Hello everyone
Once again it is the time for the international creative writing challenge set up by Gail of Is This Mutton. I must say it’s been a great way to get to know other bloggers who live around the world in Portugal, the US and Australia. I simply love reading everyone’s contributions – see below at the end of this post for their websites.
This month the theme is ‘blogging’.
Yay and three cheers! All of us should be fairly OK with this subject, as this is what we do every single week of the year – write a blog. But why do we do it? I think there have to be many reasons why you might start blogging and I’ll tell you why in a minute. And yet why do we continue, as it is quite a commitment? Personally, I think there must be within all bloggers a determination, indeed a drive to write, and not only to write but to want to communicate with others.
I know I have that drive to write. It’s in my DNA with my dad writing his memoirs and tbh, I don’t think I’ve really stopped writing the essays, which were part of my life when I took a degree at Sussex University as a mature student, graduating at the ripe old age of 40. Yup, my writing life began then and blogging is a continuation of that way of researching and consolidating thoughts into something other people can read. So that’s why I do it. And I can’t not do it! I won’t be hanging up my writing boots either, there’s no retiring from this!
But what was the trigger? Well, a couple of years before I began blogging I had an unfortunate reaction to antibiotics and lost a lot of weight, and I do mean a lot. Consequently I couldn’t wear any of the clothes I had when I was heavier, but what to do as I’d retired and my pension…… So I began looking in charity shops and found that I was quite good at spotting quality clothes in charity shops at bargain prices. And that was the trigger: my loss of weight and the charity shop shopping.
The year I began the Frugal blog was 2013 and I used a WordPress.com site, which is still around. You could if you wanted to click on this link and have a look. This had pre-prepared ‘frameworks’ that you chose and then you dropped your text and pics into it. Anyway, in 2015 I moved followers to my current self-hosting site and there I have been ever since. Somehow I think WordPress still directs people to this blog, which is very annoying and it has caused some IT problems that I can’t solve.
I began the Frugalfashionshopper blog thinking it would mainly be about clothes. But somehow the blog has evolved into how an older woman negotiates the world and life through, yes, clothes, but also going to art galleries, films and the occasional cruise. Regarding the clothes aspect: looking for and researching where to buy clothes keeps me sane in an increasingly insane world. So I do like to write about clothes because I am quite frugal, which is good for us OAPs. I also love to emphasise loud and often, that we older women should wear what we damn well like and, don’t worry about other people’s opinions, especially younger journalists who like to write about what is appropriate for certain ages. Am I seeing fewer of those articles? I think so, probably because more and more people are aware of ageism.
I also like to write about the reality of ageing and how to negotiate life as all the multitude of physical ailments come along, which they do. There’s no denying these things. In fact, I really dislike being told about ageing well, because these blogs, articles, and indeed, books are so often written either by younger people or the very fit and able older person who hasn’t as yet encountered any substantial ageing stuff. These people have no idea! On the other hand, I do believe in seizing the carp (!) and not being negative about ageing. It’s a balance that I think about a lot.
I have another blog called My Other Blog, which I began around 2015. I was upset about the way the debate on refugees was going – it’s got worse unfortunately – and that was the trigger for me to think through and write about difficult issues that couldn’t be discussed on the Frugal blog. By the time of the Brexit vote and through the years of negotiation I posted on that blog every two weeks on what was happening, and did my best to read around the subject. Then there was the pandemic and, latterly, posts on My Other Blog have been about the dire way the Conservative government has conducted itself.
So the reasoning behind me starting this second blog is that I have my opinions. Could I voice them on the Frugal blog? Obviously no, as I did once call Boris Johnson a mendacious moron on the Frugal blog. It was at the beginning of the pandemic when, as per usual, Johnson didn’t have a grasp of the situation. Ten followers were upset by this and said so in the comments. I was truly interested in why they thought Johnson was the business, and asked each one of them why they thought the way they did, but I didn’t get a reply and they left. However, that was a minuscule number of the people who do follow me so it didn’t matter, but I was sorry they wouldn’t debate with me, as I think agreeing to disagree is one of the signs of civilisation. We need to understand the context of the subject, but we also need to understand the context within which opinions are held, and above all aim to understand each other’s point of view. One of the greatest debates I had over the years was with Linda (who recently died from her melanoma). We agreed to disagree about Brexit and everything was fine – we respected each other – and I loved the way our debates continued on both My Other Blog and the Frugal blog to nearly her dying day. RIP Linda, I really, really miss her.
