Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Missing My Mojo

Sometimes I just loose track of my mojo, my moxie, my swagger, my game. Not for long, usually, but recently it's gone walkabout.

 Mojo: "Self-confidence, Self-assuredness.  As in basis for belief in ones self in a situation ... ability to bounce back from a debilitating trauma and negative attitude." 
          Urban Dictionary Online

"A quality that attracts people to you and makes you successful and full of energy"
        Cambridge Dictionary Online

In situations like this, the only reasonable thing to do is to show you photos of cats.



This is Lucy, one of my herringbone tabby sisters that let us live with them. It was taken in twilight, handheld, in very bad light with my shiny new camera that I'm trying to learn how to use. Pretty snazzy little zoom lens, not especially fast and therefore surprising in this low-light situation.




Our newest family member is Mi-ke ( close pronunciation Me-kay, Japanese for calico; "three fur"). She was born in our garage and is still so much a baby. Doesn't she have a great face?



This is not a cat, of course. It's me in an old London Fog trench-coat that I found while doing some closet diving. I paired it with black Pixie pants from Old Navy, a fairly recent Bisou-Bisou surplice blouse and some cute mules I finally found at good old Target.

I've not only mislaid my mojo, but I've lost my brick wall on my porch. The wall is still right where I left it, of course, but this new lens that I'm so fond of requires more distance than I have between me and a three foot drop off the porch. So I have to find a new place to make my shoot-and-run photos. I'm trying the north-lit garage front. Not ideal, but I persevere. I do like it that, along with the lovely sharp lens, this camera has a very nifty "soft focus" tool right in-camera ... and I don't feel even a little bit guilty about using it.
By the way, if you see my mojo wandering around, would you please tell it to come home? 


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Even mojo-less, I can still find my way to the Always Sleek and Chic Patti's Visible Monday . Hope to see you over there!

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50 comments:

  1. TiinaLFebruary 10, 2015 at 11:37 AM

    So nice to see you again (with or without mojo), and the cute cats, too. A nice outfit, by the way, wonderfully colour-coordinated (take that, missing mojo!)

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  2. PinkCheetahVintageFebruary 10, 2015 at 12:30 PM

    I like that flawy blouse! I don't know what you mean about missing mojo... You look like you got swag for dayzzzz in this pic :D

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  3. Une femmeFebruary 10, 2015 at 12:32 PM

    Mojo or no, you look great in those colors! And your kittehs are adorable!

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  4. mrsc_MJOATFebruary 10, 2015 at 12:53 PM

    I was beginning to wonder about you, actually. I thought you might be on a big vacation somewhere. Anyway, mojo will come back. My mojo went missing for half a year! ;) Mi-ke.. I would normally look like Mi-ke half way through the night out when my eyeliner starts to run.. not good and definitely not as cute as Mi-ke is. Love the coat, the color's gorgeous and wonderful that you found it somewhere back there in your wardrobe!

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  5. PaperesseFebruary 10, 2015 at 1:10 PM

    So there you are! I was wondering where you'd got off to. Glad to see you back and you look great in your outfit. Love the pics of the cats, too.

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  6. Patti_NotDeadYetStyleFebruary 10, 2015 at 1:11 PM

    I don't think you can lose your mojo, Jan, because it's infused in you. Your cats are darling, and the calico reminds me of my best cat ever, Nola. We like to say that she didn't die yeah, she just moved to Paris to do some modeling. Thanks so much for linking up, XO.

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  7. MonicaPFebruary 10, 2015 at 1:13 PM

    Love kitties! However, spouse is allergic so at least I can have a dog :-) Love your cute coat .. such a great color for a trench! Most are black, tan and those are great colors too .. but your coat is varoom! Love it!!


    Monica, www.pear-shaped-gal.com

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  8. Sun StormFebruary 10, 2015 at 1:48 PM

    Wow. A great colour combination again. I'm speachless. The hair, the coat and the blouse fit as "fist on eye" we say (means, couldn't fit better).
    Have a good time.
    Sunny

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  9. James JillFebruary 10, 2015 at 3:22 PM

    So glad you are back,with or without your mojo,I have missed your witty posts and smiling face.I am sure you will soon return to your usual self,motivation seems to go AWOL for most of us from time to time.Enjoy playing with the new camera,you never know where those results will lead.
    For someone with no mojo your outfit looks pretty sharp,love that trench.
    Both of your cats are adorable .Have a good week, you have been missed.

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  10. HappinessatmidlifeFebruary 10, 2015 at 3:39 PM

    You still have your mojo Jan. This jacket is great on you and good luck and finding a spot that works for your photos.

