtOGgPhhlBRM_x47CzCg8dXtYoPcQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p>MrsC (Maryanne)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14440723067459232998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024572182015008955.post-15810101104226085602022-05-29T01:09:00.005-07:002022-05-29T01:49:19.535-07:00Stoning is my life now<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><p></p><p>So, my life is no longer my own. I am merely a facilitator for bits of cut glass. I covet them, must have them, must stick them onto costumes, must contain them in gorgeous containers.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Gl9lTYuVcapw1tH0AbYfLpaStMgIlaJe5GOe4ksFZuI5B3ny4uKvcB_-jyqlzSRFHJwgQUTfeIijKyH2KhAwpVGbGaGoVVZcuvl7sdfY36wyrK-qg1D4srzK2AaBV4E3of3BWH-O0eANdJXyAt88LWZMunyj6_DOl7kPQ3bjS2LuS3mFu_PiLChq/s1264/283905373_550016816532205_7468610872605406932_n(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1264" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Gl9lTYuVcapw1tH0AbYfLpaStMgIlaJe5GOe4ksFZuI5B3ny4uKvcB_-jyqlzSRFHJwgQUTfeIijKyH2KhAwpVGbGaGoVVZcuvl7sdfY36wyrK-qg1D4srzK2AaBV4E3of3BWH-O0eANdJXyAt88LWZMunyj6_DOl7kPQ3bjS2LuS3mFu_PiLChq/s320/283905373_550016816532205_7468610872605406932_n(1).jpg" width="228" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Vista containers are a two-day-ago innovation, the perfect size for the 1440 count of most rhinestone orders. SO many colours, SO SPARKLY!!! Also, I might add, SO much less likely to bust open than bags...<br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4CR0X4RNGDkbUD_QeoOTjW-gV7qPha-eJjMxbwn66mANvIynJGC-rZadBXoTLWkGUv-zfhiVO9KK-DVXvHuf53cFxmFNc06tAQy0QPtZ3YEv8EBeBMZrwUMN2Ixgwkz2d2cD2LodRBO2k6J_2H3PiUAYiW9PGyZL6WR5lSYJq20OIckf4DieJ7fC/s1610/282349665_741160757252980_4393516198172116114_n(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1610" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4CR0X4RNGDkbUD_QeoOTjW-gV7qPha-eJjMxbwn66mANvIynJGC-rZadBXoTLWkGUv-zfhiVO9KK-DVXvHuf53cFxmFNc06tAQy0QPtZ3YEv8EBeBMZrwUMN2Ixgwkz2d2cD2LodRBO2k6J_2H3PiUAYiW9PGyZL6WR5lSYJq20OIckf4DieJ7fC/s320/282349665_741160757252980_4393516198172116114_n(1).jpg" width="179" /></a></div>Rhinestones give me wings!!!! These grey wings needed golding big time. The reason is further on. So, four of them are now covered in gold and Light of Heaven rhinestones. LoH btw is a gold coloured stone with a flash of mauve in it. SO GORGEOUS. It is currently my favourite and will be stuck onto everything.<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbG9Ks1y5obCvj7XUYs7SJqeyQm9H4ww9l1xXMHAe5h7mgr0F4ZPrYxCfdNna93bpLTZp33o6FZ21KH9JLBUKUR5sZ9KR5LrQa1WmCBYD_3mNlBc3CsPze_4RElvVT8eHrLoJpTDPm1hnvCTXKCDfUY2SOgQ998AoNPCiGB1BuNktXnPub6AgAttKl/s870/283736943_821320488846452_2051947743548767237_n(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="870" data-original-width="636" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbG9Ks1y5obCvj7XUYs7SJqeyQm9H4ww9l1xXMHAe5h7mgr0F4ZPrYxCfdNna93bpLTZp33o6FZ21KH9JLBUKUR5sZ9KR5LrQa1WmCBYD_3mNlBc3CsPze_4RElvVT8eHrLoJpTDPm1hnvCTXKCDfUY2SOgQ998AoNPCiGB1BuNktXnPub6AgAttKl/s320/283736943_821320488846452_2051947743548767237_n(1).jpg" width="234" /> </a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Look, this is a sunshine shot and it looks metallic but it isn't. But OMG!!!! This bolero goes with a dress in the same sequin fabric. No spoilers but it is NEXT LEVEL gorgeous.</p><p style="text-align: left;">It's really exciting to be making a whole new costume -not just pimping a RTW garment. I have a photoshoot for a new product that is being named after me, WAAAH!!! It was my idea but the genius that made it happen from my shitty sketches is going to launch it and I am SO EXCITED.