Hi Posse! Today I thought we could all do with Something Not Related. No matter how much you love or loathe the season. Whether you are religious, non religious, another religion or just overwhelmed by the constant barrage, we can all do with a little brain clearance. So I’m going to write today about a favourite fragrance and how much I love to walk off my mental health hiccups. Also, there will be a couple of pictures of our beautiful, loving, sometimes still a bit naughty, aged greyhounds. Both of them turned 11 in 2025 and we can really tell they’re starting to wind down.
ARE YOU STRUGGLING? Here’s a survival post especially for you.
Something Not Related
CHANEL Coco
Today’s Something Not Related perfume is Coco vintage extrait by CHANEL. I’m guessing this was a 1993 or 1985 batch because CHANEL repeats every 8 years and the bottle stopper and shoulder shape fits the era. When I bought it the bottle was mostly full but it’s had some loving wear over the years. Seeing that Coco was released in 1984 it could be that old. Signed by Jacques Polge it is a spicy amber done in a very CHANEL style. Big but sophisticated and though it references many of its predecessors, Coco stands alone.
Walking
The best way to clear my head is to go for a walk. Embarrassingly I’ve started to have Tourettes like symptoms of needing to make sounds or kind of bark as I’m walking off a mental health dip. It’s actually a thing that will snap me out of the mire and make me laugh at myself. So a healthy spritz, often of something untried, and a wander outside the house. In Sydney at this time of year there will be a gazillion flies annoying me while walking, another excellent distraction. I only have to do about 500-1000 steps to get my blood pumping, some deep breaths and sunlight. Other times I’ll grab the dogs and make use of a nearby park bench to sit and just take in the view (while being the centre of a fly-nami). The dogs are so happy to be outside it kind of puts everything back into perspective. That we often go to the cemetery across the road also helps because it’s a good reminder that pretty soon I’ll be dead and none of whatever is troubling me will matter. I think this life is all about perspective.
Here are some photos taken in the past of wanders around the area.
Found this the other day too. Only really useful in low key lows. Kinda good though.
Greyhounds
Paris is my mainly black boy. Momo is Jin’s mainly white girl. We love them and they love us. None of us are perfect and often one or all of us is misbehaving in some way. We are all aging disgracefully and all grateful that we get to do it together.
I know my life is very small. It’s enough. We have love, home, friends and enough to share. Sure, the world is a mess and we are being manipulated by a bunch of sad assed, rapacious billionaires who seem to have everything except joy in their lives. Yet, in our small way we do our best to make the world around us a little better. Trying to leave people, and the planet, just a little better off than we found them and it. Nothing is perfect, especially us. We work within our parameters.
Hope you’re doing OK.
HUG
Portia xxx
If the Black Dog really gets its teeth in then here is a link to
USA and International HELP LINES.
They are waiting for your call. In fact, they’ve given up their time to be of service.
Make their day and make the call.
Them helping you could also be the thing that’s helping them get through it all too.
Late to the party to say what a delightful post. You know how much I love Coco, right? I worked my way through one of those flacons when it came out. I still love it; wore it a couple days ago. Your hounds are so beautiful; did you do a greyhound rescue? Your life seems very full to me, and you’re doing it right. Also YES walking! I walk constantly. Calms me right down.
You put up some very lovely pictures. Your and Jin’s greyhounds are the coolest. They do know how to relax! I’ve been in the mood for rose perfumes this week but Xmas Day I wore Jo Malone Jasmine & Marigold. I may need a bottle of this.
Yeah, the greyhounds are the best. Easiest dogs I’ve ever had Maya.
Jasmine & Marigold sounds lovely.
Portia xx
Oh Portia. Thank you for these beautiful and welcome words. Love to you, Jin, and the pups.
Love right back Pam,
Merry everything.
HUG
Portia xx
I love you SO dayumb much, Portia!
Your life may look ‘small’… but it’s a perfect reflection of your hugely joyful soul. I was just thinking about how much my own life has changed… and, after years of bemoaning the change, how much I find myself at peace with it! I find myself experiencing gratitude every single day!!!
Returned in full Musette.
We are very fortunate to have found our gratitude and continue to bloom where we grow. Growing older is good for some things.
HUG
Portia xx
Beautiful photos, Portia, and lovely caring post. Sending big hugs. Today we’ve had the best Christmas in years. All six of us wore matching pajamas. I realize this is nothing new, but it was our first time doing it. Everyone liked their gifts. The food I made turned out well. There were no arguments. The house is happily chaotic. I’m tired and very grateful. Wearing Revillon Turbulences, a gift from hubby.
WOO HOO DinaC, that is absolutely heartwarming news. I’m glad you all had a perfect pyjama party over the few days.
Congratulations on creating something so fab.
HUG
Portia xx
Beautiful post, Portia. I have a small life too : pets and plants and people. A job. A home.
