It's my birthday!

Yes, today is my birthday. January is not the best of months to have a birthday, but hey, what can you do? I'm at work today, but as a nod to my birthday I decided on Sunday to have a walk to one of the local beaches, taking some time to enjoy the sunshine while I reflected on being a year older.


But before we go any further, I want to apologise to my regular readers for my sporadic posts of late. The irony of my position has been lack of inspiration - this from the woman who professes to having a desire to inspire others - very funny, I know! Yes, I may have lots of clothes to choose from, but good daylight for photo opportunities during the winter does really become a challenge for me over time. I was given a very useful bit of advice when I first started blogging, and that was to be consistent with my content. I've had to make a choice between regular posts of a mediocre standard or decent posts as and when they occur. I hope you understand and that this decision will keep you coming back.








Unbeknownst to me, I had lost the stone from my ring somewhere between leaving home and getting to the beach. It was only when I came to edit the photos that I noticed. It's only a costume piece, so of no monetary value, but it was a lovely sparkly blue stone that matched my jeans perfectly. Ho hum!






This is Toby who belongs to some friends of mine. He had been enjoying the sea, but was well behaved enough to sit nicely for his photo shoot.

And talking of the sea, this was how I started my day on Sunday (and every other day of the year).


The swim had been one of the coldest of the year so far. My skin was ruddy in response to the temperature, matching the pink and lilac hues of the clouds behind, which were bathed in the rosy glow of the rising sun. This truly is the best time of the day for me. The swim gives me with a wonderful rush of endorphins which set me up for the day ahead. 

Turning 59 feels like a dress rehearsal for 60, and that's not really as big a deal as I thought it might be. I know I'm not there yet, but I was delighted to hear on radio 4 that Barack Obama, at 55, is a young and vital man with so much to give. Heck, this moving of the goalposts has come in the nick of time for me! Instead of having to write a woe is me piece I can rejoice that I too, am still young. Have you noticed that there's a lot of this going on for my generation? 50 is the new 40, and now 55 is young! I'm feeling a bit like Benjamin Button.

But seriously, I have to admit that I'm very happy with my lot and know I have a great deal to be grateful for. I'm lucky to be in a strong marriage where we are equal partners and have different interests to bring into the mix. Lucky too, that my son lives here on the island and that my daughter visits often - my family means everything to me. I'm so lucky to work in a job that I enjoy which leads me to meet and work with so many interesting and talented people. I'm incredibly fortunate to live here on this tiny island where life is lived at a slow pace in the most beautiful of surroundings.

I'm grateful too, for good health, but that hasn't always been the case. Click here to read about the battle to find my own pathway to healthy eating and consequently a healthy body. And click here to read about sea swimming because without it I don't think I'd have the healthy immune system I benefit from now. 

And finally, the icing on the cake has to be my blog. Much as it's been a bit wobbly of late, I do love having an opportunity to share my outfits of the day with you. It's opened up an avenue for making new friendships and consolidating old ones. Blogging brings to mind one of my favourite quotes from Oscar Wilde. He said,  "Be yourself, everyone else is taken." That little prompt allows me the freedom to be me, without fear of judgement. That's not to say that some may, and probably do, judge me, but I have no time to waste worrying about that. And that brings me nicely onto the subject of time. I'm aware that you may like to have a routine of days to tune in for the next feature, and I understand that. I'm sure once Polly is back on board I'll become more reliable, but in the meantime, may I ask that you hang on in there. I can only promise to give you my best, and if it's not forthcoming, then you may have to wait a little longer. Likewise if you're one of my fellow bloggers, then do take this as an apology to you too. I've struggled to visit all of my favourite blogs in the dark months, but do hope to catch up with you all as I emerge from the winter blues.

And as it's my birthday, I have a request. One of my favourite features on the blog is "As suggested by..."  (last seen here) and I ask that you would consider sending me your ideas. Take a look through my posts over the months and let me know if there's something you'd like to see again. Pop them in an email if you don't want to publish a comment, but please do let me have some feedback - otherwise it's a bit like a one handed applause. 

