Dropping The Robe

Nelson transitioned on April 20, 2011 with The Style Crone and Camille at his side, loving him and touching him as he drew his last breath. His dazzling smile and inspirational spirit live on in the air that we breathe. Now cracks a noble heart Good night, sweet prince And flights of angels Sing thee to thy...

Spring Green or Purple?

Green leopard print jacket-NYC flea market, vintage green and purple gloves and vintage silk green/purple Sant’ Angelo scarf-estate sales, vintage purple earrings-vintage shop, vintage black fabric hat with tassel-Joan Carney/Les Chapeaux. The Style Crone was out and about on a gorgeous spring day looking for background for the green leopard print jacket and the quandary of whether to wear blue or green gloves...

Honoring Nelson

Vintage embroidered silk Asian jacket and gold clip on earrings-estate sales, red silk beret-flea market. The Style Crone chose to wear one of her favorite jackets in honor of the tribute to Nelson written by Mark McIntosh, former Denver television sportscaster and current motivational speaker and writer, on his website/blog titled, ‘Continue Steadfastly.’  Mark is a member of the gym where Nelson has rowed...

Hospice Magic

The Style Crone is impressed. In less than one hour Nelson’s pain was under control and a new medication regimen has improved his disrupted sleep pattern, his symptoms have been addressed, and his energy level is at a place where he is back behind the camera with a few playful comments as an added bonus. Now we’re talking! This is a model for healthcare that I can believe in. We have been treated with respect,...

Morphine Makes an Entrance

The composition for today did not include spring flowers and radiant splashes of color. Nelson experienced pain for the first time since entering hospice. A rapid response from our caregivers provided relief with the order to begin liquid morphine and suffering was interrupted. Comfort is the main goal at this time and Nelson is resting quietly as we absorb this new arrival on the scene. My outfit lies in waiting...

The Silk Vintage Scarf

Today The Style Crone chose to build a composition around a vintage 40′s silk floral scarf and initiated the roll out of the spring jackets by displaying the scarf on this vintage 60′s coral cashmere beauty with silver buttons. The entertainment began by pulling the mustard out of the scarf and throwing it on my head in the form of a vintage knit hat. The purple flowers were reflected in the vintage leather...

Every Day is Precious

Vintage felt leopard print hat with black ribbon and yellow vintage beads-estate sales, yellow silk Donna Karan jacket and black  St. John heels with gold trim-yard sales, and the black ruched jeans that have been a seasonal favorite. When in doubt, wear leopard! I am finding that my single focus is spending time at home with Nelson and savoring every moment with intention, although I continue to go to yoga and...

Feeling Blue

Vintage ’60′s blue wool jacket, vintage navy/green silk polka dot scarf, vintage pin and earrings-estate sales; vintage 80′s Makins blue fur felt hat with black ribbon trim-Les Chapeaux; jeans-Buffalo Exchange. I feel a reluctance to ‘let go’ of winter and leap forward into spring. Usually The SC loves the transition to spring with its unfolding displays of crocuses, daffodils, and tulips in quick and...

Birthday Cape for 68

The Style Crone adorned herself with a vintage navy wool cape with off white trim embellished with gold sequins and white beads accessorized with a vintage navy velvet hat with round navy sequins for the bittersweet celebration of her 68th birthday. As we left for dinner at our favorite restaurant, I took Nelson’s arm and walked down the steps of our front porch with the cloak which reflected his regal nature and...

Orange and Red

The Style Crone has been drawn to orange over the past few days and the analysis of this attraction escapes me for now.  I have worn the elements of this ensemble in earlier posts, except for the gifted red wool scarf which provides warmth as I am about to dash out into the ‘March chill’ of this day. This afternoon Nelson and The SC met with his primary nurse and social worker with hospice.  We feel as though...

What to Wear to a Hospice Intake

This afternoon we met with a nurse from hospice to initiate admission and to receive information about services. Nelson decidedly signed all forms presented. Our health care experience has radically shifted in that for the most part we will be seen in our home instead of a medical facility. At times this process feels surreal and our conversations have entered new territory. It’s comforting to know that we have a...