When you have time will you tell me please-what’s the air smell like where you are? I live in the Maritimes, and the air here always smells of salt. In the summer it’s salt and pines and wild rose; in the fall it’s salt and apples and asters; in the winter it’s salt and snow. Spring is the smell of ice breaking up and salt. Do you smell eucalyptus there? Inquiring minds want to know 🙂
Thanks for the timely post about mental health and help. Hope you have a peaceful day with your family. You always smell great.
Heya Carole,
Small lives are good.
Yes, it does smell of eucalyptus here especially as it starts to rain and for about half a day after. It’s particularly strong across the road in the cemetery that is ringed by them.
We currently have the Murraya paniculata blooming all around the suburb so as I walk the dogs there are great wafts of it: HEAVEN!
Hope your day was lovely.
HUG
Portia xx
I needed this post today – thank you!
You’re welcome Judy,
I hope it all turned out OK.
HUG
Portia xx
Portia, I adore you!
Last night, I sat in bed with my 2 white cats-mother and daughter-and felt at peace and grateful for us to have food, a roof over our heads and to be lounging, cuddled up quietly together. In this past year and past decade, quite a few good friends have left my life. Death, moves, growing apart. My meditation practice reminded me to be present because all I had/have is THIS moment. Trying to predict the future or mentally re-do or hang on to the past only brings sadness.
As someone who has been and still is too often plagued by The Black Dog, let me also suggest “warm lines” to call when you just need to talk and be heard. Many hospitals and universities have them. They may not be staffed 24/7 but the folks, regular people like us, who volunteer are kind, gentle and really listen.
I wish everyone happiness, inner peace, an abundance of the basics and the realization that even in the turmoil and chaos of existence, there IS calm, beauty and joy.
Mutual adoration MzCrz,
That sounds like a beautiful, centered evening.
Warm Lines are something I’m yet to encounter but you’ve inspired me to get knowledgeable. Thanks.
HUG
Portia xx
Beautifully wise post & photos Portia. Gratitude is in abundance here. A less presenty Christmas but all our little family will be here tomorrow & our youngest is here for a few days.
Currently listening to Frankie’s Power of Love. Who would have thought they would do one of the most apt & touching Christmas song?
I’m joining you in Chanel but No5 scads & scads of the extrait with EdT over.
Wishing everyone a peaceful Christmas X
You brought a CHANEL sparkle to Xmas Day Alityke. I’ve been loving my Coco lately but in the end it was Cinnabar that got the days gong.
Hope the family day went gangbusters too.
HUG
Portia xx
Been a wonderful day having everyone here. Family curry on Boxing Day will be an annual affair from now on.
Cinnabar was a great choice x
LOVE the family curry idea. Did you cook it or buy?
Went out for dinner. It was really busy, both upstairs & down. Lots of families & a few tables of friends.
You are singing my SONG!, alityke!!!
I thought of you as I was spraying!
I also realised my No5 is now officially vintage x
OHHHH! That’s so cool. Where is your vintage marker Alityke?
25 years so now it’s 2000!
Oh Portia, this was a lovely, sweet post–and the pictures of the sky, the blush orange and clouds is beautiful. We are also living in our very small world, sadly without many friends and no family in this corner of California. We are not depressed, but we both miss the company of others and the general “family-ness” of the season. We are also in a flood zone right now and the rain is POURING. Just a few feet in elevation it’s snowing. So we alternated between strategically placing sandbags–and cooking today. But the tree is up, our several cats contentedly lounging along with our dogos. Thank you for sharing resources. Holidays are tricky. And this year with the hot mess and leader of the “not so free world”–even more stressful and dark. Nonetheless have a peaceful and joyous time with Jin, pups, and Co. I love Coco Chanel btw–perfect this time of year. I think I might wear that for today, Christmas morning.
Good luck with the weather Shiva-woman, I’m sending you dry thoughts and wishes.
Hope you enjoyed the food, furry family and your partner.
HUG
Portia x
Happy Xmas morning. It is dark, cold and windy but … it’s not raining (don’t want to jinx that). Thank you for your considered post, Portia. I think it’s particularly helpful this year.
I’ve now been retired for two years and I can say I am thankful for that. I’ve learned to slow down and really look at and appreciate things. The slowing down is a big deal after always being in a rush for whatever reason.
I am thankful for my blood and non-blood family. For the dog who keeps things real and makes me breathe. For walking — everyday all over the place. For my history being from immigrants and being an immigrant myself. We add immeasurably to things.
For perfume and the people you get to meet if only remotely.
For travel and how it changes things.
For laughter, silliness, joy, contemplation, but also keeping your eyes and mind open.
Oh, and for the local museum bringing a Grayson Perry exhibition to our little corner of the world in January. I’m ludicrously excited.
Hope it’s a reasonable day for us all.
A reasonable day seems so little to ask for but somehow Xmas always has surprises Cinnamon.
We had a very low key Xmas day and on Boxing Day we visited the sick and the old, then a few mates went and saw Cirque Alice. It was so much better than expected and the costuimes were absolutely fabulous.
Hug
Portia xx