</p><p style="text-align: left;">So, new costume for product photoshoot!</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>MrsC (Maryanne)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14440723067459232998noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024572182015008955.post-74791124165284582162022-04-28T04:04:00.004-07:002022-04-28T04:05:07.196-07:00Fixing and making<p> It's been a time of repair and sorting. My fabric cupboards had bowed out a little, very likely from being overstuffed. David screwed brackets into the central shelf of each to hold them in and now all is well. </p><p>As a result, I've carded the rest of the pieces I had loose, stacked them into containers and my studio is much tidier and my stash easier to read. Also introducing another clothing rack for the piles of denim jackets yet to be decorated for sale. They are in the way and every time I go sew a batch I have to size and sort. My intention now is to hang them in size order. David has assembled the rack, we just need to rearrange some stuff to tuck it into a spot.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Tula Pink Curiouser and Curiouser, The Red Queen, Wonder" data-image="graphics/00000001/PWTP160.WONDER.jpg" height="320" id="js-main-image" src="https://www.artisticartifacts.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/PWTP160.WONDER_500x500.jpg" title="Tula Pink Curiouser and Curiouser, The Red Queen, Wonder" width="320" /> </p><p style="text-align: left;">I have next week off work, then working part time for two more weeks to support "my" users for go-live before hopefully moving onto a new project elsewhere. So, it's SEWING week!</p><p style="text-align: left;">The fabric above is by Tula Pink's Curiouser and Curiouser collection. I am intrigued by this QoH and I also have 10m of black and white stripe, so I'm thinking of recreating the bodice she is showing here, with a skirt made from this fabric. Should be interesting!</p><p style="text-align: left;">My original idea was to sew for me, but in reality I have far more clothes than I need and costumes are way more fun! I have a whiteboard of projects for the year, getting ready for the big shows coming up.</p><p style="text-align: left;">All of this organising and planning happened because Ian came to stay last week, and he is such a good person to talk through plans with. It is very ME to think better with someone else!<br /></p>MrsC (Maryanne)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14440723067459232998noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024572182015008955.post-9190899253348537612022-04-06T00:37:00.003-07:002022-04-06T00:37:24.685-07:00Trouble in the far corner<p> There's been a falling out in the laundry cupboard. Dryer is sulking from a distance, while Washer crouches alone and exposed. This all because our downstairs neighbour, after an absence of several months, came home to a washing machine (top loader) full of water, and a knackered ceiling.</p><p>Investigations ensued only to find that our washing machine tap pipe wasn't quite screwed in properly, causing a slight leak. But after several months those drips added up! </p><p>We had no idea as there's all of 3cm ease down each side of the appliances, being chonky European boiz, and to get this far, MrC had to take the doors off the cupboard to get the dryer out, to be able to see the tap. Plumber has been and sorted it.</p><p>Thank goodness all that is under our laundry cupboard is another laundry cupboard...