Fairy Shoes and Other Things

Oops!

2010-08-26T20:41:00.002+01:00

Well. . . . . I don't know how I've done it, but I've managed to do something very silly (not unusual!)
I recently re-directed any readers of my blog to a new place and. . . I. . er . . .seem to have deleted it!
Can't believe I've done this, I want to go and hide in the corner.
Has anyone else deleted an entire blog? Ho ho, learn please, from my mistake!

However, I've moved myself back to dear old Blogger, can't think why I left anyway!
This is where I feel at home, so follow me please, I'm just around the corner at
http://annettestextiletales.blogspot.com

Hope to see you there, oh. . . I promise to stop wandering and stay put! xxx Annette

New Life, New Blog!

2010-07-19T22:07:00.002+01:00

Lots and lots of changes have happened in my life, most of them good and I've decided to make a fresh start with a new blog.
With total lack of imagination, I've called it Annette Emms - Textiles and Tales
I'm not good with the technical side of things, so please bare with me. . .
I hope that you will join me on my new blog here.

Hope to see you soon!xx

2010-05-05T22:15:00.003+01:00

It's been a funny week here at Rowanspatch. . . . but I thought I'd share these pictures with you, then I must get back to pulling wallpaper off the walls. I know how to have fun!

Newly 'hatched' , caterpillar like bracken, uncurling before my eyes . . . .
The darling , baby buds of Apple blossom.

Lost in the fairy world again, such perfect, fleeting magic . . . .my most favourite flower , the Bluebell.

Talk about "every picture tells a story"!

I don't know what mischief Rowan had been involved in but the dirty nose and guilty look tell me somethings up. . . . and why does she think I can't see her behind those Bluebells?

Imagine having to pull myself away from the bluebells to tackle the decorating of my sitting room?Well, never mind . . . . I'm going off to deepest Shropshire for a couple of days with the lovely ladies of the Marches Embroiderers Guild.

Looking forward to it so much, see you soon! x

Dressing up for Spring.

2010-04-27T12:24:00.005+01:00

Isn't it wonderful, how the woods dress themselves up for Spring? They seem to put on layers, a bit like us really . . . some shining, bright green, new leaves to brighten up a dark corner . . .

Hazel and hawthorn dressing up for May. . . .
Here and there , the blossom dancing on the breeze. . . . .

Poking through the dead leaves,the clever little Wood Anenomes, whose sweet faces follow the sun and close at night. . . Sweet Violets , favourite of Bees and Butterflies.

All the while, Rowan ran , crashing through the trees, coming back now and then to tell us what she'd seen and of course, to make sure we were still around.

Last week, Phoebe and I had a picnic in our local park, which is also dressed in it's very best clothes!

I did get on with some work last week, making some clothes for the Guardian of the Holy Wells on the Malvern Hills.

I'm trying to make some books which open to reveal the story of the wells, and a hiding place for the guardian's things. . haven't quite worked it all out yet. . . time is short, the builders are back and everythings upside down again. . .help!

I know. . . I'll take Rowan over the fields, that's bound to help!

100 blog posts . . . and the winner is . . .

2010-04-19T11:42:00.007+01:00

So much has happened while Rowan and I have been residing at 'Fairy Shoes and Other Things', can't quite believe we're on our 100th post!

So today I wrote the names of all the lovely people who left comments on my last post and put them into my purple velvet bag. The winner to receive a copy of my Fairy Shoes pattern.

I did think about getting Rowan to pick one out. . .but thought better of it. . . so the winner is . . . Dawn! Who's most interesting blog is at The Feathered Nest

Do visit her there , you will find much to fascinate!

Congratulations to you Dawn and as soon as this troublesome volcanic ash lets us return to normal, I'll get this little package off to you!

Fairy Shoes Pattern Giveaway!

2010-04-13T18:13:00.007+01:00

This is my 99th blog post and to celebrate I'm going to give a gift of my Fairy Shoes Pattern !

Winner to be announced on my (can't believe it!) 100th post.

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post and I will do the ' pick a name from the hat' thing .

In the meantime, I've found an intriguing poetry book.

I was working at the Court Barn Museum and spotted this little gem in the shop.

'Walking the Block' is a poetic biography of the lives and work of Phyllis Barron and Dorothy Larcher.

They met after the 1st World War and worked together making the most wonderful handblock printed textiles using mainly natural dyes.

The book has lots of pictures of their work.

Here's a sample of the goodies inside. . . .

'Natural Dye Colours' by Jane Weir

After reading and re reading

Bancroft's descriptions -

he reads like Tolstoy -

for the use and application

of iron rust, I took my chance,

experimented with recipes

for iron black, powdered oak galls,

cutch brown. Haven't you guessed?

Delved even deeper into Indigo.

I signed up to natural linen cloth,

short lengths and colour combinations

which gave me courage and strength -

like a frontier family - to carry on.

And the result? I turned a corner

into infinity, and it was like something

you'd dreamed, seeing

wild flowers in a field far outstrip rapeseed.

2010-04-11T17:42:00.004+01:00

I love Angels and I've been finding lots of them lately.
The felted cherub above was conjured after a recent trip to Wales, where I found a host of angelic inspiration. . . . .

Here . . .. . . . . . in the churchyard of Patrishow church, set in a most magical valley not far from Abergavenny.

Here . . . . .

and here, inside the pretty church at Cwmyoy , set in another magical Welsh valley.

This is Cwmyoy (pronounced cumyoy, if that helps at all!) church.

The land on which the building sits has, over the centuries, been prone to landslips and so the little church is all this way and that. No two bits of it are at right angles to the next.

What a delight to discover these remote and beautiful places and it's all thanks to a lovely lady I met some years ago at Stroud Embroiderers Guild. (Have a look at her blog 'Hippopip')

After she had listened to a talk I gave she came to a workshop the next day and gave me a wonderful book.

It's called 'The Celtic Christian Sites of the Central and Southern Marches'. by Sarah and John Zaluckyj.

Now, I know that title doesn't slip easily off the tongue but if 'church crawling' is your thing. . . or you just love a treasure hunt, then you will love this book as much as I do!

It has been so good to get out in the sunshine , I've done a fair bit of travelling around lately, met some new friends at the Embroiderers Guilds at Solihull and at Oswestry.

I'm working on some pieces for an exhibition at Ledbury in the summer, here's a page from my sketch book.

I'm trying to clothe the guardians of the Holy Wells on the Malvern Hills . . . . wish me luck!

Lots of positive things have been happening, must be the Spring, or the Angels at work.

Mike has got his job back. Such a relief after a very bleak winter.

My son Nick and his partner, Josi are expecting a baby in August. I don't think I've ever seen two people so excited at the prospect of becoming parents!

This last picture slipped down and should have been with the welsh ones above.

It shows a remarkable Yew tree at Bettws Newydd, near Usk.

It's huge and reported to be about 4000 years old.

The whole place is remarkable, there is even a connection to King Arthur!

Snow's gone. . . .

2010-01-21T10:46:00.003Z

Snow's gone, but I've been playing . . . . .

'Lonely White Fields'

2010-01-07T19:38:00.002Z

There's a poem by Mary Oliver, called 'Lonely White Fields'.
I read it again today and it seemed to fit with how I'm feeling and with the unexpectedly enchanting, beautiful ,snow covered world around me. . . .

The poem begins. . .
"Every night,
the Owl,
with his white monkey face
calls through the black branches
and the mice freeze
and the rabbits shiver
in the snowy fields . . . . .

it ends

at daybreak,
as though everything had been done
that must be done, the fields
swell with a rosy light
and the snow keeps falling
flake after perfect flake."

Walking through the snowy fields this morning, we could see all sorts of animal prints and I thought again of the Owl with his 'White monkey face' . . . .

This one was a bit unexpected, Polar bears in Worcestershire?

********

I needed a new cover for my Gratitude Journal, here's a scan of my afternoon's efforts. There's a photo of one of Grandad Ernests ladies, printed onto fabric, some rubber stamping, scraps of lace and bits of dyed fabric, all sort of 'cobbled' together. The colours are muted creams and pinks.

The first entry in my new gratitude journal will be for my boots. My beautiful (to me), new leather Ugg boots. All cosily lined with sheepskin and finished underneath with thick, chunky tread, to stop me slipping and sliding around.

New Year Wishes

2009-12-31T19:06:00.002Z

I stepped out into the garden this evening and saw this wonderful moon. . . . . she is so beautiful it sent shivers down my spine.
I love the moon, in all her many guises, but full and wintry, I think is my favourite.

As the old year draws to an end I wanted to send this message to all my blog friends,

"May 2010 bring good health and good fortune , may we all live quietly in peace and without fear."

Couldn't resist sharing two of my lovely Christmas memories. . . .

A thoughtful gift from my mum in law, plumpious, succulent clementines from sunny Spain.

Time spent with my family. If only every real baby were held as tenderly as this . . . . XXX

Happy Christmas!

2009-12-24T18:31:00.002Z

Christmas Eve sunset near Malvern. Happy Christmas everyone.XXX

Shoes for the Christmas Fairy

2009-12-08T19:06:00.004Z

This picture was sent to me by the lovely and very talented Catherine Ronan. Her work is exquisite.
I was thrilled to see the shoes she had made , from my pattern, for the 'Christmas Fairy'.
Aren't they just perfect?
Catherine is a member of 'Stitchin Fingers' and you can see so much more of her work there.

'Winter'

This 'cool' lady appears on one of a set of four stained glass panels called, appropriately, 'The Four Seasons'.

They were made by Charles Francis Blakeman in 1948. He lived and worked for a time in Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire and examples of his amazing work can be seen in the Court Barn Museum.

I'm hoping to do some workshops there next year, it's well worth a visit, so full of atmosphere and inspiration.

A bit of help needed from the 'Garden Fairies'

2009-11-25T11:44:00.005Z

Just a bit of help needed from this 'Garden Fairy', it's been so wet and our building work in the kitchen has revealed a 'damp' problem. . . . . . .

No matter, it's all fixed now, just had to dig up half the garden and lower it down a bit. Why does fixing one problem often lead to making another?

So . . . . being a bit horticulturaly challenged anyway, help from this fairy is definitely needed!

She's not finished yet, whatever she's sprinkling has yet to materialise!

Last week I went to Stroud Embroiderers Guild , we had a lovely day while it poured with rain and blew gales outside , we got down and messy inside.

The workshop was making 'A book in a Box' and here are a few of the marvellous things that appeared

Rowan has been taking me on loads of long walks, she loves the wind and the rain. Just as well really!
Her favourite trick just lately is to roll in fox poo or something else equally stinky, just before we get home. Try as I will, I can't see what the attraction is???

This is a favourite walk at Malvern, the hills in the background and Mum's house just around the corner.

Remember I said Rachael and her family were going to have some new additions?
Well here they are, two delightful Welsh ponies.

Lots of hard work and fun ahead, methinks!

They're doing really well, after just two weeks , coming up to us and wanting a fuss! Phoebe is so excited, three kids together .

The last few plums.

2009-11-08T19:28:00.003Z

My daughter and her family have purchased some land, about 3 acres in all, mostly old orchard.
It's wonderful, so quiet and peaceful, with evidence all around of little creatures and feathered things. . .
I found these last few plums, still good to eat.

There's quite a lot of work to be done, dead wood to be burnt, wonderful bonfire fuel. . . .

In a week or so, two new additions to the family will move into their new home.Two Welsh pony foals. . . . I can hardly wait and Phoebe has already chosen their names.

I promised some pictures of some of my students work and here they are.

Some are from Hereford and some from Bromsgrove 'Bookwraps' workshops, all, are I'm sure you will agree, fascinating and original work.

I hope that these talented ladies will send some pictures of the finished articles!

Autumn Mirrors.

2009-11-01T10:03:00.007Z

I've spent a lot of time lately with reflections, both in my head and my camera.
What a wonderful Autumn we're having here in the U.K., and to make it even better, my dear friend came to visit for a few days, she drove all the way from the Jura region in France, bless her!
We walked in the Forest of Dean with the birds and the sunshine.

Rowan swam in the ponds and tried her best to spoil my mirror pictures.

I cheated with this one, it's upside down of course. . . . .

I love this bright and watery world.

In Bath we strolled around , window shopped , ate afternoon tea and talked. We had a years worth of talking to catch up on. . . . . . .

Some more reflections . . .

In the Rococo gardens at Painswick. A birthday walk with friends.

Beautiful babies at Forde Abbey in Somerset.

My early morning stroll with Rowan , along the river Avon.

I must try to get back into a routine with my blog, I've got some lovely pictures of my students work for next time ....... x

Wye valley and Hole in the Wall amongst other things!

