Photos by Camille A close up of the feathers of the day. Grief has its own timetable.  The day before the anniversary presented with hours of dull and heavy slow motion. I found it difficult to think clearly or take action.  An interesting study in mindfulness which I observed from a distance.  Not anxious or depressed, but a with a hint of immobilization. I lacked the ability to worry about things that I couldn't control, as I'm inclined to do on an ordinary day. Now there's a concept that I would like to take with me into every moment of

Photos by Diana. Vintage coral structured beret, vintage jewels and suede YSL pumps - estate sales, 50's silk taffeta print dress with velvet collar and vintage coral fabric gloves - purchased from a friend's inventory, and nude fishnets. The lilacs are blooming and though I have resisted the reality of spring this year, reluctant to see the blooming trees, daffodils and tulips, I am in love with the fragrant lavender blossoms that wave in the spring air in my front garden.  They greet me, embrace me as I walk by, coming and going.  I gather sweet bouquets that grace my

April 9, 2011 HERE April 13, 2011 HERE The last photo, April 15, 2011 HERE With one week remaining in this year of magical thinking, I reviewed The SC posts of April 2011.  I vividly remember the moments in time that are documented in the above photos, which Nelson took, though weak yet determined.  He transitioned five days after our last date and his last photo.  I now realize that without my blog I wouldn't have these dear memories frozen in time. As I approach this week, I don't know what to expect as feelings are unpredictable, like death.  I

The IFs and The SC. Never a dull moment!  Valerie's vintage hat with moving fruit on the Bowery. Cocktails while admiring Jean's hat designed by Ignatius. All photos courtesy of The Idiosyncratic Fashionistas What are the chances that The SC would meet a woman who was in love with hats AND enamored with the concept of crone self-identification.  In walk the Idiosyncratic Fashionistas (The IFs for short) and I meet not one, but two women who are also hatted crones.  On the eve of the scattering of ashes, The SC met the IFs at Tender Buttons (a button store that

Cover of the book purchased at the Bard Exhibit with a photo of Isabella Blow in a hat by Philip Tracey, 1996. This journey to NY was different from any other in my past.  I brought my camera, but didn't use it until the final hours of the day before we returned home.  What  blogger walks the vibrant streets of NY without her camera?  The movements required for photography felt unavailable and leaden, as my lens was internal. Reminding myself that the focus of this trip was a memorial tribute, I accepted that my memories would be accessible in a

Photo by Ari Seth Cohen Black structured felt hat - Maeve Carr from The SC's hat shop, 1985;  Issey Miyake jacket - consignment store; vintage black wool pencil skirt - purchased from a friend's inventory; black wool turtleneck with peplum - consignment store; tall black leather boots - retail winter sale (perfect for hours of city walking). The SC met for lunch with Ari Seth Cohen, creator of the revolutionary blog Advanced Style HERE, along with videographer Lina Plioplyte and Advanced Style contributor Debra Rapoport HERE . Debra's mottos of  'Frame the Face' and 'Look Good, Feel good. Feel Good, Look Good' ring true

It was a cold and windy morning in downtown NYC as Camille and The SC gathered for brunch with friends and celebrated Nelson's life with stories, laughter, tears and mutual support.  I wore his wedding ring on a silver chain around my neck.  We were enveloped in black with a splash of vibrant color to represent a life well lived.  I had neglected to bring gloves from my extensive collection, which left my hands exposed to the chill of the day.  Nelson would have been amused that I had forgotten an accessory! We then traveled to Washington Square Park where

   Photo by Daniel N Inspired by the sunset over the ocean, The SC draped herself in color.  I discovered this textured orange scarf at a street market and paired it with a fuchsia head wrap as a tribute to my varied and life changing Mexican adventure.  I will never forget the soothing sound of the ocean's waves and the beautiful, vibrant display that magically appeared over the water every night before dark.  No wonder why the markets were filled with brilliant color! Thank you to my 'Soul Brothers' from the '70's, Douglas, Dan and Tom, for generously making the

Photos by Daniel N Returning to the splendor of Mexico! The SC traveled from Mexico City to Puerto Vallarta - from city to beach for a radical change of pace with my 'Soul Brothers' since the 70's.  I was surrounded by beauty of a different nature with the ocean, palm trees and the ever present and colorful street markets.  Leisurely walks replaced the goal oriented days that were spent moving about in an urban area.  I loved the contrast and welcomed the sound of the ocean as I drifted off to sleep after a day that flowed without a plan.