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQIKstIaDWLIdkmX8eLT6WRCNLqoLPoRu2vimP_q-1oJnZO-irSLAGYSbPORJm3t1_RVbuFUGyqw1c4qf6MnI2N3uw63ldJkn8FhIJNTQFLGYRsUZPCBul4Q5Oj6qLe9GMKzg6Y97INEbnE16OnaEktPd-QvhrUBTNTwQzLXxyG_X2MBoJYv5iIJb/s960/277615904_930425610958262_976623121712461900_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="432" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQIKstIaDWLIdkmX8eLT6WRCNLqoLPoRu2vimP_q-1oJnZO-irSLAGYSbPORJm3t1_RVbuFUGyqw1c4qf6MnI2N3uw63ldJkn8FhIJNTQFLGYRsUZPCBul4Q5Oj6qLe9GMKzg6Y97INEbnE16OnaEktPd-QvhrUBTNTwQzLXxyG_X2MBoJYv5iIJb/s320/277615904_930425610958262_976623121712461900_n.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>Sadly we can't quite face putting it all back together again so the place is a mess. Hey ho...<br /><p><br /></p>MrsC (Maryanne)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14440723067459232998noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024572182015008955.post-59340964499570276402022-03-08T22:45:00.003-08:002022-03-17T12:18:05.174-07:00March already?!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-lmasUyclYoB9tDYTsG0nDnOeLPp2KsNf2wpNGBJOpg1dWIVpp2twGQiNZ466fzfnDVloo2qAitd2tyTZhASS_fwhK0IbLMoTldb4KoMKcaFHaayZKNDWgTx2fUByfhFLwJ-XMhc-inuDAP3lxwp6DwBEcfl2yAAcc9UjrG6zqnNqYIxjXFRrFlSK=s750" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-lmasUyclYoB9tDYTsG0nDnOeLPp2KsNf2wpNGBJOpg1dWIVpp2twGQiNZ466fzfnDVloo2qAitd2tyTZhASS_fwhK0IbLMoTldb4KoMKcaFHaayZKNDWgTx2fUByfhFLwJ-XMhc-inuDAP3lxwp6DwBEcfl2yAAcc9UjrG6zqnNqYIxjXFRrFlSK=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A window of jackets I made.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Ok, fess up, who stole January and February? Time keeps on slippin' into the future, as the Steve Miller band once famously sang.</p><p>But you're not here for trite comments about the ravages of time! What have I been up to?</p><p>Sewing: I had a mending and to-do pile a metre high, so I attacked it - finishing patch jackets (now in the shop window above), sewing up gaping dresses, and moving onto some delayed projects like making pillow cases. And I'm now half way through an organza boa. It is pink, purple, blue, turquoise and burgundy, giving it a paua/abalone vibe.<br /></p><br /><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p>With omicron charging through our country at great speed, I am working from home, rescheduling flights to postponed gigs, and limiting my social life to one on ones and the Thursday quiz.</p><p>Lots of friends have got the O, but nobody is really sick thank goodness, thanks to the very high vaccination and booster rates here. I don't have the luxury of time for being sick right now as with the shop tanking, but not enough to get a subsidy, my income is keeping the whole ship afloat.</p><p>Thank goodness for having a job, being able to do it from home, and being safe!<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixFEi7KWbQEPV17QSI3WGLSCP4xXYpeKSLET3EljExc-8X16lujhkzWIFiWDMInP09O2-GfTfYrxTQyrKd7f_ZIvcTx55zJXYVC24tQdqUvr8fGaRSTMIMr0MnGXXcG3D-OHoi7QeNAhuWI2CcYMkqT3w2UEC1exqDnmstPJHi2X-sUzknTyoUq8se=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="922" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixFEi7KWbQEPV17QSI3WGLSCP4xXYpeKSLET3EljExc-8X16lujhkzWIFiWDMInP09O2-GfTfYrxTQyrKd7f_ZIvcTx55zJXYVC24tQdqUvr8fGaRSTMIMr0MnGXXcG3D-OHoi7QeNAhuWI2CcYMkqT3w2UEC1exqDnmstPJHi2X-sUzknTyoUq8se=s320" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my life now, working from home in my studio with glimpses of showgirl!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />MrsC (Maryanne)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14440723067459232998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024572182015008955.post-70142047239002337382021-12-31T22:18:00.002-08:002022-01-09T23:33:02.193-08:00A little late but still...