Bigass Free Day: Mental Health Walk, and Thursday "If I Were at Work" Outfit

Hello, my friends! I've been having a lovely day to myself, introverting away in a slightly social manner. Like my good friends, Ann of Polyester Princess (here) and Mim of Crinoline Robot (here), I'm throwing my energy into maintaining a routine of getting dressed up. Connect with us and through us - click on other commenters' names to see if they have blogs and go say hi! Let's be alone together. 

I'm totally holding this wall up

I have a very shiny outfit in store for you - and I've amped it up to 11! - and I also went for a Mental Health Walk today, so grab a hot cup of tea and a comfy chair and get settled in for a Bigass Free Day post.

I slept in a bit - L went to his empty office to work today - then I put on my walking gear and headed out.

Construction work is still going ahead on this new development only a block from home.

This tiny bunch of some kind of daffodil/narcissus variant was so pretty.

When I walked to Book Club last week, I passed this house called "The Magnolias" and kicked myself for not having my camera on me (I don't have a phone).

It's magnolia season!

Look at that wonderful pink.

Doesn't that just make your heart happy?

This yard is always one of my favourites on my walk.

There are always weird and wonderful decorations and things hidden in the plants and rocks- I wish I'd taken a picture of their Hallowe'en display, as it was full of pirates! I'm guessing that orange parrot is leftover from that.

I spotted a Cat of Victoria on my way to the water.

"Who goes there?"

He's got a bit of Charlie Chaplin vibe about him.

Pretty daffodils. Yellow is so joyful.

It was alternately sunny and cloudy as I walked - I was out for about an hour and a half.

 A giant Arts and Crafts-era house, with a stone wall.

I know I like whoever built this little garden scene.

The guinea pig, pig and frog are raptly looking at the angel, but that kitschy poodle is having none of it. Peace birdhouse!

And a violin-playing gnome.

 That's a cedar tree - there are lots of them around.

I arrived at Dallas Road to find that a good percentage of Victoria citizens also decided that the waterfront would be a fine place to visit today.

 Most people were keeping their distance, but I had to swerve or give wide berths to many of them.

You can see the demarcation of the cloud-line on the cliffs.

That blue thing is a stairwell to get down to the beach level.

Looking towards Clover Point - that's where I'm headed.

That rocky beach looks appealing. I think I'll go down there.

Looking back at that gorgeous sky!

I see the blue stairwell - it's very far away now.

Logs and birds on the water.

A freighter in the distance.

I was careful walking on the logs.

Those are mostly cedar and Douglas fir.

A "whip" of kelp near the water.

 The tide was out a bit so I could actually see sand.

 Well, hello there!

That's the Pacific Ocean!

I wonder what that big iron ring is??

 Do you think tall ships once anchored there? That would be cool.

This is the most southerly point in Victoria.

It's obscured by clouds, but Washington State is right there behind those two freighters.

This daffodil is so amazing, standing strong.

 I was heartened by the budding greenery outside and all the fauna around.

These crows were in quite a tizzy.

"Did you see him? What's he doing? What does he want?"

They were cackling away and hopping from wire to wire.

I saw a few of these driftwood creations along the beach.

There were a lot of families with little kids out.

Up ahead, near Ross Bay Cemetery, I saw a big dark speck in a tree.

Holy smokes, it's a bald eagle!

"Those crows better keep their distance.."

They aren't that rare on the west coast, but I haven't seen one this close to people in a long time. 

"Photos? Please let me tidy myself."

That is one big bird.

Looking into the cemetery, which is on the other side of the road from the water.

There were a surprising number of people strolling through.

And a bunch of our urban deer, foraging for food.

These ones look pretty young - their shaggy coats look a bit tatty.

Back at the water, I'm headed for the other side of the bay. 

I saw a lot of people out walking their dogs.

Another driftwood structure.

And more people.

This pink stone was put there with love.

Thank you, whoever did this. I appreciate this gesture.

And a selfie from the top of the stairs, looking back at Clover Point.

I wish I'd worn my Panthers toque instead of my cap - my ears were freezing.

More plum blossoms.

We are a couple of weeks away from my favourite fat pink blossoms blooming.

This yard is always a bit hippy-dippy. But I like the peace sign.

"If you cannot be brave, be kind."

A good reminder.

I saw this squirrel dash across the road in front of me.

"No pictures! No pictures!"

That's a beautiful cedar tree - although the knot on the right is looking at me...

I decided to go by Government House (home of BC's Lieutenant Governor), and cut past the Castle on my way home.

Dreemskerry is on the Victoria Heritage Foundation's registry. You can read about it here - it's a B&B now.

