Staying inspired.
Keeping the flame burning.
I was at mass last Sunday morning, for Easter (the sheer fact it’s taken me over a week to churn out this story should hint at what I’m going to be sharing today), and I somewhat tuned out when the priest began his homily. I do that sometimes a lot. Not a very Catholic act but certainly very human. As he was speaking, I asked myself how someone like Father Troy could remain so passionate and enthusiastic about being a priest. About his faith. About saying mass. I mean, at the end of the day, priesthood is still a job. And with any and every profession, we all fall into a slump every now and again. Into mental fatigue. We get jaded and disinterested. And that fire under our asses goes out.
And then all of a sudden, his words pierced through my reverie, “You fall in love with Christ all over again each and every single day. That’s how you keep things exciting. And interesting.”
NO, THIS IS NOT ABOUT RELIGION
But I want to draw parallels between what I was thinking and what he was saying, and how I’ve been feeling about blogging lately. Surely you must have noticed that my last post was, oh I don’t know, a month ago?
And if you hadn’t, don’t tell me.
It would break my already fragile heart.
I don’t know what it is specifically but I just haven’t been able to write. Each time I turn to the laptop and place my hands on the keyboard, my mind goes blank. The thought of writing makes me feel tired and lethargic.
A massive brain fog.
As though it’s the very last thing I want to do.
When it used to be the only thing I longed to do.
My passion has wavered from a furious flare to an unsteady flicker.
And I haven’t been able to decipher the reason why that is so.
Until then, I will attempt to get things moving (if only a smidge) with this month’s edition of The Fab 40s, for which I am ever so grateful. It’s given me purpose to complete this post, something which has been awry for over four weeks now.
On the heels of our princess theme, Veronica came up with (boom boom pow) villainesses for April. I was elated and scared. Excited and petrified.
And scoured my mind for those badass women for whom I’ve the highest levels of respect (hey, their motives may be questionable but they’re certainly taking down the world in style). From the Marvel to the reel as well as real worlds, and came up with Mrs Smith, Mystique, Shego, and Poison Ivy.
Initially the plan was to be Mrs Smith. In a thigh high black gown. And pouty lips. Complete with pistol strapped to garter belt. Sadly, it was not meant to be. My photographer, Sofia, was away on assignment for most of April which resulted in me going through the stash of (yet) unused photos, to see which could possibly work. Enter this shiny green gem of a dress and my interpretation of Poison Ivy.
Take a look now, at all our looks. Do you see a common thread?
Ann, Kremb de la Kremb
Annie and I were truly twinning. Well, in the beginning anyways. Here she is, dressed as Mrs Jane Smith in that scene in the dessert wherein she’s all set to take out her husband. And she doesn’t even know that he’s her mark for this hit. Golden moment. Such a super cool outfit, Anne, the cargo pants. And the funky belt and shoes.
Diane, Fashion On The Fourth Floor
Baby girl, I SO see Professor Severus Snape here. If he were leggy and gorgeous and glam. Which he wasn’t but you (irrefutably) are. And I’m with you on all those things you pointed out about his character. The loyalty. The unwavering love. I have the faintest suspicion you have those in common with him too. Psst. I love that your inspiration was a dude!!!
Jennie, A Pocketful Of Polka Dots
If ever there was a romanticised, glamourised criminal, it’d be Ms Bonnie Parker. Perceived as the epitome of a pretty, wild thing, who, if movies and legend are to be believed, was every bit as sexy and stylish as she was notorious and dangerous. I love how Jennie’s rendition has a slight French girl chic vibe to it. Especially those Mary Janes.
Sam, Fake Fabulous
Sam, Sam, Sam. You look like you just walked off the set of Guardians Of The Galaxy. That’s how action figurine you look in this outfit, woman. Enough said.
Veronica, CID Style File
Veronica looks so #girlboss here. In control and in charge and ready to kick ass. I mean, seriously, aren’t villainesses = girl female bosses? Love this look. Strong and powerful.
Jaye of Curvatude
I’ll be honest. Curvatude is new to me. But it will not stay that way for long, I assure you, I love everything Jaye and her blog stand for. How there is no such thing as plus sized clothing or street size clothing in her books. She wears what she likes, when she likes, and how she likes. I like that. A lot. That’s how fashion is supposed to be. It’s not about how old you are. Or what people tell you is right (or wrong) for your body shape (it peeves me deeply when I read posts telling you how to wear something based on your age or shape, gah). It’s whatever makes you happy. Welcome, Jaye, to the fab 40s. It’s such a pleasure having you.
And, of course, there’s me.
Dressed up as Poison Ivy. Ish. Who was ranked 21st in Comics Buyer’s Guide‘s 100 Sexiest Women In Comics list. Maybe someday LOL what about you? Which villainess floats your boat?
Love, Sheela
Finally made the transition to AV and am now on YouTube as well as Snapchat (sheela.goh), would adore your support through subscribing to my channel/adding my snaps.
Pretty please?
p/s my photos are by Sofia Touassa
I link up here.
Sheela Goh 
🙂 OMG – what a beautiful dress!
You look fantastic!
Have a very HAPPY day 🙂
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Have been wondering where you had disappeared too! Look even if you can’t get you writing head on, I would happily just gush over your style photos!