And now for some fun! I looked at my early posts on the WordPress site and gosh were the photos clunky. I just took pics of the clothes and didn’t include myself at all – that slowly changed, and by the time I’d moved to the new site it looked pretty much as it does now.
Below I am showing you some photos through the years. Btw I think it is a lesson for us all that we change as we age. I have documented my change and accept it – with some reluctance at times – but it is inescapable.
Who is this young lass with the camera who was still was dyeing her hair! Btw, do you remember a time when your phone didn’t have a camera? Yup, there was a time! In those early years I took most of my shots in a mirror with a proper camera.
I still have that ring and the bracelet.
I did a lot of blogs on just the hats. I have so many! And hardly any shoes! A wonderful blogger, Judith who blogged at Style Crone, used to post a monthly Hat blog, which I always joined. Judith can now be found on Instagram and Facebook and I just love the way she always wears a hat. I wear hats less often now especially with our weather this summer. Judith still influences me and although I can never reach her magnificent style I still like looking at her lovely outfits.
I’ve still got those necklaces and the fur coat below.
These were the days without glasses! I can see in this photo I hadn’t sorted my missing tooth – oops!
Mouth closed below! I still have the hat.and necklace. But oh my word the clothes I’ve got rid of over the years!
And here are all the rings I possess, which I still wear. I rather like that nail polish but it was in the days when I had a lot of Shellac painted on my nails – which has ruined them. So at the moment I don’t wear nail polish.
And below the Covid years.
During the pandemic I didn’t go to the hairdresser for around two years and my hair grew nearly to my waist. This below was the first cut.
And the first trip up to London in around two years. Good grief – how that pandemic took years out of our lives.
This below is two years ago and a reminder that the UK does have the occasional hot summer!
We’re almost up to date as this is the usual hat I wear in the winter when going up to London.
Blogging is such a positive thing to do and I absolutely love reading the comments below the line and replying to people. I also love meeting up with other bloggers. This was a very special meet-up with Jill from Grown Up Glamour who lives in Tasmania.
And present day below – a photo from my trip to Spain.
Well that’s all from me as now it’s time for all my lovely friends who participate in this challenge to have their say starting with Mary Katherine who blogs at MK’s Adventures in Style. She looks back on how she started blogging and who her influences were then and now. Click here to read more.
Then there’s Marsha who blogs at Marsha in the Middle. Marsha is probably the newest blogger in the group. She recently celebrated her third blogoversary on July 8th. her goal was to learn something new. Did she? Here is the link to her blog
Jill of Grown Up Glamour looks back over her last 10 years of blogging and wonders what the future of the blog will be. Click here to read all about this.
Then there is Gail of Is This Mutton who began this marvellous creative writing challenge. She has been blogging since 2006 and reckons she’ll still be at it in her 90s, probably wearing purple. Here is the link to her blog.
This month the writer and blogger Suzy Turner takes us through her extensive and colourful journey to the world of blogging, from her early days to her current passions. Find her adventures here.
Debbie who blogs at Debs World wonders how bloggers decide what to write about. Are there certain topics off limits to you. Debbie discusses these issues and blogging in general at this link here.
And finally Leslie who blogs at OnceUponATimeHappilyEverAfter began blogging 10 years ago as an outlet for her writing. This month she talks about her fair-weather friendship with blogging and her various take aways from her half-hearted efforts. Click here to read more.
That really is all for now. Thank you so much for reading to the end.