Outfit details - gold sweater: H&M (purloined from my daughter), jeans: charity shopped, boots: ASOS, shirt: H&M, bag: charity shopped, sunglasses: Quay Australia, rings: charity shopped.

Linking with -
Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb
Cherie of Style Nudge

I'll finish with some of the views that give me daily pleasure in my life on the Isles of Scilly.








Thanks for joining me!
Anna x

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43 comments

  1. Happy birthday! Those images, with the wonderful blue sky backdrop, are amazing! I have only recently discovered your blog and looking back at older posts, I so admire your exuberant use of colour and textures. I guess in terms of an ask, it would be fantastic to see even more of the Isles of Scilly....the people and their fashions, the different islands' scenery as backdrops. But apologies if you have already been doing that!

    Gail
    www.isthismutton.com

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    1. Hello and welcome Gail! Thanks for your lovely feedback and for giving me lots of ideas for the future. I do always intend to have a jolly outing to other islands on my day off, but don't do it often enough; however you're ask will be fuel for me when the season gets rolling again and all the boats are back in the water.
      I have featured island fashions in "Anna meets..." so you'll enjoy looking back at those too.
      Anyway, thank you for getting the ball rolling and for joining me on my birthday x

      Anna

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  2. Happy birthday Anna, may your day be filled with sunshine and treats. What beautiful blue skies you had on Sunday and a lovely outfit against a stunning backdrop.They coordinate so well! I hope the stone turns up.

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    1. Dear Tessa, how very kind of you! Yes, the sun did shine and I've still got my presents to open this evening, so all is well.
      Sunday was an absolute gift, and the funny thing is I had no idea that my outfit would work so well against that backdrop - it was a fluke. Sasha has now told me to keep the sweater which is an extra bonus. And as for the stone, I've kinda given up on it. I covered too much ground to go back and search. Ho hum!

      Wishing you a lovely week x
      Anna

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  3. Happy Birthday Anna!!
    That is fabulous advice, because when are things really perfect, anyways?
    I think you do a fabulous job on your blog!!
    I've been struggling with maxis---I love them on others, but I'm still not sure what looks fantastic with them. Heck, we're even doing a series on them this week, but I feel like it's not my favorite...know what I mean?
    jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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    1. Dear Jodie, thanks so much for your lovely comments and birthday wishes. We blog because we love it, but it always nice to get some feedback, isn't it?
      Good luck with those maxis, that could be challenging. It's good that you keep trying with them though. Well done!

      Have a good week x
      Anna

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  4. Anna,

    Happy birthday to you! I absolutely love being in my 60s and I know you will, too!

    Don't worry about infrequent posts. If people like your blog, like me, they will always check it out. Blogging is so consuming - all those blogs to read as well - so sometimes it's not a bad thing to miss out on a few. I aim to do one longish post per week; I don't think I'd have the time to do anymore! And I don't work!

    I really like your sparkly jumper; like yellow and orange I'm liking sparkly clothing more as I can older. I love the matching bag and those boots are so fabulous.

    You are brave swimming in the sea everyday, but you live in such wonderful place it would be a crying shame not to utilise it as much as you can. It certainly pays dividends as you look extremely healthy and fit. I'd like to think I'd do the same if I lived close to the sea but I'm not sure I could!

    Hope your week is going well.

    xxx

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    1. Dearest Vronni, thanks for your comments and for your consistent support. I always feel better when I've taken time to explain to my readers what's going on in my life. Much as the blog is primarily to showcase my outfits, the rest of my life creeps into focus and impacts on everything.

      Bright colours and a bit of sparkle always are great for giving a lift to any outfit, and sometimes they're all that my outfits consists of!

      Cold water swimmimg is a state of mind Veronica. If you think it's going to be cold, then that's all you'll notice. For me, all I think about is counting the breaths I take and after about 50 or maybe 70 breaths I'm aware that it's getting warmer. And yes, I think it would be almost rude not to take advantage of these beautiful clean beaches.

      Thanks for dropping by on my birthday x

      Anna

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  5. Happy Birthday dear Anna!
    Sea swimming....my hat goes off to you.
    Long may your health and happiness continue. XXX

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    1. Thanks so much Sam. Sea swimming is no different to running or going to the gym every day - I think any of these can be equally beneficial and also addictive. I'm just very lucky to be able to exercise in such beautiful surroundings.