2009-08-27T20:16:00.007+01:00

I'm sorry I've been 'absent' for a while. . . you know what it's like, everything happens at once!
Our exhibition in Ledbury went very well, lots of visitors and a few sales, in spite of the financial situation.
Above, is a picture one of my pieces in the exhibition, 'The Snow of the Blossoming May'.

Big excitement for me this week. My film is now on Just Hands .

Jennie Rayment and Valerie Nesbit came to film me in July and I'm so pleased with the edited version! Mind you, It's very strange to see yourself on film and I do feel like I'm watching someone else , pretending to be me!

Do have a look at the site, http://www.justhands-on.tv/ there are lots of goodies, including free tasters.

Mike and I haven't done our usual 'gallivanting' this year, but, we did manage a few days on the banks of the beautiful river Wye earlier this month.

We stayed at a pretty spot called 'Hole in the Wall'.

This area , around Ross on Wye, is where my Dad came from and we came here as children for summer picnics. Dad was a born storyteller and would weave magical stories for us ,of his childhood. . . gathering mushrooms and cooking them on a campfire, being chased by a bull , all accompanied by his lovely descriptions of the landscape.

Sunset over the river Wye

We had some lovely walks and made some most surprising discoveries. . . .

At Holme Lacy , pretty gardens , somewhat overgrown , but so beautiful and all supervised by a number of very friendly Peacocks.
This 'mossy' lady stands in part of the gardens at How Caple Court. They are delightful, especially if you go for the 'distressed' look!

The owners are trying to return the grounds to their former Edwardian glory, I rather like it as it is. Last but not least, the lovely church at Brockhampton by Ross. What treasure here!

The church was built in 1902, in the Arts and Crafts style. Did you notice the thatched roof?

The view from the church takes in a lovely valley leading down to the distant river Wye, perfect.
Inside , either side of the alter are two huge tapestries by Edward Burne-Jones.

The choir stalls are carved with wild flowers and it was these flowers which inspired a most wonderful gift to the church. . . . In the 1960s , an anonymous lady gave a gift of the most beautiful embroideries. She had made Hymn book covers and seat cushions and an alter frontal, all covered with wild flowers , beautifully stitched.

She also left a manuscript of a book all about Wayside flowers and country remedies. The PCC have recently had it made into a book called 'Stitches in Time' which you can buy in the church.

The hymn books still have their embroidered covers, the cushions still provide comfort for the congregation, 50 years later.

What a thoughtful, beautiful gift. I was really touched by the story.

Fairy Glen

2009-07-28T13:01:00.002+01:00

Come with me please, for a quick stroll through Fairy Glen.
We need to imagine ourselves far away, in the northern parts of the Isle of Skye, near Uig.

The trees are all native species, Rowan and silver Birch, but somehow different. . . bent and stunted to fit neatly into this strange miniature landscape.

Fairy sized, conical hills appear . . .

with miniature lochs and a twisting lane. . . .

The sun was so warm and I was tempted to sit a while and snooze, something told me it might not be safe to do so. . .

Busy days

2009-07-15T20:12:00.006+01:00

It's nearly two weeks now, since my trip to Stourbridge, had a good day with old friends.
We made concertina books and boxes to keep them safe.

We tried lots of different ways to transfer images onto fabric, you can see some lovely experiments here.

A couple of days before my trip to Stourbridge, I had major excitement , when Jenny Rayment and Valerie Nesbitt came to film me and my work for their new website

http://www.justhands-on.tv/

We filmed in the new kitchen, hope no one notices that the walls are still bare plaster, with the odd rude comment left by the builder, bless him.

I must admit it was a fascinating experience, everyone was so kind, I hope it all turns out OK. .

My textile group, Group Purple are putting up our exhibition on Sunday, can't believe how quickly it's come around.

Please come and say hello if you're in these parts, we'd love to meet you.

The exhibition is at 'The Weavers Gallery' Church Lane, Ledbury. from 20 - 26th July.Open every day from 10.00 - 4.00.

Hope to see you there.x

Lincoln Embroiderers

2009-06-29T21:42:00.005+01:00

Things have been really hectic around here just lately , everything happens at once. I don't know if it's my time management skills at fault or maybe just life. . . .

Anyway I had a great weekend away as the guest of Lincoln Bailgate Embroiderers Guild .
They made me so welcome , a lovely group, and very talented too. Have a look at the current issue of Stitch magazine, there's an article on their beautiful work based on an old manuscript.

We were making Fairy shoes, a lovely day of stitching and laughter .

Lucky Fairy who gets this pair. . . . .

They 'morphed' from this before my eyes!

Before long all these appeared.
It's great to see all the imaginative ways that these little shoes evolve.

I made sure that I had time to visit Lincoln Cathedral, what treasure there!

I just had to show a few more holiday pics.

Here's Rowan being Queen of the Castle on one of the little islands at Sandaig, Gavin Maxwell's 'Camusfearna'.

It's a magical place, quite a strange atmosphere and you can just imagine the otters playing .

The hills in the picture are on the island of Skye. Seen here wearing a fluffy, cloud hat.

Lastly, we sat one evening, watching the sun set in the north of Skye. The ridge of islands in the distance is the Outer Hebrides and sea mist rolled back and forth between.
It was so beautiful and I fell completely in love with this amazing island and it's people.

Holidays in the Highlands

2009-06-08T23:05:00.003+01:00

We've just returned from a magical holiday in the Scottish Highlands.
Two weeks wandering and discovering this truly wonderful, wild, part of the world.
I've had so many amazing experiences,. . . . . .walking in the forest while the rain poured down, leaving our surroundings glowing with so many shades of green.
. . . . .Seeing the mist rise and curl as the sun warmed us. . . . . wandered through days on the Isle of Skye, where the clear blue sky and the earth meet and celebrate with a special kind of light,where the 'Fairies' still live

. . . . . .spent long hours at 'Camusfearna' where Gavin Maxwell lived with his otters, the land he called his 'Ring of bright water' which came from the very heart of the sea.

. . . .walked along a wooded glen where the waters of the river Croe gurgle and sing,the birch trees whisper amongst the bluebells and the Cuckoos sing all day from dawn to dusk,even the stones on the path sparkle in the sunlight.

When we got back the builders have done their work and I have a new kitchen, it's wonderful and I am so grateful. I just have to find my new washing machine and then I can start the 'big clear up'!

We came home to the news that Mike is probably going to lose his job in the next few weeks. Still a bit stunned by that news.
So for the moment I think I'll carry on dreaming of our holidays in the mountains and the glens and share a few of my pictures. . . .

On the 'Road to the Isles' from Fort William to Mallaig. The Glenfinnan monument, where Bonnie Prince Charlie gathered the clans in 1745.

Looking down from the Glen Righ forest, across Loch Linnhe to the Ardnamurchan peninsula

Loch Leven at the start of Glen Coe.

Eillean Donan Castle in Kyle of Lochalsh

Sunset over Loch Linnhe.

Just a few of my many photos , they don't do justice to the beauty, or capture the magic which is hereabouts in absolute armfulls, but they hold lovely memories.

Secret Wales

2009-05-20T12:45:00.005+01:00

Couldn't resist showing you these proud parents with their babies . . . and the Moorhen quietly watching.
Come with me please, on a quick tour , following the Ceiriog valley to Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog.

At Chirk, the Ceiriog valley is wide, with lush meadows grazed by sheep.

Here, the Llangollen canal and the Railway viaduct cross the valley.

As we travel up the valley we pass through quiet villages and countryside. Little sign now of the bustling industry that was here.

There are fascinating glimpses though, in the industrial archeology of the area.

About 12 miles on, the valley opens up and there lies Llanarmon. It's beautiful, a thriving village , surrounded by the hills and a very special sense of peace.

At this time of year, there is an open air art exhibition, well worth seeing.

The church stands near an ancient burial mound and welcomes it's visitors with a warm atmosphere.

The same can be said for the welcome at the Hotel, where we sat in the garden and listened to the sounds of the valley as we ate.

On the return journey I saw this venerable Oak near the road. Poor Mike had to stop quickly so that I could leap out and pay homage to this ancient tree. It was huge and I could have stayed much longer. . . . .

Hidden Treasures and Secret Wales

2009-05-13T20:27:00.007+01:00

Last weekend I spent two lovely days with Chester Embroiderers Guild.

I was teaching a two day , book making workshop , which I call Hidden Treasures.

The covers and some of the pages have hiding places for all manner of things . . . .

I am so pleased to be able to show you some of the amazing work produced . . . I learnt a lot from these talented ladies who make me feel so welcome, it's like spending the weekend with old friends.
Everyone chooses the subject for their book, then it's wonderful to see the variety of subjects. we had 'A Norfolk Holiday, Travels in the Middle East, Childhood, the story of a dear little dog and more . . .

I love watching as the ideas grow and the pages take shape.

I've been promised some pictures of the finished books (no pressure girls!) and as I've been asked back again next year I hope I'll get to see the real thing too.

***************

Mike and I decided to make the weekend into a little holiday and we stayed, once again, in the lovely grounds of Chirk Castle .

Here we have crossed over the border, into Wales.

There are walks through the estate , woodland paths and best of all the beautiful Ceiriog Valley , where you can walk or drive through 'secret Wales'.

I took these pictures on a sunny, early morning stroll, Rowan ran in crazy patterns , chasing rabbits and shadows.

The wild Garlic flowers scented the air and covered the path in places.

Soon, 'Mad legs' had to go on the lead while we walked through the parkland. She would so love to play 'chase ' with those lambs. . . .

The entrance to the estate is guarded by these gates, built in the early 18th century.

Then, it's back into the woods and a strange world of . . . .

. . . . a 'Horned Man'?

and patterns painted by the sun and the leaves. . . .

I'll stop now and next time I'll take you up the valley to Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog and maybe tempt you into secret Wales. . . . .

Cuckoo!

2009-04-28T19:03:00.005+01:00

I'm all excited, I heard a Cuckoo this afternoon!

Memories come flooding back of my childhood , when we heard that naughty bird regularly.

Sadly, it's a rare sound in these parts now.

I've done some more pieces for the exhibition, this one is called 'The primroses scattered by April'.

Magic in the air. . . .

2009-04-26T21:08:00.007+01:00

I know I am inclined to waffle on about the trees and the birds etc. etc., but . . . I just had to share the magic I found this weekend.

So, go on, make a cup of coffee and come for a 'walk' with me. . . It's sunny and warm and you won't need your wellies. . .

Early the other morning, Rowan and I went walking in the orchards,

The apple trees were buzzing with life. . .

Walking through the rows of trees , listening to the birds' morning concert.

Scramble down the bank in the little copse and I found these cowslips. Memories of childhood, when we would make 'Posy balls' with these charming wild flowers.

(Excuse please, the mish mash of photo styles, I have a touch of photoshopitis!)

Let's stand for a while and wait for the world to wake up. . . . . take in the view across the river Avon to the village of Offenham.

You can just make out the church in the mist, it's dedicated to St. Milburgha, a Saxon princess.

Yesterday, while Stratford upon Avon held the annual 'Shakespeare's Birthday parade', we went walking in the woods nearby. . .

Just inside the wood, look out across the meadow. . .

Now, take a deep breath and turn around . . . .

My pictures are no match for the real thing, the colour, the scent and the magic in the air.

We've brought all our dogs here through the years and Rowan loves this place as much as they all have.

Just before Christmas I told of the ancient, coppiced Lime trees to be found , deep in the woods.

Here are two of them, with their Bluebell carpet.

Tread carefully here, I'm sure this is sacred ground. . . the birds know it too, such sweet music.

Let's linger here. . . .

Explore some more, this way now. . . .

Rowan is worn out with chasing imaginary critters and my tummy says it's time to head home for a bacon sandwich. . . . coming? xxx

Meet the Butler.

2009-04-22T20:08:00.005+01:00

We had a lovely few days in the Brecon Beacons.
Whilst there, I was delighted to meet 'Butler' (black coat, white bib. . . . ?), seen below in his favourite position on the table outside the pub.

The pub was our temporary 'local', the Three Horse Shoes near Brecon.
Butler manages this busy watering hole from his position at the front of the building, from where he can vet all approaching customers, human and canine.
I'm so pleased that Rowan passed muster because the food and the beer were wonderful!

We sat outside in the sunshine, listening to the Buzzards calling and looking at this beautiful view.

I was such a good girl, "no pudding for me " I said, but when the barmaid brought Mike's pudding , she winked at me and said (imagine please, the lovely Welsh accent) "Now look, I brought you two spoons, see, just in case"

Bless her.

Strawberry and rhubarb crumble, made with rhubarb from the Landlady's garden.

My word it was good.