With love Penny, the Frugalfashionshopper
P.S. In a couple of hours I will also be posting on My Other Blog
I have enjoyed all your writing Penny, and delighted that you will continue. Your thoughts about ageing, both the positive and negative aspects of it are so helpful – just as you think you’ve got it ‘sorted’ along comes something else you hadn’t bargained for. Definitely up for seizing the carp, but good grief there are times when that little blighter don’t ‘alf wriggle! I often look out for you when I am in Lewes.
Hi Susan and so glad you like reading the blog. I do think it is important to be real about ageing as it is quite the challenge. But we should also seize the moment and opportunities that come our way as we never what’s around the corner. Oh wow, you live near me, I mostly go out in the afternoon as I either write or do a Pilates class in the morning. If this weather continues I shall be wearing a hat!
Thanks Susan 😊
Penny I so enjoy your writing , you are very talented. Looking at your photos I remember them well. If memory serves me well I think I first found you through Judith (Style Crone) and the monthly Hat Attack.
Interesting how you started your blog and agree with you on all those ageing articles written by much younger women with frankly no idea.
I did chuckle when I saw the photo of you and I together because I also included it as it sums up my reason for continuing to blog . We certainly think alike .
Long may we continue to enjoy dressing our way and blogging about it . xx
Well Jill I think you’re very talented in the way you find and wear clothes – your ‘eye’ for style is amazing.
And yes Judith’s Hat Attack I miss it as I really made an effort to source and wear hats – more often than I do now.
It was so good to meet up with you – indeed long may we continue to dress up and write our blogs xx
I was interested to read your comments on trying to find a balance in attitude towards ageing. It is obviously a very personal thing, especially when, as you say, the young and youngish media often write about ageing when they have no idea about what it really entails. Those of us who grew up in the fifties would very often hear the dreaded “mutton dressed as lamb” remark, and I have to say that still has some hold over me. There is something I dislike about the “I shall wear purple” poem. It seems to encapsulate the young unknowing attitude. To sum up, I certainly don’t wear what I damn well like. I am always aware of does it suit me at my age?
Oh how interesting Helen that you grew up in the 50s – likewise. I remember my mother telling me to i) never eat in the street – how vulgar and ii) never ever wear trousers – they are so indelicate. I think she was offended by the shape of our behinds being so prominent. She never wore trousers – always dresses. Yes, that dreaded phrase ‘mutton dressed up as lamb’ was used a lot then. How awful was that.
I don’t like that poem either! The poem was written by Jenny Jones and published in 1961, and as she was born in 1932 that makes her less than 30 when she wrote it! I mean if we behaved as she describes in the poem…. how awful!
I think my attitude towards wearing what we damn well like is about not listening to an inner voice that says, ‘no, you can’t wear that, you’re 70 or 80 or whatever’. But I totally agree with you that we should say – does it suit me? We should be aware of our body shape and wear clothes that enhances both our body and our selves.
Thanks Helen 😊
Hi Penny, how fun are these prompts where we get to know more about our fellow bloggers? Your post is a great way of sharing your ‘whys and hows’ and I love every bit of it! Your style and tenacity are well worth celebrating.
Hi and yes, the prompts have been so interesting and every single one makes you think. I also love learning and hearing about everyone’s thoughts and attitudes from around the world.
Thanks Debbie for those kinds words about my style – I try 😁
Great theme! I want to read all the other bloggers posts too! Blogging is wonderful! I get so much satisfaction out of it!
I agree, blogging is such a positive thing to do, it is so good thinking through what to write and communicating with people. And I agree again, it is very satisfying. Take care Nancy and have a lovely weekend – here’s hoping it’s warmer where you are. Currently – we are in the middle of having 3 hot days – woo hoo! 😀
There’s definitely a historian in you, someone with a passion for recording life and notable lives. I love how you tackle ageing with honesty. Too many, as you say, write about it with rose tinted lenses. Nobody knows exactly what old age will bring, it’s been kept secret, like the menopause used to be. I’m seeing old age at first hand through my wonderful mum, who’s now 92.
How wonderful that your mother is so long-lived. Hopefully she is in good health. Ageing is a challenge and I do think people should be aware that it isn’t just about the fit and healthy early retirement years. Things happen and we have to deal with this – I think the more we share how ageing really is, the better.
