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Sunday, April 28, 2013

Rhapsody in Blue

Blue gingham blouse // Ralph Lauren
Floral scarf // Fabric.com
sunnies // thrifted - pearls // gift


I found this copy of Rebecca at thrift store last month - I always love adding to my library, and I'm thrilled with this latest addition!  It was published in 1940, the same year that the breathtaking Hitchcock adaptation was released, and on the title page is printed the autographs of Daphne du Maurier, Joan Fontaine, and Lawrence Olivier.  Stills from the film are scattered throughout as illustrations.  And, of course, Manderley house is embossed in ominous majesty on the cover.

I haven't had much time for reading lately, and have been heavily relying on audiobooks to quench my bibliophilic soul.  Mainly Dickens.  But every once in a while I can squeeze in time for a good read, and boy is this book worth it.  This is my first of her works, and du Maurier has such a gripping, melodic writing style.  Such a treat.


I'm also delighted with my thrifted Ralph Lauren blouse!  This blue gingham is just so... wonderfully preppy.  Loving it paired with the green linen half circle skirt, which is fast becoming a staple in my wardrobe.  My favorite color, and such a classic shape.  Plus, those pleated pockets!  Happiness.


We had quite a full weekend... Two family birthdays, two epic parties, not to mention Friday finally feeling like a proper early summer day like we get up here every once in a while in the spring.  As in, warm enough to go out in short sleeves and work like crazy on all of those outside projects that always beckon.  Also, we set up The Spa for the year again!  I've been waiting for it to warm up enough to get the outdoor shower going like there's no tomorrow... all winter I dream about our clawfoot tub.  A hot soak is sounding amazing right about now.



It's been far too long since I've listened to Rhapsody in Blue.  I realized that while I was searching though my Spotifiy library for the perfect song to go with this outfit.  I'm definitely enjoying this new pattern of sharing a song with each outfit post.  I get to expound a little bit more on the inspiration of the outfit, as well as the mood I'm in while writing, than I ever could by rambling on.
Plus, it takes care of what to name those pesky post titles.

This song is so drama laden, even at times disturbing.  There's something about it that is impossible to understand, let alone communicate.  But underlying the dissonance, the latent power, is a current of flamboyance, glamour - of bold hope that fills me with an indescribable sense of life and purpose and determination.  

I hate pain.  
Physical pain, yes, but especially soul pain.  The kind that tears your heart and threatens to crush it.  The kind that is caused, perhaps, by caring too much.  Perhaps by watching someone that you dearly love drift away forever, helpless to stop them or relieve their suffering.  Perhaps by feeling, at times, utterly alone and small and afraid.

My first instinct when that kind of pain hits my soul is to put up barriers, to seal off my heart from caring.  It's seems so easy, not caring.  Easy in the sense of flowing down stream painlessly and quietly in life.  But somehow, it's easier to deal with that raw pain than it is to live life in a sealed off vacuum, cold and still and quiet.

For some reason, life is pain.  As the Dread Pirate Roberts said so truly.
And I love life.
I'm discovering that living life means being strong enough to feel pain, face pain, know and conquer pain - then turn it into something beautiful and great.

Pain, I accept your challenge, and with God's strength, I will defeat you.
Because I love this life, and the God who created it, so much more than I fear any other thing.  

.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.

And that ought to be quite enough mind rambling to accompany all whopping eighteen minutes of this musical masterpiece.  Be sure to click the music player at the top of the post♥


linking with:
Watch what I'm wearing (I was featured this week!)

25 comments:

  1. I just checked out The Spa. Neat!! Just curious though, how do you keep all the stuff from getting rained on and dirty?

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    1. The rain does come in, but we keep everything in use enough that maintenance cleaning is pretty simple. Everything is weatherproof, and a quick clean every day does the trick!

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  2. "Rebecca" and the Dread Pirate Roberts in the same post -- rock on! And wow, what a gorgeous edition of the book. I'm envious!

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  3. This outfit with the Ralph Lauren blue check and green linen skirt is just so pretty and practical! Love that touch of roses in the scarf as well! Such a perfect summer outfit for myriads of occasions. Rhapsody in Blue is a wonderful background for enjoying the photos complete with accessory ideas too. I can understand how this skirt is quickly becoming a daily go to item in your closet. Gorgeous!!

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    1. Thanks Winnie! Yes, this skirt is so versatile. Love it.

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  4. What a wonderful blog you have, Kellie - and a gorgeous collection of skirts on your Etsy page. This green one you're wearing today is just perfection! Thanks for linking up to Visible Monday.

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    1. Thank you so much, Patti! I love your linkup! <3

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  5. Cute photos! love all the detail shots!

    Lindsey
    http://thriftandshout.blogspot.com

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  6. Honey, you have the classic 1950s look nailed! Blue and green are so pretty together--and how cool to find a Ralph Lauren shirt at the thrift store!!

    I admire your courage in the face of pain. God grant you the strength to deal with life's heartaches...and to remember that, while "life is pain," we have Eternal Life to look forward to when this life is over.

    *Hugs*
    God bless,
    ~"Tom"~

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    Replies
    1. Aw, thank you, Tom!
      Yes, indeed. What hope we have.

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  7. Wow i'm visiting from patti's
    Love your color combination, so pretty
    The pics are fabulous, very artistic

    Ariane

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  8. Love this girl next door look.. too cute :) Beautiful photography too

    GREETINGS FROM DUBAI
    MRS JACK OF ALL TRADES
    http://mrsjackofalltradesdaily.blogspot.ae/

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  9. Beautiful pictures of you.

    If you get a sec, check out my latest post 'Barbie Girl'.

    Sofia

    stylishlyinlove.blogspot.com

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  10. What a great retro look, your blog is so cute!

    Ali of

    www.dressingken.com

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  11. Omg I love the skirt !!!!!! And looks great with the shirt!!!:)
    Come and see me and if you want we can follow each other ?:)

    www.olivains.com

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  12. Thanks so much ladies! You're the best!

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  13. What a darling outfit, Kellie! I'm saving my pennies so that I can one day own my very own green linen skirt! It's so cute!!!

    I'm sorry to read that you are going through a difficult time, and pray that you find peace, comfort, and strength in meditating upon Our Lord's sufferings and uniting yours with HIS. I read this quote the other week and thought you might appreciate it.

    "He said to me: "Look daughter, and learn how to love," and He showed me His five open wounds. "Do you see this cross, these thorns, these nails, these bruises, these tears, these wounds, this blood? They are all the works of love, infinite love. Do you see how much I have loved you? Do you really want to love me? Then first learn to suffer. IT IS BY SUFFERING THAT ONE LEARNS TO LOVE." - from the Autobiography of St. Gemma Galgani

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    Replies
    1. Beautiful quote, Constance! Thank you so much for sharing that.

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  14. I recently read "Rebecca" as well! Doesn't it just read like velvet? I quite enjoyed it, though the ending was a little less than satisfactory. :/

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  15. So, so lovely!!! :-)

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