      Thanks for your good wishes x

      Wishing you a great week!

      Anna

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  6. Oh Happy Birthday darling. I have visited your blog right in time for best wishes. Don't worry about a thing. I am almost 63 and it gets better and better. You swimming every morning in the cold sea, I cannot get my head around that. Love your golden sweater and bag. I love anything golden. I wouldn't however have worn those cute boots to the beach and have the wet sand ruin them. But that is me, fussy. Hope you had a wonderful day. (And yes getting photos done in winter... not easy at all.)
    Greetje

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    1. So very kind of you Greetje to say such lovely things. Gold, silver, any metallics are all winners for me - I just love the sparkle.
      The boots were fine. I too, am very fussy and was very careful to only walk on dry sand rather than wet. They're back in tissue inside their box with no sign of the beach outing at all!

      I can't explain the sea swimming. I'm a vey chilly person and hate to be cold, but when I get on the beach the adrenalin starts to flow and I'm like an athlete. It's the afterglow that pulls me on, the thrill once it's over.

      Thanks so much for you ongoing support and friendship x
      Anna

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  7. Belated birthday wishes Anna and thanks for letting me know that I'm young! (I'm 55 later this year) Glorious photos, the light is so wonderful, although it sounds as if you have plenty of gloomy days too which are such a hindrance to a blogger. Swimming daily obviously does you the world of good, you look marvellous.

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    1. Tis today Fiona - you're right on time - so thank you! And yes, what luck for us all to be rebranded as youngsters, what joy! Sunday was a blooming bonus and I was delighted at how well they all came out.
      I think the sea swimming does all sorts of good, both inside and out. I do yoga too as I'm keen to keep everything up in the right place for as long as possible x

      Hope you have a lovely week.

      Anna

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  8. A very Happy Birthday to you, dear Anna! I would have easily guessed you to be 50 or so (around my age), so whatever you are doing, keep it up, as you seem to have found the holy grail of keeping young. Lovely pictures, lovely YOU!

    As I've (probably) said before, don't worry about the readers, the views, etc. Just do you, post when you can and enjoy it! No suggestions from me.

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    1. Thanks so much for your wholehearted support and kind birthday wishes Sheila. You'll know by now that I do worry, but am feeling more secure in knowing where I want to take the blog. The pressure has always come from me, but at last I can see that. Maybe at 59 I'm gonna start being wise, eh?

      I think if you saw some real close-ups you might see those 59 years etched in every line, hahaha!

      It's been lovely to have so many friends turn up with birthday wishes.

      Thank you x
      Anna

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  9. I hope you had a wonderful day dear Anna!

    I love all the photos of the island. Like someone above mentioned, I also would love to see more photos of the island. Or neighboring island (I think I remember a post from last summer...). Or trips to the mainland (I also seem to remember one or two of those).

    And I totally understand the difficulty of posting regularly. It's been raining so much here that it has been all but impossible to take good photos. Plus, I always have to be in the right mood to write a blog post and have to feel I have something to say or share... I always post on Sundays, but my second (and once in a while third) post is always up in the air... :-)

    I'm always in awe when I think of you swimming every morning in the icy water... But I can see how beneficial and invigorating it must be!

    I think what is considered old has changed so much. I always remember my dad telling me when I was little that 40 seemed ancient to him when he started working. And he described his colleagues that were 40 when he was 25 as really old (in terms of looks and behavior). He didn't look or feel at all like them when he was in his 40s. I think what matters is how we feel...

    Andrea
    Andrea’s Wellness Notes

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    1. It's great to have such a lot of lovely comments and good wishes on my birthday, so thanks for adding yours Andrea.

      I'm pleased to hear what you'd like to see more of as it gives me a chance to plan and consider what to feature. My husband has a small motor boat and I will be happy to make a few trips to some of the other islands during the summer months so that I can share the scenery and events with you. And rest assured that you'll be the first to know when I next get off the island for a shopping trip!

