Happy days

It's quiet here today without the ladies to occupy my hands and brain. Florence and Cynthia have gone to the Royal Academy's Summer Show and Muriel and Verity are on an autoroute bound for Provence. (There's a group photo at the end of this post.)

But plenty's happening in their absence. I've planted out tomatoes and chillies in Phoebe's patch, finished the sewing on the fruit embroidery, started my second Clapotis and read a book. I've had some great stuff in the post, too.

Julie Arkell very kindly sent me her recommendations for New York - better than any Time Out guide (and on a par with Regina the Concierge's - thanks Regina). She also invited me to the Private View of her new exhibition which, ironically, is on the day I fly to New York.

I've just finished Lady Rose and Mrs Memmary by Ruby Ferguson, published by Persephone. It's a wonderfully beguiling and then shattering read, and is so much more than it first appears to be. I've also re-read Mariana by Monica Dickens, again from Persephone, because I didn't enjoy it the first time, reckoned I'd missed something, and now realise I didn't. It's just not for me. But still a beautiful book to hold, as are all the Persephone books with their lovely end-papers taken from period textile designs. I'm now on to Hetty Dorval by Ethel Wilson and already captivated.

I've been meaning to write about Juju's amazing beaded jewellery. For the last two or three summers Juju has made me a couple of lariats so now I have quite a collection. Her style evolves each year and I just give her a colour idea then I wait and see what she sends. This is her wonderful take on a lime green specification.

The ladies would love some of that, I'm sure. And here's a group photo of the quartet. I went to photograph them and discovered that they had been to their style guru, Phoebe, who had raided the wardrobe I made at Marilyn's. Trinny and Susannah had better watch out.

 

Comments

[Jan]

I've had a busy morning full of unexpected distractions, but reading your post has refreshed me. Thanks!
Off to the rest of my day!

[Africankelli]

Your creativity is a breath of fresh air. Thank you! (And the ladies, they are lovely!)

[LadyLinoleum]

The ladies look lovely together and what a gorgeous piece of jewelry. I love green...

[Linda]

the ladies look so chic together. Hope the Provence tour goes well!

[Nichola]

I hope the Ladies have a wonderful time!

[greta]

OH! You are flying to New York?
I do so hope it coincides somehow with
my schedule so we can do some serious Pinot tasting
and Museums....(it's ONLY a ten or twelve hour drive
for me....but it'd be SO worth it!)
Email me if you are interested....

[wendy]

I really really love these ladies. They are so simple, yet you gave them such personality.
Beautiful.

[lyn]

"But plenty's happening in their absence. I've planted out tomatoes and chillies in Phoebe's patch, finished the sewing on the fruit embroidery, started my second Clapotis and read a book."

Jane, are you some kind of Time-Lord or what ?

[Sherry]

I think that bare feet up, with good books and some delicious snacks is the epitome of happiness.