One trip we made was to Hay on Wye, the town of books. I love this place.

Most of the shops here are book shops, selling second hand, antiquarian, rare , new, anything you could possibly want.

This is the famous Castle Book Shop. Weird eh?

Definitely full of atmosphere and so many wonders , waiting to be discovered. . .

For anyone in the market for books to alter without feeling guilty, there are plenty here, in the outside section, for 50 pence , you can rescue as many as you want!

After my bookish retail therapy we went for a walk in the nature reserve at Talgarth.

It's called Pwll y Wrach, which is Welsh for Witches pool.

The path leads along the side of the stream to a pretty waterfall. The force of the water has made a deep pool which Rowan tried her best to fall into. . .

Along the banks were lots of baby ferns, just beginning to unfurl.

Another outing, to Ystrafelte, to see more waterfalls.
It was a long walk but well worth it, I loved the Arthur Rackham trees .
When we sat down to drink our flask of tea we were joined by this lovely Thrush, who hopped to within two feet of us.

Strolling back towards the carpark, Rowan found an amazing mud wallow, mind you, I was so hot, I nearly got in it with her. . .

On our last day we took the canal towpath,it's the Brecon and Monmouth canal, very scenic.
Never very far away from it, are the laughing waters of the river Usk.

I need a rest now, to get over my holiday, if you get what I mean?

Since Easter I've been preparing everything for a two day workshop I'm teaching next month, in Chester . . . and getting on with the pieces for the summer exhibition.

The Bluebells are just coming out in the local woods, another week and they will be at their
best,.In the orchards along the riverbank, the Apple and Pear trees are showing off their blossom.
Perhaps I better take Rowan for another walk, before I settle down to some work.

Happy Easter

2009-04-08T11:35:00.004+01:00

The sun is shining and Easter is almost here, so I'd like to wish you all a very happy Easter.

I love this time of year!

Mike and I are going to spend a few days at Brecon , can't wait. . .

Some time ago I asked for advice about choosing a poem as inspiration for a series of work. Thank you so much to all those kind people who replied.

After much thought, I've changed tack completely and chosen a children's poem by Walter de la Mare, 'The Truants'.

Each verse speaks of children that '. . .Magic hath stolen away. . '

So I've taken a very light hearted look at this and here are glimpses of two of the pieces I've made.

I'm really enjoying working with my embellisher, lovely threads and fibres and Walter's words, of course.

Just for a while, let's forget. . .

2009-03-20T20:42:00.006Z

Just for a while , let's forget the credit crunch and all the other miseries, Spring is here in all its glory and how welcome. . . . evidence as follows . . .

I met this beauty on an early morning walk along the riverbank . . .

White violets in the lane by mum's house . . .

Wild plum blossom in the old orchard.

On Thursday I went to a meeting of my Textile Group. The countryside nearby is known for it's wild daffodils.

They grow everywhere, on the sides of the roads, in ditches, the woods are full of them and there are meadows where new lambs lie amongst them.

The area is criss crossed with footpaths. Who would not be tempted to stroll along 'The Daffodil Way' or 'The poets path' ?(Named for the Dymock Poets)

There is a little Norman church , St. Mary's at Kempley and the daffodils grace the churchyard. . . .
These magical little flowers are much smaller and more delicate than their cultivated cousins.

St. Mary's sits in a flower filled meadow and holds a very special and rare treasure.

Wall paintings from the 12th. century.

The magic was here in Norman times, as it still is. . .

2009-03-06T22:12:00.004Z

Sometimes, like today, I can't find a common thread to link all the things I want to blog about, so please excuse the random assortment which follows. . .

This cottage is the home of some friends of ours, dear friends, with whom we like to go 'walkabout', as often as we can.
They live half way up a hill in the Cotswolds and they feast their eyes daily on some of the most beautiful scenery in these parts.

Lovely views in all directions, this one from the bottom of the garden.

Just up the road, a neighbour's cottage. My son, Nick, helped repair this thatch when he did his thatching apprenticeship.

I've found some more material for my 'Gargoyles, Ghosts and Gravestones' talk and all this research is such a brilliant excuse for exploring Tea Shops as well as churches. . . and so to Burford, Oxfordshire.

This dapper looking chap is a 'weeper', mourning the passing of Sir Laurence and Lady Tanfield, seen below. . .

Known in life for their terrible wickedness and in death for their rides in a spectral coach up and down the main street of Burford.

Their tomb is huge and dark and I didn't linger there long. . .
Such pretty fragments of old glass, here a Lady in a wimple and below a pilgrim with his cockle shell of St. James.

Can you bare to come outside in the drizzle?

The trees lead down to the river Windrush, the prettiest of rivers , which laughs and tumbles it's way through green valleys and little towns. Follow it on foot and I can guarantee you'll find many wonders. . . not to mention some lovely pubs.(Shall we do that in the summer hmmm?)

The 'bale' tombs, once extravagances of those involved in the wool trade, are peculiar to these parts.
Close up, another world to explore.

Talking of other worlds, My lovely mum was 80 years old on Wednesday.

We're having a family party on Sunday, but on her birthday my brother and I took her to Hereford, at her request.

We did some mooching around, some shopping and eating, easy to spend time in this fascinating old city.

The Cathedral has enough to keep me enthralled for a lifetime, it's like being in a sweetie shop, don't know what to look at first, for now here are just a few delights . . . .

Mum's favourite, in any church, anywhere, is the Corona. It seems to be suspended in mid air, over the altar.

My favourite, in amongst all that is ancient, are the windows in stained glass, made in our times to honour Thomas Traherne, a 17th century Hereford man, a poet and a mystic.

I'm just sorry that my pictures don't capture their true beauty or the atmosphere as the sun comes through them.

If you ever go to Hereford Cathedral, perhaps to see the medieval chained library, or the Mappa Mundi (a 13th century map of the world on Vellum) please don't forget to look at the windows too. .. . . . .

Now , it's getting late but I need to ask for help. . . The group of Textile Artists I belong to, Group Purple, are putting on an exhibition in the summer. It's called 'an Anthology'.

We each have to choose a piece of prose or a poem , and make a series of work inspired by the words. Easy, yes?

Well, I hesitate because the title was, I think, my idea and now I just can't choose.

I love Mary Oliver's 'Sleeping in the Forest' and Sam Walter Foss' words which begin, 'the woods were made for the hunters of dreams. . . '

Or should I choose something light and silly like the Owl and the Pussy cat?

I just feel that I need or want , a change of direction, any ideas? Please.x

When Nature dreams of Spring.

2009-02-23T10:21:00.003Z

Yesterday we found . . . . drifts of Snowdrops in the Rococo gardens. . . . .

and crocus by the church at Painswick in Gloucestershire.

It seems that nature really is dreaming of Spring.

The King, the Queen, 300 Knights and 13 Bishops

2009-02-17T22:02:00.006Z

I've had my nose to the grindstone just lately, so I gave myself a day off today.
First and best, I went to visit a friend for couple of hours.
Here is Lily, her rather beautiful dog, sometime friend and partner in crime of Rowan.
She is an English Setter, with a definitely aristocratic bearing.

On the way home I took a short detour in Gloucestershire, to Hailes Abbey and the nearby church. I'm on a 'church crawl', gathering information for a talk which I call 'Gargoyles , Ghosts and Gravestones'.
It's about our old churches and the history and inspiration to be found in them.

So hence, the strange title for this post, I know, but. .that's the list of 'A' list guests invited to a bash of medieval proportions.
I'm talking about the consecration of Hailes Abbey in 1251 .King Henry the third, his Queen, 300 hundred Knights and 13 Bishops. . . some party.

There isn't very much left of this, once famous place of pilgrimage; but the few arches and stones that remain, hold so many secrets and stories.

There are hills on three sides , birds singing and an atmosphere of complete peace.

The old pilgrims path winds it's way up the hill behind the Abbey, in places, it's cobbled stones pass under long tunnels of twisted Hazel and Hawthorn bushes.

Next to the Abbey is the lovely little church, it has a modest exterior but is full of magic inside.

Someones worn and forgotten story.

A dragon, I think.

A tile from the 13th. century.

Stained glass saints, rescued from the Abbey.

I was so thrilled to find this faded, beautiful owl. . .

and these lovely textures on the walls.

Snow and stuff.

2009-02-03T22:50:00.005Z

We don't often get snow in this part of the world, so . . when we do. . . well, we try to enjoy it!

Rowan doesn't look too impressed though!

Yesterday, when the snow arrived, our familiar fields and lake were touched by magic. . . .

I hope I will always be this excited to see snow!

Today the sun worked more magic on the landscape.

Rowan and I went for a walk on the hills above Broadway.

Rowan was delighted to make a new friend, Grace. Isn't she gorgeous!

Most dogs love snow and these two had a wonderful time rolling, chasing and playing, up and down the hill

After Grace had gone home we decided to find the 'way through the woods'. . . .

Just so you don't think life's all play, I did go home and finish painting the bathroom. . . .

Malvern, Monks and Maids.

2009-01-31T20:11:00.006Z

If I've been a bit quiet 'blog wise' for a while, it's because chaos has once again overtaken my home.
It's been full of men, making a lot of mess, yet I am so grateful to the plumber, electrician, carpenter and plasterer, who have, bless their hearts, transformed my bathroom !

It's just so lovely to move out of the dark ages into the modern world of plumbing etc. All my 'facilities' are new and in full working order. Bliss!

( Recent and prospective visitors are giving audible sighs of relief!)

So, Saturday morning comes and the new bathroom needs some decorating. Well, there's not really room for two people painting in there so, I escaped over to Malvern to visit my Mum.

I took Mum for a drive around the Malvern Hills and we called at the 'Kettle Sings' Cafe for a cup of coffee, a tea-cake and a generous helping of Soul Food, the views are magical.

I did feel slightly guilty at the thought of Mike slaving away with a paint brush, but I didn't let it spoil the moment. . . .

Mum looking out over the Herefordshire woods and hills of her miss- spent youth (so she tells me).

The Malvern Hills

Just up the hill from the cafe we found these 'Fair Maids of February'. That's the old name for these welcome little beauties, Snowdrops.

We didn't linger long in the cold ,easterly wind!

On the way back we took a detour, to Little Malvern Priory.

Such a pretty spot, the old church, all that remains of the 12th. century monastery, clings to the side of the Malvern Hills.

The plain below, as far as the river Severn, was once a wild and remote hunting reserve. Can you imagine how it would have looked when the monastery was founded?

Folklore tells us of two monks, Jocelin and Edred, who journeyed from Worcester in 1127 to found the Priory for the Benedictines.

William Langland (1330 - 1386), the first poet to write in English, was a pupil here.

I love his 'Vision of Piers Plowman'
It begins so gently, 'In a somer sesun, whon softe was the sonne . . .'

Now , where was I? . . .

Inside the church it was so cold, damp rising up and coming down, I think it needs lots of tlc., as do many of these wonderful old buildings.

Two little piggies with their snouts in the trough. They've been snuffling away here for many centuries and the wood is worn from thousands of hands leaning on them.

A locally made, 14th century tile.

I couldn't resist this beauty. All alone in a field, just below the Priory.

After a while, guilt got the better of me and I took Mum home, intending to head back to Evesham and help Mike with the painting. . . but only just off the main road is the lovely village of Birlingham, so another small detour.

The churchyard changes it's carpet with the seasons.

At the moment it's a 'Snowdrop carpet'. Soon to be followed by the Crocus carpet, Primrose, Daffodil etc. etc.

Inside the church there were ladies , all muffled up against the cold, serving welcome cups of tea to visitors.

Perfect. Tea and Snowdrops, now I really must get back to help Mike. . .

******************************************************************************************

The lovely Karrita over on My Mothers Garden has kindly included me in her series of interviews with Artist /Gardeners. Even though I'm sure I'm there under, horticulturaly challenged , false pretences, I am deeply honoured to be included!

Please do visit her, she has a beautiful blog and much to delight the eyes of anyone who loves a garden.

Thank you Karrita.

Telling Stories to the Trees

2009-01-17T21:54:00.005Z

This wonderful print arrived in the post today. I absolutely love it!
It's called 'Telling Stories to the Trees'.

It came from Rima who is currently living the most marvelous adventure. Please pop along to The Hermitage and see for yourself the wonders that this very talented lady has to offer, you'll also get a peep into her journey with her partner Tui. Have fun.

Bless you Rima, I enjoy every minute I spend at The Hermitage and I shall put my print in a frame and place it above my computer so that I can see it while I work, to remind me of the magic. . .

####################

Next, as it has been so beautifully cold here, I thought The Fairy Queen might need a new winter cloak. . .

