Yay! This is 60!



Yes, here I am, jumping for joy as it's my 60th birthday today. I had no idea what 60 would look and feel like for me, but it's turned out fine. 




40 years ago I came to this beautiful little island for a summer job, as a chambermaid no less, a job that I'd never done before. Within two weeks I had met and fallen in love with my husband-to-be, changing my life completely. I was a college dropout, having given up on the oh-so-wonderful career path of high-flyer interpreter who had her sights set on working for the World Health Organisation in Brussels, earning big money to prove how terribly clever she was. 




Instead, at 18 experiencing my first time away from home, in damp digs with no friends, I crumbled with dreadful homesickness, pining for boyfriend and home resulting in me giving up on my dream without so much as a fight. My parents swallowed down their bitter disappointment. Two years later, and my resolve was no stronger when life as a bank teller left me downhearted and desperate for change. Overnight I upped sticks with my bank teller friend and we headed South. My story from there can be heard online here where I share my adventure with Johnnie Walker on his radio programme, Sounds of the 70's.




Escaping from the cold North of Scotland was like a rebirth giving me the chance to start afresh. Living on a tiny island, one mile by two, with no retail therapy, no cinema, one pub, one hotel and one grocery store may not sound like much of a life, but for me, it was ample. Maybe I'm just a small town girl an island girl at heart. I needed boundaries, needed life to be simple, and it was. Picnics on the beach, catching shrimps for tea, bobbing about in our little boat, Friday nights watching Steve row in the gig races, late night parties singing sea shanties with friends, family gatherings to welcome yet another new niece or nephew into the fold - yes this was indeed enough.




Seven years on and that once scatty chambermaid had become assistant housekeeper with a host of practical skills that she could apply to running a pristine home for her, now, husband. Four years later and Sasha was born, followed by Jamie a couple of years after that. All pretty ordinary stuff. And ordinary is just what I loved; the husband, the kids, the routine, the security.




And then at 40 I started working at the gallery once the children were both at school. I recall thinking "Life really does begin at 40" as it was a whole new world for me, being surrounded by the wealth of creativity - I was in my element! My grandfather and father were both amateur artists: this path was one I had thought I might follow too. As a teenager I had gained "O" level art at school and my teacher encouraged me to take it further, but no, I had bigger plans...




Now, 20 years on, I'm manager of the gallery and have found my niche in the world of fashion blogging, fulfilling my creative desires. If this all reads as a perfect fairy tale, then don't be fooled; as a family we've had our ups and downs, but that's normal isn't it? 




Outfit details - dungarees: Primark, denim shirt: H&M (pre-loved), jacket: H&M (pre-loved), shoes: TK Maxx, socks: gift, rings: Sainsbury's, necklace: Sasha's (borrowed), sunglasses: Quay Australia. (The photo shoot isn't from today - I had the foresight to do this in advance while the weather was good. Today is blowing a howling gale with winds of about 50mph!)

Saturday promises to be a big day as family and friends rally around to help me celebrate this significant birthday with an ABBA party. Hopefully all the fancy dress parcels will have been delivered in time, and the platform boots and wigs will be fit for purpose. My first attempt at buying a wig ended up being clown red rather than the auburn that I expected! The second one (blonde), made me look like one of the Witches of Eastwick. The third is very reminiscent of how my hair looked when I first arrived here in 1978. I hope to publish a post on Sunday or maybe Monday at the latest sharing some party outfits.



How very young we were!

Anna x

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36 comments

  1. What an great story Anna! Life never turns out quite how we expect, but that's not a bad thing. Your little island looks idyllic. Wishing you a very happy birthday! Looking forward to seeing pics of the party!

    Emma xxx
    www style-splash.com

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    1. Thanks Emma. I agree, life just turns out and if you're lucky it's a good one. I've been very fortunate to live here and enjoy the life I do.

      I really can't wait to see some of these outfits that are being talked about. I think it's going to be great fun!