Another B&B across the street.

I worry about how these small businesses will survive with the shut-down of the tourist industry here. Cruise ships have been cut off from docking in Victoria, which is a huge part of our economy.

Government House's grounds are still open, and look at all these good folks doing their social distancing.

Two gardeners, and a group of people doing Tai Chi around that lovely old Gary oak.

Spring has officially arrived - my first robin sighting.

"Spring robins are here, mofo!"

The manors around Craigdarroch Castle are massive and magnificent.

 Do you see the squirrel? He's hiding on the tree trunk.

There's the Castle!

It's smaller than you think - it's not very far away. Maybe a block.

I like that a lot of the streets have these blue tile letters.

 I think I should go scout out the Castle for another photo shoot.

Do you remember when I went up there for my Traveling Yellow Skirt shoot in 2013? Here, enjoy! That was so fun.

The Castle is closed right now.

If you are self-isolating, and happen to catch either the movie Little Women (the Winona Ryder/Susan Sarandon one, IMDB link here) or The Boy (a slightly silly horror movie with Lauren Cohan, IMDB link here), both of those were filmed at the Castle.

I haven't been there in years.

I hereby pledge that when the Castle is open again, I'll go up there and take a tour so you can see the inside. They also have a new tearoom and gift shop converted from one of the houses nearby.

The work on the tower seems to be continuing.

I love that port-cochere, where carriages would drive up to the front door.

If you're interested in what the Castle is all about, here's their gallery (the flyover is really cool).

When I got home, Vizzini was super-excited to see me.

"Oh, were you out? Is it food time?"

He hasn't quite clued in that things in the world are...different...yet. We've been on our regular schedule for work, so as far as he's concerned, nothing's changed.

And speaking of schedule, here's what I would have worn to work if I'd gone today.

It felt really good to do my hair and make-up and get dressed! Isn't this dress amazing? Please do check out the detail pictures in the link below - it has lions on it!

• Dress - The Arkin Collections, vintage 60s, vintage fair; purchased here for $40.00
• Shoes - Tod's, thrifted; last worn here in my last outfit of my spring/summer in September 2019
• Jacket (below) - Forever 21, thrifted; last seen here in April 2019

I will admit that I did go over-the-top (OTT, as they say) on the styling. Why the heck not?

I curled my hair and went bigass on everything.

I left the original gold vinyl belt on the dress for its inaugural outing- I probably won't wear it much going forward as it's quite fragile.

This dress is older than I am! But it's timeless.

It's such a great fit too. Remember, I did not try this on when I bought it!

Pockets!! Yes!

Here's with the belt off - I find this more comfortable to wear and I like the sleeker look of it.

I'll wear it like this next time.

While I was outside doing my stair picture, I experimented with carefully moving my camera around on the ledge (I always worry about it smashing on the ground four floors down). I take all of my pictures with the camera timer.

In addition to the "wall support" pose at the top of this post, I also have this "missing feet" pose. Note my death-grip on the railing. Those heels were high!

It was when I started to think about outerwear that my whackitude side came out to play. Heh. Note that I switched my bracelet and ring to the outside of my gloves. KLASSY.

Well, darlings, first we have that crazy-ass hat, which was a gift from my dear Elaine back in Hamilton, who I called today. Hello, honey!

• Hat - Henri Original, vintage 50s, gift from Elaine, last worn here exactly 6 years ago in March 2014
• Gloves - Club Monaco, consignment

And because we're feeling very EXTRA today, a faux leopard cropped jacket.

Oh, yes, indeed! Elbow-length gloves and a bracelet-sleeve jacket - works every time.

And I'll just sling on this new-to-me vintage bag with the whole ensemble.

This makes me happy. I walked around in the house in this outfit, did my make-up and ate breakfast, danced around with Mr. Kitty - a couple of hours of wear, and I feel oodles better.

• Purse - Ted Lapidus, vintage 90s, vintage fair; purchased here for $31.00

The stuff: 

My feet are tired just from wearing these so briefly around the house. I do love them, though. The quality is amazing.

Gold bling:

Go bold with your gold!

• Earrings - Biko, consignment
• Bracelet - Butler Fifth Avenue Collection, consignment
• Ring - c. 1996

And now, some reading on the couch with another cup of tea. Maybe Vizzini will join me.

"And leave my robe and crown pillow?"

Take care, my friends! I'm off to enjoy my long weekend with L - we have some fun adventures planned for our anniversary. Be kind to yourselves and others. Take it a day at a time. Breathe. Thank you all again for stopping by!