Fashioned with silk fibres, finest owl feathers and a little . . . , well, that would be telling.

Yew trees

2009-01-08T16:56:00.006Z

I had some very interesting comments on my last post which prompted me to search out these pictures that I took about ten years ago.

When I was a little girl I used to love listening to the stories my father told us, mainly about his childhood in the countryside around Ross on Wye in Herefordshire.
One such story was about a huge old Yew tree, so big that you could seat 10 people inside it.

I remember visiting the tree , which stands next to the church at Much Marcle (Herefordshire) I can even remember sitting inside the hollow trunk, I think I was about 3 or 4 years old.

I never forgot this story and as my fascination with trees grew, it was there, at the back of my mind. . .
The picture below shows my lovely mum and dear friend, Kitty, sitting inside the Yew. Ten people would be a little squashed but . . maybe?

It's difficult to date Yew trees accurately because of the way that they grow. All ancient yews are hollow , so ring dating is impossible.
They grow very slowly, the old tree at Totteridge, in Hertfordshire has a girth of 26 feet, the same as when it was measured in 1677.

With Mum standing next to the Much Marcle Yew, it's easy to see that it is huge, about 30 feet in girth, its' amazing canopy of branches, supported on a framework of iron.
The experts say that this wonder is between 2,500 and 3,000 years old!
Can you imagine that?
It was here all those centuries, a sacred tree , going back through time, before even the Celts.
If you ever visit this part of the world, this place is a 'must see'. The air positively tingles with atmosphere and it is possible to become quite lost in time.

There is much to see inside the church as well, not least the vision of loveliness pictured below.

May I introduce a lady from the 14th. century, believed to be Blanche Grandison. . .

In his book, the Kings England, Arthur Mee says of her, '. .a charming Lady, to whom we lose our heart. She lies in the chancel on a tomb rich as a throne. Her veil falls lightly on her pillow and the skirt of her tight- sleeved robe hangs in long, soft folds over the edge of the tomb . .'

Her nose and the little long - eared dog who hides in the folds of her skirt are a little damaged but I still think she is an excellent candidate for the 'Sleeping Beauty' award.

I've strayed off subject again. I wanted to tell you about another ancient Yew. This time, in Scotland, right in the centre, at Fortingall.

We are talking seriously huge and even more seriously old here. What is left of the tree is a sort of ring of trunk, still vibrant with growth, regenerating itself through the centuries. When it was measured in the 1700s its girth was 52 feet and it's age estimated recently as between 5500 and 7,000 years old.

That makes this truly remarkable tree one of the oldest living things on our planet (along with the Bristlecone Pines of California).

Mike and I made a pilgrimage here a few years ago and I can say honestly that even in the rain it is special. Nearby stand the church, Roman remains, Neolithic stones, all newcomers compared to this tree. Here's a quote from J. Edward Milner's 'The Tree Book'.

"I find Yew weird trees to say the least; whereas an Oak could be called Lord of the trees, provider at the heart of our cycle, the green man, nest and home, the Yew would seem to be God above trees, dark and aloof, 'other' to us, not of our cycle, or rather transcending it, the graveyard Yew. . . distilling the negative poisons of the soil and thrusting them outwards positively above ground. . . It is an ever present watcher, I think of the ancient Yew at Fortingall, there when the Megaliths were planted, the later Roman forts, the much later church, and it knowing all the time, being aware of something we can only feel. . ."

More magic i think . . .

Magical days.

2009-01-04T18:14:00.003Z

I often feel that time behaves rather strangely in the days between Christmas and New Year.

It's almost surreal, the wheel of the year has turned but we need a few, special, magical days to adjust and move on.
I love these days.
We have had some lovely, cold and sunny days; days to escape into the woods and walk off the chocolate and the Christmas pud. . . .
I met some wonderful trees in the parkland at Hanbury Hall and the nearby Doderhill nature reserve.

This Yew stands very proudly in the pasture woodland of the reserve, definitely got the magic. . . it was warm to my touch. . .

The cupola on the roof of Hanbury Hall.

Very vocal ducks on the woodland pond.

On New Years' day , Incey Wincey had been busy as well as Mr. Frost.

I am so pleased . . that I saw this before my face hit it.

The fields where I walk Rowan were transformed. The very familiar pond, fields and trees looked and felt strange and enchanted.

We slipped and stumbled all over the place. . . what fun!

Magic everywhere.

I think I need to get some Welly warmers for my poor frozen feet. By the time we got home my feet were sooooooo cold. I could also do with finishing the pair of socks I started knitting last year. . .

Apart from walking and eating and sleeping, I've been making a strange, three legged rabbit for Phoebe (If only I could discipline myself to read the instructions first. . .)and some decorations for next Christmas .Well, I didn't have time before, so my plan is to get ahead of the game. . . . don't worry , it won't last.

This weekend, to my joy, we had the company of some very dear friends.

For them and my family , for all the opportunities that pass this way, for all the friends I've made through my blog, I am so grateful and I would like to wish you all ,many blessings as the new year begins.

Good night!

Winter Solstice walk in the Wildwood

2008-12-22T21:56:00.002Z

No pictures I'm afraid, but I will try to describe a very special walk we took , this weekend.

A few miles from my home is a beautiful wood, beloved my me for it's Spring flowers. It's an ancient wood, once part of Shakespeare's Forest of Arden, and a remnant of the wildwood that once covered the land.

For me, a magical place.

For Rowan, the perfect place to hunt , play and mud wallow.

It was mid afternoon when we started our walk and I had a mind to try to find the 'ancient ones', my name for a stand of old, old Lime trees that I came across some years ago.
I knew that we had to get right into the middle of the wood, my sense of direction is not good and Mike didn't think it was wise to stray too far from the well worn path. . . .
Rowan, bless her, had other plans.
These included giving chase to a deer, several rabbits and excavating a huge log from the
muddiest quagmire in England. . . then she took off, in pursuit of I don't know what.
We whistled.
We called.
We went after her. . . and deep joy, we ended up by the Lime trees!
Mike wandered off to sort out our miscreant pup and I marvelled at the awesome beauty of the trees.
They stand in a rough circle, their mighty trunks, twisted and bent. Inside the circle I noticed the light had changed , as the sun, low in the sky came out to show off.. . the most beautiful solstice sunset.
I was 'lost' in another time, there, amongst those wonderful trees, aware that the wheel of this year was slowing one last time .

As the sky darkened,we made our way back through the woods, passing a Hazel coppice . The spindly branches proudly displaying the promise of Spring, tiny catkins peeping at me in the dim light.
The wheel turns again.

Weaver of Words.

2008-12-18T10:16:00.005Z

Some special things have happened to me just lately and I wanted to share them with you. . . .

Some time ago the lovely Dina Kerik, ( from Deepwater Journal ) kindly asked if she could write an article for the Journal, about me!
Now, Dina is a true 'Weaver of Words' and 'Stitcher of Dreams' and I am honoured that she should want to do this. If you would like to read her words, please pop over here !

Thank you Dina!

The next few pictures show the village of Broadway, I took them while doing a little 'light Christmas shopping' in my lunch hour.

The Lygon Arms

Last week, the village playgroup came to the Library for story time. I enjoy this so much, the children are delightful and we have lots of fun. This occasion however, was special.

The children surprised me, they came in costume and gave a performance of their Nativity play, just for me! (Well, and anyone else who happened to be in the Library!)

Their little innocent faces as they sang will stay in my memory for a long time. Bless them.

'Journey of the Magi' 13th. century missal from the Pierpont Morgan Library in New York.

'Christmas Eve' by V E Starkova 1979

As you can tell, I'm in full festive mood so while it lasts, I'll tell you about some dancing birds. .

Yesterday, I was walking Rowan, who was not in my good books . . . it's a good thing that she's pretty. Little minx had decided to write her Christmas cards while I was out, but obviously got bored with that and chewed them up instead, along with numerous other things including my diary!

Anyway, we were way over the fields, a large part of which now resemble a lake , when I noticed a lot of twittering and kerfuffle coming from some nearby Silver Birch trees.

The trees had their feet in the water and were full of dancing Long Tailed Tits.

They are such sweet little birds always rushing around , twittering and calling to each other. There must have been 12 or more of them, I couldn't count them as they performed their delicate 'ballet' .

Tumbling pirouettes through the lower branches, never quite touching the water , casting the most beautiful reflections ( why didn't I have my camera?) loop the loops and games of tag went on for ages, secretly watched by me and Rowan.

Then of course reality returns and I have to leg it back home because somehow an hour has disappeared and I'm going to be late for work . . . .

A packet full of magic.

2008-12-16T18:28:00.002Z

I found a little packet , on the mat, by my front door.

A packet from my friend Fanny, who lives in the Jura mountains in France. It was a packet full of magic. . . .

First of all, I found a piece of beautiful, hand made lace tied up in red silk ribbon. I think it will make something very special . . . . .

Then I found a letter, telling me about a lovely winter walk in the Jura mountains, when the snow fell softly and covered the trees with soft white magic; the world became silent . . .

As Fanny paused a while to drink her flask of tea, she heard a sound. . . .

It was a tiny man in a crooked hat who asked her "Are you Fanny?" "Are you Fanny who has a friend in England, called Annette?"

My friend replied, "Yes, that's me."

The little man said" Vous devez lui dire que, en hiver, il faut mettre des chaussettes dans les chaussures. Les Putins et les fees ne sont pas fais de bois! Il fait aussi tres froid en Angleterre!"

(Which roughly translated means ' You must tell her that , in winter, you must put on socks with shoes. Elves and fairies are not made of wood! Also, it is cold in England!')

He gave her a box and said. . .

"Envoyez - lui!!" (Send them to her )

This is what was in the box, a tiny pair of hand knitted socks to fit in a pair of fairies shoes!

What a wonderful present!
Oh yes, Fanny also said that she would tell only me about this because no one else would believe her. . . . . . what do you think?

Winter Solstice Trees - Silver Birch

2008-12-15T12:21:00.003Z

The Silver Birch is the first tree of the Celtic Tree Ogham. It is the first tree to colonise new ground and so, signifies new life, new beginnings, birth and opportunity.
Birch twigs were used to sweep out the old years' spirits and make way for the new.
(Info. from Sacred Celebrations by Glennie Kindred)

My picture above, shows little stars made from Silver Birch bark.

There is one there for all of the friends I've made through my blog,

one for each of you ,

to wish you 'new beginnings and opportunity' in the new year to come.

Christmas workshop

2008-12-10T21:24:00.002Z

Christmas Fairies will be well shod after our workshop at Blue Ginger on Tuesday.

It's such a lovely place to spend the day, stitching, chatting and laughing.

Then, if we can tear ourselves away from all the tempting things in the gallery, there's a home cooked lunch in Sue's farm kitchen.

After lunch, a quick turn around the paddock with two Kuni Kuni pigs called Emin and Gormley, and Tilly, the two year old Bernese mountain dog. ( I hadn't realised that little piggies could run so fast. . . )

Back to work then . . . it's hard , but someone has to do it.

Beautiful shoes appeared before my eyes, created with imagination and care.

Just a bit more stitching needed, then they will be finished and fit for lucky Christmas Fairies.

Here we go round the Mulberry bush . . . .

2008-12-07T21:52:00.003Z

Jack Frost had been busy this morning, which made me think of the nursery rhyme . . and one thing led to another . . please allow for plenty of 'artistic licence'. . .

*Here we go round the Mulberry bush , on a cold and frosty morning. . .

(no mulberries but lots of frost)

*Two little dickie birds sitting on a . . .tree?

Early morning on the riverbank, the sun not yet strong enough to burn off the mist.

Two Cormorants patiently waiting . . .

* Hickory Dickory Dock, the mouse ran up the clock. . . .

The Jubilee clock in Broadway, Worcestershire.

* Twinkle, twinkle, little star
or is it Cow Parsley?

*Little Miss Muffett, sat on a tuffett

We had to have a major de-clutter this week and I found this picture. It's me aged 2 years (circa 1954), sitting on the dining room table, . . in lieu of a tuffett. . .

This has been a really mixed week, I had to have time off work because someone 'up there' decided that my life was not sufficiently farcical. The coldest spell for ages and our central heating boiler died.

Mike was away in Scotland. . .

I won't go into detail, but replacing it was not easy or quick. . . holes in walls, floorboards up, hardly a room not in chaos, men in the garden, men on the roof. I have never been so cold, it was warmer outside than in my house for 6 days.

Now I feel really pathetic for whinging. . . it's positively tropical in here and plumbers are my favourite people. . .

On the bright side, Rowan and I had some long and lovely walks.

I also met a dear friend for lunch in Burford.

This is Anne with my daughter Rachael and Phoebe. We've been friends since I started school, aged 5 , when she showed me where the Wendy House was.