    Alice
    www.happinessatmidlife.com

    Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.

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  11. TrinaFebruary 10, 2015 at 4:29 PM

    You haven't lost you Mojo at all! And I'm yelling this loud and clear. Although I will say, there are just times in our lives, yes it happens to all of us, that we feel our self-confidence has run away. Why is that? And yet, deep down we know its still there, maybe just needing a little TLC, and that's when we call in the girlfriend helpline. So here I am! Wishing I could be sitting across from you at a fun dinner again, but this will have to do.
    The colors of this ensemble are Jan to the T, very rich and striking. Keep that smile going, hugs to you, cute lady.

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  12. carmen coburnFebruary 10, 2015 at 4:42 PM

    You look as lovely as ever and that trench coat is darling! But not as darling as your cats! They are just too cute!!

    Happy Valentine's Day!

    ♥ carmen

    https://fashionableover50.wordpress.com/2015/02/08/i-love-hearts-3/

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  13. foodfashionandflowFebruary 10, 2015 at 4:53 PM

    You look gorgeous! You definitely havent lost your mojo. That jacket is such a great anchor for this look.

    http://foodfashionandflow.blogspot.com

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  14. Maricel EdwardsFebruary 10, 2015 at 5:00 PM

    I shall be on the lookout for your mojo. Maybe it ran off with my muse. Mojo and Muse - On the Lam. How's that for a movie title? Heh.

    The cats don't do anything for me - am a confirmed dog lover - but that trench coat is all kinds of awesome, especially paired with your hair. And I love how you and I found new places for photo ops this week. :)

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  15. shawnaFebruary 10, 2015 at 5:11 PM

    I suspect one of the cats hid your mojo. Mi-ke is looking just a bit too innocent, I think, but then see how Lucy won't even look you in the eye? Definitely suspicious. My mojo is struggling and essentially behaving like something the cat dragged in-barely alive but still twitching. I do not find awesome trench coats when I go digging around in the back of my closet. Good find. It looks great on you! Trench coats look all wrong on me. And what is with bare feet in mules in the middle of winter? Sheesh! It sees you traded mojo for chutzpah. xoxo
    Can't seem to get Discus to work for me.

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  16. KurvesFebruary 10, 2015 at 5:32 PM

    Found it. . . and I love the hair, coat, top, pants and the Smile!!

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  17. Cherie JamesFebruary 10, 2015 at 7:58 PM

    I'm so glad to see that you are back!! I love your photos of your adorable cats - so cute. I know exactly what you mean by losing your mojo. I have felt the same way over the last month many times. Maybe it's the terribly cold weather and the drabness of winter. Who knows. But, I hope you get it back soon, miss seeing your regular posts.

    Cherie
    http://www.stylenudge.com

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  18. Darlene FademFebruary 10, 2015 at 10:45 PM

    I've also misplaced my mojo quite a few times over these last several months.
    You, on the other hand, look as beautiful as ever!
    Darlene
    http://whosaprettygirl.com

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  19. Lana L.February 10, 2015 at 11:14 PM

    I've been searching for my mojo for about a year now, and I'm really hoping it returns soon. You, on the other hand, look fabulous and definitely not mojo-less! And your cats are really cute too!

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  20. Olga RaniFebruary 11, 2015 at 7:13 AM

    I am sure Mojo will be back in no time, you just need a little patience. So, you too are a cat person. Glad to see the photos of Lucy and Mi-ke, they are such beauties. You look really stunning in this outfit. What a great find this trench coat is, matches the colour of your hair perfectly.

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  21. Laurie DuncanFebruary 11, 2015 at 8:11 AM

    I think your mojo is hanging out with mine somewhere on holiday! But at least we are still looking good! Love your trench coat outfit, and those kitties are beautiful! Have fun with your new camera:)

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  22. The Style CroneFebruary 11, 2015 at 8:56 AM

    Doesn't LOOK like you've lost your mojo! Closet diving is its own reward, and love the trench coat that you unearthed. Your cats have their very own style!


    Your hair and trench coat look fabulous together. A beautiful combination!

