Meeting Mary

I've not managed to meet up with many other fashion bloggers since I started this caper and that's probably down to living in such a remote part of the British Isles. When Kezzie spent a day on the island last summer I was quick to offer my services as tour guide which resulted in a very happy time for us all (her mother played the part of blog photographer). Read about our day here

Recently I had the pleasure of meeting up with Mary aka The Pouting Pensioner. We decided that the Ruin Beach Cafe was the best spot to share a cuppa and swap our blogging stories, and so it was. As you can see it's a pretty idyllic setting, not to mention the delicious menu that covers the whole day. I have lots of food intolerances, but never have any problem eating here.



Mary was here on holiday with her family who have all stayed on the island many times before. My role as tour guide was therefore redundant, but we had a fair old chinwag for a couple of hours before I confessed it was time for me to get back to work. We thought we ought to have some more photos before I did and set off to find a good spot. The sun was high in the sky making it difficult to capture the sea view without us ending up in shadow. We crossed the lawn and alighted on a view over towards Northwethel island. And this is where the fun began. Without my tripod I was flummoxed as to where to prop my camera to get a good shot. I suggested a bench, but Mary said it'd be too low; she was right. A few shrubs and lots of low lying lush plants were all that was around us, until I spotted a big boulder behind some Agapanthus. With that we agreed where the right spot would be for us to stand which did however, entail a bit of clambering over a bed of mesembryanthemums which covered rocks and also hid a fair few dips and holes too. Mary and I pussy-footed our way across to a flat rock. Yes, this was ideal. I left Mary in place and proceeded to set up the timer for 10 seconds and zoomed in for the shot. "Wait!" said Mary, "Bring me my phone so that I can get my angle of this too." And this is how we got the perfect selfie -








And this is the shot -


Mary suggested we take another for good luck, but you'll kinda get my drift when I say that the second run-through was pretty much like the first. Mary and I wandered back across the island, chatting nineteen to the dozen until we parted, me to work and she to her family. Our common bond of blogging helped us overcome that getting-to-know-you phase as we fast forwarded to subjects like instagram stalkers, collaborations and what we hope to get out of blogging long term. Mary is a warm and kind soul, intelligent and funny with lots to say as you'll see on her blog. As we said our goodbyes I was pleased to know that we'd thoroughly enjoyed our meet up despite is being so brief. Kezzie and Mary both left the islands smitten with the sights in a way neither of them had expected. That's the magic of the Isles of Scilly I'd say; nothing really goes on here - just peace and quiet, beautiful landscapes and seascapes with time to do what you want, at the pace you choose.

Later that day, Steve called me up to say Happy Anniversary. We'd forgotten somehow, in the run of our everyday lives, that it was our 36th year of being married. He suggested that we go off-island to one of the desert islands that are scattered around the main islands. The sun shone down as we headed across the sea to Tean, the same island that we visited when Johnnie and Tiggy were here earlier in the summer. 




Our hastily gathered picnic comprised mostly of beer, nuts and chocolate; all the vital elements for a perfectly balanced diet.


We had an inquisitive visitor while we ate. Maybe seals are like dogs and have a great sense of smell. He kept bobbing about, looking at us and disappearing for a minute or two just to reappear further along the bay. If it was an invitation to join him, I declined. We're still awash with Men of War jellyfish that have lethal stings in their long tentacles. I've had to hang up my cossie for the past few weeks as I don't want to have the close encounter that could put me off sea swimming altogether. The biggest ones have tentacles that are 30ft long!



Heading off home before the sun dipped out of sight.


And here's the photo shoot from the morning before all of this unfolded.





I'm smitten with these fabulous pink shoes. But, I seem to have bought them in too big a size - this is why I hate online shopping! If I were savvy enough, I'd have known to buy them in a couple of sizes. I've added insoles, to no effect as I still walk out of them. I wonder if thick tights might give a bit of grip? If you're got any ideas to remedy this and make them wearable, I'd love to hear from you.

Outfit details - shoes and trousers: H&M, jacket and shirt: Next, sunglasses: Sainsbury's, rings: gifts.

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



Anna x

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26 comments

  1. So lovely, Anna! Thank you for sharing your day with me, it was such a pleasure and a special experience to meet you. And I was thrilled to read how Steve rounded of the glorious day with a romantic island picnic - just perfect. Hope your party weekend is going swimmingly. Big hug from me to the birthday boy, and hugs too to his delightful lady! X.

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    1. Didn't we have fun with this crazy photo lark Mary? How this simple selfie idea could be such a gymnastic challenge over that slippery carpet of plants! I so enjoyed meeting you too and hope to catch up with you again sometime. Our party went swimmingly - hope to put a brief post together if I can find the time.

      Hugs to you too!
      Anna x

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  2. Happy anniversary! How fun and hilarious is your timer series (that's what I look like dashing for my stair pose). Gad, I love those shoes! Insoles??

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    1. Thanks Sheila. And don't you look so composed on those stair shots! Me loves these shoes too, but insoles aren't working. What next?

      Have a fab week x
      Anna

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  3. Oh how glad I am that you have been able to have another blogger meet-up. I remember you saying that you probably wouldn't get another one very soon if ever!! Yay, so glad you had a wonderful time!! And happy anniversary to you too! I am so glad you got to have a romantic wander on the other island. EHHEGEHGH, the jelly fish sound super scary!!

