An elegant sufficiency

No longer here

2008-09-09T08:07:00.002+01:00

An Elegant Sufficiency will no longer be updated at this place

Please adjust your bookmark and feed settings and come visit my new home at

www.elegantsufficiency.org

See you there!

Landed safely

2008-09-07T15:32:00.000+01:00

Cabin crew, doors to manual and cross check.

It's beeen a bit of a bumpy landing but we're there. Please keep your seatbelts fastened until you're well inside the new terminal building...

No passports or visas needed. You'll feel quite at home the minute you arrive, I hope. Do come and visit An Elegant Sufficiency at its new address. Oh, and leave a comment and let me know what you think, won't you please?

For the time being, An Elegant Sufficiency 365 will stay here on Blogger. It's comfy there!

A New Adventure

2008-09-06T11:35:00.003+01:00

With a pretty full diary in the coming weeks and things at home to sort out, what have I decided to do? Move my blog! Well, it's a rainy Saturday and the washing machine doesn't need me to interfere too much, I hope.

Anyway, in the last few weeks, as I've posted photographs and stories of our travels, I've become aware of the slight flakiness of Blogger. Don't get me wrong - I still think it's a great tool for simple blogging and will continue to use it. But as I've got three years worth of valuable (to me) blog sitting there with no easy way of backup, I thought I'd explore an alternative and signed up with Squarespace for a free trial.

Very impressed so far. Lots to tweak, much to learn. But quite straightforward, the "create" interface is remarkably familiar and the ease of use comes as a relief. I've managed to import the whole of my blogger blog across in seconds and I think I'm committed enough to sign up for a paid account pretty soon.

It's a powerful beast though and I can see it being a great new toy to fiddle with.

I'm going to play around with it for a little while abd do a bit of "double posting" before switching over completely, so don't worry, I won't leave you behind when I move on! I'll signpost you to the new place before long and invite you to tell me what you think.

But also...

2008-09-01T10:09:00.012+01:00

...just in case you think I've got the life of Riley here, other commitments in the coming weeks include

a number of meetings,, most of which will have a distinct focus, likely to be...

...the imminent OFSTED inspection

planning, prepping and facilitating several training sessions

three other workshops to plan, prep and deliver

a serious, professional training programme to complete

finish some samples for display

three speaking engagements

a report to write

two competitions to judge

and all the fun of the fair here at home, where I'm trying to have a bit of a sort out.

Life is never dull - and that's just the way I love it!

Tickets

2008-08-31T18:26:00.014+01:00

Just looking at the tickets we've got stashed away for the Autumn, I find quite a few things to look forward to.

Two awards dinners, one in London, one in Birmingham

one Stuart Singers concert tour to Hertfordshire

an evening with Ben Fogle in Cheltenham

(not just me, but with 900 other WI members!)

a few evenings in Symphony Hall, Birmingham

a craft exhibition or two (maybe three) one of which includes...

...a trip to Paris

two transatlantic flights and return

an evening at the Boston Symphony

an evening with the Jupiter Quartet in New York

and one Red Cross Ball.

(OK, that was the best google could find to illustrate that one! No golf will be involved)

Treasures from the trip

2008-08-31T09:27:00.010+01:00

There's not a great deal of fun to be had opening up a suitcase on return from a trip, especially one which has been delayed in transit. All that washing and stuff that was carelessly pushed in at last minute is hardly something to look forward to seeing, the more so when it's covered in the contents of a bag of purple sticky rice which has burst in transit...

A good job then, that some beautiful treasures were purchased and stashed away at the bottom.

Some things don't travel well and we are not generally souvenir hunters, preferring the practical, the edible and the photographic kind of product to bring home. Items found on markets are often cheap, imported goods from China and I am wary of buying things without sufficient knowledge to discern the genuine from the fake.

Whilst shopping in the night bazaar in Luang Prabang however, I had the benefit of a conversation with Mr Morn in the weaving workshop, had learned a little about the Hmong textile tradition from observation of the Hmong lady working on her batik and read up more in "Legends in the Weaving", a book I bought whilst there. So when I spotted these bags, I recognised the fabrics immediately and knew they had been made from Blue Hmong clothing. What treasure! (My foot is in the picture above so you can get an idea of size and scale)

After all, a girl can't have too many bags, can she? (Dont answer that, Mark) The combination of indigo and scarlet is a classic, isn't it? The geometric batik patterns are intricate and seem to be individual to the piece - I don't know if each woman had her own, personal design or if a family or tribe used the pattern to identify themselves. All I know is that hours and hours of work must have gone into the creation of these wonderful fabrics and that I, for one, am a very appreciative owner.

The scarlet cotton applique has been applied by hand with absolute geometric precision. Mitred corners are beautifully neat and there is little or no bulk. Traditionally the base fabric would have been hemp (as the Hmong woman in the workshop was using) but I am not sure that the fabric of my bags is coarse enough to be hemp. I don't know.

In places, the lengths of fabric have been joined, creating interesting intersections between the patterns.

And those batiked patterns underneath the applique continue to delight and amaze me with their precision.

The hours of work spent on the batik and applique do not complete the process, however, for there is the cross stich section too. This is worked in a variety of fibres in the samples I have - some stranded cotton and some thin woolly thread, worked on an evenweave cloth with slightly less precision as the applique! Fuchsia pink, lemon yellow/lime green and white seem common to all, with hints of emerald green, teal blue or primary blue here and there. I understand the Hmong women work the cross stitch from the back of the cloth and having watched a couple stitching, have no idea how they can produce such elaborate embroidery with such apparent ease. I guess it's practice!

They work four or five arms lengths of fabric for a skirt and may only make one or two in a year. The beauty of their skirt reveals their personality - if they are not full of beautiful batik and embroidery, the woman may be thought of as lazy!

And on each of my bags (ooops, yes, I did buy - ahem - more than one) there is a large red rectangle in the cross stitch panel. On one of them, there's a couple more appliqued squares too, though I didn't see that elsewhere.

To put all of this into context, here's a photo I scanned from the Legends in the Weaving book, showing a Blue Hmong woman making the pleats in her fabric to create a skirt. Sadly, these skills are disappearing and we spoke of this with Ming, our guide. Young people want to wear the same blue jeans and T shirts as their counterparts worldwide - why not? For those who do want to keep links with their heritage, cotton cloth is purchased and synthetic dyes used rather than the traditional plant materials.

Workshops such as Ock Pop Tok are doing a great job in educating visitors about the skills and traditions of the Lao people. I felt privileged indeed to learn from them and feel ambivalent about my bags: sad to think a woman has cut up her beautiful skirt to create a product to sell on a market stall but happy to own such a treasure and to share a few details about its background.

Some wonderful photographs and more information about these people and their fascinating textile traditions can be found here.

Everything you wanted to know about the Hmong people (and possibly a little more) can be read here

A few more good things from the trip

2008-08-26T21:31:00.007+01:00

Uploading photographs from our trip, I came across a few which didn't quite fit in earlier posts but which I think are interesting in some way, for example, these shampoo and shower gel bottles in an hotel.

What about the "odd" tile in the Cao Dai temple? To illustrate that only God is perfect, perhaps.

Is buying rice a simple purchase? A market stall in Saigon, Vietnam.

I loved the way the yellow building brought this Saigon view to life.

On the Mekong, in Laos, the flowering teak trees of the forest are doing fine above the high water mark from last weekend's flood.

A store selling handmade paper and books in Luang Prabang, Laos.

The outside of the same store

Rice cakes drying in the sun, Luang Prabang, Laos

Silk scarves, Luang Prabang Night market, Laos.

Bead store in the Night Bazaar, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Woven wall hangings for sale in hotel shop, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Three characters from the garden, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

In case of boredom, a basket of wooden puzzles from the bar, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

A circuitous route home

2008-08-26T20:13:00.003+01:00

Little did we know, when setting off from Chiang Mai last night, that our route home would be via Osaka! But the BA plane which had developed an oil leak couldn't be repaired and so we gratefully accepted the alternative offered and flew JAL to Heathrow via Kansai. We arrived home at around 4.30pm this afternoon and our luggage landed at 6.30pm, having come separately on board a Thai flight today. Omar, the most efficient JAL baggage manager has worked wonders and has already identified our bags, collected them from the carousel and taken them to the baggage delivery people who will bring our suitcases here tomorrow and deliver Edward's to him in Finsbury Park too.

Sometimes, the easiest thing is to sit back, relax and let everyone get on with doing what they do best. Last night, of course, we had no choice but to do exactly that and I'm pleased to say it all turned out fine in the end.

It's good to be home.

Embroidery colours

2008-08-25T04:25:00.006+01:00

I love the richness of the colour here. The rooms are rather dark during the daytime, shady and cool and the colours appear subdued and understated. But add a little light - sunshine or electric - and they pop out, bright pinks, greens and yellows all used together with, it seems, little or no "design". I would never have used these combinations and would most probably only stick to a very considered palette of carefully chosen colours.

The two parasols at either end of the enormous sofa are another riot of colour. They don't match but it doesn't seem to matter and that bit of gold "bling" makes all the difference.

I think it's really effective, proving that whole-hearted works better than half. What do you think?

Hotel Art - Chiang Mai

2008-08-24T17:42:00.005+01:00

Just a small selection of some of the fantastic art which is to be found in all corners, inside and outside

in our loo

in an alcove outside Edward's room

in Edward's loo

in the dining area

detail of one of two huge wallhangings in the dining area

above our bath

figure in a niche near the restaurant

above our bed

at the bottom of our garden

and finally, my favourite, on a plinth by the central reception area

A few interesting roof structures

2008-08-24T17:12:00.003+01:00

coconut leaves, Mekong delta area, Vietnam

clay tiles, Luang Prabang, Laos

clay tiles with stencilled wooden battens, Buddhist temple, Luang Prabang, Laos

Irregular clay tiles on plain wooden battens, Luang Prabang, Laos.

wooden shingle on canopy, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Oh yes, the weaving workshop

2008-08-24T07:19:00.007+01:00

In all the excitement of being here last night, I neglected to tell all about the weaving workshop. Suffice to say that it was hugely enjoyable and, as I feared, I could easily get hooked on weaving - fortunately we have no room for a loom!

My first task was to wind some bobbins of silk thread on the ever-so wonky swift. I needed five of black and two of pale green. Whilst I did this, I had an audience of my teacher Miss Lin, Mr Morn the interpreter and a charming "Blue Hmong" lady working in a corner of the workshop doing some indigo batik on a length of hemp fabric for a skirt.

They giggled as I negotiated various challenges, including snags in the thread, a loose traction belt on the swift and my sheer inexperience and unfamiliarity with the device. But they were very supportive and were as thrilled as I was by the end result!

The loom was already set up and my first challenge was to work 20cm of plain weave. First I watched Miss Lin go through the process slowly...two pedals, one shuttle, one heddle. Right pedal, throw shuttle, left pedal, beat, throw shuttle, right pedal, beat... Just when I thought I was getting the hang of it, Miss Lin would correct my hand position, remind me to beat a little harder...replace my hand into the middle of the heddle. And often, when I relaxed and lost concentration for a second, she'd giggle and put me right with the correct feet and shuttle position.

I was just getting the hang of it...lunchtime! I enjoyed a freshly cooked Lao-style lunch with Mr Morn and his colleague Mr Noy, both young students of English and glad of an opportunity to chat and relax a little. They explained each dish of food and how to eat it, tucking in themselves and joining me in enjoying a great meal. Clockwise from the front, a clear vegetable soup, a pork and bamboo shoot salad, fried tofu with chilli and leaves, a salad of spinach-type leaves and chillies, aubergine dip in the middle and green, purple and white jelly dessert with coconut. All accompanied by Lao sticky rice in the round cylindrical basket container and eaten with the fingers - except for the soup, of course.

Half an hour's break then, when Mr Morn and Mr Noy both had a nap and I took the opportunity to wander around the garden and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Then back to work. Time for the pattern. The loom had been set up with the "hook" pattern, a traditional Lao motif and a new challenge was thrown into the pot. Not only did I have to remember the pedal and shuttle throwing sequence, I now had to manage the strings which created the pattern rows - having been warned that setting up a pattern on a loom took time and skill...and if I lost one of the strings or got it out of place, then it would create difficulties.

First was four rows black, four green, four black, four green and so on. Then a little introduction to the string business. Three more stripes and then into the pattern fully.