Anne and I have shared so much through the years, she was my bridesmaid and Rachael's Godmother.

This lady is a talented quilter and a wonderful friend.xxxx

Last but absolutely by no means least, I have been given an award! This has made me smile no end this week, I am honoured and thrilled to be considered worthy of it. . . especially as it was sent to me by a special lady , Lynne Hoppe. She resides in the forest, far away, in the lands across the sea and writes a moving and beautiful blog. Thank you Lynne.

(Here's the piece that comes with the award. . . modesty forbids really.. )

"This blog invests and believes the proximity-nearness in space, time and relationships! These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of the prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers, who must choose eight more and include this cleverly written text into the body of their award."

I need a bit more time to select the next recipients, so please bear with me. . .

The last few apples.

2008-12-01T20:17:00.005Z

I saw this elegant fisherman today, whilst driving over to visit my Mum.

Monsieur et Madame Mallard, looking rather splendid. . . . .

I've known and loved this tree for many years, it's an old, old Oak, with a huge trunk so wide, two of us struggled to encircle it with our arms. Today I think it is at its most beautiful ,standing there on the ridge way, as it has for who knows how long, with the late afternoon sun behind.

At the other end of the field, a lone apple tree with it's last few offerings. Bright red spots against the grey.

Bookwraps at Wolverhampton

2008-11-27T18:02:00.004Z

I wanted to show you some of the beautiful work produced at the workshop in Wolverhampton last Saturday.
It was a super day with lots of laughter , the ideas fairly buzzed around and I felt privileged to be there .

I love how a simple idea can be picked up. . . . . grow . . . . and be passed around in so many different ways. . . . ..

I think we were all exhausted at the end of the day, in a good way.

I for one, was thrilled with the work that these very talented ladies produced.

I had taken more pictures but they were a bit fuzzy so my apologies for not being able to show you more.

Short winter days. . . .

2008-11-26T20:45:00.007Z

I love these days, where the wheel turns more slowly, night comes earlier each day and a sense of quiet anticipation whispers in my ear.

Dark, wet days when I need to stay in my nest . . . . and rare, dry, bright days when I love to roam.

The river Avon flows nearby and the riverbanks are some of Rowans favourite playgrounds.

I like to get home before night draws in and sit with a cup of tea, by the fire watching the sky darken.

The Solstice preparations will begin soon, small gifts to make, baking and all manner of magic everywhere. . .

Fairy Shoes Pattern

2008-11-25T16:21:00.005Z

This post is an unashamed piece of personal advertising. . . . . . . ... I have been very fortunate to receive many enquiries about the pattern for my Fairy Shoes
So . . . . I decided to open an Etsy Shop where I can sell the pattern.
It has taken me all day, a headache and several minor nervous breakdowns to set it up, but I've done it!
Only trouble is I must have taken an extra stupid pill this morning, because I can't put the link advertisement for Etsy on my blog. . . .
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Update..... thanks for your help Anna and Acornmoon, sorted at last!

Warrior Soup and Twelve Golden Birds

2008-11-20T20:38:00.005Z

I'd like to thank the dear people who left such kind comments on my last post. I admit , I was a little concerned that I had revealed a little too much!

Today was bright and sunny and I had a day to myself at home. Bliss.
Trouble is I always have unrealistic expectations of what I can achieve in a day. . .

I made some soup, I just love the 'chopping vegetable meditation'. This was Minestrone with rice.
When my children were young and needing to be encouraged to eat vegetables, particularly my son,I would often make this soup.
I used to call it Warrior soup, telling them it was perfect food for young warriors, that it had everything needed for growing big strong muscles. Ho ho.
It's still called Warrior soup and they still love it.
After finishing various menial tasks I went for a walk with Rowan, through the orchards and along the river bank. We had the world to ourselves, apart from a small flock of Yellow Hammers and the odd Field Fare.

Back home I started to get my things together for a workshop I'm teaching in Wolverhampton , on Saturday. This always takes ages as I'm paranoid that I'll forget
something vital. Looking forward to this , they're a really nice group.
I then had a bit of time to do some work on my latest wall hanging. It's not finished yet and doesn't have a title?..?
Above, a detail of said hanging.
The colours are all paints made with these pigments from the Clearwell caves in the Forest of Dean. (To be honest, I did titivate the purple bits with a pot of twinkling h2 o)
You can buy these little pots of natural ochres when you visit the caves.

My inspiration for the hanging came from the lovely church of St. Peter at Rowlstone in Herefordshire.

It's such a pretty place , up a leafy lane from Pontrilas. We're almost in Wales here.

There is much to see, but in particular the candelabra.

There are two, one each side of the nave.

Twelve golden birds, six swans and six cocks with little fleur de lis in between.

These beauties were made by the local blacksmith in the fifteenth century and I think that they are my favourite amongst many treasures I have seen whilst loitering in churches. . . .

They still light the church even though a note in the porch says that the congregation has dwindled to nine people.

Now, before I go to bed, I must just make a start on the 24 little gifts to go in Phoebe's Advent Calendar. Or perhaps I'll do some knitting instead.

Playing Tag

2008-11-18T17:05:00.004Z

I've been Tagged twice in the last few days, by acornmoon and by Deb at art4sol
Do have a look at these blogs, they are beautiful and interesting in different ways.

So after much thought, panic and deliberation, here are 7 unusual things about me -

I have a good capacity for remembering completely useless information, but can't for the life of me remember the important stuff, like the security code at work or my phone number.
I'm fascinated by Ley Lines, or Dragon Paths as they're sometimes called. I look out for signs that I might be on one wherever I go.
When I was little, I would rather eat Marmite sandwiches than roast turkey, or anything else for that matter.
I love the smell of new books, magazines and sketchbooks.
I believe that there is a veil between this world and the 'otherworld', in places this veil is very thin. Glastonbury is one such place but they are everywhere if you look.That's where the magic is.
I would like to cultivate my eccentricities to the point where I can go and live in a small cottage (It will be white) on the side of a hill in mid Wales. There will be geese in the field and I will live without wearing shoes or makeup.
I smell things in colour.

Oh dear, that's bound to mean a few more people are convinced I'm potty. . . . ..

My last task is to tag 7 more blogs , here goes.-

sharon

Heather

notes from the rookery

chrissy

Carol

art4moi

jollygoodyarn

I hope you enjoy looking at these fascinating places!

Pale green skin with brown spots.

2008-11-13T20:00:00.006Z

Thought I'd better just say that the title of this post refers to a sick dragon, not me, although , there are those who would say 'And the difference is?'
Anyway, I asked Maud and she said it would be fine for us to have a peep in her book of Dragon Lore. . . . .

Maud also said to be sure to put the book back in it's hiding place when we've finished. . . .

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Changing the subject completely, Today was grey, wet and well, Novembery.

My lovely Mum caught the bus over to see me. She lives in Malvern, about 25 miles from here. Now my Mum is nearly 80 years old but she doesn't know, or perhaps I should say, she doesn't act like it. She is hilarious and keeps us all well amused and entertained.

Wherever she goes she has adventures, mostly caused by her 'hearing problem' (never suggest that she might be a bit deaf, unless you can run fast ). She will admit to being in 'early middle age' but definitely not elderly or heaven forbid OLD.

Mum lives life to the full, walks miles, swims regularly , cooks like a dream and we all love her to pieces.

I just wanted to shout out loud 'I LOVE YOU MUM!'

I feel better now.

I drove mum home, late afternoon and took Rowan for a walk across the fields nearby.

Everything was grey and sodden, the rain was that fine misty drizzle that makes you cold inside and out , the fields were completely waterlogged, with little streams running down the hill.

Rowan loved it and so did I. She ran around with 'mad legs', charging up and down the streams splashing and skidding, finding imaginary mice in the grass and huge sticks in the hedges, joy!

All around the old oak trees were having a final flourish of colour before the next winds take their leaves and the rooks , about 30 of them were holding their parliament, noisily in the highest branches.I loved it all.

It was growing dark as I got back to Mum's, there she was in the doorway smiling at me. (well I did have wellies, waterproof trousers, old wax jacket and Mikes fishing hat on. . .)

So, if I was making a gratitude list, My lovely Mum would be right there, at the top.

The Legend of the Mordiford Dragon

2008-11-09T21:54:00.005Z

Mordiford church, Herefordshire.

Would you like a story?

It's a wet Sunday afternoon, the wind's blowing against the window pane and it's growing dark.

Come on, pull a chair up closer to the fire, I'll put another log on to keep us warm. . . . . .

Long ago and years since, there was a dragon lived, up there . . . . in Haugh woods, high above Mordiford and the river Wye.

Deep in the wood, where the bluebells bloom ,there, in a dark cave lived the fearsome beast.

The dragon would sleep for many years, but when he awoke . . . . the air would be filled with the terrible stench of Dragonbreath and the people would run and hide.

Hungry and thirsty, the dragon would come crashing down through the wood,

down Serpents Lane,

through the cider orchards, . . . to drink from the river and hunt for food, be that cattle or small people....

One day, the poor villagers decided to try to stop the dragon.

They enlisted the help of Maud, a fairy from the woods, who was the keeper of the Dragon Lore. Like her mother and her mother before her, she knew all there was to know about Dragons and how to enchant them.

The plan was this. . . .

Next time the dragon awoke , Maud would lead the other fairies in a dance to enchant him.

Then . . . under the influence of the fairies magic, they would lead him down through the woods

. .down Serpents Lane

. .through the cider orchards

. .to the river meadows.

There one of the young men from the village would hide in a cider barrel and shoot him, with an arrow through the heart.

Did the plan work?

I don't know, but no one in Mordiford has seen a dragon from that day to this . . . . however here, hidden within the covers of this book, are some magical dancing shoes and a book of Dragon Lore . . . . . . . just in case.

The pictures were taken 'on location' in herefordshire.
(Apologies for slightly 'tweeking' the story!)

Winter Nights

2008-11-04T20:03:00.005Z

I've been working on a wall hanging, using some of the techniques in Angie Hughes' book (see last post).

I've called it 'Winter Nights' and there's a quote from a poem by John Haines.

Do you recognise the owl?

It's the little cutie that I found at St. Veeps' church in Cornwall.

As my mind does it's usual 'butterfly thing' and flits around, finding tenuous connections....

I looked back at my pictures of Cornwall and found these, all from the delightful church at Lanteglos by Fowey.

Above, the Mohun girls, in brass circa 1508.

Carved wonders on Oak bench ends .(15th. century)

If you could picture this little church, down a winding lane, near the sea . . . go back to the 15th. century . . . . and it's full of craftsmen, working and talking, laughing perhaps as they fashion these weird and wonderful things.

I wonder, what would they make of our world?

Walking and Whortleberries

2008-10-28T16:24:00.010Z

I think I may have overdone the amount of photos from my recent foray on Exmoor, but here goes anyway. . .

Above is a picture of Dulverton, a small town on the edge of Exmoor. It's a friendly place where people say 'Good morning' to you and the shopkeepers are helpful and don't seem to mind man and his best friend, dripping in the doorway.

I feel really fortunate to be able to take these little trips away and I wonder sometimes if anyone reading my ramblings, might think that my life is one big holiday. It isn't of course, I work hard too, but I don't think anyone would want to read about that.
Having said that, yesterday afternoon was fun at work. We had a storytime and craft session for the village children.
I read 'Room on the Broom' and we made paper plate Halloween masks. I know how to have fun.....

Back to Exmoor.

Wonderful walking on the wooded slopes above Dulverton.

In the early evening the sun was bright and low in the sky. Up on the moor it cast an amber glow over the landscape.

I love the strange, contorted shapes of the trees.

Then all at once the sun was gone. It was eerie. As the light went, the stags started to make the mournful sounds of the rut.

Next day and I promised a walk and a meal in the pub afterwards. . . .

So we start the walk at Porlock Weir, having checked out the pub to make sure we could take Rowan in with us. The Ship Inn, right next to the beach.

We're going to follow the coast path to Culbone, it's only about 5 miles there and back, so don't panic.

Mind you, it's very 'up and down'.

You can wait in the pub if you like.

It's a well walked, woodland path , you can't see the sea but you can hear the waves crashing on the pebbles.

Venus de Culbone?

I don't think we can get lost but Rowan isn't too sure.

You should have guessed , I have an ulterior motive for this trek, besides the pleasure of your company of course, it is the tiny Norman church of St. Bueno at Culbone.

It's the smallest church in the country and is only 35 feet long and 12 feet wide.

There's definitely magic here, it's all around.

The church is in a deep combe, next to a stream which gurgles and rushes 400 feet, down to the sea.

