This week is a reminder of how quickly time flies. Tomorrow is my 66th. birthday and I have now been blogging for six years. I started the blog to celebrate my 60th. birthday and quite frankly as a challenge to myself. At the time my computer skills were rather limited, so things started slowly and the original layout was pretty basic. I am the first to admit it was a steep learning curve and my skills are by no means perfect but they are much improved.
That aside , for me , it is the connections with like minded souls all over the globe that make blogging enjoyable . Along the way , I have certainly seen a change in blogging and lost contact with many as they follow different paths. Certainly , many bloggers are now focusing on Instagram and only posting occasionally. We are all different and find a path that suits our own creative outlet.
One of my life held dreams was to view the wild rhododendrons in the Himalayas. I have now come to the realisation that this is never to be and I am fine with that especially as not too far from home there are some beautiful old rhododendrons.
These magnificent plants were originally part of a plant nursery that dates back to 1925. The Walker Family propagated and sold many varieties of ericas, azaleas, rhododendrons, roses, Japanese maples and ornamental trees.
The nursery became a public reserve , leased to the State government , until 2007 . The lease expired in 2007 and the property was purchased by the current owners, Chris and Margy Dockray. After many years of hard work clearing invasive weeds and restoration work the gardens have re-opened to the public for a short time in Spring and Autumn.
The delightful open chapel is all dressed up for a wedding , probably on the previous day.
One of the best things about getting older is the confidence to just be yourself and dress as you please.
Today’s outfit is a combination of old favourites – Moyuru pants , chartreuse linen jacket by Apunto B, cream tassel brougues from Punto worn with Woolford socks.
My collection of accessories gained a new friend last week when I found these daisy perspex earrings at local vintage and recycle store , Vintage Red Fox.
Hope everyone has a great week.
Joining Patti at Not Dead Yet for Visible Monday, Mica for Weekday Wear Link Up, Jess for Turning Heads Tuesday, Nancy for Fancy Friday Link Up.
Oh Happy Birthday Jill! I hope you have a fabulous day! And six years of blogging already, fantastic isn’t it. I love rhododendrons too. Always thought they were such a British thing because castles have them always in gardens. I have tree of them in my garden. They are so gorgeous.
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Thank you Nancy for your kind wishes. Yes blogging is fantastic, so rewarding with the contacts we make.
I have always liked rhododendrons with their lovely colours, although they don’t do well in my garden. I do remember them in the English gardens.
bellissime foto, amo i fiori
Author
Thank you so much. glad you liked the photos.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
I HEAR YOU WOMAN!I started BLOGGING probably 7 years ago as I had an ANTIQUE SHOP and thought I could sell my wares!Which MORFED into me being ME and I actually closed the shop.IT is a CREATIVE WAY for us and keeps us CURRENT with learning NEW THINGS!YES< many people have stopped BLOGGING but there are a few out there……………….SEE ME TODAY as I am SHARING a 73 year old woman from Los Angeles I think YOU will enjoy!!!
HAPPY HEALTHY YEAR!!!!!!!!
YOU LOOK SMASHING!!
XX
Author
Thank you so much. I for one am so pleased your blog morphed into you and your lifestyle. I agree it is both a creative outlet and a way for us to learn new things and meet new people.
Happy birthday! And happy blog anniversary! 6 years, that’s great. And I hope you’ll keep blogging for a long time still.
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Thank you so much Tiina for the kind wishes. I do plan to continue blogging for the near future as I so enjoy the contacts with other bloggers such as yourself.
THE BLOG AS YOU KNOW IS……… THEVINTAGECONTESSA.NET
Author
Thanks for that.
Many happy return, Jill! I’m thrilled to have got to know you through blogging – and now Instagram. I adore your unique and fabulous style and love reading about the places you’ve visited.
Talk about a coincidence, I was chatting to a man on Saturday about how I’d love to see the English-style gardens in Simla. With a nursery like the Walker’s you don’t need to travel halfway around the world. What an incredible sight.
You look a treat in amongst the foliage. Love those new-to-you earrings. xxx
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Thank you so much Vix , I too am so pleased we have made contact through our blogs and IG. Our style may be different but that is the joy of sharing . Simla always sounded fascinating to me too, having seen it on books and on TV over the years.
These gardens were pretty impressive.
Happy birthday! i’m glad you get to see the pretty flowers here even if you won’t see them in the Himalayas! I love your accessories with this, the earrings were a great find!
Thanks for linking up with the Weekday Wear Linkup!
Hope that you are having a great week! 🙂
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Many thanks for the birthday wishes Mica, I had a lovely day. I am pleased with the daisy ear rings and know they will get so much wear over Summer. Always my pleasure to join your link up.
I am so pleased to have discovered your blog today! I love your style and your photos, I am looking forward to reading more.
Warmly,
Anne
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Thank you so much Anne for your kind comments . Co-incidentally my maiden name was Barlow.