New respect for these skilled women who not only create such wonderful textiles but do it so easily, so quickly and so creatively...for they introduced different colours along the row, working instinctively to create the most beautiful effects.

A short time later, a cheer from Mr Morn - half way! Now the pattern strings, which I had been moving from pegs at the top of the loom to pegs at the bottom were going to move back up again, creating the mirror image of the design.

At the same time, distraction came in the form of shouts - the young men from the village were about to practice for the boat race on Sunday and my young teacher was eager to have a look and give a shy wave. They waved back and their antics created great hilarity as we all stood and watched them power away on the fast current. The Hmong lady stood and shook her head with a smile, as if to say "young people today...."

When I'd added another 20cm or so of plain black weaving to my masterpiece, Miss Lin finished it off with a few rows of cotton, ready to cut the fringe. As I worked on this last piece, another more experienced weaver came over and gave a little advice about my edges which I admit were rather less than perfect!

Miss Lin finished the weave and set up the loom for the next piece before cutting it away and twisting the fringe. She did this in the same way as we've seen Maori women make their skirts from phormium leaves - by rolling it down her shin - and tied the knots so deftly, I couldn't quite work out how she did it!

I was delighted with my "masterpiece", wonky edges and all. What a great way to spend a day!

Not quite Butlins

2008-08-23T12:49:00.007+01:00

When it comes to hotels, we are not noted for slumming it. In fact, I'd go as far as to say, we enjoy a bit of the good life on holiday and we make no excuses for staying in some of the most gorgeous places in the world and consider ourselves very lucky indeed to be able to do that.

So, for our last two nights in Thailand we looked forward to returning to an old favourite - the Four Seasons resort in Chiang Mai. We reckon it's ten years since we were here, certainly Edward was more of a young lad than he is now!

As we arrived, we remembered exactly what it was about this place that makes it so special and looked forward to two days of peace, quiet and maybe a trip to the night bazaar to remind ourselves of the world outside. We'd booked two rooms, wonderful rooms with outside sala and our first glimpse of the pool was very tempting.

But wait...the receptionist asked, would we prefer a "residence", with two bedrooms and a large sitting room instead?

Show us and we'll decide.

Well...no brainer, as they say.

The description was somewhat understated, for not only have we two bedrooms and a large sitting room, the whole place is a dream.

We have a plunge pool to ourselves and three or four outside sitting areas.

In our bedroom there is a large octagonal relaxing area with drapes and a fan, where Edward felt immediately at home, claiming that this comfortable corner was bigger than his London flat...

From his room, there is access to a small raised area with outdoor, screened seating, perhaps for dining privately.

But if we wanted to invite guests, there is a huge dining table (seating ten or twelve) and several cabinets of antique china. There's plenty of comfy seating and a fireplace (even though it's 30C outside)...a huge cabinet with every audio visual bit of kit imaginable (yes, even an ipod dock) and the largest sofa we've ever seen with an umbrella at each end and twenty - yes, 20 - cushions with assorted local embroidery designs - photos of those tomorrow.

But the big surprise came when we explored a door we'd missed when we arrived - a little voice greeted us with "sawadee-ka" and there was Wan, our mae baan (housekeeper). Oh my goodness...

At hourly intervals throughout the afternoon she has enquired whether we'd like a snack...a drink...some fruit....a G&T....could she unpack our suitcases? (! better not.....at the end of a trip the contents of our bags are not exactly for public consumption!) Finally, after showering and changing for dinner, I realised that my linen skirt and top would need ironing - which brought a smile and joy to Wan's eyes as she whisked them away, returning them beautifully pressed some ten to fifteen minutes later.

So, after G&Ts, fruit and canapes, we're just about ready for dinner. She tells us she'll wait till we've gone out before turning down our beds and tidying up for the night and will then go home. She'll see us in the morning - she says at 7.30am but I doubt whether we'll see her then!

I'm already planning on how to get her home in my suitcase.

Blue hands

2008-08-22T16:39:00.014+01:00

After all, who did a dyeing workshop and came home with clean hands?

I've had a wonderful day at the Ock Pop Tok workshop, having the place all to myself and completely individual attention. What more could I ask?

A warm welcome this morning from Mr Morn, the interpreter and guide who greeted me with a mug of bael tea (delicious - hadn't had it before) and who introduced me to the programme for the day. After a bit of background information about sericulture he explained about the natural dyes used in Laos - illustrated by a walk around the garden where most were growing. The view from the workshop was breathtaking and the cool breeze from the river most welcome.

After an introduction to Mr Khum, master dyer, it was straight to work.

First task, chopping tumeric for the yellow colour. That had to be pounded to a pulp before boiling with sappan leaves to achieve the colour I wanted.

Whilst that was cooking, I chopped some fresh indigo leaves and soaked them in cold water for the green dye.

That was a new one for me - I've only ever done the hot fermented indigo dyeing before, so thought this would be something different.

I'd never heard of sappan wood before but clearly it's a useful one, for it can give pink, red or purple depending on the mordant used.

The sappan wood liquor had been fermenting for several days and was at a steady boil at my side ready to accept the skein of silk which I'd soaked with a huge alum crystal in the water to give the gorgeous rich purple colour.

Having squeezed and rinsed and totally admitted defeat in untangling those wet skeins, I handed them to Mr Khum who laughed as he shook them out into perfectly straight hanks to hang in the sun to dry. I guess he's had a fair bit of practice.

Later in the day, he came over bearing three beautifully presented skeins of silk for me - and a small plastic carrier bag.

What had I left behind in his dye kitchen? Nothing at all - it was his present of a few pieces of sappan wood, some tumeric root, indigo leaves and some annato seeds for me to take home.

Next on the programme was weaving - as absolute first for me. Far too much to report now though, so that will wait until tomorrow.

Our last night here in Laos, a beautiful country with the most gracious and delightfully friendly people. What we have seen has been unspoiled and so natural. We have loved every minute of our stay.

Temples and Markets

2008-08-21T16:06:00.003+01:00

A bit of culture today - there are so many temples here, we relied on Ming to take us to the most interesting. I think she did rather well in making sure we stopped whilst we were still enjoying them!

We liked the fact that the temples we saw were all old - and looked it. Those we've seen in Bangkok have been gilded and polished so highly, all personality and spirit of place is sometimes lost. Not so here.

The roof lines were lovely and I took many photographs of them. I also enjoyed the stencilled interiors, so detailed and each one different. Every interior wall was decorate with such stencils or with small pieces of mirror stuck into the wet plaster before it dried.

Stacks of buddhas lined the sides of the temples, here creating a fascinating little group with one peering over the shoulder of another as if to ask "what are they up to over there?"

After a short nap and some p & q we took a ride in a tuk tuk back into town where we enjoyed a little independent exploring. We've booked dinner here tomorrow night whilst we were passing by - it's Friday so we can join in the special barbecue meal which sounds good fun.

Luang Prabang is a really attractive place and deserves its World Heritage status. We feel privileged to have been able to spend time here.

As darkness fell, we could see the lights of the night market at the other end of the street and headed in that direction like moths to a flame. Oh my goodness...so many silks, pieces of embroidery (reverse applique bedcovers a plenty) bags, slippers, paper lampshades, scarves, silver - almost everything was attractive and interesting and there was so little "tourist tat" that we took time to browse down both sides of the path.

What's more, it's on again tomorrow. Better go to an ATM I think.

Learning to drive, Lao style

2008-08-20T16:34:00.002+01:00

It's a day in the school holidays and your Mum's gone to the market. What else is there to do but to help Dad drive the boat upstream with a couple of tourists? If you sit quietly and obediently by his side and watch carefully

and help out with some of the hard work when you arrive at the caves

then maybe on the way back, Dad will let you have a hand on the wheel

and when the rain starts and he has to see to the plastic sheeting which protects the cloth seats, he might let you have a go yourself, whilst staying close to make sure you're ok

Finally, if you make a good job of it, he'll leave you to it, all alone...in control.

And those tourists could well give you a tip as well ;-)

Fun on the river

2008-08-20T15:20:00.000+01:00

Before we left, a couple of people asked if our trip was likely to be affected by the flooding which beset this area the weekend before last. To be truthful, we had no idea, even when we reached Vietnam and had access to local news and papers.

Today, a trip upriver to the Pak Ou caves was our first encounter with the aftermath of what looks to have been one of the highest waters in many years. The riverbank bore clear marks of the recent flood and the mud was still there to be cleared from many places including the steps where we boarded our boat. It was very loosely packed and rather slippery - don't ask me how I know (or why I wore very pale grey trousers for the trip...but it does wash out!)

The cave is situated high on the bank of the river, in limestone rocks and is reached by steps from a small landing stage. It's full of buddhas, large and small and is a quite remarkable place.

As we returned to our boat down the steps, we could see the high water marks - the highest white line there is the famous 1966 flood, recalled by our guide Ming as a devastating event in her childhood. The two lower marks are both 2008 - not quite as overwhelming but quite enough to make a fair bit of mess. The water has gone down somewhat but still has some way to go.

Back in Luang Prabang we enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Three Elephants restaurant. We rather liked the placemats, too.

All that rain has its benefits however, for when we got to the Kwang Si waterfalls we were privileged to see the most spectacular show imaginable. Mind you, the high water hasn't done much for the viewing platforms.

We drove back through the most glorious Lao countryside - teak forests an rice paddies with water buffalo grazing by the side of the road here and there.

During a short stop at a very muddy Hmong village we observed how wherever there is mud, there is a small boy or two not far away having a great time!

We were soon back at our lovely bolthole - the view from our window was beautiful. Nearly as good as the one through the bottom of a G&T glass shortly afterwards...

From under the mosquito net

2008-08-19T17:22:00.006+01:00

There seems something strange about sitting writing a blog entry on a laptop under a mosquito net! I'm not sure that, with efficient air conditioning, the net is strictly necessary but rather than spend tomorrow scratching, I'll enjoy the cosy security here inside.

Thanks to Paulene, we have also got some sweet smelling anti-mossie stuff too. We are prepared.

We arrived here early evening and have just retired to our room having learned we've been booked on a non-existent flight on Friday. The dilemma was, do we move on a day early or stay an extra day here? For us all, it was no question - stay here a day longer! The bonus for me is that I could book a full day at the Ock Pop Tok centre, rather than the half day I'd planned. Mark and Edward would be happy exploring this delightful place a little longer too. Though we would be sorry to lose a day in Chiang Mai on balance, the new and exciting wins over the wonderful and familiar. But, the whole shebang hangs on the availability of rooms here on Friday night. We sit under our net and wait for news tomorrow.

Our day began in Saigon, with a last run round the shops. We had such a fun day yesterday that we felt we needed nothing more than a bit of shopping before heading to the airport. We managed to complete our lists in the dry sunshine and were back at the hotel by 11am, ready to pack our bags and watch as the heavens opened.

Hopefully, tomorrow, I'll have time to write about the amazing place we visited yesterday. Here's a bit of a teaser...

Tay Ninh

2008-08-18T12:15:00.001+01:00

When we were last here, we heard a bit about the Cao Dai religion, unique to Vietnam (but with a small community in California, too) Too complex to explain here, I'll simply add this link where you can learn all you wanted to know about it. Suffice to say that believers incorporate aspects of several religions and venerated figures include Buddha, Confucius, and Jesus Christ - somehow Victor Hugo fits in there amongst others as well!

So, off we went to Tay Ninh, the Holy See this morning, some two and a half hours away from Saigon by car. Not really sure what we were going to see, the minute we stepped inside the main church we knew that the drive had been worthwhile. We left our shoes outside and appreciated the cool, smooth tiled floor after the heat outside.

What greeted us was a riot of colour, somewhere between Michaelangelo and Mary Englebreit. Not only were we warmly welcomed, we were actively encouraged to take photographs and observe the service which was about to commence.

We climbed the stairs to a viewing balcony along with other tourists and watched as groups of followers assembled at different levels of the stepped nave according to their level of achievement towards Nirvana.

One lone gentleman of advancing years had made it the furthest and sat on level five or thereabouts.

Throughout the service, the followers were overshadowed by the all-seeing eye symbol, there in a triangle on every window and on a large earth-like sphere above the altar.

After around half an hour of chanting accompanied by drums and a reedy wind instrument of some kind, the followers got to their feet and processed out of the hall. We did the same and went outside to find a small crisis

Whilst we had been inside, a heavy rainstorm had caused a flood outside and all the shoes had floated away! Many were searching for their flipflops in vain - and what about ours?