I hope all becomes ok and I look forward to your next post Sheela. Just a glip I’m sure x
http://www.vanityandmestyle.com
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Of course I missed you—but I figured that between life and Eve working on her college goals—you have more important things right now!
So I’m glad to see you back!!
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
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I certainly noticed you haven’t been around this past month. 😦 It’s good to have you back and I am glad it is with our fabulous group.
You look Amazing! I truly enjoyed looking at each and every one of your photos. Even though it wasn’t planned as such, you are capturing the essence of Poison Ivy perfectly. Also your hair looks gorgeous. 🙂
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You look stunning!! And your hair looks amazing! Love the red XO
Lisa @ http://www.beauty101bylisa.com/2017/04/linkupwithlisa-98-boho-easter-outfit.html
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Excellent interpretation of the character, Sheela, you look gorgeous.
https://lookingfabulousat50.blogspot.com.au/
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SO GLAD to have you back! I frequently feel the brain fog, too. I need to kick my ass and start WRITING and not just blah writing.
You look so beautiful as poison ivy! I love you fierce poses!
–Roxanne
http://glassofglam.com
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I’m glad you’re back in the saddle Sheela.
(I must admit that I have been off the radar and have missed a few things over the past 3 weeks)
Anyway….onwards and upwards.
You are beautiful here…..and I would have LOVED to see you as Mrs Smith!!! (another post???)
Being a villain was lots of fun.
I always feel a soft spot for a good villain (Snape is one of my all-time favourite characters)… even the truly nasty ones (like Viper) have certain redeeming qualities… leather catsuit ownership for example :oP
Great fun!
XXX
Sam
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You look freaking gorgeous in this outfit, Sheela! I love the green… it screams villain in the best way possible! Sorry to hear you’re feeling so low about blogging. I hope things start to look better soon.
Hugs from fellow 40+ blogger, Suzy
xx
http://www.suzyturner.com
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This dress looks gorgeous! Beautiful photos!
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You are talking about staying inspired – well your style always inspires me. Very very much, Sheela. As does your writing. Such a great theme this month with the fellow 40s fashionistas. That emerald sequined dress looks stunning on you. Sam and Diane look beyond amazing, too.
I cannot wait to see what you style for my birthday.
Also, Welcome by tomorrow and every Thursday and linkup your gorgeous style with me. Thanks, Ada. =)
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Sheela, I’ve said this before sometimes when I read your blog, its as if you are in my mind. I have been feeling the flame fizzling for my blog for about a year now. its becoming a chore more than a passion to do a post. I love doing these Fab40’s post so that keeps me going, if only once a month. I too have been struggling trying to find ways to reignite the flame, or should I let it go out completely and move on to other things!!! UGH I’ve been blogging for 8 yrs, it hurts me to think of just letting go of it completely. I 100% know how you are feeling, what shall we do!!!
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Welcome back, my friend. I have missed you and all of your fabulousness! My flame has been flickering quite often as well. And you know that I don’t like just throwing a fashion/style post together. I want meaning and heart and importance and a message to come through even if I am just showing pictures of an outfit. Life has been crazy over my way and those lightbulbs of inspiration are coming less and less frequently. But I have just gotten this thing off the ground (and I have no other job, except momming but both kids are in school all day now) so trudge on I must! You look astonishingly gorgeous as usual!
Hugs to you.
Shelbee
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Glittery but mysterious in this glam grass green gown! ( yes, alliteration!- now say that 3 times fast- oK, I can’t either!) Inspiration and religion are so similar—
Well you have most certainly found your mojo! This shoot is inspiring , I especially love the shots where you are in reflection, a particular fondness for me, so much depth, and that suits your intellect and your beauty. I am glad I found you ( thanks Jess!)
I will visit your friends as soon as I can. Stay you.
Always protect a fragile heart, but do not let the armor weigh you down. ( advice from am older gal ..)
xx, Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/blog/
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What a fun and creative Fab 40s theme! Glad to see you back at it, Sheela. Yes we noticed and you were missed!!
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.com
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Beautiful pictures, what a stunning dress. Love it 🙂 Thanks for sharing at The Weekend blog hop.
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First, your fiery red curls andsparkly green sequins are fabulous on you. I do understand where you are coming from, as part of the reason I blog, is I enjoy writing. I feel there are those times where we have to look for inspiration, as it may not at the time come from within. I am glad to see you back! All of the ladies look amaizing and I like the bonnie and clyde idea
thanks for linking
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
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You look gorgeous girlfriend, what stunning yet vulnerable pictures of you too. You are the first blog I am commenting on in over a month and a half so don’t feel bad, it is all in love and supporting you. I have been thinking about ya though and hubby and I prayed for you even one night as you came to my mind. This blog message is mine too in that my once blogging passion is a distant thought. I have been substitute teaching and keeping busy (perhaps pursuing full time teaching again even) so blogging is the last on my mind. Thank you for your friendship and for your lovely comment on my blog.
Rachel xo
http://www.garaytreasures.com
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I’m glad you’re back Sheela. You look absolutely stunning in that gorgeous green dress. I hope you’re getting your blogging mojo back, it’s not easy to sustain motivation over a long period…life gets in the way sometimes. Thank you for linking up to Style With a Smile 🙂
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
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Yes I missed you. I checked several times and just saw that Eve posted and thought: well then nothing serious happend to her! But I certainly hope you get your passion for writing back real soon!
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