No roads, only the coastal path and a track to a farm.

Inside there were fresh flowers, the gas lights were, well, different and there was a lovely welcoming atmosphere.

I think services are held pretty regularly, but I have no idea where the congregation comes from!

Outside, I found these windows , all completely different.

This one has two window lights, made from one block of sandstone. The magician who fashioned it also made an animal face for our delectation.

Interesting ironwork on the door.
I was going to suggest we sit in the churchyard to drink our flask of tea, but it's a bit chilly so let's go inside, I'm sure no-one will mind.

I don't want to move but, come on , back up the hill.

On the way back we can catch glimpses of the sea, the cloud has lifted a little.

Now, I don't know how to break this news to you. . .

The pub has stopped serving food, we must have lingered too long in paradise.

However I happen to know that just along the road, in Porlock there are the Whortleberry Tea Rooms. Follow me. . . .They have a nice sheltered patio with bonios and water for the dogs.

Here's what we're having, one of these between two, ok?

I feel a bit embarrassed , but after all we've earned it.

Cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches (No crusts here!)

Ham and Whortleberry ( local name for bilberries) chutney sandwiches

Plain scone and Fruit scone with clotted cream and Whortleberry jam

Refrigerator cake

Lemon drizzle cake

Stem ginger cake

Rich fruit cake

Huge pot of tea

Hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.

Time to head home now, our last stop was to peep at the view from above Porlock.

Then a glimpse of part of the Doone Valley.
What do you think, shall we try that walk next time?

Rococo Autumn and a new book.

2008-10-22T19:38:00.009+01:00

Have you seen this new book by Angie Hughes?

Angie is a Textile Artist from Ledbury in Herefordshire, where she has her studio Ledbury Artplace.

There are so many 'Art, Craft, Embroidery etc.' books on the market, sadly not all of them are worth the money, so I was really pleased that I bought this book.
It's beautifully produced, colourful and the step by step instructions are very good.

Angie's writing is full of her enthusiasm and humour . I can't wait to try the mixed media projects and have a thoroughly good play.

Now for something completely different. . .

Last weekend we visited the Rococo Gardens at Painswick . I've been waiting for the chance to go for ages as it's one of the few gardens where dogs are welcome, so Rowan was very excited.

On the way in we were greeted by Pan.
Just around the corner there was a display of some of the fruit from the garden .

These beauties are Black Worcester Pears. (They're big, about the size of three average sized Conference pears.)
I went to school in Worcester and the city's coat of arms has three black pears on it. Something I hadn't given much thought to, but I had heard that the city council have fenced off the last two remaining Black Pear trees as the fruit is so heavy they thought a member of the public might get injured if some fruit fell on someones' head. . . .. . hmmm.

We saw some old types of apple. There was one called Coeur de Beouf, which the volunteer gardener lovingly polished for me to photograph. This type of apple has been around since the 13th. century (not these particular ones!) , how do they know I wonder?

The 17th century gardens have been restored in recent years . Very romantic.

I'm sure that there has to be inspiration for embroidery , somewhere in the next picture . I loved the reflection in the pond. 5 seconds later Rowan fell in and came out very smelly.

There are lots of Beech woods around this area , so we explored this one before heading home.

I love the rare, sunny autumn days and I hope the dry weather will last beacause we're going to spend a few days on Exmoor.
The moors are beautiful at this time of year and I'm looking forward to a long walk, followed by a meal in the village pub. What more could a girl want. . .

Graduate Showcase - Sara Meadows

2008-10-17T21:45:00.004+01:00

When I visited the Knitting and Stitching show last week, I had the pleasure of meeting the delightful Sara Meadows.

Her Textile pieces were for me, the highlight of the Graduate Showcase.

Her work has an ethereal quality that is quite enchanting; such delicate touches, the palest, dreamlike colours. . . Sara kindly sent me these pictures and gave me permission to use them here.
I wouldn't mind betting that we'll see more of Sara's work in the future and I'd like to take this chance to wish her Good Luck!
Sara can be contacted at sara meadows@hotmail.co.uk

Brown paper wrap

2008-10-16T22:10:00.004+01:00

brown paper, oil pastel rubbings, 2 coats of wax, machine stitch, paint .

Fairy Shoes Workshop

2008-10-15T12:58:00.004+01:00

There is going to be an extra special Fairy Shoes Workshop, just in time for Christmas. Tuesday 9th. December 2008 at Blue Ginger.

If you would like to come, please contact Sue@blue-ginger.com

Lytes Cary Manor, Grim Ugliness and Autumn splendour

2008-10-15T11:28:00.009+01:00

Oh! This is exciting, I've learnt a new trick, thanks to Lynne who gave me a good nudge in the right direction.
I've been playing with some pictures I took in the summer; using Photoshop (which I find incredibly hard to understand) and some ttv. (through the viewfinder) frames.

Lytes Cary, above, is a National Trust property we visited in July. I love the fat green shapes with their conical hats.

Below are some examples of what Arthur Mee, author of the Kings England series, calls 'Grim Ugliness'.
I found them in Somerset, climbing up and down the church at Evercreech.

This grinning monkey's really quite cute, as long as he stays where he is!

Lastly, my Autumn splendour. Hope you like them!

Days borrowed from Summer

2008-10-14T22:05:00.008+01:00

This weekend has been sunny and warm, days borrowed from the summer that we didn't have.

Sunday was a perfect Autumn day, it began like this.

Phoebe wanted to go on a 'Rowan walk', so after lunch we went to one of my favourite places. The fields on the edge of the Cotswold hills, looking down over the vale of Evesham.

That's Bredon Hill in the distance and the village of Broadway, where I work, in the vale.

The sun was really strong and warm, Rowan and Phoebe ran up and down the fields and the colours were amazing.

Golden days, I never want days like these to end but someone was suddenly very tired.

Here's how the day ended.

Great Western Embroiderers

2008-10-13T22:06:00.005+01:00

A while ago I mentioned that I was planning a new workshop, Making a 'Book in a Box'.

The Great Western Embroiderers kindly invited me to the Blackthorn Centre, near Cricklade.

The picture above shows the driveway up to the centre.

It's a super place to spend the day and ideal for a workshop, surrounded by fields and lovely Autumn colours.
I had such a nice time and I do hope the members of GWE didn't mind being 'guinea pigs'.

The plan was that we would make a concertina book from fabric, a box to keep it in and learn some of the ways in which we might decorate the pages.

There was so much to get done, lots of ideas flying around, people trying things this way and that. We definitely needed more hours in this day. . . .
On the drive home, I was thinking how lucky I am to be involved in all this.

Fun at Ally Pally

2008-10-13T12:21:00.006+01:00

We had a really long, but fun day out at Ally Pally on Thursday.

Jan and I got on the coach at 7.30 am. and talked all the way , so naturally the first stop was for coffee.

There was much to see although I felt, not as much as in previous years.

We looked around the trade stands and I tried to stick to my list. . . Here's what I got., it doesn't look much but it's all precious!

In the top picture, some special buttons. The Bee ones made me think of Lynne, who loves bees.

Above there's the lovely wooden stamp for making rubbings with my oil pastels onto brown paper. , some felted wool squares for my book I'm making about the Forest of Dean,

and lastly, some amazing Japanese yarns by Habu Textiles.,They're all made from various weights of silk fiber and the colours, which haven't come out very well in my photo are delicious. I could have stayed on that stand all day and spent a fortune, good thing I had my minder with me!

Below are the beads I got , Phoebe and I are going to make bracelets and a necklace for her Mummy.

The Graduate Showcase was brilliant as usual, I have some pictures on my phone.

My children gave me the phone for a recent birthday and as usual I'm struggling with how to download the pictures. Nothing for it I suppose, I'll have to read the instructions.

We had a good look at the work of Ruth Issett, her colours glowed. The display was my choice for the best in the show.She is one clever lady and she's such a nice person too!

Maggie Grey was there and Jan Beaney and Jean Littlejohn, wonderful to look at their work, especially the sketchbooks. . .

Mid day , we headed of for our posh pre-booked lunch at the Tetley Tea Rooms. It was a disaster, terrible organisation, angry customers, kitchen staff walked out, we sat around for 45 minutes and no-one even took an order.In the end most people, us included, asked for their money back and joined the queue for a cardboard sandwich. Some you win . . .

You meet such interesting people at these shows , like the lady we chatted to whilst having a cuppa later in the afternoon. She had been on a workshop about Rag rug making and she had us giggling away.

As we were heading , tired and weary to the door a minor miracle happened. . . we bumped into two friends from the Cotswold Embroiderers Guild and they gave us a lift home! Thank you so much Ros and Ann.

I really enjoy a day in London, I always get very excited about it, but then as a country girl I'm always so pleased to be home.

St. Veep, yet another Dragon and a sigh of relief.

2008-10-07T22:45:00.007+01:00

At last, I think I've managed to get my technical difficulties sorted. Well , in truth I have no idea what I did, but I think it worked. . .

So this post is by way of an experiment to see what happens.

The first picture was taken in the porch of the little church at St. Veep, near Lerryn in Cornwall.

If you click on the owl you'll see how cute he is, with his cobweby bits, fly decoration and funny little wooden eyes.

I love Owls, almost as much as Dragons. The one below appeared in St. Wyllow's church at Lanteglos-by-Fowey.

I've been in training this week, it's the Knitting and Stitching show . So. . .Jan and I are off to the Ally Pally on the coach.

(Forgive me please, that's the Alexandra Palace in London).

I will try not to buy anything that isn't on my list. Wish me luck.

Apologies

2008-10-03T22:34:00.009+01:00

Oh dear!I seem to have a spanner in the works somewhere.
Blogger is refusing to publish your comments and my replies. It won't do any editing and I'm stuck. My answer to this is going to be. . .
1. Turn the .... thing off.
2.Hope it will fix itself.
3. Come back tomorrow.

Exhibition plans.

2008-10-03T22:34:00.007+01:00

The textile group I belong to are contemplating an exhibition, next summer in the Herefordshire town of Ledbury.
This is where my lovely Mum grew up, the setting for all those tales of a miss- spent youth!

The picture above shows the Market Hall, built in the 1600s. Somewhere I have a picture of my Mum, aged 16 standing just about where the red car is, in her Girls Training Corps uniform.(During the war , I think).

We met there this week, to have a look around, case the joint.

A bright sunny day made the travelling good but it was such a cold wind we soon scuttled into Mrs. Muffins' Tea Rooms .Once inside, I was held down and force fed hot chocolate with whipped cream and a chocolate flake. It was so thick I needed ( I mean they needed) a spoon to drink it.

Ledbury is a delightful small market town , it still has individual shops and a busy, friendly atmosphere.

Every summer they hold a really good Poetry Festival.

This is Church Street , a narrow cobbled lane where the Gallery we're hoping to use is situated.

At the top of the lane is the Church where my Mum and Dad got married in 1949, Mum keeps telling me she was a child bride. . . .

I do hope it happens, though then , knowing me I'll be thinking 'Why have I done this?' More stress.

Do you do that?Get really excited about something, then think Help?

'A Book in a Box' and Menabilly

2008-09-24T22:39:00.013+01:00

I've been beavering away, preparing for a new workshop that I'm going to start teaching soon. The idea is to make a concertina style book, from fabric and a special box in which to keep it.

I thought I'd show you a few of the sample pages I've made, all inspired by my 'church crawling' around here and in Wales.

I've got loads more to do yet and little time to do it, same old story!

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Here are a few more pictures from Cornwall. I should have said in my last post, that if you aren't familiar with the story of Tristam and Iseult (and lets face it why would you be?) you can get the basics here.
Above is the 'Croix Rouge' at Tregaminion. I had to climb through the undergrowth to get this picture,but I'm glad I did.

It has such a presence. Quite creepy really.

This stone, which used to stand near King Mark's summer palace at nearby Castle Dor, is where Tristan left his messages.

Now for rather a quick change of subject. Not far away from Tregaminion, just a stones throw, is Menabilly, Daphne du Maurier's home

I love her books,I read most of them here, in Cornwall on various holidays through the years. So now, if I should read a passage, I'm instantly transported back to that time and place. . . .

It's not possible to see Menabilly, no public right of way. Here's a postcard I found. Daphne used her home as the inspiration for Manderley in Rebecca.

If you follow the lane on a while you come to the pretty little beach at Polridmouth. . . .

where Rebecca met her end.

While we were there I made a complete idiot of myself by falling flat on my back on some rocks. .

I was lucky I didn't do anything too serious to myself and all because I could see some great driftwood, just out of reach.

Here I am, upright and all in one piece!

That's it really, I'll finish with this picture of the memorial to the fallen of the second world war from Polruan, Bodinnick and Fowey.

