Window wall above the study daybed: a still-life done decades ago by my dad, and the original cover image for The Blackbird & Other Stories.
Outside: rain rain rain. It's the worst. 34 degrees Farenheit, and pouring rain. And I have to go to Gastonia in an hour to meet a composer in a coffeehouse, which sounds exotic (except for the Gastonia part) --- we're going to discuss my possibly writing the libretto for a chancel opera, which should actually be fun. We've had some lively emails, at any rate, which make me think we might work well together, and . . . you know, it's never too late to do something you haven't done before.
Otherwise, I have to let the dog out (no actual walk in this downpour) and, on my return from coffee, start writing something about the odious Mr. Shelley, and also maybe think about the following week's essays (only two of those, mercifully).
Wearing:
*Wool& Audrey dress (S) in Black Heather, bought November 2022, last worn January 22. Wears in 2025: 4
*Secondhand WoolX blue base-layer tee, owned since fall 2021
*Secondhand Connemara merino cardigan, owned since fall 2024
*Snag cashmere footless tights, owned since summer 2024
*Darn Tough Socks, owned since I summer 2023
*Secondhand Keens Baby Bern boots, owned since December 2024
Hair washed this morning, ready to roll. And this is definitely winter again --- no into spring about it.
LATE AFTERNOON UPDATE:
Still cold, still raining, still gross, but I have written a good chunk of my Shelley essay, after a lively and productive morning meeting that has me sketching some verses already for the opening scene of this opera project. Composer is basically the same age as my kids, but we have hit it off, I think, and I'm excited about this new collaboration.
When I came home, I found that both my new silk-cotton cardigan and my merino tee had arrived, so you'll be seeing those in days to come. Both are great. I did almost immediately cut out the crew neck of the tee, so that it fits more gracefully over my collarbones, and I think it's going to be fun to wear.
Still mulling the possibility of a pair of overalls. That would bring my secondhand purchases to 8, though, and it's only the second week of February. Do I really want overalls? I think I should sit with that one. And maybe read some Comedy of Errors while I'm at it.
Meanwhile, I am really happy with today's outfit. I've had it on all day, in warmth and comfort. My Audrey dress is just a no-fail piece, all the year round. Pretty sure I'll put her in my bag for next week's trip.