<p> Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! This video is a little late, like two weeks really, but there you go.</p><p>I LOVE this song, but that won't stop me using it as a fun moment.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T0d0Nh9Hmtw" width="320" youtube-src-id="T0d0Nh9Hmtw"></iframe></div>I dropped a line that says, "I had good intentions" ironically because I always do have good intentions, including to remember all the lines. :)<br /><p></p><p><br /></p>MrsC (Maryanne)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14440723067459232998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024572182015008955.post-56849598229388189792021-12-24T02:36:00.001-08:002021-12-24T02:36:44.368-08:00Christmas Eve<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwX6i-M0I81ADk7y15sd_HU-fSkkGoVbYQyf6pshaiLKGLch9QOqbrnX00Ah9atbgk3CjKyxQIqR3cVMYX5NmAC02tumfhqMb-zP3jl3t_T5Tfz3bzKpotPDnvVAwnR6iBjYHsmJO9nThMexZMgAXpwsML4vZ7MwMYJGq04bqV07rK20aMbJMPCnGY=s801" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="432" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwX6i-M0I81ADk7y15sd_HU-fSkkGoVbYQyf6pshaiLKGLch9QOqbrnX00Ah9atbgk3CjKyxQIqR3cVMYX5NmAC02tumfhqMb-zP3jl3t_T5Tfz3bzKpotPDnvVAwnR6iBjYHsmJO9nThMexZMgAXpwsML4vZ7MwMYJGq04bqV07rK20aMbJMPCnGY=s320" width="173" /></a></div>It's Christmas Eve here, 11pm, I'm about to go to bed. Food prep complete for tomorrow, presents all wrapped, crackers made, shop balanced and all tucked up for two days, and here we are.<p></p><p>My tiny tree is on the end of the kitchen bench - it's the only flat surface in our living area, but as it is enormous, the bench not the tree, it's not really in the way. It's actually the top third of a 7 foot tree, and David cleverly made it fit in the base with corrugated card. Kiwi ingenuity. I finished my day job last Friday and putting up the tree helped to flip me into holiday mode.<br /></p><p>I had the most delicious late thanksgiving dinner at my friend Emily's where she just cooked the turkey legs and they were so good, I decided that was going to be our Christmas dinner. Then Jamie Oliver got on TV last week with boning and stuffing them. So, David boned them all out for me (we joked that he would have made an excellent butcher, which would horrify his lifelong vegetarian mother!) and tonight I stuffed and rolled 12 of them with pork sausagemeat, apricot and sage stuffing.</p><p>This year I have refused to bake any dried fruit foods as it is too hot! So I've made a trifle, experimenting with raspberry, rhubarb and orange flavours, with a dessert wine and Cointreau as the soak. The sponge is gluten free, and a bit dry but hopefully the booze and fruit will sort it out.</p><p>Late on Wednesday, having sewn up all the semi-constructed masks on my sewing table for the shop, I decided that masks were the new hats for Christmas crackers and made 12 more. They are all gorgeous, but sewing 30 masks was a mistake and my back is not happy with me. So on top of my knee, I'm hobbling around, getting on the floor every couple of hours to do stretches and hoping it will stop spasming. Cooking sitting on a bar stool is quite tricky!</p><p>On the News we are told that retail spending is down this year, but in our tranquil little shop we've had our best week ever in ten years. For this we are very, very thankful.<br /></p><p>It's a funny time. Covid and bereavements and weather events and bad health - I don't feel much like celebrating. But because of this it is important to celebrate anyway. I'm sitting with things as they are - the good, and the bad. Rather than focus on either side, just to be with it. </p><p>So on this Christmas Eve, I'm relaxing, contemplating bed and thinking of you all. Natalie if you read this I hope you are ok with the terrible tornado ripping through Kentucky. Sending love your way.