      The notion of what's old is constantly changing it seems, and I suppose will continue if we are all living longer. Our expectations of a more active life as well as incorporating exercise into our daily routine is changing both our outlook and behaviour. It's all to the good, that's for sure.

      Wishing you a great week x
      Anna

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  10. Happy birthday! 59 is marvelous. We will "hang in there" for whatever delightful posts you want to offer. Your fitness regimen is inspiring at any age! xox

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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    1. Thanks so much Patti, and I have to agree that 59 is fab after all!

      Have a lovely week x
      Anna

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  11. Having turned 65 in October I can assure you that you'll continue to grow in wisdom and confidence. Know that you already have attributes, habits and attitudes that make you the strong,creative,interesting, intelligent,feisty, and fit woman that you'll continue to be despite your age! We're following THAT woman.
    I started following you for all of those reasons and the fact that you enjoy presenting your styling talents is the fun, hobby that we share. I think of the bloggers I follow as friends and it's learning more about a friend that really compels me to keep coming back. The fashions are like the knitting, the book, the quilt, that keeps us gathering together.
    It's good to know that other women share a case of the winter doldrums, that sometimes uninspired days turn into a couple of weeks or more! That it's OK to just roll with it because your followers aren't going anywhere while you're busy "living". Tell us about it; just like you're doing! We're still here.

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    1. Dearest Judy, it's great to have this kind of feedback. I'm a worrier, a people pleaser and also a perfectionist - all of this you'll have worked out for yourself over the months. However this complex mix does make for problems when I don't like what I'm trying to showcase for whatever reason.

      But, now that I've got this off my chest, I can just get on with running my blog as best as I can. I love to have this corner of the internet as my platform for a rant or as my runway for my lastest purchase, and even as a voice for friend whose life makes interesting reading.

      Everyone's kind wishes really made my birthday very special. Thanks so much for yours.

      Anna x

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  12. Yikes!There's more!
    HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNA!!
    Your outfit is so striking against the backdrop of Scilly skies!
    Those boots just keep proving how versatile they are!!

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    1. Judy, the outfit choice was a fluke - I had no idea how effective it was going to look. And yes, these boots are indeed very versatile!

      Have a fab week x
      Anna

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  13. Happy Birthday Anna - am loving your beach photos - makes me want to go right back to NZ NOW ;-)

    Eat lots of cake and chocolate and overall have a fabulous day!

    Yvonne
    www.funkyforty.com

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    1. Thanks so much Yvonne - I ate way too much and had a great day!

      Our beaches are clean and beautiful, not unlike those in NZ, so thanks for pointing that out to me x

      Thanks for dropping by.
      Anna

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  14. Happy Birthday Anna , hope you had a truly glorious day and were spoilt rotten.
    Don't worry about blogging , just do what works for you.I totally agree that it is better to be infrequent with good quality than the other way around. I guess if you are trying to make a living from a blog this would be different.
    Your are shining in your beautiful surroundings, your island looks just stunning.
    Keep on sharing your own unique style and a peek at life in your part of the world.

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    1. Jill, I enjoyed my birthday all the more thanks to the kind wishes from readers.

      Thanks for your kind words of encouragement. I'm my own worst critic and therefore think everyone will be thinking as I do. I'm looking to create a better balance this year.

      It's lovely to have your feedback and reassurances, thank you x

      Anna

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  15. Happy Birthday you wonderful woman!

    You are such an inspiration! I cannot even get into a cold shower without going into hypothermic shock! LOL I'm not even joking! Ha ha!

    You sound like you have a pretty darn good handle on the whole aging thing and you do look 10 years younger than you are without a doubt.

    I think we all go through hills and valleys with blogging and it is just to be expected. Most people are so busy trying to keep up they don't have the time to notice when other people's blogs slow down.

    Hoping your day was filled with sunshine, laughter and love!

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. Suzanne it's lovely to have your sunny presence on the blog again - I've missed you!

      My birthday was lovely and yes, filled with all of that and more. It's so fine being 59 (did that rhyme?)

      Thanks for all of your sound advice and generous compliments x

      Have a great week x

      Anna

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  16. Happy birthday! 🎈🎈🎈
    That jumper is splendid, it goes from heroic to casual to glam at the slightest change in gesture.