The Stained Glass Window

Nelson has been referred to hospice and today everything that I love about our home has become more special, brilliant, intense. Our home was built in 1907 and this stained glass window is located on the landing of the stairs which lead to the upper level of our sanctuary. Every morning and evening, and many times during the day, as we walk up or down the stairs, it greets us with its beauty and colorful splendor....

Silk Velvet at the Broadmoor

Vintage rust silk velvet gown-vintage shop, black silk velvet jacket-flea market, rust silk velvet structured turban-custom made by Jeanne Bjorn. Nelson proclaims that we are in ‘the lap of luxury.’ We feel nurtured and surrounded by beauty. When we arrived at the Broadmoor late yesterday afternoon, we were surprised by gifts from friends from Kinetic Fitness Studio (Nelson’s rowing home) that had lavished us...

What to Wear to Oncology

Plum/orange hat-consignment store; vintage 1940′s plum wool jacket with fur trim, vintage orange leather gloves, vintage jewelry-estate sales; long black rayon skirt-Camille cast off. Nelson’s oncology appointment today was  a consultation to determine follow-up details. His blood work values continue to indicate cancer growth and liver dysfunction. The chemo infusion two weeks ago did nothing but cause...

Crone Cone Crown

Long vintage turquoise wool coat for Auer’s-estate sale, vintage turquoise/fuschia/black velvet cone hat and  vintage fuschia gloves-estate sales, patent leather boots and belt-yard sales. Today Nelson and The Style Crone decided to spend two days at the end of this week at the historic Broadmoor, a luxury hotel about an hour from home. As I drove to yoga this morning I attempted to identify and name the feeling...

What to Wear to Yoga and More

Vintage turquoise knit headwear, vintage turquoise/black plastic dangle earring, vintage mustard gloves-estate sales, turquoise/mustard faux pashmina-street vendor, black yoga wear foundation. The Style Crone enjoys putting outfits together that can travel from yoga to activities before or after class. This headwear looks like short turquoise dreadlocks to me, and never fails to bring a smile to my face when it...

What to Wear to Palliative Care

Long red sweater-TJ Maxx, black/red silk scarf-flea market, patent leather ankle boots and patent leather belt-yard sales, suede/patent leather cap-Nordstrom’s Rack, suede gloves-estate sale. Nelson and The Style Crone had a second appointment with Palliative Care this afternoon. It’s a relief to talk without restraint about end of life issues. One of the most significant concepts brought forth by the physician...

Decisions

Vintage silver cupid pin with jewels-gifted by Nelson for Valentine’s Day in the 80′s. Last Thursday Nelson decided to discontinue chemo as  the side effects have become too overwhelming to tolerate and his tumor markers continue to soar. On Valentine’s Day, another painful medical procedure indicated that his cancer is making itself at home in his body and has no intention of loosening its grasp. He does...

Valentine Coat of Amore

On the day before Valentine’s Day of 1992 Nelson informed me that he wanted to take me to lunch and would be at my office at noon the next day to pick me up for our date. As I was working in my office on Valentine’s Day, I heard the elevator door open. I looked up to see my stunning husband entering my space carrying an elegant silver tray and dressed in a vintage black tuxedo with tails, a white shirt, a...

Winter Orange

Now this black wool fabric hat trimmed with a brilliant orange flower with a hint of green, when compared to Patricia Underwood’s designs, is on the other end of the hat continuum. The Style Crone loves the entire spectrum as hats have the ability to express different moods, attitudes, perspectives, possibilities. This hat is fun and a bit ‘tongue in cheek.’ I needed a touch of humor after Nelson’s PET scan...

Date Night

Black fur felt hat with red suede trim-Patricia Underwood from my hat shop in the 80′s, vintage leopard print jacket-gifted by Nelson, estate sale jewelry. Date night met all expectations! We left early for a movie to match Nelson’s energy level, followed by dinner at a favorite restaurant. It must have been our laughter about memories of the origin of the 60′s faux fur leopard print jacket, which Nelson gave...

The Kuna

As we draw closer to the six year anniversary of Nelson’s diagnosis, I have been having recollections of important and memorable experiences that we’ve shared during our journey over these years. During Nelson’s remission in 2008 we traveled to Panama and visited a friend who I hadn’t seen since graduate school in the early 70′s. Reviewing photos from that time, which of course included elephant bell...