</p><p>I wish for you all some peace and replenishment among the ambiguity. xo<br /></p><p><br /></p>MrsC (Maryanne)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14440723067459232998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024572182015008955.post-81779630743425492532021-12-14T01:14:00.005-08:002021-12-14T01:14:48.038-08:00Frock Tweaking<p>Hello! Long time no chat! I've been busy and it's all not very interesting really. I did the Christmas Caburlesque show on 4 December and we did a variation of it - bigger cast, more variety, over the hill in the Wairarapa.</p><p>I'm tired of my red Christmas dress really, so I decided to try something else. This dress I made in 2017, and I've honestly never loved it in spite of it being the most ambitious costume I've made. I just felt the result never delivered on the effort.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhX2r6iaRB6Uq3Opzd0KeeePDtumiCJqF-ovUcwtZmp_dWq598WZx8lr0YmG7nvYLrVqaK6OzyfsXGYE72NvbpUzQJGaLbX-iMaebtk4Pbsu72oHtdlZqLa3lcAXtHSXm-5ZArxTLLwDjojzdWtJqDHkUAiqGpeG3QQM3Hnd3H9QW4tF6v0zlsFkCW7=s4946" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4946" data-original-width="3297" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhX2r6iaRB6Uq3Opzd0KeeePDtumiCJqF-ovUcwtZmp_dWq598WZx8lr0YmG7nvYLrVqaK6OzyfsXGYE72NvbpUzQJGaLbX-iMaebtk4Pbsu72oHtdlZqLa3lcAXtHSXm-5ZArxTLLwDjojzdWtJqDHkUAiqGpeG3QQM3Hnd3H9QW4tF6v0zlsFkCW7=s320" width="213" /></a></div>It feels like a dress a child would wear at a pageant. The bottom flounces droop instead of being deliciously frothy. It's not long enough or too long at the front. Meh. So, I stood in front of the mirror in it and pulled and hoiked and hitched, and bingo!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQj6st7x6iSCSZ9H1q4i0SHCevJWdKFCTq40QEvwseYPHJmbXF5FFBksMD9fELdh4sBAjc0h5Be38L1R3ZXo7PHXspQbHqj-ln_L8Mly4HrooauuMxxHngvXeejQcDJOOGoCbwtKlWHu_pYIMq8HkyufSld12vQ3r8UPrEn2zdwIiej_RO9PZeD0gV=s960" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="432" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQj6st7x6iSCSZ9H1q4i0SHCevJWdKFCTq40QEvwseYPHJmbXF5FFBksMD9fELdh4sBAjc0h5Be38L1R3ZXo7PHXspQbHqj-ln_L8Mly4HrooauuMxxHngvXeejQcDJOOGoCbwtKlWHu_pYIMq8HkyufSld12vQ3r8UPrEn2zdwIiej_RO9PZeD0gV=s320" width="144" /></a></div><p>The result! the frothy flounce pops now, it has proper hi low, I prefer the assymetry and the hitch makes the dress a bit narrower. It's caught up with some strong stitches, and I'm going to play with the rest of the flounce to see if I can make it turn out more too.</p><p>It's the only costume I have that has a blue/green base as they're not really my colours but I LOVE the way the sequins on this fabric are shifting shades of blue, turquoise, lime and jade, just delicious!</p><p>The froth is green and blue organza, and because the fabric is translucent, the colours mix to make these turquoise colours. YUM.</p><p>I'm not sure that my Snag Christmas tree lights tights were the best choice to wear under them on the weekend but hey ho!<br /></p><p><br /></p>MrsC (Maryanne)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14440723067459232998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024572182015008955.post-7264515683323950712021-11-01T00:28:00.001-07:002021-11-01T00:28:08.100-07:00New Beginnings...