I have just ground to a halt. It’s probably easier just to accept it, rest a while and then start again instead of stressing over it. Worrying never improved anything. (In case you are wondering, no, the writing is not going well).
I’ve been looking for Victorian name brooch tonight. I am, of course, looking for one that says Julia. Unfortunately there weren’t a lot of Julias about during the heyday of the hollow silver name brooch (about 1880-1914). If I wanted one that said Martha, Dora or Ada I’d have had a choice of dozens. Gertrude, Lizzie and Ethel too. They are all perfectly good names, and I have had several aunts with those names, but they are names of former times. I did find two with Julia.
One of them is used in an article on name brooches, the other is for sale.
I checked with Julia before buying it, as I had reservations. You have to weigh up her grateful surprise at an unexpected gift against the downside of the mournful subject matter on the decoration – particularly the prominent cross which looks rather like a grave marker. It was the first thing she mentioned, so although I blew the surprise I avoided the gaffe of buying a brooch she wouldn’t wear.
The Victorians were keen on death and mourning in a way you don’t see these days. I suppose we have anti-biotics and a fascination with youth. They had cholera and a struggle for survival. I suppose this leaves its mark on you.
Most of my “brooch” pictures feature military sweethearts. In fact all of them do. The one pictured here is from No 56 Squadron RAF.
I am sure Julia appreciated the thought and you checking with her first. I had to chuckle at “They had cholera and a struggle for survival.” We may not have so much cholera about these days but the struggle for survival is still with many. I heard of a new virus on the upswing this morning. human metapneumovirus , also known as HMPV. Epidemics take many forms.
That’s the trouble with funding scientists – they keep finding new diseases. 🙂
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I liked to be asked if I am going to get a gift. It is embarrassing to get a gift that you don’t want.
I was slightly worried when I saw a gap in your posting but I am glad that you are up and going again. Not worrying about things that can’t be helped is always a good plan (which I intend to follow some day).
I seem to have run out of steam. No submissions this month and no inspiration. However, it will return. 🙂
I bet Julia felt as though she had a gift though, because her loving husband was looking for something pretty to buy her. So sweet.
I could have hit on something here – I look good, she feels happy and it doesn’t cost anything . . .
I suppose it’s too good to be true, isn’t it?
I’ll keep looking.
I usually ask someone who knows
A good plan from a wise man. 🙂
Thank you very much, Quercus
🙂
With gifts, sometimes it’s best to be sure. The older I get, the more I feel that way.
I think that’s what they call experience Laurie. 🙂 The older I get, the less I want, and the less I want to waste my money on things that aren’t right.
You bet! We are doing some major decluttering and I am utterly astonished by all the things I wanted (and bought) but now no longer have any interest in. A sobering lesson.
Ideally I would like to be born at the age of 90, look at all my mistakes and then be reborn at the age of 18 to put them into action but miss the spots. 🙂