Fortunately, Vinh, our guide had foreseen the potential problem and had rushed outside and rescued them. Who knew that he'd be able to recognise our shoes amongst the many? Good man!!

Dripping

2008-08-17T11:15:00.003+01:00

It was actually quite a nice day when we set out this morning, headed for the Mekong Delta. Mark spent the day with Tra and the orchestra at the rehearsal for tonight's concert, so Edward and I took the opportunity to drive out into the country and do a similar trip to the one we did last year. As the ladies in the paddy fields stopped for a breather, we knew from the expression on their faces that this is indeed back breaking work.

Jumping on a small boat in Ben Tre, we enjoyed the ride over the river and were immediately struck by those typically Vietnamese colours of emerald green, cobalt blue, white and scarlet.

Fruit at the fruit farm was delicious though the recommended salt and peppery "Ying" to the sweet fruit "Yang" took us both by surprise..perhaps we shouldn't have been quite so eager to dunk that piece of pineapple!

As for the elephant fish for lunch...well, we enjoyed watching the making of the spring roll, anyway!

As we rode back over the river on the longtail boat the heavens opened and oh my goodness, did we get wet. To The Skin.

It was still raining when we arrived back in Saigon. Never mind. We are British. We can Do Rain.

Xin Chao!

2008-08-17T02:04:00.003+01:00

Bangkok was so rainy that it felt quite like home...

Our flight to Ho Chi Minh was hardly busy - you might say we had plenty of room!

It was a tiring day, though, and the travelling companions felt totally whacked.

It's good to be back!

Several hours later

2008-08-16T10:29:00.004+01:00

A brief stop in Bangkok where the Thai welcome is as warm as ever! We'll be back next week sometime. Till then...

Nadine, I made some of those cookies a couple of days before we left...took some to Maggie for the Dodger meet on Thursday. They are absolutely yummy!!

Ready?

2008-08-15T14:26:00.001+01:00

We're off on our travels again. See you in Saigon tomorrow.

By the way

2008-08-10T19:12:00.001+01:00

the cake turned out very well indeed, in spite of the small hiccup.

Not sure about this!

2008-08-10T09:11:00.002+01:00

Take the Quiz here!

Disaster averted

2008-08-08T11:25:00.001+01:00

I enjoy cooking and like any excuse to spend a morning in the kitchen with Radio 4 and no time constraints. This morning, I had to make one of my brown rice salads to take to Cherington later, where my WI is entertaining a party of Highgrove garden visitors to lunch. Whilst I was listening to Desert Island Discs (Richard Ingrams, surprisingly interesting and entertaining I thought) I decided to get on and bake an apple cake from the Ottolenghi recipe book. Ottolenghi in Islington is one of Edward's favourite restaurants and having shared a great, relaxing meal there with him I bought the book intending to give it to him. No chance though - when I saw the yummy things inside I hung on to it and have made a couple of things very successfully already.

So, with friends coming over for supper tomorrow and a few things from the book chosen, I gathered the ingredients for the Apple and Maple Syrup cake and set to following the rather unusual recipe which begins by whisking sugar, vanilla and eggs into olive oil.

As I peeled the Bramley apples, I had the same thought I always have when I do this: I thought of my Nan who baked several apple pies almost every Saturday for friends and family. she'd peel the apples using an ordinary knife and would always challenge herself to get the peel off in one long strip - no breaks. On the odd occasion when she did this, she'd pass the peel to one of us to throw in the air to see what letter formed - that would be the initial of our husband to be! (I've just googled this and found a few variations on this story here It would appear that it's wasn't just my Nan who did such things)

I can't peel anything using a knife and struggle to get the peel off in one go using a peeler, even. Perhaps apples these days don't have such tough skins? who knows... But today, I did it. For the first time I can remember, I managed to peel one of the three apples in one go. I threw it into the air and watched it fall and tried to interpret the letter on the kitchen floor just for old time's sake - a bit late to identify a husband!

I continued through the recipe, stirring in the apple mixture, folding in egg whites and poured the batter into the prepared tin. I thought that the instruction to level the top with a knife was a little superfluous since the runny batter needed no levelling at all and put it into the oven. As I gathered up the bowls for washing up I found the bowl of sifted flour, spices and baking powder!

I quickly opened the over door, poured out the mixture into the bowl again thinking how surprising just two minutes (or even less) in an oven starts the cooking process - quickly folded in the flour, greased a new tin and shot it back in the oven as quickly as I could.

We'll see how it turns out!

As for the letter on the floor - you'll have to go here to see.

A different kind of circus

2008-08-07T12:39:00.009+01:00

After the circus that took place at home yesterday afternoon, we got ourselves together and headed off with good friends Lyn and Chris to Minchinhampton Common, for we had tickets for Giffords Circus. We have heard only good things about this show but since we're usually on holiday during August, we've not managed to get ourselves to see for ourselves till now.

Lyn and Chris supplied the pre-show Pimms and the rain held off long enough for us to sit on the common and pretend it was a warm Summer's evening. We admired their nifty Pimms kit!

When we were on holiday recently, we saw the Barnum and Bailey Circus train passing through...hmmmm...New Mexico somewhere?

I joked and said how disappointed I was that there was no giraffe's head popping up above the carriages, nor could I see an elephant looking out like in a Richard Scarry book! But really, to see a circus train at all was a first for me and I was rather surprised to find that there are such things.

We were delighted to see these grand wagons parked up on the common, which, even though they didn't look quite like the story book either, did have an old world elegance about them and a genuine feel of the circus.

We took our seats in the Big Top - smaller than I'd imagined, even though Lyn had told me it was an intimate affair - and enjoyed the pre-show with some fun with Tweedy the clown who was simply fantastic. Totally daft, very very clever - with none of that vaguely sinister feeling a more traditional clown usually provokes. We loved him.

Whilst he spent fifteen minutes being silly, the musicians and a few others were playing cards in the ring - with a rabbit or two here and there.

Their costumes were beautiful - traditional and elegant rather than wacky.

No photographs during the show, understandably, so you will have to imagine the delightful and incredibly skilful performances we enjoyed. (There is a great slide show, with music here) We saw tightrope walking, acrobatics, a kind of trapeze act, a series of beautiful horses parading in the ring - one dancing, circus-horse-style, another large heavy horse walking gently around followed by a duck! All accompanied by the most gloriously mad music played by a band from Hungary (I think). The energy, spirit and total commitment of everyone defies description - we loved every minute! These are such skilled people and they perfom with such incredible style and good humour.

After the show, we enjoyed a delicious meal cooked in one of the circus wagons by Sauce, all served on Bridgewater china - the spotty and starry plates being so appropriate to the circus. On the table in the centre of the dining tent was a single word - EFFORTLESS.

I don't think so.

If you haven't seen Giffords Circus and you have the chance, don't wait any longer! I can't wait to see them again. Another review here if you need further persuasion.

The fun continues

2008-08-06T17:41:00.005+01:00

Following on from last week's film fun, I had a call to say that a national newspaper was going to do an article about the project and would it be possible for a journalist to come along and talk to me about the ideas and tips I'd given. On this occasion, I would have the support of the PR person and there was nothing new to do - simply use the ideas I'd already got together. Since I didn't feel I had to perform live on camera, I was a little more relaxed about it and made arrangements for them to come here, to my home - somewhere I normally guard carefully and keep private on such occasions.

But then a photographer was arranged and yes, he took over, as they do. We moved furniture, exercised patience as he scouted out suitable locations for pictures of the before, the after and the processes in between.

The journalist had brought a skirt with her, with a "weirdly drooping hem" - her words not mine.

My challenge was to do something with it to make it wearable. Sally's suggestion of making a jacket out of it was a no-go, as were other creative proposals from the Artful Dodgers. This was to remain a skirt, albeit a rather shorter one.

I was a little anxious about it for after all, I don't cut other people's clothes up every day - if at all! I remembered the old chalk and string tip for getting that hem right and managed to pull it off successfully. Fortunately, the Gods were on my side and the shortened, neatened skirt was enthusiasically received and shown off to the photographer with genuine delight - unless the journalist was a better actress than I was!

The results will be published next week sometime I believe, in an article about the project as a whole and will include details of how I did it, illustrated by some of the 450+ photographs taken during the afternoon. It will also be accompanied by my ten tips for survival sewing, because I'm such an expert, you know!

(I had my fingers crossed when I said that)

View from a desk

2008-08-03T18:49:00.006+01:00

Following Jordi's request to share the view from our desks, I took a few photos in the studio just now. To the left of my computer screen, I can just about see what the weather is doing through the blinds - raining, as usual. I can also see that pile of paper which needs dealing with. I wonder what excuse I'll have this week?

There's also the old computer which is connected to my sewing machines - comes in handy when Mark needs a taste of the old Win98 days too.

To the right of my screen, I can look over to my worktable, where there are a few things needing attention, homes to be found and some newish books I want to read before putting them onto the shelves.

Swivelling round on my chair a little more to the right and I can see what my nearest and dearest is up to. Notice the screen is tiled a little away from me? Hmmm...if I sit forward I can see what's on it though!! This corner is where our best friend Roomba lives too - he who zooms around picking up all those dust bunnies when we're not there.

Next stop, immediately behind me, the door to the laundry reminds me that I could be ironing or dealing with the washing - but notice I stash all that out of sight (out of mind?) The travel bookshelf is a far more interesting place to rest my eyes.

Last stop is the door to the storeroom (best kept closed...believe me!) and the main door, out to the hall and upstairs. Telephone, fax, modem, security system and all of that in this corner...charge-central.

Curiosity satisfied, Jordi?

Fun weekend

2008-08-03T12:06:00.004+01:00

I've had a really fun time this weekend, starting on Friday, when I met Paulene from her train. She'd booked the last two places on a workshop with Dawn Dupree at Cirencester Brewery Arts after Maggie had told us that she'd booked herself on it. Careful what you tell us about - an Artful Dodger or two might just join you to share the fun!

A couple of days ago we sent off black and white images for Dawn to prepare something for us in advance. Though we had suspected she'd do a Thermoscreen or something we were none too sure, so we agonised a little over what to send. I eventually decided to send an image created from a metal installation in the foyer of Alexandria Library - visit Paulene and Maggie's blogs to find out what they chose to work with.

Anyway, when we arrived, there were our screens, ready to go.

The room was a little tight on space but thankfully, bright and airy with open windows and a light breeze. We enjoyed having the chance to spend a day printing and making use of a range of materials, inspired by Dawn's fascinating exhibition just downstairs.

She was generous with her ideas and experience, ready and more than willing to suggest, advise and explain how to create just the effects we were after. We had great fun.

Lunchtime was bright and sunny and sitting outside with a sandwich and sushi was a good chance to catch up with the gossip.

Our screens held up well, from time to time we oohed and aaahed at some effect or other, the more so if the image was a transient one - here the colours on my screen "popped", though of course, that was all to be washed away seconds after the photograph was taken.

Maggie and Paulene both created some wonderful work which they will surely share. I was happy with mine though am unsure where it will go from here - in which cupboard will it end up?

In the evening, we smartened ourselves up a bit and went, together with our Dodger men, to the Wild Duck in Ewen where we ate, drank and talked the night away.

What a great way to spend a weekend. Thanks Maggie for booking the class to start with, Paulene for letting me in on the fun and nabbing the last two places! And thank you too, Mark, Nigel and Robin, for being such good company last night.

It's a wrap - eventually

2008-07-30T22:14:00.004+01:00

I was prepared. I had seven bags full of samples, materials and enough ideas I thought.

But perhaps I wasn't quite prepared for the close encounter which was scheduled for this afternoon. I imagined one man and a digital video camera...I got a whole film crew, just back from filming my favourite Thursday evening fashion progamme. I felt very small, very inexperienced and rather lonely at times.

Though I'd got everything together and am normally confident of my ability to get on and do things, faced with all of this, even sewing a button on becomes challenging.

The best bits were when I could stand back and let them get on with it.

The worst bits were when, at the fifteenth attempt, I was asked to speak in a more lively manner.

And to hold my embroidery frame just so, to keep it in focus.

And to remember what we'd agreed I'd say.

And to keep the thread visible and not allow the loose fabric to catch as I turn the frame over to show the reverse.

And to make sure that I hold the end with my thumb as I said and not use my finger (as I did).