<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VMjZihcnanmwna6QybDpG6utgMl80KNj_TYpwEPFyCoyhcSs_SJW7KHcQy-uS3H75maEvPD17gtMdYNlx35id_U_PSxkArg4Og14402Pbpr7V-Hy5hmX5J-2VqUPiGUjJJrnUVPIwFg/s1278/kelburn-campus-banner%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1278" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VMjZihcnanmwna6QybDpG6utgMl80KNj_TYpwEPFyCoyhcSs_SJW7KHcQy-uS3H75maEvPD17gtMdYNlx35id_U_PSxkArg4Og14402Pbpr7V-Hy5hmX5J-2VqUPiGUjJJrnUVPIwFg/s320/kelburn-campus-banner%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hunter Building, Robert Stout building tucked in "behind" it in the photo<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I started a new job today. It's in a building that has been a part of my life since I was a teenager.</p><p>Back in the summer of 1982/83, I spent weeks making costumes for Romeo and Juliet in Hunter, which was not being used because it was very seismically unstable. By the mid 90s it was strengthened, restored and in use, and I was the person responsible for private hires for conferences, fashion shows and
weddings. Then I was in Robert Stout in the Graduate Students Office. </p><p></p><p>We're in the attic of Robert Stout (refer my crazy red scribble) with opening windows and no lift. It's fabulous. I used to be on Level 2, so I've gone up in the world! I think it would make a fabulous apartment.<br /></p><p>Also, today as I was having those intro meetings with project team members explaining how it all works, one was telling me how he got to be there because of the experience he had from his home town in Canada. I asked him where in Canada and he was all, "Oh, nowhere you'd have heard of," but sure enough he is from Saskatoon. My spiritual other home!</p><p>Small world, all connections.<br /></p>MrsC (Maryanne)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14440723067459232998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024572182015008955.post-6372425302836697562021-09-25T00:59:00.000-07:002021-09-25T00:59:03.440-07:00New Hair<p> I had a hair cut yesterday. Years of long hair all the same length ended abruptly. I've been watching YouTube a lot and love love love those vintage mid century hairstyles based on the Horseshoe cut. Here is my icon of style herself, Jessica Kellgren-Fozard.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="I don&#39;t know about you but Jessica kellgren-fozard is my gay queen: ladyladyboners" class="n3VNCb" data-noaft="1" src="https://i.redd.it/jbwsfcp2x3f51.jpg" style="height: 417px; margin: 0px auto; width: 319.404px;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Horseshoe cut in action!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: left;"> Anyway, I discussed it with my hairdresser who knows it well as he styles a lot of drag wigs like this! and it looks pretty ok as a modern straight layered look too. So we set forth.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The result I am loving. Marty put a few curls into it for me too.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvu0Mu9J_XAHeoNp8sGPng0Mw4HQu3YZxYn8kdfFHxit3C4ltHlUglOVxU9p8ax7AcwDbGJU1J5MskIutgVC_Z-VqGhC6oxmPOJ3CgEFiVXe0MYnXHNKhb8H1TCw7fZ8CUTHBfwGnElTk/s960/242417864_405491404480600_8553530719713960040_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvu0Mu9J_XAHeoNp8sGPng0Mw4HQu3YZxYn8kdfFHxit3C4ltHlUglOVxU9p8ax7AcwDbGJU1J5MskIutgVC_Z-VqGhC6oxmPOJ3CgEFiVXe0MYnXHNKhb8H1TCw7fZ8CUTHBfwGnElTk/s320/242417864_405491404480600_8553530719713960040_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMBo9B4qBjxZmtiT5qYM_B-nyWkSKtZsueTfRPOtjEUtzZSCqNLaYU_ooDsJzNCaR-6rJj0j9QqhKJnOfXtr5oJ8JgmfD8tPvOaLBMLEK9QQfA_MyqVoDpaYINaACemN15ieO93RbQy4/s960/242549460_1529696877382502_2028985998080392976_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMBo9B4qBjxZmtiT5qYM_B-nyWkSKtZsueTfRPOtjEUtzZSCqNLaYU_ooDsJzNCaR-6rJj0j9QqhKJnOfXtr5oJ8JgmfD8tPvOaLBMLEK9QQfA_MyqVoDpaYINaACemN15ieO93RbQy4/s320/242549460_1529696877382502_2028985998080392976_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>I will be applying pink soon. I don't mind the grey but given I am so pale, the lack of definition of my hairline isn't working for me. </p><p>As for curls, hrmph. I used heated rollers last night and the pin curled the whole lot and wrapped in a sil scarf and slept on it. the results were less curly than this and by this evening have nearly dropped out.