Photos by Diana on Colfax Avenue a few blocks from home. Last year at the transition to 68 The SC went to dinner with Nelson HERE  in vintage cape and hat, unable to write about the full impact of the hours prior to our outing.  Earlier in the day we had met with our guide (a dear friend of 36 years) from Natural Transitions HERE , had talked intimately about death, made plans within the confines of unpredictability and addressed what N wanted before and after he drew his last breath.  Just a few details!  This conversation, facilitated by our skillful coach,

I have discovered a birthday cluster.  Bloggers born under the sun sign of Pisces within hours of each other, though in different years.  Jean of dross into gold HERE and Rose of Forever on the Catwalk of Life HERE were born on March 14th and The SC on March 15th.  When I became aware of this connection it was too intriguing to pass up without mention.  Check them out on this their special day! Jean and Rose have been supportive, generous, kind and empathetic commenters on SC for as long as I can remember.  Many times my responses were limited as I

As The SC entered the Frida Kahlo Museum HERE she was mesmerized by the image portrayed in the first photo. My palette has been emboldened and catch the full body polka dots!  As we toured the gardens I found a spot beneath Frida's bedroom, which allowed a glimpse of her lace bedspread and a window into her colorful and significant life. Her influence was seen and felt in the city throughout our visit, along with that of her husband Diego Rivera HERE. The SC felt insignificant standing near sculptures in Mexico City's Historic Center! Declared by our guide as the

Coyoacan HERE is a borough of Mexico City with well preserved architecture from the pre-revolutionary and colonial eras.  The coyote fountain gave the area its name.  I loved the vivid street markets, the museums, the interesting shops and restaurants, the Aztec dancers and craft fairs.  The feather headdresses have taken up permanent residence in the inspiration area of my brain. Feather headdress behind glass at the Museum of Anthropology. The Museum of Anthropology HERE consists of twelve galleries of a world-renowned collection of finds from Mexico's pre-Columbian cultures.  It would take weeks to thoroughly tour the entire museum. These photos are

Museo Soumaya HERE Rodin's sculpture 'The Thinker' in the vestibule of Soumaya. Hola!  Mexico was spectacular and The SC is happy to be home with a renewed sense of wonder. Mexico City was big, bold, colorful!  I was in awe from dawn to late at night thanks to the abilities and the knowledge of our delightful tour guide Monica, who informed us that we were in the middle of a city of 22 million.  Every minute was filled with new experiences; the distance and the activity created distraction and a softening,  yet provided the welcomed awareness that Nelson is with

The SC was interviewed by the warm and engaging Colleen O'Connor of The Denver Post and a front page article appeared in the newspaper on Valentine's Day.  CLICK HERE to read the piece in The Post. The first photo above was taken by R.J. Sangosti, who accompanied Colleen, and the second photo was taken prior to Nelson's diagnosis by my dear friend Kelly. The process felt honoring of Nelson and our relationship and lightened a day that had bittersweet meaning as I felt his loss throughout the hours. Last year on this day we went out to dinner CLICK HERE and he was

    Photos by Diana As The SC walked in City Park this morning a tree with golden leaves caught her attention. From this image came the memory of a camel cape that was recently gifted by a friend.  Returning home I raced through my inventory and built an outfit inspired by nature.  Suddenly I became aware that nearly every piece of my ensemble was gifted by a friend.  I was wearing my friends!  The vintage camel cape (reversible as seen on the back of the collar in the last photo),  the vintage Lilly Dache hat trimmed with jet beads

Photos by Diana and The Style Crone Vintage blue wool coat with faux persian lamb trim - gifted, jewels - estate sales, vintage black handmade wool fabric hat - vintage shop, knee high all weather black leather boots - retail winter sale. This past weekend brought snow that covered everything in sight.  The SC was entranced with the softly falling blanket of white.  Even though I felt like staying home in my warm sanctuary, I was driven to continue with my schedule; the structure that keeps me moving.  Why allow an intense winter storm to cloud my internal vision?  I

  Photos by Kathleen and The Style Crone Pink sweater with cowl and vintage navy fabric gloves - estate sales,  navy turtleneck - Nordstrom Rack,  jeans and navy boots - purchased somewhere in Boston several years ago. Another day, another acupuncture appointment as The SC demonstrates how a change of hats has the power to transform the trajectory of the day.  A gifted navy wool felt cloche with velvet bow is the chosen chapeau for errands, out for tea or an estate sale if there's an interesting one to be found.  The very same outfit (which is as casual as The

  Photos by Paula Gifted Sarah hand painted cotton knit cape, black wool Mieko hat, estate sale vintage powder blue gloves and vintage copper jewelry, consignment store powder blue turtleneck, jeans, and boots. A forty minute drive from home carries The SC to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains to a charming bistro for brunch with friends. This cape, with its constellation of copper, powder blue, gold and off white hand painted on a black background inspired the ensemble for the day's adventure.  The pairing of copper with powder blue was a combination that hadn't crossed my mind in the

  Photo by Diana Black/fuchsia fur felt fedora by Guy HERE, estate sale black wool sweater with large covered buttons, estate sale vintage fuchsia gloves and silver jewelry on black background. The sorting of Nelson's belongings is complete, and The SC decided that inviting a few friends over during the weekend to choose items in his honor would be more meaningful and personal than donating.  At least as a first step. What happened in the process was memorable, as each person selected a prize from the many items that were displayed. Everything except the special pieces that Camille and The