And not to hold it so my hand created a huge shadow over the stitch.

And to relax.

And smile.

And look as though I was enjoying myself.

And when I'd done all of that and finally been able to start a thread without a knot, do about two inches of simple running stitch and secure the end...

Could I do it all again, right from the beginning, this time to film from a different angle.

And then again (exactly the same) a third time to film my face and hands. aaaagh!

For one who can't remember what she said just ten seconds ago, this was the biggest challenge. To their credit, the whole film crew were patience personified and did their best to put me at my ease, to suggest ways of getting around a challenging bit and were totally charming and professional throughout.

Here, the lighting engineer and the cameraman try to overcome those pesky shadows in the embroidery shots. I don't really think I convinced them to take up the needle.

But it's over. Done. Wrapped. Most will end up on the cutting room floor, the remainder on a learning channel sometime in the autumn. Watch this space.

(Hah...you think I'm going to TELL you where to find it?!)

Glorious weather

2008-07-26T21:00:00.004+01:00

It's been a fantastic summers day here - not too hot, but clear blue sky and enough of a light breeze to remind us that we're not in California.

I'm experiencing a little self-inflicted stress here right now. Can't say much more at the moment but will tell the full story in due course. Anyway, it was fun to go out for lunch today and take my mind off the prep I need to do.

As we drove past the allotments just over the lane from home, I spotted some of my favourite plants, standing high above the surrounding wall. I just had to go and take some photographs.

As I walked through the mish-mash of vegetable patches, I smiled as I caught sight of a cute scarecrow.

I laughed out loud when I saw the fierce creature in a "cage" close by!

I'm not sure how effective he is though - that patch was not quite as prolific as the others, sadly. Perhaps the birds behave as they used to do in the old Roobarb and Custard TV show - just sit and laugh!

Meet Otto

2008-07-22T17:00:00.001+01:00

Otto is ready to play

Making a bit of an entrance

Enjoying the pose

Inspired by a Reclining Buddha, I think.

But getting totally whacked by it all and now needing a lie down

Thanks Ysolda. It's a great pattern!

Otto takes shape

2008-07-20T10:00:00.002+01:00

Last evening, as we sat watching an episode of The Gilmore Girls that we felt sure we'd seen before but didn't remember* (the one before Laine's wedding) Otto took shape.

He's quite a character, even with just the one and a half limbs and no face....

*we think we must have fallen asleep

Otto the bear

2008-07-19T13:54:00.001+01:00

Packrat that I am, I ordered the Otto pattern from Ysolda - I loved Jordi's Elijah and a new baby in the family was enough of an excuse to start knitting a bear.

I bought a couple of balls of Cashsoft Cotton in John Lewis yesterday - on sale at 70p a ball, so a bargain to boot. But of course, when I got home and read the pattern (good idea, eh, read the pattern!) I realised I'd bought 4ply, not DK. Oh well, set to on 2.5mm needles and I am perfectly happy with the size and tension.

I've read the comments on Ravelry about Otto and was concerned at the "anteater" comparisons. I took someone's advice to shorten his nose a little by decreasing every row and was pleased with the result. As I stuffed his head, I took care to shape it nicely and took the opportunity to mark the eye position as I finished the thread end off from his nose.

But as I started to pick up his neck stitches it became clear that all was not right. Yes, his head is upside down! Am I bothered by this? Is Otto bothered by it? Not in the slightest. In fact, I think that his bear-like profile is rather grand!

Ysolda has written a great pattern to follow, easy to understand and clearly explained. quite why I've managed to go so far off piste I have no idea!

Artists at work

2008-07-18T15:45:00.004+01:00

Today we went to Weston-Super-Mare, where this part of the beach was full of children building sandcastles. It was great to see so much enthusiastic activity on the beach, for it wasnt the warmest of days.

Perhaps the inspiration for their work was happening a little further along, where the International Sand Sculpture Association was having a competition with a theme of the continents of the world.

They were still working on Asia.

North America was pretty impressive

Antarctica was simply amazing, what with the perspective and all that.

Look at the detail! And the flag is made of sand too. How?

We spent a happy hour wandering about taking photographs and marvelling at the work

trying to decide which we liked best

before going into the tea rooms just along the way for hot chocolate and a bacon sandwich!

Clouds

2008-07-12T21:39:00.004+01:00

We've been in London overnight, at an awards do at the Dorchester (which explains yesterday's photo of the day). As we drove home earlier this evening, we heard that Fairford Air Tattoo had been cancelled due to the weather, which surprised us, for it's not been too bad up there in the capital. Seems as though the car parks were waterlogged though, and I imagine that would have caused a huge problem.

Mind you, so might have this...

As we approached Swindon, I could see this huge thundercloud looming in front of us. Maggie, it looks like it's coming from your house - hope it's not Robin's frustration!!

It started to rain heavily for a very shrot time indeed - probably less than five minutes, and then the sun came out as we drove through and out the other side.

By the time we reached Cirencester, the sky was blue and you'd never have imagined it had been any different.

Whilst we were in London, I dropped into the Nokia shop to ask for help sending photographs to my blog from my N95 phone. You wouldn't believe how helpful and patient the response was - I was in there over an hour and am so nearly there. I think what remains is a Vodafone problem, but those guys in the Nokia store in Regent Street deserve huge praise for their tenacity and determination. At one point there were five phones and three pairs of hands on the problem - I sat back and let them get on with it - you know how fast those thumbs and fingers can fly around those little keypads!!

The wall

2008-07-10T16:11:00.003+01:00

When I drive in a westerly direction from home, my journey often takes me along a wonderful stretch of Cotswold stone wall. It's a particularly special wall, for not only does it run in a single stretch for more than a mile, the design is unusual with a ridge running most of the length about a foot from the top. When, as often happens, a stretch collapses due to a collision or maybe just the weather, it is repaired almost immediately by a team of stonemasons who work inside a specially constructed tent. When they are finished, it's nearly impossible to see where they have worked, so fine is their craftsmanship.

One end of the wall begins at this unassuming gateway, set at right angles to the road with two fine pillars.

The other end is the entrance to the park itself, and a small lodge at the gateway.

Apart from knowing that this was the boundary wall for Lypiatt Park, I knew little else about the place. Some time ago, we had a talk at my WI from someone who'd been a housekeeper, but at the time I made no connection with the grand country house where she had worked and my favourite wall.

But lo and behold, in this month's Cotswold Life magazine, the owner of Lypiatt Park is profiled and it would appear that exciting things are happening somewhere behind that wall as a Sculpture Park is planned. Formerly the home of internationally renowned sculptor, Lynn Chadwick , it appears to have also been won in a bet placed by Dick Whittington. Not only that, but it might also have been the location of a fateful meeting between Robert Catesby and his co-conspirators (inlcuing Guy Fawkes) when the plan for the Gunpowder Plot was finialised.

Who'd have thought it?

Back from LaLa land

2008-07-08T09:44:00.001+01:00

Since we got back on Sunday, I've been trying very hard to upload my video of the 4th July fireworks, firstly via YouTube and then using Vimeo. In both case, my file was too large and my video-editing experience isn't sufficient to make dealing with that a speedy process. So, for now, a few pictures to be going on with.

I think that it may be the case that Americans living overseas are more enthusiastic about their 4th July celebrations than those at home. Certainly, our expectations of a day full of red white and blue, energetic patriotism, parades and the like were not quite accurate. Of course, the signs were there, some smaller businesses were closed for the day and we spotted the occasional person dressed in stars and stripes, but otherwise this looked like a normal day, much the same as any other.

In the evening we headed, along with 24,996 others, to the Hollywood Bowl where the LA Philharmonic were celebrating 50 years of the Dodgers Baseball Team in Los Angeles together with the traditional Independence Day concert.

Mary had secured us excellent seats and we had a fine view of the stage and the screens on this beautiful Los Angeles summer evening.

The orchestra turned out wearing Dodgers shirts in the spirit of the occasion and the atmosphere was warm and funny. We loved every minute.

And yes, we were on our best behaviour!

By the time the fireworks were due, darkness had fallen and the crowd were expecting something very special. We had never seen such a spectacular display - I hope I can share it with you soon!

Afterwards, we made our way home via the backstage area and had this privileged view of the Bowl, as seen from the stage. My goodness, what it must feel like to perform in front of such a huge audience!

As we passed the iconic entrance before taking the short walk back to Mary's apartment, we remarked on the suitably splendid finale to our trip. We have loved every minute of it!!

Red White and Blue

2008-07-05T16:39:00.003+01:00

When we planned our trip, we decided to stay an extra day or two to take in the 4th July celebrations and were delighted when Mary booked tickets for the Hollywood Bowl show - a great way to finish our holiday.

Yesterday, we had a great time doing one or two last minute things, taking in some of those "Only in LA" moments - where a dog's life includes such luxuries as being taken for a walk in a papoose and a place where you can take your owner (on a leash of course) to buy your home baked doggy goodies.

There was time for frozen yoghurt before heading out - we kidded ourselves that it was better for us than ice cream but it was so yummy I very much doubt it.

As we drove in a round about kind of way to Mary's, there was time to snap one of those buildings which always make us smile as we pass by.

The show last night will be fully reported later. For now, there are suitcases to be packed and just that bit more of Californian goodness to be experienced before we head on home.

See you there!

...and finally

2008-07-03T05:04:00.004+01:00

..three days in our favourite place of all, Santa Monica. We love LA, we feel a real buzz when we drive down Sunset, along Wilshire, towards the ocean. We stay in an hotel which considers itself "hip" when we aren't hip in the slightest, but it suits us and hopefully this time, they won't lose our car.

We are comfortable here. We've been here enough that we feel no need to go sightseeing but simply enjoy hanging out with friends, soaking up the great atmosphere, the comfortable temperatures and, of course, enjoying delicious food. Driving here from San Diego today, we spent a happy hour with Anne in Santa Ana, sharing tales of our travels and giggling about the silly things we'll remember long after we're home.

Here, more than anywhere, we consider ourselves fortunate. Fortunate enough to be able to share a bit of the good life here every once in a while and better still, know so many lovely people to share it all with.

The last three days of our trip will be as fun-packed as the first two weeks, I'm sure, but somehow, they will be extra-special!

Ah, the ocean!

2008-07-01T06:17:00.003+01:00

"Home" in San Diego is this gorgeous downtown apartment, thanks to our generous friends Kevin and David....in this picture, framed in the arch. Just there, behind the hedge is a beautiful pool in which I enjoyed a cool dip when we got back yesterday.

Though we love being in the city with everything a step away, today we explored a little further afield. First stop, the "Old City" - actually a couple of freeway junctions north of here.

For some reason, none of us was overimpressed by this way too commercial collection of faux historic buildings and we didn't stay long. Instead we got back in the car and drove to La Jolla, a little further north, where we enjoyed mooching the classy streets and taking a little ocean air.

Not only that, but there was a great textile art gallery there too. How very civilised!

Moving on

2008-06-29T15:48:00.004+01:00

We've moved on from the "American South West" which didn't feel like "America" at all to us but definitely a region we'd like to return to and explore further. We flew from the quaintly named Albuquerque Sunport.

A region where even the official notices are framed in an interesting way! Such a distinctive style, palette of colours and general atmosphere, I can see why so many artists and craftsmen feel at home here. I also came across this just before we left - further exploration needed!

We flew via Phoenix, Arizona, where the temperature outside was 105F today - forecast 114F. Not sure I could cope with that! Here the airport was the Skyharbor...

We landed in a comfortable 75F with balmy sea breezes and are now in San Diego. Our mindset is changing from the SouthWestern to the Californian, from desert art to metropolitan style as we are immediately charmed by our friends' classy downtown apartment - just across the road from Nordstroms, Starbucks and an elevator ride from the Ralphs supermarket. A block away is the trendy Gaslamp district and on the other side is the recommended Italian restaurant. Our friends have left everything shipshape for us and we feel so privileged to have such an amazing place at our disposal for a few days.

But don't worry, Edward, we plan nothing which might involve this!

Wow - what a day!

2008-06-27T20:46:00.001+01:00

Such a variety of experiences today - I always feel that the best kind of holiday involves a bit of this and a bit of that; culture, shopping, landscape, food! I think we surpassed all expectations with that in the last 24hrs.

We began at the Bandelier National Monument, a short drive from Santa Fe and somewhere listed in our guidebook as "interesting" - nothing more. How understated that turned out to be.

