“Thank you” doesn’t even begin to cover my gratitude

My dearest friends, a month has passed since I last sat down to write a new entry for this blog. During that time – as many of you may know from the two posts my husband, Tony, kindly put up in my absence – I’ve been contenting with some serious health issues. One of which landed me, rather suddenly and unexpectedly, in the hospital during for a spell.

The outpouring of support, care and concern that we (Tony and I) received from has been nothing short of staggering. I’m at a loss for words when it comes to just how to express my profound thanks to each and every one of you who left comments on Tony’s posts and/or emailed us privately about my situation.

Each day when he came to visit me at the hospital, Tony would print off and bring all of your messages and comments, and when I returned home (but wasn’t yet well enough to use my computer), he would read them out to me from his laptop. I don’t think a single day passed that I wasn’t moved to the point of tears by the staggeringly beautiful care and friendship that shone through your words.

From the very bottom of my heart, thank you so much, everybody, for your support, companionship and concern during this rocky time. Your meaningful words lifted my spirits greatly and truly meant the world to me.

While this "elevated" medical situation is far from over still, I wanted to begin posting again – albeit on a considerably less frequent basis than usual (perhaps one or two posts a week, but we'll just see how things go as the coming weeks unfold). I miss you all – and blogging! – so much. Chronically Vintage is an integral part of my life, and going so long (especially when the hiatus was unplanned) without writing new posts has felt nothing short of alien.

Yesterday marked the summer solstice, the beginning of the warmest (if in you live in Northern Hemisphere, that is) season of the year, and one of my favourite annual events. I don’t know exactly what summer months have in store for me health-wise on a day-to-day basis, but as of the Monday before last (14th), I do at least know when I’ll be having (gallbladder removal) surgery: August 25th.


{I’m on strict doctor’s orders to take things super easy this summer, but on days when I can, I plan on blogging from my bed or the sofa. Now, if only I could look as gorgeous as this lovely vintage gal while doing so! :D Vintage image from Saltycotton’s Flickr stream.}


In the days leading up until the end of August, amidst and ongoing assortment of medical visits, and when my (pesky! ;D) health permits, I hope to be able to blog, to connect with you all, and to keep the spirit of Chronically Vintage going strong.

Sweetest dears, thank you again for your tremendously thoughtful comments and emails, knowing that you understand the situation and are there me has been an invaluable comfort.

With the utmost of appreciation and love, I wish you each a sublimely beautiful, highly memorable, and entirely enjoyable summer ahead!

Flickr Favourites – May 18, 2010

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{Shabner December 52 from sweetbettie_67}



{The perfect Pair by to be, inspired}



{Midori enjoys baking by Girl Least Likely To}



{Bird’s Custard Blancmange UK 1920 from sweet_bettie67}



{Les Girls [A 1957 movie] from hytam2}



{Coral flower on Yellow by tanakawho}



{Vintage Yellow Buttons by texassurlymonkey}



{The Pink Parakeet by stylesmith}



{Yummy Ice Cream Journaling Spots by chelstastic}



{Caffeine Spider by Ariana Jordan}


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With the temperatures shooting up faster than a fireworks display in many parts of the world right now, it’s entirely natural to let you mind wander to thoughts of outdoor cooking. While these days both gals and gents partake of barbequing, during the mid-twentieth century, the grill was often the domain of men and men alone. Though women (generally) ruled the kitchen, whipping up summertime foods like potato salad, sweet tea, and ice cream cakes, the fellows were outside ensuring there was plenty of perfectly grilled meat to go around.

While flipping burgers, turning chops and sizzling steaks over the grills, chaps often wore aprons to help keep their duds clean and tidy. Recently I chanced upon a Flickr group devoted solely to the topic of vintage images of men in aprons – both of the well known barbeque variety, as well as of guys wearing aprons in an assortment of situations.

Proving that there’s a niche Flickr group from just about any topic, Men in Aprons (Vintage Only) is a fabulous look back at the yesteryear garments that fellows donned when cooking, cleaning or otherwise busy at work.


{ 1. Personal Use Only - 1954 AD, 2. Welcome to My Eternal & Virtual BBQ!, 3. Jerry, Full of Stuffing, 1952, 4. Vintage Apron Decals}

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Bright and jovial, turquoise and crisp lemony yellow pair up throughout this week’s selections of Flickr favourites, though their match really wasn’t intentional – I must simply have been drawn to these two hues lately while browsing the always sublimely inspiring pages of Flickr. It’s easy to see why that was the case though, for these exuberant colours radiate with the warmth and optimism that late May brings, when summer looms so close on the horizon you can wave to it.

I’m certainly looking forward to the coming months, they bring with them birthdays (mine, my husband’s – even our darling cat’s!), Canada Day, and a hugely anticipated visit at the start of June from my parents, amongst millions of other reasons to adore this most toasty of seasons.

What colours are on your mind at the moment, and what sorts of things are you eagerly looking forward to this summer?

Flickr Favourites – April 29, 2010

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{1951 woman from Look magazine by actionlog.}



{Yellow Jar by Leah 3011.}



{Forgetmenots 2010 by currentclassics.}



{IMG_3833 (Super cute redheaded doll!) by Yumi♡.}



{Vintage Car 1 by Kim Naumann – Curiouser & Curiouser Designs.}



{morning after by simple tess.}



{Sarah 05 by paulwrightphoto.}



{New Additions by Love Is...Everything.}



{Dresser Top – Boxes by such pretty things.}



{Vintage Ladies Cabinet Cards by Suzee Que.}

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Few amongst us fail to swoon when a gorgeous pair of shoes crosses our path – and all the better if they’re vintage! Footwear can make or break an outfit, set the mood for a ensemble, draw attention to its wearer or be the subtle finishing touch on a gorgeous look.

Those (like myself) who adore old school footwear will find much to daydream about in the Flickr group that’s in the limelight today: Vintage & Retro Shoes and Boots.


{1. vintage turquoise bow shoes 7, 2. Vintage T-Strap SWEET Pink Summer Sandals Size 7.5, 3. Donald J. Pliner's Right Bank Shoe Co., 4. Carmelletes 1952.}

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Mellow, toasty shades of lemon light and invigorating, tropical sea turquoise waltz through these gorgeous images, whisking my mind off to places of fantastical serenity and quiet contemplation, where everything around me is as lovely as the world created in these marvellous photos.

Come along with me, sweet friends, and escape for a few moments into a universe of springtime hued, vintage beauty filled daydreams.