</p><p>Dang old age. My hair through my whole life to me mid 40s took a curl if I so much as waved a curler near to it. But for the last 10 years it sulks and refuses to have a bar of it. Unless I put it in rags and Shirley Temple isn't my style icon! ;-)<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>MrsC (Maryanne)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14440723067459232998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024572182015008955.post-14660252510013028522021-09-16T00:10:00.005-07:002021-09-16T00:10:48.004-07:00Sewing small projects<p> I'm working on a couple of garments that need slow sewing, so to give myself satisfaction, I'm also doing some quick win projects too.</p><p>OK so with NZ in semi lockdown and mandatory mask wearing, the shop is selling them almost as fast as four of us can make them. I've made at least 25 for the shop, but I'm also making some for me and for friends who have specific tastes.</p><p>My friend who shares a love of Frida and Mary is getting three masks, these are just cut out so far but I love the so much! <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWP2HNk0SiwCE2mWbdwCwk4wwBAWVaqdko5h93OEzfylvFCPuNJtgkA6-rhpoXkJ3v8dKzIpLxKIUMkX2nn6SYK6txYf1OsBrVclRkGZkqNpOqDkgpZRTEn_LK-gtYfxDzUhRnFLnA3mU/s960/241760778_1378056869262787_5074478578765307670_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWP2HNk0SiwCE2mWbdwCwk4wwBAWVaqdko5h93OEzfylvFCPuNJtgkA6-rhpoXkJ3v8dKzIpLxKIUMkX2nn6SYK6txYf1OsBrVclRkGZkqNpOqDkgpZRTEn_LK-gtYfxDzUhRnFLnA3mU/s320/241760778_1378056869262787_5074478578765307670_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>As for me, I've made a couple with plastic stays going across and up/down, to try and create space to breathe. They are a bit beaky but I don't care. I LOVE this rose fabric<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhny0tjSnyuDw2pngQRfzPV-kYedBKKEj1WEtJla1g11Luj0xwQDIWmvzb0OHjgquB1_3cQlN_1pSrYfzufWFlKrKJYh2Ecop4EpwKyr4BI8MvFtgdaMduC828RNBQxjEwfkG2yITJ9CkI/s960/241820541_377035853890764_3347579812716501445_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhny0tjSnyuDw2pngQRfzPV-kYedBKKEj1WEtJla1g11Luj0xwQDIWmvzb0OHjgquB1_3cQlN_1pSrYfzufWFlKrKJYh2Ecop4EpwKyr4BI8MvFtgdaMduC828RNBQxjEwfkG2yITJ9CkI/s320/241820541_377035853890764_3347579812716501445_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>This one is a gorgeous ombre of fizzy bubbles and I love how it reads different colours on either side.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS__iMcx12Nzg6gZp_HsuBJgpqQvp7iDobv3z3uJymioKgzxbwr05G0aok1yl-YM2dKficTDrBc73wG8gw-ZdPXnK8UKqas4koBr_AqO03zDL8hDVz_YrOnmQHFKZkcQAEG0NkuQvNw-0/s960/241782046_913697992555393_5587207028423862298_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS__iMcx12Nzg6gZp_HsuBJgpqQvp7iDobv3z3uJymioKgzxbwr05G0aok1yl-YM2dKficTDrBc73wG8gw-ZdPXnK8UKqas4koBr_AqO03zDL8hDVz_YrOnmQHFKZkcQAEG0NkuQvNw-0/s320/241782046_913697992555393_5587207028423862298_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">As well as masks, I've been feeling the cold footwise and find that socks bite into my ankles and slippers are all so synthetic they feel yicky.