Here we found interesting rock formations, "Indiana Jones" type rock structures reminiscent of Petra, cave dwellings inhabited by the Anasazi, ancient Pueblo Indians, small reptiles, flowers and plants - and from a textile artists point of view, heaps of inspiration.

The walk along the base of the cliff was fascinating and the pathway so well paved, we really enjoyed our time there in spite of the heat. It was clear to see where the dwellings had been and in some places, those slim and agile enough could climb ladders and go inside. We did not feature in that group!

We enjoyed seeing the details highlighted in the guidemap - the US Parks Authority does this kind of thing so very well and we learned so much on our comparatively short visit.

The petroglyph at the end of the trail was remarkable and may well fid itself reproduced in some way soon...as could this bark photo

(By the way, there's another 60 or 70 similar photos where that one came from!)

Then, in total contrast to this natural, historic place, we went on to Los Alamos for lunch. Sadly, I wasn't quick enough to take a photo of "Bikini Atoll Road" (really!) We ate lunch at ChiliWorks, in the company of several "nukeys" - young, highly intellectual professionals speaking a language quite alien to us, including terms such as C++, hydrocooling and MHT. Believe me, the testosterone filled the oudoor patio!

This landscape was extraordinary and quite amazing - the more so considering we'd just left a metropolitan "university campus" behind (for that's how Los Alamos had felt to us).

We headed straight back to Santa Fe to explore the one remaining area which we'd saved till last - the Canyon Road galleries.

We started with the Marigold Gallery, which had the goods on the wall outside

This drew us in, but we found this artist's work equally interesting!

Isn't this rag rug just yummy? Made from Pendleton wool selvedges we were told - quite quite exquisite and if only we hadn't got an ocean to cross, we'd have been very tempted. (Yes I know we could ship, but....)

Of course, not everything was to our taste.

And some things were appreciated by some but hated by others!

After such a great day, a very special dinner was needed, so we headed for the Coyote Cafe again, where we'd booked a table this time. Just as well, for on this Friday evening, we had celebrity company and then, just as we were leaving, someone else arrived.

We were even sent a complimentary dessert. Hah! As if we had room for dessert!? (we managed....)

We drove back to our hotel with the most glorious sunset as a fitting finale to a great stay in Santa Fe. I think we will be back!

to Taos

2008-06-27T14:39:00.004+01:00

Not much time for detail today, so I'll simply say how very much we enjoyed our day in Taos today. This part of New Mexico is so appealing to people like us who love to see colour, life, eat well...

We began at Chimayo, where the Sanctuario is a place visited by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims.

Next into Taos itself, where the colours of A Common Thread drew us inside. Not only that, but whilst in there, we discovered that there was a sister store which focused on paper - guess where we went next? Papercloud was another beautifully designed store with lots of inspiring goods. (links later...)

After wandering around the town, enjoying lunch and discovering small corners of this lovely adobe town, we walked back to the car via this small artisans coop.

For a variety of reasons (heat heat heat) we decided against a visit to the Taos Pueblo and headed for the Millicent Rogers museum out of town.

Though we had never heard of this beautiful woman, we soon realised that she had a great eye for jewellery, weavings and pottery and her distinctive style was apparent in a breathtaking collection of exhibits. We loved it.

Wandering about the city

2008-06-26T04:32:00.006+01:00

We decided to spend our first day here exploring the city. After two long days of driving it was a relief to walk around and having had a short introduction to Santa Fe last night, at least one of us was very eager to see more.

It was easy to see why Jordi and Carol love the place. Almost every shop window contained something of interest - here's a bag made from ring pulls.

This jewellery shop had the most beautiful inlay bracelets in the window by Judy Weisenthal - aren't they gorgeous?

Of course, as well as the attractive and interesting, there are other goods on sale.

and plenty of local souvenirs, few of which would really look good at home.

On Carol's recommendation we headed for Origins - a really fantastic clothes shop with loads of gorgeous things to wear. Sadly, however, we had the "help" of an assistant who greeted us at the door and never left our side, pulling out $4000 jackets and imploring us to try stuff on. Try as we might to lose her, we never got the chance to take a close look at some of those beauties on the hangers. Quite frustrating.

We decided some culture was required and headed for the New Mexico Fine Art Gallery, where we found the work of Gustave Baumann especially interesting. The "Flux" exhibition was fun too - especially the glass "fur" coat.

After lunch we headed for the state Capitol building, thinking we'd add New Mexico to our collection. A singularly uninspiring building from the outside, the warmth of the welcome and the pride which those working there shared meant that from the moment we stepped inside we knew this had been a good decision. The best free show in town in fact.

Not only is there an amazing collection of art inside, most on permanent display, the temporary art quilt exhibition was truly fascinating.

This piece of weaving - not a painting - by Janusz Kozikowski was a magnificent work, though others captured our imagination equally. The buffalo head made of reclaimed materials including a paintbrush fringe was our favourite, I think.

But those quilts were terrific too - the quilting quite breathtaking.

Oh, and if you are in Santa Fe tomorrow and look for those bracelets in the window of Jett, you'll find only two. Guess where the other one is?

In Santa Fe

2008-06-25T04:15:00.004+01:00

Well, here we are at last, in Santa Fe. Carol, I knew immediately why this is your favourite place - I'm really looking forward to exploring a few of the hundreds of things which look so interesting.

Before we left Las Cruces, we swung by the town centre and took up the suggestions Diane and Rachel offered for book, quilt and knit shops. The COAS bookstore was a rich source of all kinds of titles - this is just part of the craft section.

Mark stayed there browsing the railway history and music sections whilst Mary and I pottered just across the way to the Organ Mountain Quilt Store, where all kinds of yummy fabrics and books were there to tempt us. Of course, I had to get a few fabrics with a South West theme.

And then, the first yarn store of the trip, Unravel, where a knit and natter was in full swing and great things were being created. How fortunate to have such inspiring places on the doorstep - a little cluster of creativity!

So, it was time to hit the road again and head north on the I25 again. We were amused by some place names

and as we neared Santa Fe, the landscape became greener and softer. I loved the shapes of the cloud shadows on the hillsides.

We dropped off our bags at the hotel and went straight into the city centre to get our bearings and find something to eat. Santa Fe is a relaxed kind of place and easy to potter around.

As for finding something to eat - we struck gold in the Coyote Cafe, where we enjoyed the most delicious dinner imaginable. Oh my goodness, the diet starts when we get home!

On the Road

2008-06-24T03:42:00.003+01:00

Off we go again - sadly in the wrong direction to take advantage of Diane's invitation and gallery recommendation (we'll have to head back this way to catch up on all the good things we missed!) We said goodbye to Rick and Maggie and headed out on the I10 to just beyond El Paso where we'd booked a couple of rooms for ourselves and Mary at Mesilla, near Las Cruces.

Rick had told us of his boyhood treat of visits to the Dairy Queen, Ozona, so true to form, we paid homage by stopping there ourselves to stretch our legs and get a bite to eat. Feeling slightly nauseous from a variety of junk food, we continued our journey eagerly awaiting the next excitement - the time change!

Just before that, however, a "scenic outlook" tempted us to step from the vehicle and take a look. Worthwhile just to see this amazing flower, we thought.

A little further on, time changed (an hour gained by entering Mountain time) we were bowling nicely along when our attention was attracted by a smart gentleman in a black car with flashing lights - the State Trooper politely requested Mark's attention to the fact he'd been speeding: doing 85 in an 80mph speed zone. A formal warning was issued - no penalty - and apologies offered for the fact that he had been unable to correctly enter the details of Mark's drivers license because there were too many digits for his form. Fair cop - in both senses of the phrase.

Conversation turned to reminiscences of the Dukes of Hazzard as we sped (ever so slightly slower) to the New Mexico border!

But as you can see, we didn't slow down quite enough for me to catch the picture!

So, we are here in Mesilla tonight, where everything closes on a Monday.

We found a good Italian restaurant in Las Cruces and enjoyed great pizzas before coming back to catch up on email and the Food Network. Rachel, thanks for the yarn shop tip - maybe there will be time tomorrow to go and explore a little....we'll see!

Oh, and weirdly (but thankfully), my camera has behaved itself for most of the day and I have not needed to rely on my standby purchase. We think that perhaps the internal battery has discharged in some way and needs recharging with a cable connection (which I don't have). We'll see how we do tomorrow.

Camera trouble!

2008-06-23T03:10:00.003+01:00

Such a pain. Just before we left home, my camera began to play tricks. In particular, it reset the time and date every time I switched on. Just as I was wondering whether to bring a spare with me (and charger, battery pack, memory sticks etc) all appeared well, so I didn't bother.

Today, all went totally haywire. A whole battery pack (which normally lasts for several days) discharged within a couple of hours and the resetting date bother returned. It was distracting to say the least and though Mary very kindly lent me her spare Olympus, I wasn't comfortable using unfamiliar kit, especially when it was someone elses! We stopped by a Walmart and I bought another Sony - a smaller version of my current model.

But I'm not happy with the picture quality and really hope to get mine back on track. Perhaps in the next couple of days, mostly to be spent en route to Santa Fe, there will be time to fiddle and try out a few things.

Camera troubles aside, today was spent in the Hill Country, north of here. In particular, we enjoyed Fredericksburg - a little country town with a lively tourist trade and consequently a fair few interesting shops to wander in and out of. One did particularly well from us, as each of us three women bought quirkily shaped linen shirts whilst the "Bellini Brothers" (as Mark and Rick have been named) stood by and admired each of us in turn. Of course, they carried the bags too - thank you gentlemen!

The flowers in Fredericksburg were stunning - I didn't quite work out how this one could have both pink and yellow flowers at the same time. I have no idea what it is.

Next stop was the Becker Vineyard, where we tasted one or two (ok, six) wines. Cheers!

Then on to Johnson City, to visit LBJ's boyhood home - rather interesting and surprisingly humble.

To end the day, Mark and I took a walk around the Riverwalk again, but found it so busy with crowds of tourists we needed to sit and drink margaritas instead.

Off to Las Cruces in the morning, half way to Santa Fe. An early start for us.

Hot hot hot

2008-06-22T03:36:00.004+01:00

Though the mornings are comparatively cool, it soon heats up here and the cool, air-conditioned atmosphere of a museum was an attractive proposition today. Not only that, but Maggie and Rick had tickets for a preview of a hot new show - The Genius of Leonardo which we were delighted to share!

The exhibition was beautifully designed with great lighting and solidly made, wooden models each demonstrating one of Leonardo DaVinci's concepts. Many were functioning models and rather a lot of youngsters were working very hard to lift loads, work machines and generally have fun exploring what each could do.

It was a great way to spend a Saturday morning.

Afterwards, we explored a rather quieter place - the King William neighbourhood, primarily settled by prosperous German businessmen in the 1800s. We took a tour of the Steves Homestead, a beautiful stone mansion before going on to the Guenther House restaurant at the Pioneer Flour Mills for brunch.

All cultured up, the next stop was the Mercado - the Mexican market, full of colour and a lively place with music and great atmosphere.

The Alameda art museum at the end of the street had an interesting exhibit from an old pharmacy store which had been nearby until it closed for business. It made for some great photo opportunities - an aerosol spray "Go Away Evil" being typical of the things "on sale".

Can you believe that we'd been in the USA for more than 48 hours and still hadn't been shopping? Soon sorted that one out as we headed for the Alamo Quarry Market. At the moment, all I'm confessing to is a pair of new Crocs - but rather different ones this time!

Dinner tonight was Maggie and Ricks suggestion of the Liberty Bar - a crooked house with the most yummy food and lively atmosphere. What fun!

In the Lone Star State

2008-06-21T03:35:00.006+01:00

Being here in the Lone Star State, it's unsurprising to see so many stars around the place. These stars are rather easier for us to identify than those we seldom recognise in LA, so we did a bit of star spotting today.

We began with the easy ones - they are around every tree on the street.

Look up and there are many on the buildings downtown San Antonio.

On a flagpole in the old Spanish Governors Mansion.

And on the tomb of the heroes of the Alamo - William Bowie, Davy Crockett and John Travis - in the cathedral.

Further along, there are several in the pavements and walkways around the city, some commemorating the Texas Sesquicentennial in 1986.

Others are set in walls as decorative features here and there.

We especially enjoyed a walk along the Riverwalk this evening, after dinner, and spotted a whole trail of them we'd missed earlier in the day.

