Sensational Glyndebourne

When you've been on the planet some 50 years + it's not often you can say you've seen something so extraordinary, it was breathtaking.

But Mr. S & P and I went on our first 'proper' Glyndebourne outing last week and had a completely new and wonderful experience.

From the moment we arrived

and enjoyed a cold glass of fizz. Till we left late into the night it felt completely magical and other worldly.

Most brought a picnic as we did, and set up early in the beautiful Glyndebourne grounds, before the performance started.

There was a long interval between the two short Ravel operas that we saw, and we ate our supper with the lovely South Downs sheep right next to us, bleating away.

But what of the music, costumes and sets? Well I sort of feel I was so dazzled by the spectacle of it all, I really didn't give the live music the attention it deserved. It was so sensational I feel I could watch it again and again, and still not only be thrilled by it each time but also experience more each time.

Take a squiz at this and you will understand.

Needless to say my outfit was either vintage, shoes and wrap, or simply secondhand, long black beaded dress, (local chazza shop saves the day again).

The Mr. hired an evening suit, but I shall be keeping my peepers open for a vintage version of his very own.

The tickets are REALLY expensive, but actually are truly worth every penny. And in a funny sort of way I'm glad that we can't go very often , because I want it to stay as a very special treat for us, something to be enjoyed occasionally.

Dear Dear Agatha

Like my Ma before me, I love love love Agatha. I constantly revisit her. Not so much her books, although I collect the ones with the original dust jacket designs.

The black and white films with Margaret Rutherford as Miss Marple are my all time favourite Christie treat.

Like the Hope and Crosby 'On the Road' films, I could, and do watch them again and again.

Last year Mr. S&P and I visited Agatha's home 'Greenway' on the river dart in Devon. For the full effect you can travel up to it in a vintage 1947 country bus called Barnaby.

We walked up, but very excitingly we had our lunch in her very own kitchen, ah me happy days.

The English Riviera hosts an annual Christie Festival, which is just coming up. I know I'm so topical aren't I?

We can't make it this year, but you could go.

Come Up and See Me Sometime

Thought for the day, "If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning".

Catherine Aird, quoted in the Savannah Morning.

Burn Calories the French Way

This is really an advert for bottled water, but it's good fun, and there can never be too much fun n'est pas?

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=yEH4Yum4nN4

Save Money on Essentials

We all love our regular beauty products, items that we need to keep ourselves looking tip top.

I don't know about you but I always have to check in both Boots and Superdrug to make sure I'm not missing out on a deal. Well this week the deal came to me. 

Because I have a Superdrug 'Beauty' card (really a loyalty card), they send me news via email and this weekend there are big discounts and free shipping on the Superdrug web site.   

Nip over and pick up your holiday bits and bobs, and say I sent you.

Mayoral Puss

The mayor of an Alaskan town is celebrating 15 years in office with record approval ratings. 

Tourists come from miles around to rub his tummy.

Stubbs the cat or Mayor Stubbs as he likes to be addressed, was put forward as a mayoral candidate as a joke, but won the title over two human candidates.

"He doesn't raise our taxes, he doesn't interfere with business and he's honest".

(story found via This Week magazine).

A Positive Thought for Today

 

But diamonds are a girl's best friend.

Tile designed by Rob Ryan (natch)

Yarn Heaven

Sometimes you see things you want sooo much it gives you a little purchase pain in the tummy.

images and links to makers via

Beauty in the World

I wanted to share this little film made by Kim Smith who is an extraordinary 'gardening and more' blogger who lives in the most gorgeous part of the States on the Atlantic coast, Gloucester, Massachusetts.

It's a tremendously uplifting film, and the Macy Gray soundtrack is divine. Watch it all the way through, for the little girl with the caterpillar at the end.

Click on the link below, sit back and enjoy.

  Beauty in the world  

Age Cannot Wither Her Nor Custom Stale Her Infinite Variety.

"men don't see me, they just lay their eyes on me"

"a wise girl kisses but doesn't love, listens but doesn't believe, and leaves before she is left".

all images Andre De Dienes

Mister Rob, Luv er ly tell yer Muv ver.

Brilliant British artist, beautiful British products.

Do you remember

When you had a teddy bear or a doll

That you loved so much

You loved to hold it so tight in your arms

and tell it every secret thing that you thought.

Well when you grow up and fall in love

with a real person it's only half as good as that.

Is This The Face Of A Killer?

Pendragon was especially pleased with herself, I knew this because she emitted the strangest deepest noise I have ever heard her make. A noise that  meant trouble and not just for me.

The poor mouse was dangling in her jaws between what could only be described as a cat smile. 

Fortunately for said creature, Pendragon who has a brain the size of a walnut, having captured it didn't really know what to do with it and luckily just dropped it in our hallway.

My chance to come to the rescue with my trusty dustpan and brush, still a girl's best friend you know. 

With one quick movement little mousy was swept away from death and back into the garden, with only a little patch of Pendragon drool to show for her troubles.

Needless to say Pendragon purred ALL evening.