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    1. Thanks for your birthday wishes.

      I'm thrilled with this gold jumper. It was just a borrow from my daughter, but she's given it to me now and I can't wait to get mixing it up with all sorts. I got some camo trousers for my birthday and think these will be a match made in heaven.

      Thanks for dropping by x
      Anna

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  17. I have just realised I too had/have the sweater and don't know where it is! You look fantastic firstly, everything from the top to those fab floral boots. Wishing you a very Happy Birthday and all the celebrations around it. #TurningHeads

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    1. It sounds like you need to have a good search for this at the weekend! I love gold anything so this is a great addition to my wardrobe.

      Thanks so much for your kind birthday wishes and lovely comments x
      Anna

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  18. Happy Birthday my lovely! This place is heaven on Earth in those photos but I bet is is freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeezing there!!!!
    You look gorgeous in your mermaidy gold sweater (close up for #thecollardiaries on Instagram by chance???) and your amazing boots. It's good to be grateful and you are an amazing 59!!!!!x

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    1. Dearest Kezzie, thanks so much for your lovely comments and birthday wishes. I'm blessed to be able to live in this tiny island paradise, and never take it for granted, not for one single moment.

      I think you'd notice the difference in sea temperature since the last time you were here, that's for sure! I suppose the daily fluctuations are not so noticable for me. I try not to focus on the cold; I just keep plunging in and getting it over with.

      Have a fab weekend x
      Anna

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  19. Happy Birthday! Even though I'm late a couple of days! Very thoughtful post Anna. I totally understand about not being inspired to write something inspirational. I've been struggling with that too. Between our change of presidents and these cold, gray days I'm running low on reserve of inspiration. And, I totally get where you're coming from with the photos!!! As only a fellow blogger would!! I run out of the car and stand in the cold with no coat while my husband takes 50 quick photos and then run back in to warm up! It's funny to write it but not to live it! I've also tried taking photos inside but there is so much involved with the background and reflections and stuff all over, not to mention the bad light! I am 49 this year, so I understand what you're saying that it's the warm up to 50. I feel like I should be taking some life inventory but haven't quite had the mental capacity for it, going through menopause has made my brain mush! Funny, I wonder if some of my sayings are getting lost in translation? Oh well. Oh, well, the days tick by and soon it will be sunnier and warmer. I guess now we reflect and appreciate. I hope you enjoyed your birthday and have many, many more!

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    1. Golly Julia, I'm so behind with my responses this week, sorry!
      Thanks so much for your comments. Running a blog takes a lot more than it looks like that's for sure. I don't have anywhere indoors that works for photos either so it's all down to waiting for good weather at this time of year - oh what fun!
      I'm still waiting for my brain to recover from the menopause, but worry that dementia may set in before things can get back to normal, hahaha.
      It's my turn to pay you a visit now x
      Anna

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  20. Anna! Health and Happiness to you ! Happy Birthday! It sounds like you did have a good time reflecting and coming to the conclusion that you a young vibrant person.. I am edging toward 50 and I honestly don't feel that different from 35..40? Anyhow you look amazing in those jacquard booties I am coveting, and wish I had enough guts to get into the ocean to swim like you do! I must be a cry baby at the pool when I think its too cold!
    Best wishes :-)
    Have a great weekend
    jess xo
    www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

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    1. Dearest Jess, thanks very much for your birthday wishes. I seem to have missed these lately. I think the age thing becomes less and less important the older we get, which is a real bonus for us all. Every day we all get a day older - it's no biggie.
      Sea swimming is more mental than physical I think. If you can distract your mind (I count my breaths) then you don't notice the cold so much.
      Have a good weekend too x
      Anna

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  21. How old? I find this hard to believe! Be very proud lady. Beautiful photos here Anna and I would wear that whole outfit in an instant. I'm sure you had a lovely birthday. I will always be visiting your blog btw x
    www.vanityandmestyle.com

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    1. Dearest Laurie, how very kind of you. I did indeed have a lovely birthday, and have drifted into another year without too much angst.
      Thanks for your loyal support x
      Anna

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