And of course, there's the Texas flag itself.

Our trip has got off to a wonderful start here in San Antonio thanks to Rick, Maggie and Mary. A local can show us all kinds of interesting and curious things we'd otherwise miss.

Such as this explanatory plaque to mark the invention of barbed wire, which transformed the way of ranching in the late 1870s.

Almost as fascinating as the fact that there a group of barbed wire collectors exists - who knew?!

And of course, having paid a visit here this afternoon, we'll not forget The Alamo.

Another day at the show

2008-06-14T19:54:00.002+01:00

Though I prefer to spend any free time I have looking at the farm animals at the show, it's impossible to miss the countless stands selling anoraks and other useful things such as...

...septic tanks.

The emergency services also have a presence there, this Fire Service exhibit being particularly gruesome, I thought!

Fortunately, as I made my way back to our marquee towards the end of the afternoon, I happened to walk past the assembly point for the parade of champions. For once, I felt the expression "more than you could shake a stick at" was most apt.

Such patience and good natured behaviour and not a prima donna amongst them!

Busy days

2008-06-13T19:29:00.006+01:00

It's the season of county shows here, and it's Gloucestershire's turn to host the Three Counties Show, held near Malvern in Worcestershire. This means four days of early rising, 80-mile round trips up the M5 and more than usual attention paid to the weather forecast.

Yesterday, we set up our marquee - we have a 60-seat restaurant and a large display area which this year, has a healthy lifestyle theme.

No sooner had we opened the doors at 7.30am this morning than the queue for bacon butties had started. Business was brisk throughout the day.

A good job the local baker delivered plenty of supplies!

I enjoyed an opportunity to take a walk around the livestock area, especially enjoying this dear chap on his best behaviour in the ring. I think he's a Suffolk?

Whereas this bunch of Hampshire rascals were having far too much fun out there and were reluctant to be led back to the shed.

Paying homage to the source of that great bacon butty this morning as I passed the Tamworth pig competition.

Part of our healthy lifestyle theme involves our wearing pedometers to aim for our 10k steps a day. I think I managed that ok, wouldn't you say?

Two more show days to go.

First Harvest

2008-06-07T20:00:00.003+01:00

The early days of June usually find us keeping a watchful eye on the elderflowers in our garden. As soon as the big, showy blooms blossom, we brave the little clouds of pollen and fill bowls with the glorious scent of summer.

It's always a time tinged with sadness, for I was standing at the kitchen window, making elderflower cordial when the phone call came from Cyprus, with the dreadful news that Daddy had suffered a fatal heart attack. But the process reminds me that though life changes, the seasons come and go and the little family routines continue.

Until - crisis - the recipe is lost! Though I have made this dozens of times, the first batch of the year is tricky, when it's so long since the last time and quantities are uncertain.

Fortunately, Mark was a little more diligent in searching the recipe folder and before long, the crisis was averted.

And just in case the little newspaper cutting goes missing again, a recipe monitor has been appointed. Congratulations on your new responsiblity, Hobson!

About the little books

2008-06-07T18:12:00.005+01:00

Jordi was asking about the little books, featured on my photo blog last week but not really mentioned much here, in case any of the recipients stopped by.

Since they were for my six colleagues who formed the Textile Treasures team at the recent exhibitions, I tried to keep to a textile-y theme and chose to use Basic Grey's Stella Ruby paper throughout. I stitched many of the photos into the book with my sewing machine and attached the odd button here and there.

Though I have now got a Bind it All machine, I didn't actually use it for these but instead, used the last seven 7 Gypsies Mini books from my stash.

I had a lot of photographs to include, so used different means of fitting as many in as I could. These books are small and have just ten pages.

In addition, I tagged them with small samples of the bits and pieces we made during our tour. We'd done a few beading classes and an embellisher workshop.

Finally, in case anyone was in doubt, a reminder of why we agreed to give up seven weeks of our life!

Though of course, no reminder was really needed - and it was terrific fun!

And now, for those who didn't manage to get to see the exhibition, you can have a quick tour with a YouTube video, narrated by Susan, Textile Treasure extraordinaire.

Tag and Double Tagged

2008-06-07T16:24:00.005+01:00

OK, so I've been tagged twice - once by Della and again, but slightly differently, by Jordi.

Della's rules:

Each player answers the questions about themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5-6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answer.

Jordi's rules:

Link back to the person that tagged you
Post these rules on your blog.
Share six unimportant things about yourself.
Tag six people at the end of your entry.

Seems to me that my answers to Della's questions would be unimportant enough to satisfy Jordi's criteria too...so here come the answers from Gloucestershire

What was I doing ten years ago?

In 1998, I was a stay at home Mum, doing all the things SAHMs do. In addition, I was just beginning to get more involved with the WI, extending my embroidery skills by taking classes and courses and generally enjoying myself as much as I do now! Though I find it hard to pin point exactly what happened in that year, I know from my passport stamps that we travelled to Thailand, to Cyprus, to the USA twice, and joined my parents on a Mediterranean cruise to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary.

What are five (non-work) things on my to-do list for today

It's Saturday, so non-work things definitely take priority! It's an interesting day, spent mostly with my Californian friend, Mary. We've been to a private view at the spectacular home of two local artists, we've enjoyed a walk around Tetbury town centre stopping by a shop or two, viewed an apartment for sale, bought a cardigan and had a very enjoyable lunch with an amazing woman and her charming husband.

Snacks I enjoy: )

My downfall. Sesame Snaps and Daylesford Organics Anzac biscuits

Things I would do if I were a billionaire:

Difficult that one. I am generally more than satisfied with my lot and find it hard to imagine what more I could wish for. If pressed to spend it on pure indulgence, then perhaps I'd pay to have someone change the sheets on my bed and replace them with freshly laundered, finest quality white cotton every day. All neatly pressed and carefully done, of course - and please no tucking in at the sides, because I don't like to be confined, thank you. Of course, I'd also have to do something about the environmental fallout from so much unecessary washing and ironing but the rest of the billions would surely allow me to make some compensating actions.

Places I have lived:

Hull and Hedon, both in East Yorkshire. York. Newport, Isle of Wight. Shepshed, Leicestershire. Avening, Gloucestershire and here. That's it.

Jobs

Teacher. I did once confess to some boy in a disco that I was an Elastoplast Packer but it was a lie.

Peeps I want to know more about

I think a lot of people have already done this. I’d love to see the answers from anyone who feels the need to share similarly useless but fascinating information about themselves! Come on - 'fess up!!

In an Oxfordshire village

2008-05-29T23:10:00.001+01:00

I've been at a meeting in Oxfordshire today and went to the pub with colleagues afterwards for a chat before heading home. Taking this photograph as a potential "photo of the day" I thought how that brass plate of William Shakespeare adds a bit of class to the joint.

Or not.

As you can tell from the photo I chose, taken at the same time, it was a classy place. Good job the company was entertaining! (Thanks girls)

Comfort foods

2008-05-28T18:35:00.003+01:00

We've been to Hull and back since my last post - just a flying visit because we realise that it's something we've been putting off for too long. Sorting Mummy's house out is not a comfortable thought for either of us and though we've had time to do it, we have found excuses and have prevaricated too long. Anyway, it had to be done and to be truthful, it wasn't as bad as I feared. Upsetting at times, of course, but actually, it's so long since she lived there (9 months since her stroke) that there is little of "her" still in the house. Though the garden was looking a little bedgraggled from all the wind and rain, Daddy's clematis was blooming lovely!

There was one nasty shock in the form of a summons for us both on the doormat. Though we had paid the Council Tax bill to the end of the financial year in April, the East Riding bureaucrats had changed the name on the account and been informed of our address, they had changed one but not the other. So, there was the bill, a reminder and a summons all there waiting for us. Fortunately, Mark had the most efficient and charming lady clerk to deal with when he went in on the dot of 9 this morning to sort it out, and sorted out it was, in no time at all, apologies all round.

We needed comfort. He brought that home with him in the form of a Yorkshire Curd Cheesecake from the bakers in Cottingham. yum!! We have been known to devour a whole one of these in one sitting, most recently at a service station on the M1, but this time, we restrained ourselves to a delicate slice at lunchtime and brought the rest home with us.

Well, we had just had haddock and chips for lunch and in Hull, the fish are far from small! (Plates above are dinner plates, believe me - and that's just one portion of chips shared between the two of us!)

Tuesday

2008-05-27T11:14:00.003+01:00

In answer to Sue's question about my photo of the day yesterday, the answer is "journal jewellery" for the big craft project I'm doing right now. I'm getting on ok with that and nearing the home straight - just need to run out in a min to replenish some supplies.

I chickened out of doing more to my bag last night. Instead, we sat in front of the TV and watched a couple of Gilmore Girls episodes on DVD. We're savouring these, in the knowledge that we're on Series 6 of a total of 7, but the cliffhangers are such that as one episode finishes we look at one another and ask "just one more?"

Anyway, hands are recovered, a long car journey this afternoon might offer a chance to work a little more on it. We're off to Hull to begin a bit of a sort out. Can't say I'm looking forward to that prospect.

One - all

2008-05-26T09:33:00.004+01:00

After a slow start, I took command and established my own order of play, defying all four strands of that tough cookie of a yarn with no give. Knit into the same stitch six times, though? (We've been here before - remember the Trellis Scarf?) Making a bobble with unforgiving yarn was hard going and having made four, the thought of another eight on this side and twelve on the other was daunting to say the least.

First decision. Only need bobbles on one side. After all, they'd catch and rub on my jacket/leg/side as I carried it, wouldn't they?

Second decision. Don't need bobbles at all. Did a purl where the bobble should be and will apply a small design alteration later.

There! Take that, you paper bag! I don't need your bobbles! I can un-knit!

But it had the last word, as I retired for the night with achey hands and sore thumbs from knitting such a hard and scratchy yarn. A pair of soft, alpaca socks are on the horizon, possibly a fine cashmere scarf.

But I won't be beaten!

Poor start

2008-05-25T15:59:00.003+01:00

No more than ten minutes after I posted that last entry and picked up three neat balls of yarn to go and cast on, I read the pattern.

"Four strands of yarn are used throughout"

Beaten into submission

2008-05-25T14:59:00.003+01:00

I'm at that unusual point when, having finished the Tofutsies socks last night, I need another mindless knitting project. Not quite ready for another pair of socks (though they will begin sooner rather than later, I'm sure), I thought I'd make a start on this Paper Bag . I got the materials in Habu, New York, last year and fought with the stuff whilst sitting in Jordi's apartment, making use of her swift, for I didn't have one of my own then. I seem to recall using a few choice words on that afternoon, too.

So, getting the yarn out to begin casting on, it came as no surprise to find that this was going to be a bit of an animal. It slithered and slipped all over the place, taking every opportunity to wind around itself, tie itself into knots and generally misbehave. Time for affirmative action. I rewound the yarn on the ball winder, taking care to make sure I had the inside end there, because I think that's the only way to go.

All the time whilst I was fighting it, I could envisage the kind of look on various faces, perhaps similar to those in the meeting on Friday, whose reaction to my knitting a paper bag - or a bag made of knitted paper - would be all-too-predictable. The Yarn Harlot says it so well and what she says could easily apply to quilting, when we cut fabric up and sew it back together again, to papermaking* and so many other things I do.

But one thing is sure. In the competition between me and a paper bag, you know who is going to win, don't you!

*Why are you ripping up all that paper and soaking it overnight? Why, to make paper of course!

In the city

2008-05-24T16:39:00.008+01:00

Today, I had a meeting in London, so after it had finished I took the opportunity to take a walk up the Kings Road and browse a shop or two. No sooner had I crossed over to take a closer look at a pretty dress or two, than the heavens opened and everyone took refuge inside the appropriately named Monsoon.

I caught the 11 bus to Westminster, hopping off along Victoria Street to walk the last part of the way - I had arranged to meet Edward for a drink after work before heading home. As I walked I spotted Artillery Mansions, a glimpse of "another world" in the hustle and bustle of the city. I really love coming across these places!

Walking along Victoria Street, I passed the BERR office. Would you have known what it was without following the link? I hadn't a clue! It's just one of many new names for reorganised government departments, and last week, none of my colleagues (myself included) could identify the ministry who oversee Adult Education in England and Wales - click here and see if you were correct!