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    1. I do hope to catch up with a couple of bloggers in London quite soon if all goes to plan. There may be more action shots too as I dash between tripod and where X marks the spot. It was lovely to get away for a little anniversary jaunt and thank goodness we did, as our boat is now out of the water for the winter. The jellyfish are still being washed up on the Cornish coast which does scare me quite a lot.

      Lovely to hear from you!
      Anna x

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  4. It sounds like you and Mary managed to squeeze a lot of fun into just those couple of hours but how wonderful that you both made the effort to connect.
    Anna tou small print pants are so sweetly replicated by the larger print blouse. Then the little plaid jacket in a mix of those same great colors is pattern mixing perfection!
    I love the photos of you flying helter skelter to Mary's side for the shot of the two of you!

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    1. We did have a wonderful time despite it being so brief. I also met up with one of my readers that same week, so it was a lovely time for catching up. Mary had the bright idea of documenting the whole selfie process and it certainly looked a bit manic, didn't it?

      Enjoy your week!
      Anna x

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  5. Had to come read your version of events,after reading Mary's. What a fun day. How cool to be able to meet up.Wish I could have been there! Thanks to both of you for sharing.
    www.over50under20.com

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    1. We did have great fun Susan, and what a pleasure it was to just talk about blogging for hours without having to apologise or explain. Thank you for popping over to say hello.

      Wishing you a lovely week.
      Anna x

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  6. Love seeing the two of you together! However I am determined to get there someday. Yes to see your beautiful island but to see the lovely you! I wanted to check on you to see if you have any effects from Hurricane Ophelia but you seem to be doing fine! Great! xx

    Julia
    www.whenthegirlsrule.com

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    1. Julia it would be fantastic to welcome you to this little island paradise. Ophelia was downgraded to a storm force by the time it tore through here yesterday. We had 70mph winds meaning it was impossible to ride my bike and we even had to close the gallery as the onshore wind and waves were drenching the entire shop front.

      Best wishes for a great week!
      Anna x

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  7. Aw, this is such a lovely post. Nothing better than two bloggers having a natter and sharing experiences. Mary I already know is a lovely lady and I'm sure we will meet at some time.I love the photos of you Anna getting that shot ready! I have never tried the timer before! I dread to think what my photos would come out like! xx

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    1. Yes, we had a great natter. I didn't realise that Mary also lives on an island which was another common bond for us too, so lots and lots to chat about. I'm used to the timer, but not used to that slippery bed of plants that I had to skim over the top of! Still, it all added to the fun, didn't it?

      See you soon, I hope.
      Anna x

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  8. This is such a lovely post, firstly meeting up with Mary and secondly your anniversary - happy anniversary wishes. x Jacqui
    www.mummabstylish.com

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    1. Thanks so much Jacqui. Some times it seems to be like that - everything happening all on the same day, then nothing for weeks on end. Lots of lovely memories though.

      Have a great week!
      Anna x

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  9. Anna,

    I knew it was Mary you were meeting because I identified the sunset pictures she took of your beautiful island from your photos of the sunsets!

    What a shame about the pink shoes; they are fabulous. How about a second pair of in soles?

    Happy belated Anniversary! How lovely to sail away to another island for a picnic.

    The Portuguese Man o War has been infecting Ireland's coasts too; so my cousins are informing me. Stay safe.
    xxxx
    xxxx

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    1. These islands do have the most amazing sunsets don't they? Mary said that some spots here reminded her very much of her island home too. I must admit I'd love to visit the Channel Isles especially Herme and Sark which I think are very similar to here.
      The local news is still featuring the jellyfish being washed up on Cornish coasts so I'm not swimming yet.

      Best wishes
      Anna x

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  10. How great to meet Mary! It's a super photo. Your outfit is so snazzy, I'm drooling. Coincidentally I just bought a pair of shoes in my normal size and they're too big! I am grappling with the same issue.

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    1. So kind, thanks Gail. I seem to remember my mother putting a small wad of newspaper into the toes of my shoes when I was inheriting my sister's shoes. I may have to give that a try if I can't find another way around this. Good luck with yours!

      Anna x

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  11. Love those action shots, Anna! w wonderful to spend a day with a fellow blogger, and then a happy anniversary cruise. Stay fabulous, xo

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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    1. I always enjoy reading about other bloggers meeting up and know that you manage to do a few of those yourself, so it was fun to meet up with Mary on such a perfect day.

      Have a fab week!
      Anna x

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  12. So glad you both had fun. It's great meeting bloggers isn't it as it can be a lonely occupation.

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    1. We had such a lovely time together and I do hope to meet up with Mary again one day. Blogging is funny ol' game isn't it? I think you just have to do it for yourself and that way everything else is a bonus.

      Have a good week!
      Anna x

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  13. What a lovely post and what a lovely encounter and a lovely husband. As for the shoes being too big... in addition to the insoles I have a trick. Let me know when you are back from London and I will video it, or we can Skype/facetime and I will show you. That would be fun anyway.
    Greetje

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  14. Oh good! It would be great if I could sort out a way to make these pretty shoes wearable. I'm back home in a few days time, so will be in touch to see what you have up your sleeve.

    Anna x

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