And thanks for those kind words 😊
So pleased that I found your blog (and the other one too!), although I can’t remember how long I’ve been following you. I always look forward to reading what you write. You are a wonderful example of how to accept the aches, pains, challenges and changes of our older years in a positive but realistic way. Well done and I look forward to reading many more posts from you.
Hi again Sylvia and thank you for those kind words. It’s really good to get feedback – thank you 😊
When I read your post this morning Penny I realized the I have been following your blog for several years as I recalled so many of the posts. What drew me to Frugal Fashion Shopper was that here was someone close to my age without pots of cash to dress and with a cheeky attitude. Also there were not adds cluttering up the page which annoys me. I like that it is not just about what you wear but about art and culture, politics and living life as we get older. Refusing to be labeled and not following the crowd. In two days I am looking forward to going with my daughter and son in law to Chincoteague island In Virginia where we go on vacation most years. This Summer has been a challenge. Unexpected major expenses, the hotter weather, and the sudden loss of Linus, my beloved cat. As I live alone his companionship meant a lot to me, a comfort. And to me the political scene here in the US is so awful, those who do not support the Republican candidate may have to live with what are unthinkable, unimaginable consequences. I am not all doom and gloom, there is so much beauty surrounding me, everyone’s garden is blooming, concerts in the park, a recent art show in the local library the artist a woman from my yoga class. My yoga class. That I can still walk around the park each morning before the heat sets in. so much really. So I leave it there and as always send love from New York, Darby
That’s great to know that you’ve been following me for some time. I know exactly what you mean about the blogs with ads – they are so very irritating.Sorry to hear about the challenges, especially the loss of your cat – that’s always devastating. And the weather!
We’ve been reading about the heatwaves in the States and around the world. We’ve currently got 3 hot days and everyone goes into a tizzy about this and weather warnings get issued. It’s only going to reach a possible 30C (86F) but of course we don’t have air con in our homes. Some public transport does especially the trains, but not buses and they can get unbearably hot. Our heat like New York’s is humid and that makes it more challenging of course. But the heat doesn’t last and we have cooler weather and rain next week.
I am very worried about US politics and the probable result of your election. We all are. But you are so right – there are many lovely places to visit and cultural activities we can go to. Long may we be able to do that. We mustn’t get obsessed with all sorts of awful possibilities – sometimes we have to just go with the flow and protect ourselves through family, friends and living our lives as best we can.
Thanks so much Darby – love from Lewes in Sussex, UK 😊
What a wonderful retrospective, Penny! I’ve admired your writing and your thrifting skill. As you’ve said, one can start out writing about fashion, but if you’re more than a one-trick pony, these blogs morph into much more about our lives and the forces that shape them. I understand why you started a separate blog to discuss political matters. I really have to bite my tongue a LOT on social media to not alienate people I like and respect, but couldn’t disagree with more. I think it’s important to keep those people in our lives so we don’t end up in an echo chamber. Keep up the great work!
Thanks Mary for those kind words – that’s so nice of you. And I am really interested in how people think about politics and the world in general and where they are coming from. There are reasons why we have a far-Right party gaining so many votes, more than the Lib Dems, who are the usual runners up to Labour and Conservatives. Likewise there are reasons for people likingTrump and in both instances we have to acknowledge that many people have different experiences and thoughts to us.
I just think what a shame it is that we cannot debate matters in a quiet civilised way which is why I listen to The Rest is Politics where two people from two different parties agree to disagree agreeably. It’s very good and btw, there’s another podcast, The Rest is Politics USA with Anthony Scaramucci and Katy Kay – it’s fascinating. I listen to both every week.
Thanks Mary K 😊
First, I love that you don’t mind asking others their opinions even on a subject that you have the opposite opinion. It frustrates me when we can’t have a civilized discussion about our differences. That’s how we come together IMO.
I love seeing you through the years and you’ve been such an inspiration.