For no particular reason other than I love it!

Tristan and Iseult

2008-09-22T21:18:00.005+01:00

A very early morning walk to see the sun rise . . .lovely September days in Cornwall.

We stayed at Bodinnick, across the river from Fowey and the picture above shows what we found just a little walk down the lane. That bench is the perfect spot, to sit with a bottle of wine and watch the sun set. . . .

This part of Cornwall is very unspoilt, undulating hills, secret valleys and wooded creeks. The countryside is full of mystery and legends.

I wanted to find the places mentioned in one of the greatest love stories,the legend of Tristan and Iseult, who lived in the days of King Arthur.

I did a little research and armed with a map and a packed lunch, we set off, on foot, every day, in a different direction to discover for ourselves these wonderful places.

Below are some Celtic cross memorials at St. Winnow's church.

Some beautiful old glass in one of the windows.

Just downstream from St. Winnows there was once an island in the river, where Tristan fought and defeated the evil Morholt.

Later in the story we return to this spot. On the riverbank, opposite the church of St. Winnow,there was an ancient crossing place, where Tristan made his escape in a small boat to begin his years of exile in France.

As we left the churchyard and climbed the hill we found a little summer cafe, where the farmers' wife sold tea and cakes, that she made herself. So we sat a while and chatted to a lovely young couple, who carried their baby in a sling. They all had Wellington boots, rosy- red cheeks and laughing eyes. Lucky baby!

After eating a piece of the chocolate cake ( It would have been rude not to)), we turned for the long walk home.

It's getting late , so, more tomorrow. . .

Jeeves and the Pictish stones

2008-09-11T16:55:00.009+01:00

I promised some time ago that I would tell you about the pictish deer (he's in a previous post), so here we are. . .

May I introduce Wendy ( I have several friends called Wendy, so it gets a bit confusing) and her wonderful dog Jeeves who is a Gordon Setter. They are pictured here, talking to Mike outside Sorbie Castle, Wendy's ancestral home.

Last summer we went to Garlieston , which is in Dumfries and Galloway, a delightful part of Scotland. One morning we were walking along the seashore and we met Wendy and Jeeves. Actually the dogs met first, you know what it's like, lots of racing around and sniffing. We got talking while we waited for the dogs to return.

What a fascinating conversation it was! Among the many things I learned was that Wendy's family had lived in this area and worked the land for many, many generations.

We talked about all manner of things and asked about the possibility that we might find some rock carvings in the area. To my delight Wendy told how she had discovered various carvings on her land, some pictish, some very much older. We agreed to meet the next day so that we could go on a 'tour' of the carvings.

Our old dog, Theo, couldn't manage the long walk, so I went to meet Wendy on my own. We walked for miles, stopping here and there to look at a view or for Wendy to introduce me to a cow or six (she knew all their names.)

As we walked, climbing walls and slipping down banks, I learnt that this lady truly knew and loved her land. I felt honoured to be given this wonderful opportunity to spend time with her.

She showed me where the Corncrakes nest; she named the fields and pastures as we went through them and she told me how, one day,as she was feeding the cattle, one of them slipped on the wet turf. Wendy noticed that the turf was torn back and there were strange markings on the bedrock, beneath.

This is Wendy's photo of the markings, chalk added to make the lines clear. A pictish deer. I can't begin to describe how I felt.

Below is my photo, (taken after Wendy had pulled back the turf ) you can see the two round holes. When we'd finished the turf was carefully replaced to protect the carving.

We then set off in another direction, to a rocky outcrop in a nearby field. Wendy's son had been sitting on the outcrop, shooting crows, when he noticed something on the rock.
This is what he saw,... a pony! It's about 6 inches wide and the people who came from Edinburgh university said that it was made about 1000 years B.C.
To sit in that place and imagine someone carving that dear little pony, 2000 years ago, was an experience that I will always treasure.

That's about it for now. Mike and I are going to Cornwall for a week. I'm going to investigate the Tristram and Isolde legend , in and around the lovely church of St. Sampson in Golant, near Fowey. See you soon.x

More pictures from Ludlow

2008-09-02T20:03:00.002+01:00

I admit, I do struggle with the technology. I thought I'd put these pictures in with yesterdays post.
I did. I'm sure of it. Where did they go?
Well, I tried again and here they are but I'll do this quickly, in case they disappear again!
I haven't moved them, so they should all be 'clickable'. Don't understand how this works at all.

The top picture was taken in a particularly dark part of the forest. I loved the contrast with the colourful leaves.

Next, the wheat field taken on the way up to the forest. You can just see the combine harvester, left in the field when they stopped working at 10.30 the previous evening.

Then, over the top of the hill looking down into the lovely Mary Knoll valley.

The last picture shows the church at Hope Bagot. What a wonderful name! Imagine being able to say ' Oh yes, I live in Hope Bagot'. what fun.

The little church is very plain, with roses growing by the porch and a lovely Norman arch inside. The churchyard really did have the Magic, an enormous ancient Yew Tree (reckoned to be about 1500 - 2000 years old) which has been a sacred site since long before the church was built and lower down, underneath the roots, a Holy well. Not a sound to be heard except the tumbling water and Rowan hunting in the grass, well nothings perfect!

I'm sorry that this is so disjointed, I hope it makes sense.

Walks around Ludlow.

2008-09-01T20:29:00.017+01:00

We had a super few days in Shropshire, this place has definitely got the Magic.

We stayed in our caravan, in an old orchard overlooking Ludlow.The sun shone (well some of the time) and we had starry nights and misty mornings.

At the top of the orchard is a green lane which leads one way into the town and the other way up, into the forest.

Would you like to stroll into town with me? It's not far and De Greys cake shop is beckoning.

Through the first field and then over the stile, downhill all the way.

Rowan thinks she's clever, running on ahead and playing hide and seek.

Ludlow is an old town, built around its' castle and well loved for it's black and white buildings. Here are just a few.

We need to take a slight detour down this street, to the cake shop. I was going to post a picture of Mike staring in the window, trying to choose which one to have, but he walked away. So here's the shop anyway!

Sorry, can't eat the cakes yet, we're going into the church first.
The medieval church is huge and in the choir are some 15th. century miserichords. I chose these two to show you, one because it's is a bit like a dragon, I think it's called a Wyvern and the other because I love mermaids.

The poet A.E. Housman (1839 - 1936) loved Ludlow and his ashes are buried here.

" Oh, come you home on Sunday

When Ludlow's streets are still

And Ludlow's bells are calling

To farm and lane and mill.

Or come you home on Monday

When Ludlow market hums

And Ludlow chimes are playing

'The Conquering Hero Comes'.

(From A Shropshire Lad by A.E. Housman)

During my visit, there was an international choir practicing for a concert that evening, ooh, the magical singing. It was so beautiful, it made me shiver.

After all that 'Soul Food', we'll head down to the river Teme, sit on the bench and eat our cakes.

You can see the castle through the trees. This is where Prince Arthur and Catherine of Aragon lived as newly weds. Sadly, just a few months later Prince Arthur was dead of a fever and his brother succeeded to the throne and became king Henry the eighth.

It's very peaceful here but I suppose we better move, uphill all the way I'm afraid. Back at the caravan there's some wine in the fridge and some steak for the barbecue.

We'll sit outside and watch the lights come on in the town below. Tired? I am.

Next day, Rowan got us up early for her morning walk, I'm sure she knew it would be special.It

was a really misty, autumn morning.

The mist lifted as we walked up into the forest and Rowan went for a swim in this sunlit pond.

There were lovely peeps around every corner.

Before long, the sky clouded over and it was time to get home . Then suddenly, this happened!

A lovely walk and it's still only 8.30, time for breakfast! Bacon sandwiches I think.

We got home on Sunday afternoon , just time to unpack and get sorted for Monday.

Today I went to Marlborough in Wiltshire, to give a talk for the Embroiderers Guild.
They meet in a pretty village, just beyond Marlborough and what a lovely group of people they are. I really enjoyed my afternoon.
Tomorrow, I'm going to see an exhibition at Compton Verney, it's called 'The Fabric of Myth'. There are some well known people exhibiting their work, I've been so looking forward to this!
I'll let you know how I get on.

The Queen of hearts and another Dragon

2008-08-28T22:02:00.006+01:00

Thought you might like these little guys.
I've just realised that I am getting a bit obsessed about dragons, can't help it, sorry!

These two pictures were taken in the spring when we went to Wirksworth in Derbyshire, to see the Well Dressing.

Inside the church I found the Queen of Hearts ( plus her grumpy old man) and a Dragon. . .

We're going away for the weekend, off to the woods again, near Ludlow in Shropshire this time.

Just before I go , here are the lovely blogs that I want to pass my awards onto.

(Sorry it took so long , few technical problems here).

Some of these are blogs I have recently found , some I've known a while, all are very deserving of their awards, do visit!

The awards are on my previous post.

Beauty that moves.

Emily at Ravenhill.

Simplesparrow

Tumbleweed at Prophet of Bloom

Arija at Garden Delights

I told you there are dragons everywhere.

2008-08-23T21:12:00.004+01:00

The other day I said that I seem to find dragons everywhere. I completely forgot about this one I found in the Forest of Dean. It was worked by a chainsaw artist.

The mermaid on the back of a fish is also in the forest. I tried to make her 'clickable' so that you can see the lichen on her back.

Well, I'm feeling really chuffed today, which might not have been the case as I had to work all day and the sun actually shone all day, just like it really was summer. Anyway, the reasons for my chuffedness (new word I think) are below.

I am overwhelmed to have received two awards! The first is the I Love Your Blog award which the lovely Sharon , who is a very talented lady with whom I share many interests. Thank you Sharon, I'm honoured.

This award was given to me by Chris at http://shadygrovestudios.blogspot.com/ . This is quite a new blog to me but it's already one of my favourites, do have a look , and thanks Chris , I really appreciate the award.

Same rules for both -1. Put the logo on your blog. 2.Link to the person who gave you the award. 3.Nominate at least 7 other blogs. 4.Put links to those on your blog. 5. Leave a message on those blogs.

I would like to give the award to some of the new blogs I've found, well, new to me anyway.I'll have to really think about this and it's very late , so next time.

This and That

2008-08-21T23:18:00.007+01:00

I had a feeling that I'd been flitting around with my work this summer. Trying a bit of this and a bit of that. Unable to settle and really get down to it.

Do you know what I mean?

When I had a good look at my work I realised that I hadn't actually completed anything recently; but here's a look at my unfinished efforts. I thought if I posted them here, I might feel obliged to get on and finish them !

So here goes.

These pictures are the cover and some of the 'inside bits' of a book, inspired by a weekend in the forest.

Above is a close up of the cover, below a small piece of embroidery in its pocket.

I made a little book with sketches and other images of woodland flowers. It will live in a pouch within the book.
Here's the front cover of my book on Cotswold churches, I've done some hand and machine stitching on it. The pages are all planned out in my workbook.

This is Roger Lort, he's waiting patiently to be stitched to a page.

Finally, this is a project I've been planning since last summer. We went to Scotland on holiday , where I met a fascinating lady who took me off on a hike, to show me the Pictish rock carvings that she had found on her land. I'm definitely not going to do any more to this until I've finished the rest, honestly.

Happy days.

2008-08-20T21:49:00.011+01:00

My visitors have gone, the house is a bit empty and I'm feeling a little sad but, we have had such a wonderful time!

We sat up late every night talking and laughing until we cried and we also cried until we laughed.

Mike got delayed in Ireland so he missed some of the fun, but here are the rest of us at my friend Wendy's house.

That's me on the left (pink trousers!?), Wendy, Fanny with Pierre and their son, the lovely Yassine standing behind the sofa.

These two ladies sitting with me are two of the dearest and best friends a girl could have. Blessings indeed.

We sat outside in Wendy's pretty little courtyard garden and drank a little wine, quite a lot actually.

Our daughter Rachael and her partner, invited us all to their home for a party on Saturday evening .
We had fun shopping for the food together and Fanny absolutely insisted on making some lovely tarts for desert. Am I lucky or what!

In the afternoon we did a tour of the Cotswolds, taking in the wonderful knitting and needlecraft emporium at Shipston on Stour and a junk yard in which I found a 1955 copy of Woman's Weekly ( I won't tell you what Mike said) .

We also found this dragon, there's always one lurking somewhere or other!

Here we are at Rachael's, that's her at the front and our son Nick in the red tee shirt.

Of course , no sooner than we got there it started to rain ,hey ho. So we decamped into the house while Jerry stood under the gazebo and cooked. Bless.

Fanny and Pierre are both talented musicians, she has a truly beautiful voice and loves to sing to classical German music, and Pierre is a professional , playing and teaching the Double Bass.