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">So, I made some! Using the <a href="https://www.twigandtale.com/products/wayfarer-shoes-for-adults-reversible" target="_blank">Twig and Tale Wayfarer Shoe</a> pattern, I made these cuties. Outer is a pair of old jeans, lined with some Liberty cord, and the sole is suede. All out of what was in the house. They're just enough warm for the house in this early spring weather. They were so easy, I think I'll make some warmer ones for winter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6xW_fLdzAfnpFoeej_IGVPQVb1rTclPzF8DEC9SVLWUga4s0gOxpADSn2oosH-4zO1MXc8kNlpmD7mVOG_fNL9piZ1BObf_N8F0UIN92iF8-5wtO19SLlLholkUCminjc1bbgVl8l8I/s960/241677640_531342991287984_3752141863538950730_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6xW_fLdzAfnpFoeej_IGVPQVb1rTclPzF8DEC9SVLWUga4s0gOxpADSn2oosH-4zO1MXc8kNlpmD7mVOG_fNL9piZ1BObf_N8F0UIN92iF8-5wtO19SLlLholkUCminjc1bbgVl8l8I/s320/241677640_531342991287984_3752141863538950730_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So there you go, small wins. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I went back to the office on Monday, quite eerie with only about 20% of our team coming in. But it really has helped me to get my head back in the game. Swapping slipper for masks.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBvTNzOjcEjWKwGEM1_HRgLKFNDdxZ637znPPAviFlpAzMiZX0YhaU1SarCSuVc-I7OYk8XeLw2LxS7mzAxv7KUoqEyqp7GsJBxmVx_7PPAqCXgZAjxTfx3FBWUeANplTHLIUT602z4U/s760/IMG_0789_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />MrsC (Maryanne)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14440723067459232998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024572182015008955.post-70901678529331789952021-08-18T23:41:00.002-07:002021-09-16T00:11:21.617-07:00Sewing is happening chez iRon!<p> iRonically, without using an iRon! This blog started out as a sewing one but meh, I don't get much chance. </p><p>So, today I tagged out of work for the rest of the week and I'm sewing. This is the Adrienne Blouse by Friday Pattern Company. It's so utterly ridiculously ME, it's almost a parody. Red with black lace with red roses. Red red red.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMMunthmKanfmE84cni77j8BdB86ljrWQnrnwILX-kHQ6oZ6D9XSkWoGO708dGPICJdd-2PM078bRRQkHnnj8vGq0Ujb3iRS_pewdmwNM7VGJLphGCDzdvkBsduz-Hwa8TyMUxGjMrcY/s518/adrienne1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="364" data-original-width="518" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMMunthmKanfmE84cni77j8BdB86ljrWQnrnwILX-kHQ6oZ6D9XSkWoGO708dGPICJdd-2PM078bRRQkHnnj8vGq0Ujb3iRS_pewdmwNM7VGJLphGCDzdvkBsduz-Hwa8TyMUxGjMrcY/s320/adrienne1.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rFseoXGXZUNPYSxX2qxG8bzqS2n4IjIGZ3LQCq5TWTmO4t70jKR-Zm9o3WHznoCoB1Dej23kjuijwR9czuvdr41NHY3qsqj-eM3eIJG3IUIC1KXalr_1eALUoEuXL67qEtjLTLxN_6w/s903/adrienne2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="670" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rFseoXGXZUNPYSxX2qxG8bzqS2n4IjIGZ3LQCq5TWTmO4t70jKR-Zm9o3WHznoCoB1Dej23kjuijwR9czuvdr41NHY3qsqj-eM3eIJG3IUIC1KXalr_1eALUoEuXL67qEtjLTLxN_6w/s320/adrienne2.png" width="237" /></a></div><br /> I am so in love. The red bit is fine merino and the sleeves are black net embroidered with red roses with a merino lining. VERY on brand. And that is just the beginning.<p></p><p>This current situation is sick making. Looking at what has happened in NSW with rampant Delta in the community only weeks after being Covid free, we may be in lockdown for at least another week.</p><p>Lockdown Level 4 here is no going out except for a walk in a mask, only supermarkets, pharmacies, petrol stations and dairies (corner shops) are allowed to open.</p><p>I am really missing my twice daily oat flat white.<br /></p>MrsC (Maryanne)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14440723067459232998noreply@blogger.com2