Sadly, I didn't have time to attend Evensong in Westminster Abbey, so I walked around Parliament Square, past Methodist Central Hall, and a little way up Whitehall, to stop by one of my favourite memorials in the city. I like the design of this monument very much indeed and think it says a great deal about those who are commemorated there.

Having met Edward at a deserted Palace of Westminster, we took advantage of the Parliamentary recess and stopped by the House of Commons, which was still open for visitors before gathering things from his office and heading off for a drink.

I had a seat booked on the 7.48pm train, so it was a short and sweet catch up over a bottle of wine and a bit of charcuterie and soon time to head for Paddington. (As I read in the magazine on the train, it's sweet to name a station after a bear, isn't it?) I didn't mind waiting a bit longer for the slightly delayed train though, for there was entertainment in the form of the Railway Band.

Thanks to the wonders of the internet and a small Sony camera, you can be entertained too!

Cute and Creepy

2008-05-22T20:39:00.000+01:00

I just crocheted Nosferatu from my new book. What do you reckon?!

on the doorstep

2008-05-22T16:00:00.004+01:00

You know how easy it is to make a special journey to see something and then of course, when something equally interesting is happening on the doorstep it somehow gets overlooked? Well, today was a fine example of that.

I was working in Gloucester, somewhere I go regularly and where I park in the WI office, down the road from the City Museum and Library. I knew there was a textile exhibit on there sometime soon, because I had been asked if I planned a visit. But of course, I had forgotten. Not only that, but I must have walked past that museum entrance several times in the last couple of weeks without even noticing it was on.

Until today.

My meeting had finished earlier than anticipated. I was walking back to my car when I spotted the poster for Quilt Art 22, so I headed inside and through the dusty. dreary museum and upstairs to the "temporary exhibitions" gallery.

Oh my, this is not exactly an inviting venue, but nevertheless, how pleased I was to have the exhibition to myself, not a soul in sight. not only that, but I had the time to stand and look as long as I wanted.

I thought the exhibits themselves interesting in that there was colour! Lots of it. Plenty of stitch too. Some exhibits were, in my opinion, rather overdone or a little heavyhanded in places, but others really thrilled me with the attention to detail and fine stitching. I love Sandra Meech's work, not only for the painterly design but for the small, inventive areas - the little red outlines on black and white, the coloured areas which contrast so well with the monochrome background. Amazing.

I was also delighted to see Linda Colsh on the list of contributors as I went up the stairs to the gallery. I "knew" Linda from those good ol' Compuserve days and have swapped samples and done challenges with her from time to time. We shared a class at the European Meeting Point for Quilters at Rolduc a few years back, when it was clear she was in another league from many of us working in that same room. So, when I glanced around the room, spotted a piece of work which immediately grabbed my attention and went over to look more closely at it, I jumped up and down when I spotted it was Linda's!

I gladly bought a copy of the small but fascinating book which accompanies the exhibition and devoured a fair bit of it whilst a few Eastern European chaps cleaned and polished my car on the way home! (the book had far more visual appeal, believe me!) I especially enjoyed reading of how these pieces of work had come about, learning more of each artists design process and method of working and of course, having a good record of who had done what.

Finally, the piece which hung quietly and beautifully by the entrance to the exhibition was by the late Rita Humphry, whose classes for Stroud Embroiderers were always full (Rita's Whirlies) and whose exquisite work is testament to a generous and talented lady. I used her quilt as my picture of the day, today.

Out and about

2008-05-21T20:05:00.005+01:00

Well, I know that some were dying to know about last night - so here is an unusual photograph of the Nippy. I say unusual because of course, one of the benefits of taking photographs is that one is seldom seen...

But, thanks to Marion, who took this one, you can glimpse yours truly in all her glory. As for the nails - well, that manicure was too expensive to dismiss for one evening, so this was one Nippy who got her wrists slapped!

It was a fun party and in true 1930s style, following the example set at one of their earlier parties, each guest was given a piece of cake and a potato to take home. The potato came in a paper bag, complete with black plastic sack and instructions of what to do next. Great idea...and since I've never, ever grown a potato before, something fun to do.

Today, we were in Bath for a while. We enjoyed browsing shops but most of all, being in one of our favourite cities, probably for the last time before the tourists all go home again. It's not a place to go in Summer due to the large groups of youngsters there on language courses and the like. Today they were very much in evidence but not overwhelming, thank goodness.

We ate our delicious picnic lunch sitting on the lawn with a fine view, even if we were on the wrong side of the haha.

But it wasn't really quite so deserted, for just behind us, on parle Francais.

This afternoon we made our way to Tyntesfield. Our first visit - though we've been meaning to go for ages.

As I saw this little place in the grounds, I thought it would feature well in one of those TV property programmes - anyone fancy it?

Oh, and on the way to Tyntesfield, we stopped at Get Knitted for me to buy some cotton yarn. I found a book in Bath and though I can't really crochet, I have intentions of making several projects from it.

Well, you know what I'm like from my profile!

Revealed

2008-05-20T19:04:00.000+01:00

Can I take your order now?

Getting ruffled

2008-05-19T18:22:00.006+01:00

I've been invited to a party tomorrow, to celebrate a 75th birthday. The invitation suggests that guests wear clothes of the 1930's era. For reasons best known to myself, I've decided that I will be a Nippy for the evening, so this afternoon I grabbed an old cotton sheet and began to sew.

The apron was easy. Half an hour and it was done. A quick spray of starch and it looks quite good. But then I had the cap to tackle. All of those ruffles! I muttered to Mark that I felt sure I had a ruffler foot for my trusty Bernina 1630 somewhere, if only I could remember how to use it.

Thanks to Sue, of Sue's Sewing Palace, Helena, MT, I have a set of Bernina "Footsteps" worksheets, each detailing exactly how to fit and use the fancy feet. Oh boy, did I need that sheet, because fitting the thing wasn't exactly straightforward.

But just five minutes later, there I was, happily ruffling away with not a care in the world! Wow - once again, Bernina wins through. How I love my machine!

And, since I'm working on the use of a little digital camera to record short videos to upload to a website right now, I strapped my little gorillapod to dangle off the top of my sewing machine and here we are, complete with (loud) sound effects.

As for the complete Nippy outfit, it may be unveiled tomorrow. Watch this space.

Oriental afternoon

2008-05-18T15:45:00.017+01:00

I've spent the afternoon at one of the last talks in the programme of this years Stroud Textile Festival in the company of Deirdre McSharry. The title "Sailing to Byzantium" tempted me with its eastern promise and hint of glorious colour and exoticism. Whilst I wouldn't really say that it was quite the concentration of rich pattern and opulence I had in mind, it was nevertheless interesting and it's led me off on a trail of discovery I wouldn't necessarily have followed.

Lady Mary Wortley Montagu wasn't someone I'd heard of, though what I have read of her since I arrived home tempts me to find out more. In particular, I'll get hold of a copy of her "Turkish Embassy Letters" which seem fascinating, if not quite a holiday paperback!

Another woman who I had certainly heard of but knew little about is Lady Ottoline Morrell. We heard of how D McS is researching the life of Lady Ottoline through her wardrobe, which has been left to the Bath Fashion Museum

I'd like to read more of this lady and her life. Surrounded by members of the Bloomsbury group, days in her London salon and at Garsington Manor can have been anything but dull. We were told of her influence by the Ballet Russes and a spray of Amber and Musk conveyed the audience into that world - how powerful the sense of smell is! Sadly, the visual images were restricted to this picture of costumes for Firebird, but our imagination was prompted by the idea that Lady Ottoline had a box of rather special clothes for visitors. Anyone turning up in normal, everyday attire could transform themselves into a rather more exotic creature for the duration of their stay. Now that sounds like fun!

Next up was Denise Poiret, wife of the fashion designer Paul Poiret whose liberation from wearing a corset allowed her to wear all kinds of wonderful shapes, including the "lampshade tunic". Isn't this a great photograph of her?

Looks like I missed a great exhibition at the New York Metropolitan Museum last year, but thanks to the internet, there are a whole raft of resources there to explore.

By now, D McS was winding up her talk - even though there was half an hour to go! We were introduced to Lesley Blanch and her "Anti-beige" crusade; another fascinating woman who wrote "The Wilder Shores of Love" about four nineteenth-century women who gravitated eastwards in a time when such travel was a particularly daring thing to do. (Another one for my Amazon wishlist)

And then, to finish, Marina Warner was mentioned, someone who I didn't really associate with the eastern influence at all, but reading her biography, I see that she has connections with Cairo and is working on a novel set in Egypt.

And that was that. No-one asked a question, sadly. It's wrong to say I felt a little shortchanged, for as you can tell, there was enough "meat" in the talk to last me quite a while. But I would have loved more colour, the tales of these people to be more richly embroidered with detail, perhaps more illustration. The pictures I've included here are more or less the same ones used in the talk - mostly from wikipedia - and though there were a couple of others shown, (a particularly lovely painting called "Lady drinking coffee" by an unknown artist, showing her wearing an amazing turban. I also loved the wonderful painting of Denise Poiret wearing her lampshade tunic, which I haven't found online either) there was not a great deal of visual interest during the talk.

D McS had however, brought along a fine Ikat coat with a strikingly lovely lining which she told us about when her talk had ended. Whilst there was a scrum to take a closer look at it, she mentioned an article in this month's "World of Interiors" magazine with some details of these coats in an extract from a new book and CD "Russian Textiles: Printed Cloth from the Bazaars of Central Asia" (the Amazon list gets longer). And, yes, I stopped in Waitrose on the way home to get a copy of the magazine - not one I normally even pick up and browse through - and found it a rich source of all kinds of interesting stuff. I must keep an eye on that one in future.

So, it seems as though the ticket for the talk was money well spent...even if it does look like it's going to cost me a little bit more yet.

Cup final day

2008-05-17T14:06:00.015+01:00

It's Saturday and the day of the FA Cup Final (is it still called that? Maybe not...) As neither of us is really interested in football (though with Hull City in the play-off for promotion into the Premiership, all that might change...) I am planning to use the time to relax and do something more interesting.

Like read a book perhaps. I have just one or two on the current pile including next months bookgroup choice "The Other Side of the Bridge", "Notes from an Exhibition" which I seem to have been reading for ever and "Singled Out" which is absolutely fascinating and needs concentration to grasp all the detail inside. There's the guidebooks enthusing me about our next-but-one-trip in August, the amazingly comprehensive Textiles book I bought as a result of the Red exhibition in Basel and the Gocco Guide which came last week. Finally, the new Gordon Ramsay cookbook, for although I don't care for the man himself and watching his F word show last week made me twitchy, his recipes are pretty good and the monkfish from the programme is on the menu chez nous this evening.

Or I might just browse through one or two magazines. The new Selvedge arrived yesterday and the Marie Claire Idees this morning. I intended to concentrate and read some articles from the two German mags I picked up on the Swiss flight a couple of weeks ago, and then there are the favourites bought on a rare Borders visit last Saturday in Birmingham which still haven't been opened.

Or perhaps I'll do some knitting. These socks, progressing nicely after a hiccup last week - Embossed leaves pattern from Favourite Socks

Or perhaps I'll fiddle some more with a bit of domino knitting in the multicolour cotton.

There's the paper to read

sudoku to finish

and I have a fairly major craft project on the go which I'm sorry, I can't show you just yet.

Of course, I'm doing none of that. I'm sitting here at my computer writing a blog post. And whilst I'm here, I spot the two CDs which arrived yesterday from Gwen Hedley, which looked fascinating on a quick glimpse earlier and which I'd like to look at more closely, when I've done with reading, knitting, working in the studio and getting a meal together.

Don't you think that could be the reason why so many people find it far more fun to just plonk themselves down in front of the TV and watch the Cup final?

English Summer

2008-05-16T11:32:00.006+01:00

One of the things we love about living in England is the weather. How boring it would be to have the same old sunshine every day with no surprises. How much more interesting it is when all four seasons can be experienced within 24 hours!

We had torrential rain throughout the night and woke up this morning to find a very wet garden. Everything is looking so fresh after a good downpour, though, and the grass must have grown an inch overnight!

Only thing is, there's no washing going out on the line today. Shame about that.

Glorious sunshine (cough splutter)

2008-05-14T13:41:00.001+01:00

We have what the weather forecasters are telling us is the last of this series of warm, sunny days and we've really enjoyed being outside in the fresh air, sorting out the garden and looking forward to a fine summer.