      Anna x

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  2. Happy birthday Anna! You look amazing as always. And I love that pic of you and Steve at the end! You crazy young lovers! Have fun xxx

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    1. So kind of you Bo. And yes, we were crazy young lovers, that's the truth!

      I'm so excited about this birthday bash, can't wait!

      Anna xxx

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  3. Anna this is absolutely lovely to read. I'm stunned you are 60. Well done you. I'm so glad you found happiness and your niche. Yes we've had our ups and downs as a family too. It was a pleasure meeting you and I do hope I have the chance again for a deeper chinwag.

    http://www.muttonstyle.com

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    1. Very kind of you Anna. The idea of being 60 does seem rather ridiculous, but hey this is it. Finding my niche is a lucky stroke and one I would never have predicted.

      It was lovely to meet you too and I'm sure we'll catch up again.

      Anna x

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  4. Happy 60th Anna! Hope you've had a wonderful day and that your party is Super Dooper.
    Was wondering about those photos as it has been the filthiest of days here in Sussex also. Fabulous dungarees...are they recent Primani? xx

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    1. Thanks so much Fiona. I've had a great day and yes, the party surely will be a riot.

      The dungarees were from my trip in September, so maybe old stock already.

      This weather is the pits here, relentless wind and rain. I was so lucky to catch this spell of fine weather for the shoot.

      Anna x

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  6. Happy Birthday Anna. Enjoy and celebrate this milestone. Continue being a role model for this almost 70 yr. old.

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    1. Thanks Patti. This is a bit of a milestone and I suppose I'll get used to the idea of being 60 - seems quite bizarre! And I really can't believe that you're going to be 70!

      Anna x

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  7. Happy 60th birthday, Anna!! I came across your blog quite by accident a year or so ago and have become quite the fan of both you and your little island. I will be joining you at the 60 mark later this year. Good times!! Vicky

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    1. Hi Vicky, and thanks so much for taking the time to comment. It's always a bonus when a reader steps forward to make themselves known so I do appreciate it. I'm only a day older than yesterday and yet I'm suddenly a whole decade older too. No longer an over 50's blogger, I'll have to change all my profile details now. You're quite right - good times!

      Anna x

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  8. I enjoyed this story so much! Happy birthday Anna🎈🍰🎂🎊🎁🎉🎆
    I hope you have a fantastic ABBA party on Saturday!

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    1. Ah Nancy, how very kind! I'm so looking forward to donning my catsuit and doing my best Dancing Queen rendition!

      Anna x

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  9. Happy birthday, Anna.

    I loved reading about how you came to your lovely island. How romantic! And how brilliant you're still there and still happy and sounding very fulfilled.

    Fab outfit and you look wonderful; literally jumping for joy!

    Have an amazing party and I look forward to seeing the birthday party post.
    xxxx

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    1. I'm finally catching up on all the blog work now that the party's over, so thank you for your lovely birthday wishes Vronni.

      There's surely nothing better in life than finding true happiness within your daily life and for that I feel very blessed. This island life, and the family I have are everything I need.

      Anna x

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  10. I love this post! Especially with you jumping and telling us your little story! I can't wait until we see the birthday bash photos!

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    1. Thanks Julia and thanks for dropping in to read the birthday feature too. It's been an amazing week and I can't believe that I'm really 60 - it feels fab!

      Anna x

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  11. Happy 60th, young lady! It was great to get to learn a little bit about you when we met up last year. Super photos today and how sensible you were to take them early, we're getting hit by yet another storm too. Wishing you a fab party, hugs , x.

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    1. Hahaha, I really do still feel like a young lady, but I think that's the reality of any age isn't it? We are eternally young on the inside, but the years catch up with us on the outside don't they?

      Thanks for the warm birthday wishes!
      Anna x

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  12. Happy Birthday!

    You are such an inspiration!

    I just know your party is going to be a blast. I can't wait to see the photos.