OXOX
Jodie
Hi and yes, let’s all agree to disagree agreeably. That’s the mantra of my favourite podcast: The Rest is Politics with Rory Stewart ( a Conservative) and Alistair Campbell (Labour). They often disagree but they debate, argue in a very civilised manner and above all listen to each other. That is what all politicians should do. At least in the UK we have the grown-ups back in charge!
And that’s what My Other Blog is all about, I really try to understand where people are coming from including the far-right.
Thanks Jodie 😊
What a lovely round up of your blogging journey. I think that you are right to split up two very different blogging topics, your audiences for both will be very different.
I don’t write about fashion, but I keep an eye on some of the fashions posts. I blog about books and gardening. Books and plants make me smile as much as a hat does for you!
Keep blogging,
Rosie
Hi Rosie – what a lovely name! And yes, the two audiences are very different and want different information. It is a good idea to keep them separate and yet when I tell people on the Frugal blog that I have posted something on My Other Blog I do get a lot of traffic going over to read it which I always think is interesting.
I will keep blogging and excellent that you blog about gardening – I will have to find you. thanks Rosie 😊
Hullo Penny,
I don’t know how long I’ve been following u as the Frugal Shopper but haven’t yet tackled My Other Blog. I should do as I luv controversy – n it sounds as if that’s at the heart of it. Pleasure in store – but, meanwhile, abt The Frugal Shopper – altho’ I can give u a few years, I, too, scour charity shops for outfits for various occasions. I feel this achieves two objectives – that they receive much needed funds n I get a different outfit. Btw, I recycle any booboos back with them – I’d never think of taking them back for repayment – I feel that’s part of the ‘game’.
Keep it up, Penny – harmless enjoyment!
Atb in the hunt…
Julia
Hi Julia and lovely to meet you – and do pop over to My Other Blog. I used to post there every 2 weeks especially after the disastrous act of Brexit – which was in 2016. I’ve got a bit slower these days re: the very long-form blog, but seem to have posted several there quite recently so I’ve got my mojo back on that one. I think it is so important to face challenging issues and look at them closely – so that’s why I do it.
I too love my charity shop shopping and I totally agree with you that it is a positive thing to do to recycle and donate our unwanted clothes to our charity shops. But then again I often think about the worlds’ consumption of fashion and how this is damaging our climate. It’s food for thought and maybe a post I could on My Other Blog!
Thanks Julie 😊
Such a pleasure to meet you! I love your declaration of being a woman who has opinions! You know I grew up in the hippie years in Marin County CA, there is not a woman alive who lived those same days with me, who would not give all they could for your ring collection, proof that everything rings never go out of style!
oh wow, thanks for this kind words about my ring collection. You know I have an attitude what with my ageing hands, that one doesn’t need to apologise for them, instead we should be out and proud about our ageing and that includes not hiding our ageing hands but showing our hands off and that includes wearing outrageous rings.
And you grew up as a hippie – three cheers to that! Thanks Melynda 😊
I enjoyed seeing some earlier days pictures! I sometimes smile at some of my earlier posts. I feel like I am a little better at it now and I definitely have a lot more inspiration (and probably a lot more clothes).
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
I look at those photos and think hmmmm! And you can take that any way you like – but how we change over the years though!
I too definitely have more clothes than I used to!
Thanks Mireille 😊
I am always happy when I receive an email saying you’ve got a new post. When I read your posts, I feel like we’re chatting over the garden wall, sharing a cuppa, and moaning and groaning about the state of both of our countries. Perhaps, yours is going in a better direction now? Lord help us over here! I don’t remember when I started reading your blog, but I loved the spunk and edge you have always had. I’m just so glad to now call you friend.
These Global Writing Challenges are such fun. I labor over mine forever and ever, writing and rewriting because I just overthink everything. It’s been wonderful to learn about different women around the world!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Hi Marsha and yes, I’m happy to say we have Captain Sensible in charge and the grown-ups are back in the room! How they get on is another matter and although I voted for Labour I will watch them like a hawk!
These global writing challenges are so good. I have loved getting to know people across the oceans and the world and learn more about their lives.