But look what happened then. OK, so our neighbour did telephone to ask if we minded if she lit a garden fire (at about 1pm this lunchtime), but what could we say?

I think we know what we'll say next time. And for Bob and his son, our trusty window cleaners, I'm afraid it was so horrendous, they beat a hasty retreat. Who can blame them?

The cheek of it!

2008-05-13T16:52:00.000+01:00

Well, at least we are not on the same shelf as Rose and Fred West.

Whodunnit

2008-05-11T18:31:00.004+01:00

We've been out in the garden all day, sorting out things ready for the summer. Mark's cleaned all the outdoor furniture, jet washed the paving stones and paths and I've sorted out all the picnic stuff we keep in our summerhouse - you might say that we are prepared for some sunshine!

This viburnum was looking so gorgeous in the sunshine, layer upon layer of frothy white flowers. We're not really gardeners at all, but it's lovely to see things growing and thriving. Our pond was positively heaving with life - tadpoles, newts, dragonflies, pond skaters, water snails and every so often, a frog would pop out from under the water and sit and take the view in for a while.

A veritable hive of activity as we all went quietly about our business for the day.

So, when I went to put the broom away, I was staggered to find that it had not been all peace and quiet for some. At some point during the afternoon, whilst we were happily getting on with things, a murder took place, the evidence being a large scattering of pigeon feathers but no body (thankfully).

Whodunnit?

We have no idea. Surely, we would have spotted a fox strolling through our garden as they do frequently - but not usually when we are outdoors. Perhaps it was a sparrowhawk or similar? The last time that happened, however, the sounds of squawking and horrendous squeals from the poor victim (a blackbird) upset me no end. We didn't hear a thing.

So, we have no idea. Just goes to show though, that on a peaceful Sunday afternooon in a Cotswold garden, all kinds of dark and mysterious goings on occur without our knowledge. We'd better be careful!

Brum with Paulene

2008-05-10T22:54:00.011+01:00

Earlier in the week, an email dropped into my inbox with an irresistable invitation - "I'm going to be in Birmingham on Saturday and fancy going to the Art of the Stitch Exhibition - want to come?"

You bet I did.

I met Paulene in New Street Station this morning and we spent a fun day looking at art of all kinds in the warm - no, HOT! - sunshine.

We started as planned, at the City Art Gallery with Art of the Stitch, which kept us occupied until lunchtime. Fascinating to see the trends and what's catching the selection panel's eye this year and all the better to have a like-minded friend to mutter a few thoughts and opinions to! Surprisingly, no wearable art this year with almost all of the exhibits being wall-hung. We found that machine stitched drawing is hot right now (Andrea Cryer's "Kath". Suzanne Gregg's "Vases", Rosie James "Durer Stitching" amongst others), especially with the loose ends dangling. In my (our?) opinion, Shizuko Kimura still had the edge though with her hand stitched sketches executed in the studio ("Studio View. And the cat came too!) Colour was generally subdued and restricted to neutrals (all of the above, plus Ilaria Margutti and Rosalba Pepi's "Mend of Me", Beck Knight's "Drunkard's Path" and Kyoko Nagasawa's "Search for Pouring Down", for example), although there were the exceptions of course (Eleri Mills' "Yr yr ardd" and Zara Merrick's glorious "Queen Berenice's Hair" along with a few others) - those were most noticeable when standing at the far end of the gallery and looking back - could the exhibition hanging panel have done this deliberately to conceal the colour?

Another trend seemed to be that of stitching into a digital image of stitching. It's interesting to see how technological advances create opportunities for artists to explore pathways which open up as a result - and how many similar concepts bubble up at the same time independently of one another.

Just one or two more three dimensional pieces, including one of our favourites, the stunning "Grandmother" by Gintare Pilypaite, gorgeous Ruffs by Jill Flower and the staggering "84 Hours" by Sarah Brown which revealed tenacity beyond belief.

Of course, no photographs, so you'll have to make do with the links and the gorgeous tiles in the lobby.

..and another wall poem. Seems to be quite a trend for those this week.

We headed off towards Brindley Place in search of lunch but were distracted by several large groups of ladies wearing uniforms of some kind - they were heading for the UK Womens Barbershop competition and oh my goodness, some of their uniforms were.....well, striking!

We admired the matching manicures sported by this group and wondered if the Stuart Singers might be tempted by this idea? Jade green nails might be just the thing in Minchinhampton next year!

Lunch was delicious. We sat outside the Ikon Gallery and enjoyed a cool glass of sangria and some tapas nibbles whilst our paella was prepared. The 50 minutes needed for that soon passed since we had plenty to chat about, of course.

A second jug of sangria was called for...

and sadly the paella didn't last long enough to be photographed, but it was delicious!

Inside the gallery, there were exhibitions by Jürgen Partenheimer and Ruth Claxton. I didn't quite "get" Partenheimer's work so was glad to have Fine Art student Paulene with me to discuss it with. I was rather more taken by Ruth Claxton's "Lands End" and enjoyed the dynamism of circles and mirrors, especially the last room which contained a huge number of densely packed spirals, circles and mirrors creating a wondrous view of pattern and shape whichever way one looked at it - great energy and flow and a superb installation with which to finish our visit.

On the way downstairs, we got another view of the IKON gallery window, which I thought rather fun.

A walk along the canal, by the Gas Street Basin and a few photos of reflections inspired by Sue's photographs of Clevedon this week.

Through the Mailbox via another gallery and along a busy road ( amongst traffic for the first time today) to get a glimpse of the new Bullring.

I hadn't noticed these bricks in the wall before.

We ended our afternoon in Selfridges, having ogled the dotty exterior first. Inside, we had time for a quick view of Dale's new E-PC too - though they didn't have pink ones there! As always I looked up in slight dismay, for though I love the exterior of the building, I question some aspects of the interior - the ceiling in particular.

Finally, back to New Street Station, across the road, from where our trains were leaving in ten minutes.

Thanks Paulene, for a great day! We must do it again sometime...

Busy week

2008-05-09T08:30:00.006+01:00

Retirement isn't all it's cracked up to be...

Of course, I haven't retired completely - only relieved of responsibility for one aspect of my life! It has, however, freed up quite a large chunk of my time and I'm finding I have the time to do things which I perhaps wouldn't have squeezed in before. That's fun.

So, for example, I was able to meet Maggie and have lunch in Stroud before going to a couple of the Textile Festival exhibitions as she reported on her blog. We were both committed to work in the afternoon however, so we headed off to Cinderford in the afternoon to challenge ourselves with some computer software and stuff.

On Wednesday, the weather was going to be more of the same - glorious Spring sunshine, so Mark and I headed off out for the day and pottered about the Cotswolds. We began with Naunton, where the village church was looking picture perfect.

Inside the church, all was peaceful and calm. The beautifully stitched kneelers caught my eye - of course - all the same pattern but the different colours chosen by the people who made them added a touch of individuality to each one.

In the porch, a notice about the local WI meeting caught my eye - well it would, wouldn't it?

We enjoyed a short wander about the churchyard, mooched about the gravestones and marvelled that the time was exactly right - give or take an hour's British Summer Time.

The forget me nots were in full flower in the lane as we walked back to the car - I just had to have a photograph of that gorgeous blue which shimmered in the sunshine.

We made the most of our day out, for the following day I had to attend a meeting and then some training for my work.

And then today was rather similar - even though it was a different set of people in a different location, the view was remarkably similar!

But tomorrow is Saturday, I'm meeting Paulene in Birmingham where we're going to an exhibition and maybe explore one or two other places too, of which the Rag Market might just be one...

Watch this space.

Problem solved

2008-05-04T18:30:00.003+01:00

Ever since our garden room was finished, there has been an empty space above the double doors which lead into our sitting room. In direct sun for much of the day, this was not a place to put textiles or anything precious - in fact, we struggled to think of what to put there at all. But a large gable end is a big space and we always felt the need for something there.

We once saw a quirky wire sculpture in Brewery Arts, Cirencester, but we dithered and dallied and it was gone before we had made up our minds and of course, we've never really seen anything we liked as much. so, the wall has stayed empty.

Until now.

Whilst in Basel, at the Vitra Design museum, we spotted this Algae and fell for it immediately. It's made of individual components which fasten together with pegs and can be arranged in whatever shape suits. It's simply plastic and could be used indoors or out - in fact, since we've been home and done a google of it, we rather wish we had bought more...but of course, we had to limit ourselves to what we could carry.

Now, I think we might rather like more and wish it would grow a bit, though maybe not quite as fast as its living counterpart in our pond. Perhaps we'll just have to make another purchase.

Weird but gorgeous

2008-05-04T18:14:00.005+01:00

It's been raining on and off all day, but in between the showers, the sun has come out and a little fresh air was called for. Wandering around the garden, in search of a 365 photo for today, I spotted two or three little clumps of tulips amongst some rather bigger shrubs. These were planted the year before last and I'm fairly sure they were pink when they came up last year.

This year, however, they are rather strange. Some parts are more leaf than petal, and the structure of each flower doesn't seem quite how it ought to be.

But I don't really care, for the overall effect is pretty gorgeous, and the colour is fantastic - my favourite rhubarby combination.

I think I need to get the Inktense crayons out!

Confession time

2008-05-01T10:26:00.008+01:00

Opening my suitcase revealed a nice little "pie" of knitting yarn, because Switzerland is a great place to find sock yarn - nothing out of the ordinary but simple, good quality wool at good prices.

I was also pleased to find some silly coloured cotton for a couple of dishcloths, all in the Coop in Basel Marktplatz.

They all fitted nicely into this fun "soft" cake mould - spotted in a really comprehensive kitchen shop just off the Marktplatz and perfect for making a cake in portions to suit all-comers!

Then of course, there was the airport shopping. I don't think we could possibly leave Zürich without leaving a few CHF in Sprüngli in return for a Zuger Kirschtorte and some Luxemburgerli! Putting a carrier bag like this through the X-ray machine always raises a smile from the security people, who often threaten to make it disappear before it comes through the other end of the machine.

Yes, Swiss Airport Security people even have a sense of humour!

On the menu tonight with a couple of friends will be Zürcher Geschnetzeltes with Rösti, followed by Kirschtorte and maybe a Luxemburgerli or two. The Baseler Läckerli will keep for tomorrow!

The reason for our visit

2008-04-30T09:29:00.000+01:00

Not exactly a concert, rather more than a rehearsal - we were here to listen to the two Piano Quartets by Raff, played by Il Trittico, who played the Piano Quintet on a memorable Sunday afternoon in Rapperswil three years ago. The performance in the Kleiner Saal at the Basel Hochschule für Musik was great - for a more comprehensive review, keep an eye open here.

Basel Münster

2008-04-30T08:40:00.001+01:00

High above the river, in a site well suited for overseeing all the comings and goings, is the Minster, or Münster. Walking towards it through the small streets and alleys, we found it hard to imagine that we were in the city. The blue skies and sunshine made it a pleasure to linger in the tree covered courtyard and do a bit of people watching!

Unbelievably, we had driven this route on Sunday afternoon, when we were being challenged by the one-way system of the old town - and yes, we drove through streets which we really shouldn't have done!

Inside the minster, the solid architecture is plain and simple. Here and there is a tomb or memorial - one of the tombs is that of Erasmus, and though there are three lovely stained glass windows, my eyes fell on the wonderful chairs which had such a great assortment of patterns carved into the backs.

Yes, we spotted some pairs but not many, and what a distraction peering at them would prove during a boring sermon!

Outside, into the cloister, where we enjoyed walking around looking through the openings for different views and glimpses through other windows. The many memorials on the walls were fascinating too.

In the corner of the smaller cloister, we came across this great bronze market stall.

There were some pretty realistic fruit, veg and flowers there and the cool, dark, shiny surfaces were so pleasing to the eye and to the touch.

Only on wandering over to the other side, to see another, similar stall, did we note the more sinister side of the artist's concept, for here the stall was empty and a human skull was there on top of a silent drum. The surface of the table was imprinted with a lengthy poem, the language too dense and difficult for me to understand, sadly.

So, out onto the Pfalz, where instead of the usual figures there are elephants carved into the stone. Well, we think they are elephants as imagined by someone who has never actually seen an elephant!

Then, as we headed back into town in search of tea, we spotted this on the church notice board.

It seemed to sum up everything we love about Switzerland, this somewhat conventional country of tradition and good sense, which nevertheless embraces the modern technology with style and functionality. "Mit Pfiff", as they say!