Looking at the photos I have taken in the last week's, it occurred to me that we haven't had a Birkies/toes picture for a while, and I would hate to let down those who tell me they could recognise me from my feet rather than my face. This was taken yesterday, amidst clouds of pink and white Erigeron karvinskianus (common name: fleabane) in someone else's garden.
However, this is a very inaccurate end-of-the-week photo-summary of the past week, as I have hardly stood still. Instead of my usual routine of working at home with a couple of distractions, last week was nearly all distractions and a smattering of working at home. (Of course, it can all be justified in terms of work/research/inspiration/ideas...)
So I have been to La Fromagerie to meet a friend and talk about vintage and French linens, stitching and architecture. (Great place, lovely smell of cheese everywhere, fab cakes.)
I have been to Luca's to talk to my agent about books, projects, and what I would really, really like to do. (Excellent bread to take home.)
I have been to Le Chandelier for tea and cake, and a look at the beautiful, photogenic interior. (It can be hired out for photoshoots).
I have been to Charleston for the private view of Kaffe Fassett's new installation. My friend and I turned up just as everyone was going into the house (we'd spent too long talking in The Needlemakers and then in Bill's) so joined the back of a group and enjoyed a wonderful tour of the house, had a wander round the garden, and a chat with Kaffe. (Garden looking lovelier than ever - the view from Vanessa Bell's bed was the one we wanted.)
I have been to the NPG, then to meet two friends from school (there were six of us in a group: Jane, Jane, Jane, Alison, Alison, and Fanny. My middle name is Alison, so I never really had to remember names. This time I met a Jane and an Alison.) Terroirs turned out to be a great choice of meeting place (chosen for its Frenchness - we all did languages incl French at university).
I have been to gardens, too. I meant to go to lots of places open for the Open Squares Weekend but the weather was too cold and wet. Nevertheless, we got to a dripping but very interesting walled garden at Chiswick House.
And then yesterday was the apogee of a busy week. Simon and I went to Tom Stuart-Smith's own garden in Hertfordshire (open with the second family garden for the NGS ). Utterly amazing, and my feet have hardly touched the ground since. Even though they are to be found firmly tucked under my desk every day this week.
Wow! I hear Tom Stuart-Smith will be exhibited at the Garden Museum in London. If so it would be good to go.
Thanks to your inspiring list I will be heading for The Needlemakers when visiting my parents in Tunbridge Wells this summer from my homestead near Tours.
Posted by: Stephanie | June 20, 2011 at 16:39
That all sounds like a very lovely way to be busy!
Posted by: Katherine of Kitten's Lost Her Mittens | June 20, 2011 at 17:54
Sounds like a fantastic start to summer. I am a huge fan of Kaffe Fassett, have stitched many of his designs, and am amazed at how he keeps the creative work going. Would be interested in your impressions of the Charleston installation.
Posted by: Tess | June 20, 2011 at 18:37
Wow!!! what a busy girl!!!!
Posted by: Jacky | June 20, 2011 at 19:45
Sounds like an exciting time. I bet that Open Squares weekend would have been great inspiration for a knitting or patchwork project.
Posted by: Rosie | June 20, 2011 at 19:45
Such energy. Sounds like a fabulous week.
After I'd heard you singing the praises of Birkenstocks
and a local friend did too it seemed meant to be and I went to try some on. Initially i was a bit worried that the toe bar might cause some discomfort but after the first day they felt like an extension to my feet and that is exactly where they've been since I bought them. I am a convert so thank you for writing about them.
Posted by: Angela Bickerton | June 20, 2011 at 20:38
So lovely. My mum and our whole family calls those "Seaside Daisies", not sure why...
Posted by: Meg Rogerson | June 20, 2011 at 23:50
We call them seaside daisies too - maybe it's an Australian thing? I certainly live a long way from the sea ... but I'm switching to fleabane. I like plant names that sound like ingredients for a cauldron.
Posted by: lynleyquilts | June 21, 2011 at 00:00
Nice to see a toe shot - pretty fleabane!
Posted by: Lisa | June 21, 2011 at 02:41
What a fabulous sounding week,especially TSS's garden. I'm jealous! Love the photo - I think you should produce a calendar.
Posted by: Charlotte | June 21, 2011 at 10:33
I have two pairs of those birks- one in green, and the other brown. Love them. Love your blog, too. I've been lurking, but the shoes made me come out of my lurkiness.
Posted by: Susan | June 23, 2011 at 05:41