    Knowing you're in the spot you're meant to be is priceless.

    Suzanne

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    1. Thanks so much Suzanne. It's been a great journey so far, and if it all stopped tomorrow I wouldn't feel short changed. I've been lucky to end up here and find my life partner - everything else has been a bonus.

      Anna x

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  13. Happy Birthday!

    You are such an inspiration!

    I just know your party is going to be a blast. I can't wait to see the photos.

    Knowing you're in the spot you're meant to be is priceless.

    Suzanne

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  14. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! We only share a decade for a brief span but you've always felt like a kindred spirit, Anna. Hugs to you, and thank you for sharing your story. I cannot wait to see the ABBA party pics! Lol, that is going to be hilarious, I know it!

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    1. Blogging has been a wonderful entry point for making new friends Sheila and you gals over the pond have enriched my life so much. I love your wild side, the flamboyant nature of your dress which inspires me too.

      Thanks for the birthday wishes!
      Anna x

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  15. Happy birthday, and glad that you're going to have a fabulous party (wigs and platform boots!!, hurrah!!)
    what a lovely post, I've enjoyed reading your story, it's amazing how many lady bloggers have interesting stories to tell!!
    besos

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    1. Thanks Monica for dropping by with your kind birthday wishes. As you'll have seen by now, the party was a blast! Roll on the next time when I can bring that crazy wig out again.

      Anna x

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  16. Oh Happy, happy birthday Anna! You look amazing for this age! Ha ha, I did enjoy that picture of you at the bottom! Also, although I had heard a lot of your story when we met, it was nice to read it!xx

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    1. Dearest Kezzie, thanks for the birthday wishes. That old photo has such fond memories for me - we were just young sweethearts at that time and had no idea we would last the course together.

      Anna x

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  17. Hooray! and Congratulations!!
    Reading this brief synopsis of your life I can feel the satisfaction in your words. Isn't it odd how your beliefs about being 60 are not at all what it feels like to arrive there with the vibrancy, optimism, energy that you still have?!! Did you think you'd be striding along the beach in sparkly gold shoes and jeans with a big ol' smile of contentment on your face?! You're inspirational.
    Your party plans sound perfect. I'll be thinking of you on Saturday and sending love and joy!

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    1. Ah Jude, you say such lovely things. And yes, you're so right - I had no idea that this was how 60 would be. Our mothers at this age seemed to be old, staid and very much creatures of habit. And I still feel so young with hopes to keep fit and as lively as possible.

      The party was a hit with all who attended. Already they're talking about what we ought to do for next year's bash...

      Love
      Anna x

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  18. It's Sat evening and I hope you are having a really fab party!! I look forward to seeing the outfits. I enjoyed reading your story. Welcome to the 60s, we now share the same decade xx
    PS On Thurs I had haggis for the first time with a Whiskey Mac and I wore my tartan tights for the first time. I got them some time ago after seeing some on one of your posts.

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    1. Oh my goodness, what a fab party it was indeed! Hooray for the super 60's I say!
      I'm partial to a bit of haggis myself and love notion of a Whiskey Mac too. Well done for honouring the occasion with your splendid tartan tights!

      Anna x

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  19. How wonderful to read of your contentment, Anna. I loved listening to your story on radio when you shared it (last year? or year before?) and it's lovely to read some snippets again here. I hope the lightness captured as you jump on the beach stays with you always. I'm way behind with my blog readings - so much going on as I have spent the last 6 months getting our house ready to sell and we move to a new life - plus starting a new book and family comings and goings :) I love your Instagram photos, such beautiful shots of your gorgeous island home. xx

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    1. Dear Elizabeth I do appreciate you dropping in as I was aware that you're busy writing another book, but I had no idea about the rest. I'll swing by your blog to catch up on the latest.
      I've been so lucky to end up living in the island paradise and to also still appreciate it as I do.

      Have a great weekend!
      Anna x

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