My 18th Century Passion

 I wasn't sure about Bridgerton at first, but I really enjoyed the costumes. Season 2 is open us my friends.

Shiny Sunny Days

 Well my buttercups, it is a shiny sunny day today and I'm just back from meeting my friend Pip for breakfast. We had a glorious stroll around the local Victorian park and paid a visit to a few of the chazza shops too. On entering our local Red Cross shop I said to Pip, I don't need any clothes, which translated means don't let me buy anything. But they had so many lovely things today, you know how that sometimes happens, well you guessed it, I couldn't help myself. I seem to have a thing about coral at the moment. This groovy little number will be perfect for our Scilly Isles trip in July.

I rushed home and hand washed it, and it is a non iron dress, so spot on for the hols. The sleeves look a little odd in the pic but it is a 'cold shoulder' dress that's why. Buying this has made me feel our trip is a little bit nearer.

In other news I'm starting up a craft and chatter group in my local town of Matlock. A new 'BOD' cafe bar has opened and it is the perfect venue. Every Thursday between 10am-12pm starting next week. I'm very excited about it as it is a precursor to an idea I have of creating a local arts community. I'll keep you posted folks. Have a good weekend all.

Brighter Days Ahead

 

A beautiful image to celebrate the Spring awakening, from Wendy Andrews at painting dreams.

And of course some kitties on sofas, just to make you smile.

A Little Bit of Joy on Saturday

 I saw this you tube video on Facebook a few days ago and I wanted to share it with my blogging chums, because I feel it is quite amazing. Shirley Bassey is 85 and an example to us all, her joie de vivre is so uplifting to see. The Bassey voice remains undiminished and in my opinion is still extraordinary, I felt shivers all up my back watching her sing her powerful notes. 

Gainsborough's Blue Boy

The Mr and I made a special trip to London last weekend to see a rather spectacular English painting, the word iconic is appropriate. I'm having a bit of a love affair will all things 18th century so couldn't miss seeing it.

It left our shores exactly 100 years ago, and went to it's new home in California. In 1922 it was exhibited for three weeks before it left and over 90k folk came to say goodbye. The then Director of The National Gallery apparently wrote au revoir on the back of the canvas, I found that quite touching.

It is only here until May, when it returns to America. Do go and see it if you can, it may be your only chance. It goes without saying there are vast numbers of additional jaw dropping works to see in the collection, including many new acquisitions, not least 'The Red Boy' by Lawrence, exquisite and moving.

We had a free overnight stay in a nice hotel. They even found us a blue room, to match the occasion.

And we arranged to meet some friends who I hadn't seen since before the first lockdown, at Brasserie Max for some top nosh and far too much fizz, what a great night it was.

When Jim Broadbent Met The Duke of Wellington

 I haven't seen the new film The Duke yet, but I did find this delightful short film from The National Gallery, showing Jim Broadbent viewing the original painting his character stole in real life. Apparently it's the only time a painting has been stolen from the NG.

Interesting to see before you go to see the film or after methinks.

Glorious

 Ha ha, a little cheeky hat to go with a mad crochet housecoat anyone?

Crocheted Kimonos Whatever Next?

 Yes my darlings, you could be forgiven for thinking I had been abducted by aliens and subsequently, once they realised their terrible mistake, dumped swiftly back on Earth. It's been a while. I'm not sure why, as I have been muchly busy and certainly could have posted more. Anyhoo, I have been keeping up to date with you all, on receive but not transmit, as it were. 

The Mr and I have been out and about quite a bit and I have been crocheting and knitting a few things.

Firstly I finished my mad housecoat. I dreamt the design up as I felt I needed a yarny kimono style warm coat to wear about the house. You know, when the heating hasn't quite reached the desired temperature and the rooms are a little chilly. A bit like a wearable cosy blanket.

Kimono style, I think because in my student days I used to swan around in an antique silk kimono, drinking ice cold blonde sherry, like you do. As I'm less decorative myself nowadays a crocheted version serves wonderfully. My son thinks it has a Persian air to it and has asked me to make him one. I have just finished making him a Balaclava from a 1941 pattern, for his long daily city walks. I hope he never decides to wear the two together.

Although, Tom Daley has just released some images of his new knitwear collection, and to my eyes the garments look madder than mine. So who knows, perhaps I'm bang on trend. Or perchance avant- garde.

I'll be back soon, promise, with some more tidbids. I leave you with a picture of my nails, spruced up this very afternoon.