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  23. SpashionistaFebruary 11, 2015 at 10:59 AM

    What lovely kitties! Thank you for taking good care of them.
    It's that time of year when everybody gets a case of the blahs. You may not feel your mojo, but I have no trouble seeing it. You look positively divine in that shade of red. Please wear it more often :-)


    Alicia
    spashionista.com

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  24. No fear of fashionFebruary 11, 2015 at 2:17 PM

    When I look at that beautiful coat and blouse, I don't think you have lost your mojo at all. You are just looking away from it, but it is still there. Love your cats, as I love all cats. Did you know that the most shared pictures on facebook are cats? And then there is nothing for a long time before you come to other subjects on the list.
    You have seen my tortoise cat, haven't you? I have always had a cat, apart from the period 18 years to 28 years (no money, no room for them).
    Cannot see your mules very clearly, so I hope you can find a good spot to photograph soon. No hurry, no pressure, just next time hahaha.
    Greetje

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  25. Deborah @ Stylish MurmursFebruary 11, 2015 at 5:04 PM

    LOL! I know that feeling. I wonder if your mojo and mine go on retreat together:) No evidence here of missing mojo. That is a great outfit. I am very attracted to the deep reds at the moment and these tones are just beautiful on you. I got a new camera lense for Christmas... I wonder if it has this soft focus you speak off;) Looking good and your kitties are adorable.

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  26. Connie*February 11, 2015 at 6:09 PM

    You did not lose your mojo, you silly kitten, you just left it in the back of the closet. Oh those kitties, so stylish without even trying. And you all mojo-licious.

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  27. SilkPathDiaryFebruary 12, 2015 at 6:00 AM

    Love your look! The colours are gorgeous! Doesn't look like you lost anything to me :-)

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  28. M-TFebruary 12, 2015 at 7:12 PM

    That's a great color for you. Who says redheads shouldn't wear red? You'll never hear that from this redhead. Gorgeous kitties!

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  29. Jazzy JackFebruary 13, 2015 at 7:11 AM

    So sorry to hear of your mojo's demise. Well, maybe displacement is a better term. Love the pictures of the cats, they will always enjoy the limelight. Here's wishing you a quick return to mojoness, and feeling as good as you look in red! hugs, Jazzy Jack

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  30. Vix BrearleyFebruary 13, 2015 at 12:37 PM

    The mojo might be awol but the cat photos are fantastic. What gorgeous girls. I'm dying to see more of your cat photography. xxx

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  31. Elsie DaviesFebruary 16, 2015 at 7:39 AM

    You look lovely and I love the cat photos dear Jan. Pretty sure your mojo is not far away and will return soon dear Jan. Enjoy the rest of your week. xo

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  32. Joni JamesFebruary 16, 2015 at 8:58 PM

    Oooh, love that deep red on you. You don't look anything like a cat....more like a fox!

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  33. Sue @ A Colourful CanvasFebruary 16, 2015 at 10:41 PM

    Hmmm...I thought I had commented on this post, but now that I think about it...I think I was feeling all warm and fuzzy after seeing photos of two of your girls, intending to pop back and comment, and then not doing that. Anyways, they are so sweet Jan! Mi-ke is indeed a lovely, lovely kitty...and Lucy is adorable too...I'm sure she has that tabby personality that I treasure so dearly!


    Yeah, missing mojo seems to be going around the blogosphere a bit these days. The weather? The season? I don't know. I do know that you look very chic and that shade of red was made for you! How nice that you got a new camera too! How not nice that you have to learn some new tricks, :) Kidding about that; it's good to shake things up.

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  34. Natalia LialinaFebruary 16, 2015 at 11:30 PM

    Dear Jan, I hope everything is found by now! I know what you mean - I do loose mine (whatever it's called) from time to time too. Being with people who just love you anyway, helps! Like us, bloggers! Hint, hint. :) The photos of your adorable cats are just so beautiful, you did a great job, and of course your camera did too. I absolutely love you in this deep red - you look fantastic! It's good to try new locations from time to time, keeps it fresh. Wishing you all the very best, from all my heart! xxxxx

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  35. MelanieFebruary 17, 2015 at 3:57 AM

    You mojo is out partying with my missing socks. I just know it! When/if I find either guilty party I shall send them home with great haste and a scolding.
    Ha, usually it's point-and-shoot but I have one of those shoot-and-run cameras too. It's false advertising I tell you! Although soft focus is our best friend.
    Excellent closet diving. I love your trench coat, and even more the fact that it is not too cold for you to wear it. This whole outfit is a big winner.

