Hello, my friends, and welcome back!
Mom Update: We got her sorted out for overnight care and early morning care for the immediate future, and will adjust that as Mom gets confident in using the wheelchair and the other equipment. She's great at adapting and I've been in regular touch by phone. I'm so appreciative to our family (L, my niece Hannah, and especially sister-in-law Cynthia) for stepping up and helping out with time, company and errands. Cynthia even got Mom set up on a tablet, so she's seen all of your lovely your kind and heartwarming comments. She's always reading!
This one's for you, Mom!
I hope this doesn't come across as callous or uncaring - I know Mom understands that we have work and obligations, and that these things help fill my cup so that I have the strength to be there for her. Life is change, and time keeps flowing. I have to keep moving forward.
The stretched version! From left: Brad, Ross, Cat, me, Yvonne, Randall, Rosanna, Mieka, Greg, Linda (sitting), Nick and L.
It felt like an eternity since I'd been at work, but I was back on Friday and as I said to my colleagues, "I'm armoured up!"
I can't bear to crop them out, and I don't have time to take more pictures.
Nothing terrible had happened while I was gone - I missed a few things, but people were very understanding and kind.
- Blazer - InWear; last worn here in November 2025 for spring in summer
- Striped top - M by Missoni, thrifted; last worn here (2nd outfit) for brunch in September 2025
- PVC skirt - Anthropologie, NWT consignment, Powell River; purchased here for $79.00
- Sneakers - Adidas, thrifted; last seen here in June 2025 for a shop with Emma
- Sleeveless coat - Only, thrifted; last worn here a week ago
This weekend has been foggy - literally and figuratively.
There is supposed to be a Castle there!
I styled up this new-to-me PVC skirt with old faithful items from my closet.
The orange blazer has been with me for a while. It's such a useful colour.
The boys were all over me from when I got home on Thursday night to when I left for the office on Friday morning.
"I love you! Never go away again!"
I didn't take the jacket off at all, but you know I always plan for it.
"Who are you talking to?" "I love y---bum licking!"
Incognito.
It was very mild and dry out. I missed wearing a brooch here, but like I said...foggy.
The stuff:
Badass bling:
Pieces that make me happy.
I hopped a bus home - we had less than an hour to feed the kittens and get to town for the VFF Gala! The theme was "50s Diner" so you know I had to wear this lovely fit-and-flare dress that I thrifted a few weeks ago.
Everything I wore was from my closet - even if I hadn't had the dress, I could have easily created another look, just as good.
I adore all these purples. I walked to work in the sneakers.
- Leather purse - Sonia Rykiel, thrifted
- Fur scarf - Danier Leather, thrifted
- Leather gloves - Danier Leather
- Belt - gift from Ruth, 2007
- Silver/onyx necklace - Mexican, Powell River
- Zipper rose brooch - V&A Museum gift shop, London
- Loopy silver ring - consignment, Sidney
- Silver/obsidian ring - consignment
- Silver/amethyst ring - vintage mall
- Earrings - thrifted
- S silver bracelet - Mexican, consignment, Sidney
- Carved jadeite bangle - consignment
I threaded the bra-strap holders through, keeping everything in place.
The white socks are not something I would do if I weren't rolling with a 50s diner theme!
I tied a very short pony tail, and threaded the rolled silk scarf through it to keep it secure.
I liked all my ink showing.
I wore contacts so that I could go Incognito when I needed to.
I wore my jacket on my shoulders like this for most of the night while we were at the after-party.
I didn't carry any accoutrements: no scarf or gloves.
I just zipped up and shoved my hands into the deep pockets of the dress.
The stuff:
All the pockets (the jacket has two as well) meant I didn't need to carry a purse. This is it: ID in a mirrored case, a tube of lipstick, plus keys and my blog cards (I always have those), and my phone. I loved being hands-free!
The stuff:
- Belt - Madewell, consignment
- Silk scarf - Halston, vintage 70s, thrifted
- Sunglasses - can't remember, had them for a couple of decades, I think?
Bold bling:
He's in jeans, a white t-shirt, a leather motorcycle jacket and Fluevog lace-up boots. I dig the deep cuff on the jeans - a great detail!
We arrived at the Vic Theatre to find the Pink Carpet arrivals waylaid by a screeching fire alarm panel. The fire fighters sorted it out and they herded us into the theatre.
As always, when I'm in a big crowd: F#@!