Our evening passed so quickly, singing traditional songs in the round, dancing and speaking Franglais , which became more muddled as the wine bottles emptied!

Yes, we're boozing again, mine's the coke. Sunday lunch in a favourite pub and then a long hike up Bredon Hill.

Yassine looks a bit worn out , he and Rowan have had the best time together.

We found a cave for a troll in an old, fallen tree and a 12th. century carving of a hare, in a little church we passed on the way down the hill.

What lovely memories we made together and now I really must settle down to some work . . .

It's raining, again.

2008-08-13T13:00:00.003+01:00

It's raining again and I thought these pictures of roses from my garden might brighten things up.

This lovely pink rose is called Morning Jewel, it's a climbing rose and it has been producing these 'jewels' in abundance for about 25 years.

Even though it's wet and grey outside,I feel all excited today, a very dear friend of mine and her family are coming to stay for a few days. They are French, we met on holiday, years ago when our children were small and have spent so many happy times together ,holidays and visits.

We haven't seen each other for some years and my friend has been ill recently, she's getting better now and I am so thrilled that they are coming. One more day and they'll be here! I feel just like a little girl!

Kelmscott and William Morris

2008-08-10T22:09:00.004+01:00

''Kelmscott. In the reedy meadows of the upper Thames lies a straggling village forever connected with the name of William Morris, whose lovely house is it's true heart. It is an Elizabethan manor house of tender grey stone, sheltering behind high walls, so that only the peaked gables, topped by stone balls can be seen from the lane. The gardens seem haunted by the spirit of the poet.''

I'm quoting here from my 1942 copy of Arthur Mees' 'Kings England, Oxfordshire' and I do apologise for the picture above, bit of a tussle with the scanner. . .

This area has lots of connections with the Arts and Crafts Movement and Kelmscott in particular is a journey back to those days.

Just about 50 yards down the lane from William Morris' house, is the river Thames and I believe an early morning walk in August is the best time to explore, especially when it's a misty morning.

The fields along the river banks are still and quiet.

Peace. Just me, the birds singing, the water lapping and any minute now , when she's finished chasing rabbits, Rowan.

A day with friends and a bit of church crawling.

2008-08-07T21:42:00.004+01:00

I confess, I've been loitering in churchyards again, seems I can't get out of the habit. . .

But first I met a group of friends and we had a long, long lunch. We haven't been able to meet much this year, for one reason or another, so it was really good to see the girls again.

We chatted and sympathized and planned an exhibition for next summer. We shared our new work with each other and discussed ideas, these days are so inspiring.

On the way home I thought, hmm, Beckford church is just over there. . and I'm glad I did because I had forgotten how weird and wonderful it is. It has a history going back a thousand years and it also has this charming creature (below). He's carved into the chancel arch about half way up and I love him.

There are funny little carved faces peeping out of nooks and crannies all over the place. Lots of pattern and strange leaning arches.
I did a quick sketch of my little centaur creature and a print, which I'll have to do again because I forgot his spear.

The fair maiden below marks an anonymous grave, the wind and rain have done their work on the writing.

A few days in the Forest of Dean.

2008-08-04T12:57:00.003+01:00

We went walking in the sun-warmed forest, where recent rain had touched the leaves with watery jewels.
Drifting through the trees were pots of golden sunlight, stirred by misty fingers holding spot -lights for the dancing butterflies.
Here and there, woody stumps were wearing their caps of mossy stars and holding deep within, the memory of yesterday’s giants.
The scented earth cushioned our steps and taught us not to trespass on the silence. . . .

Copyright Annette Emms August 4th. 2008

A bevy of beauties.

2008-07-28T22:47:00.007+01:00

I've been having such fun lately, corresponding with Gwen, about fog and asparagus. Have a look at her blog and you'll see what I mean.

Anyway, you see, there is a connection between that and this post because I sent Gwen a picture of Mike's Grandfather's asparagus knife and it got me thinking about dear old granddad.

He was such an interesting man, Ernest Parriss, born in 1896 and he died in 1979.. He was an educated, country gentleman and he lived through an age of war and great changes.

Ernest fought in the first war, on the Somme in France and then in Northern Italy. Whilst he travelled he kept a diary and collected postcards, photographs ,maps and all sorts of things.

This collection is in my care, and when I am feeling in the right frame of mind ( please bear in mind that this is pretty heart rending stuff) I take a peep, back in time.

There are folded maps of where the front line fighting was, details of the weather, food enjoyed and friends lost.

There are also piles of pictures of lovely ladies! I thought you might like to see some of them.

Who were these ladies, and I wonder, what were their lives like?

My particular favourite is the beauty, above left with the laced bodice and stripes of ribbon on her skirt.

Can you see the pin-hole in the top of the picture? I like to imagine that Ernest pinned this picture to the wall, beside his bunk.

From the costume I think she may be Austrian, I want to imagine her a name, can anyone help me?

I have used this image several times in my artwork and I feel it would be good to introduce her properly and then I'm sure I will find a story for her.

****************************************************

Those little asterisks are to celebrate my receiving this award today!

It's called the Wylde Woman Award, which I thought was a real hoot as I have been called something similar on more than one occasion.

I'd like to say thank you to Carol who gave me the award, bless you.

The award is given to women who brighten your day!
The rules are - It can be passed on to as many people as you wish.
- Link to http://www.tammyvitale.com/ the Wylde woman who started this!
So here goes, the lady who always makes me laugh, a truly Wylde Woman is Paula at The Beauty of Life.

A pot of tea and King Arthur.(A Walk around Glastonbury part 2)

2008-07-25T21:15:00.014+01:00

Sorry about the delay, I was enjoying my tea so much. . . We'll get going again now, on down the hill into the town of Glastonbury.
I had to smile at this door knocker on a little cottage at the bottom of Wick Hollow.

As we walk down the main street, the church is on the right, it's well worth a visit but I think it's going to rain so we'd better press on.

There are lots of unusual shops here, one called 'The Goddess and the Green Man', another where the modern day witch can find all that she needs. It's such a vibrant place with lots of colourful characters milling around and the book shops are unlike any you ever saw!

Glastonbury has to be one of the most dog friendly places I've ever been.(Which is good, because I think we've got at least five dogs with us now!) Most of the shops, cafes and the Abbey welcome them.

The Abbey is set in lovely grounds, right in the centre of town. There's a small museum where we can see a model of what the Abbey looked like .There has been a church on this site since the 7th. century.

We can wander leisurely through and around the ruins .

This is part of the Holy Thorn tree, which legend says was brought here by Joseph of Arimathea, when he visited Glastonbury with the boy Jesus.

We'll have a look at the statue of Sigeric, a monk at the Abbey in the 10th. century.

The shapes and patterns are intriguing.

I love the way nature reclaims old buildings.

On my bookshelf, I have an old, old book called 'The Romance of our Ancient Churches', published in 1898. There's a passage in it about how these buildings age .

'Externally, dove-coloured tones were given to the masonry by the winds and rains, velvety mosses and discs of lichens, orange coloured, sea gray and pale green appeared upon it and spread themselves; edges and angles softened and rounded; thresholds became worn with footsteps and tiny wildings sowed themselves in interstices out of reach. .'

I love those words and doesn't 'wildings' sound so much more charming than 'weeds'?

Here in the centre of the buildings we find a sign telling of King Arthur and his Queen.

I am fascinated by the Arthurian legends, the mixture of romance, chivalry, intrigue; and history weaving its way through them all. Deep sighs. . .

Time, I think for a pot of tea. Please join me, Mike and Mistress Alice; scones anyone?

Mistress Alice is a living history presenter, a thespian and a lady of great humour. She had us in hysterics as she told us about the strange 'goings on' she encountered whilst going about her business; all told in the lovely Somerset accent and with the sweetest smile on her dear face.

It's been quite a long day, so we'll stroll down to the other end of the Abbey grounds, to have a last peep at the tor.
It's definately going to rain, so the tor and the Chalice Well will have to wait for another day.
Hope you enjoyed the walk.
Sleep tight.

A walk around Glastonbury.

2008-07-24T17:32:00.008+01:00

I wonder, would you like to come with me on a walk around Glastonbury? It's not too far and all you need is a comfortable pair of shoes, I've got a flask of tea and some apples to share. . .

To tempt you, here is a glimpse of Glastonbury Tor.

To set the scene, I must tell you that this is a special place. The landscape itself is full of mystery, the tor is believed by many to be sacred, the entrance to the 'otherworld'. It is certainly a powerful place, with a quite unique atmosphere.

This is the legendary Isle of Avalon, last resting place of King Arthur and his Queen, Guinevere.

It is also 'A Christian sanctuary, so ancient that only legend can record it's origin'.(In the words of the Pitkin guide)

Well, we'd better make a start. The countryside is wearing it's very best clothes at the moment, must be all the rain we've had. Hope you don't mind , but Rowan's coming too.

I think it would be nice to start our walk at Wick, a hamlet ,just over the hill from the town.

Here we find Gog and Magog, known locally as 'The Old Oaks'. They are centuries old and wrapped in myths and tradition.

In the legend, these are the last remaining trees of the great avenue which lined the ceremonial path the priestesses of Avalon would take up , over the hill, to the tor

I've been visiting here for years and now I'm sad to see that Gog (above) is quite dead. Magog is still surviving, but only just.

We have to climb the fence here, to get a closer look and talk to the trees. There are always bits of pretty ribbon and thread tied about the branches and treasures, such as shiny stones or shells hidden in the crevices of the trunks.

We might be lucky and get serenaded by someone with a flute or drums.

I met a young man here,a few years ago who told me of his life as a charcoal burner and whittler of dreams. He pointed down the lane to his home, a funny little van, with a chimney coming out of the roof. Apparently, he travelled the countryside finding work when he could, and whittling wood into things from his dreams when life was quiet.I wonder what became of him?

With our backs to the old trees, we head off, up the hill. This path is called Paradise Lane.So I can truly say I walked in Paradise.

Rowan loves it and the views are wonderful

That's the Cheddar Gorge you can see in the far distance.

Now we get another peep at the tor, then it's downhill through a sunken lane called Wick Hollow, where the tree roots are a bit spooky.

Shall we stop now and have a cup of tea before we go into the town to see the Abbey and King Arthur's grave? Let's rest and think a while. . . .

Fogs and Logs.

2008-07-23T21:09:00.009+01:00

I was reading Gwen's lovely blog, 'Desideratum', where she has been talking about fog, the kind that drifts in off the sea.

It made me think of some strange fog we had here a few years ago.

I took the pictures below in November, standing on the top of Cleeve Hill near Cheltenham. If you have ever seen Cheltenham Races on the t.v., these hills are the ones you see behind the racecourse.

In the distance you can see the line of the Malvern Hills.

The thickest fog settled all over the lower ground for two days, while up on the hill the sun shone beautifully, turning the fog into an ocean of waves and ripples.

It was the most surreal experience, even though my brain knew it was fog, my eyes saw the ocean.
I managed to catch the sun, about to set and if you look carefully at the picture, just above the foreground, that spec in the fog to the left, is the top of a high rise office block.

And now for something completely different. . . . a log pile, discovered by Rowan.

2008-07-16T11:38:00.011+01:00

Yesterday, Sue and I had a 'jolly' in Chipping Campden, a very pretty Cotswold town, a few miles from my home. We mooched about, peering in windows and trying to resist buying things.

There was a small antique fair in the town hall , where we saw these lovely little cups.

I bet you can't guess what the strange things in the next picture are?

Just what every girl needs, some silver contraptions for holding quail's legs so that you don't get your fingers dirty while you eat the poor little beasties.

This is the Market Hall, where wool was traded.

The Campden Gallery. Next, we went to the Fleece Inn at Bretforton, for our lunch. This place has been a pub since the 17th. century. I looked for the healthy choice on the menu, but well, it was very dark in there. For pudding I meant to order fresh fruit salad but the words that came out of my mouth were 'plum and grenadine crumble with ice cream please'. Never mind, I ate it anyway.

Here's Sue trying to ignore her embarrassing friend,who's hopping around with a camera.

That's it for now, Mike and I are going to Glastonbury for a few days, so , back in a while.

2008-07-14T12:21:00.004+01:00

Lilies in the walled garden at Colby, Pembrokeshire.

My real reason for this post is I confess, nothing to do with Lilies, beautiful though they are.

I feel really thick, yesterday evening I worked on a post about using my embellishing machine.

I published it, then couldn't find it, just when I thought I was getting the hang of this technology.

Oh dear, found it! Because I had used some pictures saved as a draft on 9th July, that's where it was.. . Oops!

I'll soon have you all as confused as I am.