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  36. Northern mum down SouthFebruary 17, 2015 at 6:37 PM

    Hi Jan, I think your mojo is out there with mine having a high old time no doubt - they'll be back. . . Looking good in your new shoot and run location and gorgeous feline friends xx

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  37. Debbie StinedurfFebruary 18, 2015 at 5:05 AM

    Mojo or not you look gorgeous my friend. I love the trench coat...and the kittys are cute too! I do hope you find your mojo soon because it is rough when you're not feeling your usual fabulous self.
    Debbie
    www.fashionfairydust.com

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  38. Alex B.February 23, 2015 at 8:18 AM

    Great blouse, coat and of course, fabulous cats :) I haven't seen your Mojo, I am afraid, did it turn up in the meanwile? I sure hope so. It is bad losing it. Just remember poor Austin Powers :( For me, tossing away something usually helps, currently trying to toss away at least one thing a day. Yes I know, that is a bit random.


    The garage door is very bright, can you offset that with your camera?

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  39. Highland FashionistaFebruary 23, 2015 at 10:42 AM

    LOVE that coat. It's hard to find a rich red trench like that...hang on to that one, it's a beauty!

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  40. DanaFebruary 25, 2015 at 10:21 AM

    You look gorgeous in red! I also love the color of your hair. I´m blonde but it´s my secret wish for so many years to have red hair too! Isn´t it amazing to found great stuff in your own closet? Happens to me all the time. Looking for something and than found so much better clothes I´ve already forgotten.
    Lucky you.. must not wear boots anymore? Here it´s still cold.

    have a wonderful week dear friend
    and perhaps you want to join in and be a part of my WABISABI-Project?
    Dana :)

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  41. Maggie FiegerFebruary 26, 2015 at 9:19 PM

    You should really come back! I miss your mojo too!

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  42. Debbie Baker BurnsFebruary 28, 2015 at 8:56 PM

    We have a Suzi who looks just like your Lucy. Her name was originally Isuzu as my daughter loves Japanese. Mi-ke does have a lovely face. We also have a Namu (another Japanese name) and Houdini. Sorry I haven't been by in forever. I took a blog break to travel and spend time with the family. I think I lost my mojo, too, when I took the blogging break. Why is it that standing in front of a camera making photos of your outfit builds confidence? I have no idea why. I just know it works. My first outfit back will most likely be quite mojo-less BUT I've got to start somewhere and get back in the swing! Enjoy that new camera!! Love those shoes. Debbie @ ilovemylemonadelife.com

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  43. SabineMarch 1, 2015 at 4:24 AM

    Hello Jan,
    it is nice to see your fury family members and it is nice to see you so fabulous in your red trench coat That is why I love closet diving, it always offers new options of combinations. Blogging is a curious thing. There were times, when I thought I could not live without it. There were times when I thought I should stop it to live more in real live. Now I minimized it to a level I can have both. That's what brought my mojo back. I hope you will find yours as well again.
    Have a fine time dear!
    Sabine
    http://www.achstundensindkeintag.blogspot.de

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  44. Inside Outer BeautyMarch 5, 2015 at 10:24 AM

    Love your new addition. I've learned to love cats over the last year. Thanks to my little one. I too had a hard time maintaining my mojo this winter. For whatever reason it was a tough, cold season. Ahhh, the things you find in the closets: treasures, basically. It's beautiful. My first coat when I came to this country was a London Fog. You look amazing and I see a lot of mojo going on....xo

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  45. paoMarch 5, 2015 at 10:52 AM

    Well, I've been missing you, so thought I'd stop over for a visit to your last post. Those kitties sure are cute. And you do look fiery and snazzy in that found-in-your-closet trench coat ensemble. I've been a little low myself, nothing like 2 months straight of way below freezing weather do dampen one's spirits. Hope to see you sooner than later. xoxo

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  46. danMarch 6, 2015 at 11:08 AM

    A red trench is something which lacks in my closet ...at least for thr time being! Yours is beautiful and the colours really suits you! And the mules?? To die for!!
    Those cats are sweet! I hope Mojo is back home ...

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  47. Elsie DaviesMarch 8, 2015 at 7:08 PM

    Hi Jan, hope all is well with you and the business. xo

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  48. carmen coburnMarch 8, 2015 at 8:07 PM

    Hi Jan! I have made a little collage for International Women's Day of some of the women I admire and inspire me! I chose this photo of you.

    Thank you for being part of my blogging adventure!!

    ♥ carmen

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  49. Joni JamesMarch 10, 2015 at 9:04 PM

    Okay, I get it now. LOL You look like you've got a ton of mojo in that beautiful burgundy outfit. Wowza is what I gots to say....

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  50. skylarMay 21, 2015 at 11:32 AM

    i have a cat that looks just like this one!But my cat's name is Speedy and she was born by my sisters cat.Sorry😞

    ReplyDelete

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