Thank you so much for those kind words Marsha – I do try to be edgy and don’t always succeed – but I do try 😀
I’ve enjoyed both your blogs for many years, Penny. I find them inspirational but for different reasons. I’m currently suffering from ‘blogger’s guilt’ because I haven’t published a post for some time. Life just gets in the way on occasions! My eldest son is getting married, in Portugal next week, and we’re taking the opportunity to spend a week in Porto. I cannot wait!
Blogging fulfills my creative side and I love the connections I have made with other bloggers. Happy blogging!
Hi June, it’s lovely to hear from you – I really enjoy your blog as it is so often brings back memories of happy holidays spent in France. It’s about time we went to France again!
Enjoy Porto and congratulations to your son and his new bride.
The connections we make are the best bit of blogging ever.
Thanks June 🙂
This was such a great prompt, wasn’t it, Penny?! I think it was quite an easy for us to talk about lol. I’ve loved reading about when you started blogging and why you created your ‘Other Blog’. I’m not particularly opinionated enough to respond to people who disagree with me, so I would be quite a boring blogger if I wrote about politics or religion lol!
Great post, Penny!
Hugs
Suzy xx
Wasn’t it just such great prompt! It’s been so interesting reading how people began their blogs.
The thing about My Other Blog is there’s so many issues that are bothersome and challenging – and I find it incredibly interesting finding out why people think the way they do. It’s also an excuse to write. I’ll never write that novel but I must have written many what with the words that have gone into both blogs!
Blogging is so creative and the best part is the connections we make.
Thanks Suzy 🙂
Hmmm, I like the idea of a second blog where you express your opinions and thoughts about things that you don’t feel like sharing on this blog. But I hardly have time to manage one!! Can’t fathom trying to keep up with two. I have shared my opinions some on my original blog, usually slipped into one of my sentence a day sentences. Well buried there!! The U.S. is just upside down right now in so many ways that I find myself shaking my head in disbelief every time I turn on the TV.
You mentioned that you think we are a lot alike. Oh, how I would be honored to be more like you. You are amazing to me. You seem self-assured and confident. And you write so well. I am glad to know you have plans to write forever. I took a writing class with a group of folks our age this summer and it was such inspiration to continue writing. The course will continue in October and I can hardly wait.
Aren’t you just thrilled to not be coloring your hair any more? And for me, it is very liberating not to wear and worry over nail polish. Your rings are divine and YOUR HATS. Oh, teach me to be confident in a hat. I love them so much. I think you need to write a post about how to wear a hat with your head held high.
Oh wow, Leslie, all I can say about my country is that our recent election now looks very tame in contrast to the situation in the US! I listen to a very good podcast called The Rest is Politic US with Katy Kay and Anthony Scaramucci – it’s fascinating.
Setting that aside you are a very good writer I particularly liked one post of yours where you gave us a first-hand description of your immigration problem. It was a great insight to this particular problem and I found it so interesting.
And btw, I am absolutely not self assured and confident. Never have been. But I do love hats and will write about wearing a hat – thank you for that tip. This blogging lark is so positive in that we meet and shake hands across the pond – long may that continue.
Thanks Leslie 😊
Great post Penny! Love that you are are straight talking and you express your honest feelings. Blogging is a joy. A place of fun, creativity and self expression, though the IT baffles me. For those of us who have reached this age, we can reliably share nostalgia and life experiences, good or bad, as you say it’s something the younger crowd can’t really relate to. Most of us have been there and done that.
P S
I love the photo wearing your black hat and holding your camera.
Alison x
Thank you Alison and yes, absolutely, blogging is such a positive and creative thing to do. It has been and continues to be a wonderful way to meet women around the world. Long may this continue.
Thanks again Alison 🙂
Penny, you are a powerhouse of blogging! Your insightful posts and engaging style make for an inspiring read. Keep up the amazing work!
Wow, Amelia – thanks so much for those very kind words 😊
I love the dress you are wearing in the photo taken in Spain. You look wonderful!
Thank you so much Penny 😊
I will email you shortly