- Faux cinnabar bangle - consignment
- Hinged Lucite/crystal bracelet - Alexis Bittar, consignment, Sidney
- Necklace - vintage 50s, Grandma J's
- Crystal earrings - thrifted
- Silver F#@! rings - Wendy Brandes
- Silver Anneke & Lars ring - vintage mall
So, here we go - lots of pictures! Clear your schedule, Gentle Reader, there are a LOT of pictures! All links 'cause I love. All the good pictures are from Rosanna - the crappy ones are mine (heh).
L was disappointed - greasers' outfits are not as exciting as the Pink Ladies!
Welcome to Gala 2026!
I do enjoy the weird and wonderful logos they use. Eyeballs!
L and I hoofed it to town, taking all the pedestrian shortcuts, catching up with Nick and walking with him.
Seat selfie.
Why yes, I AM so beautiful! Ha!
We had a total of 12 in our Chosen Family group this year - for many of us, this is our only opportunity to support the local film-making community.
I kept my make-up pretty simple - a winged eyeliner and red lipstick.
I made a quick trip to the loo before the movie and was highly amused at the inside of the stall.
We didn't have time for dinner (the food and drink at the after-party is included in the ticket), so I had a big bag of popcorn.
Rosanna reversed the picture! Me, Cat, Ross and Rosanna.
Her daughter Mieka, partner Greg, and Nick.
There were free non-alc sodas at the door from one of the sponsors - I liked the lemon-basil.
Cat, me, L and Yvonne. Randall met up with us at the end of the movie - he had to work (gah, I get it - Friday night events are hard!).
L made a point of doing "thumbs up" instead of his usual "devil horns". "There were no devil horns in pop culture before Ronnie James Dio," he proclaimed, correctly.
Linda wore a vintage-repro cowgirl dress, and a Little Shop of Horrors "Audrey" head-piece.
We were treated to "Holy Days," a very funny and heart-felt movie directed by Nat Boltt, who introduced it. Wiki link here, and I'll point out that Victoria was the Canadian debut, since we saw it on Feb 6th. I really enjoyed the movie (I laughed, I cried), and would recommend it. Nuns on a road trip with a young half-Maori boy.
Government Street in the fog. I love the blue lights in the trees. Of course, we walked up the middle of the road!
I complimented her on her amazing brocade coat - it had giant fur cuffs, which you can kind of see here - before I knew she was the Director!
After the movie, a group of us walked through downtown Victoria to the after-party location, which was deep in the old industrial area of the city, near where we had Rifflandia.
I intrepidly led our group on a zig-zag route through Old Town.
"Follow the Unsafe Pink Lady!" joked Cat.
As we waited for a light, I hollered, "GROUP SHOT!"
From bottom left: Yvonne, L, Cat, Randall, Ross and me. We're in the Market Square area.
Nearing the venue. Passing the Duke Saloon...a country-western bar.
Yvonne borrowed my pink tulle skirt and this embroidered motorcycle jacket, and tied the silk Berlin souvenir scarf (that I found in Powell River) around her ponytail.
We knew we were getting close! Rollerskaters!
These same people skated around inside later in the evening with trays full of hot French fries and burgers from Canadian fast-food A&W and chicken from High5 Chicken (a local place). YUM.
Love the old car!
And that's our venue to the left, up the ramp.
There was tons of food.
Mieka arriving.
I've done no colour-correcting, so this is what it actually looked like. There was a DJ at the far end, spinning 50s tunes.
Giant hot dogs, donuts, candy and ice cream cones decorated the space.
I stopped at the shrimp cocktail and ate about a dozen, then 4 deviled eggs.
An excellent dinner!
The cheeseball hedgehog amused me.
I don't like eating too much at these things, as there are roving photographers everywhere and I hate being caught with stuff in my teeth.
This was some of the only seating - a few inflatable chairs and a table with Yahtzee games and dominoes.
There was a photobooth, and here's Mieka - looking amazing! We didn't bother with this as a group, as we've been frustrated with the lack of pictures posted online.
Rosanna gently upbraided the photographer, who then dragged in the head of the Festival - I gave him a 3-week deadline to get them up ("and not on social media! I want a gallery on the website!"). We'll see how well my intimidation worked, heh heh.
Another room was set up like a rumpus room, complete with old Grey Cup and Stanley Cup games being broadcast.
These pictures fooled me! The entire wall was covered with them - and they look like they are all framed, but they're NOT. They are flat pictures printed on pieces of cardboard. You can see it better in the above picture.
I admired the Elvis tat and the tiki mugs.
Picture time! I rounded up our group. The after-parties are usually kind of boring - the fun time is being together with our friends, and I want pictures.
The three Pink Ladies: Yvonne, Cat and me.
The full shot.
I get a kick out of the fact that this was all in our wardrobes.
L and Rosanna.
Both sides of the purse SPUN!!
How were those A&W fries, L? "Ayyyyyyyyy!"
Rosanna MADE her purse and necklace out of old records!
One side was "Samba, Samba" and this side was a Decca 33 1/3 of Danny Kaye.
Aw, love my guy!
And of course, she rhinestoned it!
Nick and Greg.
Nick's bowtie is made of cork. Love the "atomic" print on Greg's shirt.
Me and L.
"Oh, wait," he said, "I gotta drape my arm right."
I was feeling very saucy. "Tell me about it, stud."
Ross and Cat.
Ross was wearing Bugs Bunny button covers! I see Bugs, Porky, Sylvester, Tweety...and I've forgotten what the last one was...
Yvonne and Randall.
Such sweeties!
Brad and Linda.
Another atomic print!
Lookin' tough. Better not mess with these badasses!
Fabulous!
Yvonne and Cat are using two of my purses. The one Yvonne's using is a Liz Claiborne that I've had since the 90s. The cigar box purse was a gift from L sometime in the late 90s. The inside is gingham, matching her shirt!
Mieka's full outfit.
Shoes! Cat is wearing the Fluevog Bonnie Henrys (link here), Yvonne is wearing pal Nancy's mum's original saddle shoes.
Mieka's in shiny silver and that's me on the left.
My pal from the 2024 Gala, David Lennam, was the MC of the film portion of the event, and remembered the Crazy Pirate Lady and Her Monkey (actually an orangutan, sorry, Felicita) from that event (recapped here). I enlisted him to "Please take our group shot!!" and he was so very kind to oblige.
What a good sport - thank you for your phone camera expertise in making us less elongated, David!
Samesies! Love our group shot! Thank you!
Of course, he snuck a quick selfie:
We call this "Chairman of the Board" - Whateley often sits like this, with one leg hanging way out.
Blurry, but eh, whatevs.
I taught Mieka to play Yahtzee.
We stopped for a quick selfie in front of these green lights.
I taught Mieka to play Yahtzee.
Sorry for kicking your ass...I've been playing Yahtzee since I was a kid. And I rolled three Yahtzees!
By this time, it was 11pm, and things were wrapping up. We grabbed our free Spinnakers chocolates at the door and L and I walked home in the fog.
We walked up Fisgard Street, but were shushed and told to quietly walk around.
It's a film crew! Lots of movies are made here (because the weather's so good).
A foggy Government Street.
Pretty quiet for a Friday! When I was in my late teens/early 20s (my clubbing days), this would have been crawling with people.
Walking home up Yates Street, I spied a VFF pink banner.
I love all the sparkly lights. That lamp post is a classic Victoria "thing" - they have hanging baskets of flowers on them in spring/summer.
Appropriate that we passed one of the movie theatres. That's the Odeon on the left, and one of Andrew Carnegie's many buildings on the right (it used to house the library, many decades ago).
The Odeon is where we began our VFF voyage, way back here in 2014, the first time we attended the Opening Night Gala.
And here's the Capital 6 Theatre, which I fear will be redeveloped in the near future.
Back on the routine - let's go meet Nick at John's Place for brunch! Saturday morning!
After brunch, L and I attempted to visit Mom, but the traffic was horrendous - there was an accident two roads away from her house, and we attempted to get to her from two directions, but the police had it fully blocked off.
I love the big glass spiral walkway.
We arrived home to ecstatic kittens, and crashed on the couch.
Back on the routine - let's go meet Nick at John's Place for brunch! Saturday morning!
I decided to wear my Muppet skirt.
- Sweater - Nygard, thrifted; last seen here (2nd outfit) in November 2025 for a vet visit
- Zip jacket - Adidas, thrifted; last worn here in April 2025 with origami
- Mohair skirt - Joy Nilsson, vintage 70s, thrifted; last seen here (2nd outfit) in January 2024 for brunch on a sub-zero weekend
- Sneakers - Converse; last worn here (3rd outfit) in January for a Panthers brunch
I'm letting go of the jacket - I don't reach for it, and it's a little snug/clingy.
"Again with the talking."
I have better jackets.
We were both exhausted (over an hour of driving in heavy traffic and rain), so I called Mom and apologized for not making it. Sorry!
As you can tell, it's still mild, but the aforementioned rain has started. L has some blurry Whateley assistance with his shoes, I see.
The stuff:
Skulls!
- Leather purse - Michael Kors, consignment
- Scarf - Zadig & Voltaire, consignment
Silvery bling:
It's white/grey/denim blue.
Karen used to love the VFF Galas, so I wore her grape cuff to brunch for her.
- Grapes silver cuff - Karen's
- Silver/Lucite bracelet - Alexis Bittar, consignment, Vancouver
- Silver earrings - Israeli, consignment
- Crystal necklace - Myka, thrifted
- Silver/amethyst ring - vintage mall
- Silver/crystal ring - Soul Flower
I saw that the Beacon Ave Thrift shop next to John's Place had all sweaters and skirts at 50% off, so I kinda had to buy this pleated leopard skirt.
It's fully lined and is pleated finely at the waist, to larger pleats at the hem.
It's VERY swooshy! I love it!
It's by Laundry by Shelli Segal.
And with 50% off, it was $13.00.
I spied this purse amongst the cracking PVC bags. Looks like leather...
It has a front flap pocket, and a big inside section.
Here's the back.
Big, heavy hardware, good seams. It has some dirt and scuffs on it - it's a white bag, what can you do?
The front pocket closure has writing on it.
Does that say...Coach? It does!
The bar swings down and it opens to reveal pink lining!
What a nice surprise.
I noted the "Coach est 1941" studs on the ends.
I did! It's called the Kristin Leather Hobo. Mine is missing a longer, removeable strap and the keychain with "Coach" stamped on it.
The zipper pull also looked right. I've owned and looked at Coach bags - they usually don't appeal to me.
That looks like the right label. I wonder if I'll get any hits on that serial number: No. B 1375-F22306.
I love the pale pink interior. Most of the purses like this that I saw online are pink leather with champagne lining, the reverse of mine.
I saw these selling for between $60-100.
But for me?
Correct! $8.00! What a deal!
I spied this tie, and had to buy it for L.
A golden lion! I love it!
It's by 51 Sales LA CAL (I'm guessing that's Los Angeles, California), and the design is by John Wang, copyrighted 1987. It's called "Lion."
Thinking about my outfits for the coming week - we're going to have a Valentine's theme week!
I spotted a zebra version online, but not much else. This was 50 cents.
L and I had a much-needed session of games and music on Saturday night, and slept in on Sunday before our house was inundated by Seahawks fans for the Super Bowl. Hooray, the Seahawks easily won!
I didn't dress up much.
- Luke Kuechly Carolina Panthers jersey - not tracked
- Floral track pants - Adidas, consignment, Powell River; first worn here for a Mom-Day with the kittens in January
This player is going into the Hall of Fame! Go, Luke!
Gotta wear my colours during the game.
Some pictures of the past few days, and the folks at the party.
Barnabas settled down on L early on.
"I love football!"
He does like the movement of the little men on the screen.
Nick customized his Seahawks jersey.
It's always more fun when we have fans of the team in the house!
L did up a spread using the deer that his brother hunted and had made into fancy meats.
We had deer/pork salami (I ate this, it was delish), deer jerky and deer pepperoni. We also had chips and dip (dill pickle, yum!), smokies and hot dogs, and chicken wings. I did not miss making chili this year...and the way my week went, I would not have been able to to do anyway.
L, Chris and Ali.
Hi, guys!
Barnabas entertained everyone by bringing around a squishy ball regularly.
"Throw the ball! I'll bring it back!"
He does this for hours. He always brings it back.
Whateley looking on.
"I disapprove of these shenanigans."
But Barnabas persisted.
"I found an orange ball! Throw it!"
He finally wore out, and settled in with L again.
"I love the man!"
Whateley snoozed on the stool, and they didn't even budge when the room erupted for a pick or a good play.
And there we go, another weekend over already.
"This doesn't seem to warrant a response." "I love you!"
My friends, I am sending you all biggest good vibes and I'm reading, although not responding to comments right now, sorry (my brain is full). Thank you for being here.
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Cheers,
Sheila