Posy

Birthday

Oh my, life has been hectic over the past few days. It was my birthday on Wednesday and I chose to take a day trip to London with Anth.

I've had my eye on a ipod with a bigger memory and really wanted a red one. Having never seen one before as Apple only sell them online or in their stores, I decided that I wanted to see it before I bought one. Plus I could squeeze in a trip to Cath. So Anth and I took a day off work, and got up very early to catch the train. I love the train track from Newton Abbot to Exeter; it has to be one of the most dramatic in the country as it runs along the coast line, yards away from the sea   and plunging into tunnels carved out of the red cliffs.

 

I was feeling slightly under the weather (still am, and I'm blaming 29 little runny noses that are wiped on sleeves and various tummy ailments. Ooh, I've been susceptable to everything this term) and was worried that I might take ill in Cath's and have to lie down on the display bed. But I didn't want to cancelled as I had been looking forward to this trip for weeks. So I pushed onwards. On our arrival we went straight to Regent Street to the huge Apple store.

Talk about feeling all of my 44 years, both of felt complete country bumpkins. I don't know what I was expecting but it was huge - there were hundreds of computers for you to use (for free!) even a special children's section, classes going on to help you get the most from your purchase, experts on hand if you had problems at the Genius Bar. I laughed to myself and cringe when I think that last week I spent too long on the phone to the Regent St store asking if they definitely would have a red Nano on Wednesday as I was coming up from Devon!! Oh the embarrassment! There must have been at least 700 Red Nanos on the shop floor alone! So I left with the most gorgeous ipod - it looks better than I thought, though I wouldn't call it red, it's the exact shade of our bookcase and my CK wallpaper. Very me.

Then we crossed the road to Liberty's where my favourite part of the fabulous building are the chimneys.

Off to Borders where I bought some Christmas magazines from the US and a wonderful book which I'll blog about later. Then it was off to Cath's.

You know I have a problem whenever I go into a Cath Kidston shop. Perhaps it's because I have only been 3 or 4 times and it's a big deal ,or, that I am now a lady of a certain age.. but as soon as I step foot inside I turn into a human waterfall! A hyperventilating, puce, waterfall. The girls who work there must wonder who this woman is, who, after removing as many clothes as decently possible; does at least 4 circuits of the shop, v e r y s l o w l y looking at everything. I eyed the bed longingly but didn't succumb. I bought a table cloth (the one on the cover of Country Living) a wallet, and some rose paisley fabric which I don't think I can bring myself to cut. I had previously bought the mini fabric chest of drawers and box files by mail order as I had learned my lesson about carrying heavy bags last time.

So, finally Anth led me away after explaining to the assistants that my glazed expression was probably due to being slightly under the weather plus the fact that we had had an early start from Devon.

Gasping for a cup of reviving tea we stopped at a wonderful patisserie where I looked even more weird as I insisted in taking photos through the window of the cakes for Alice.

On the late train home we sat, exhausted, but still doing our Sudoku. Should I mention that one of the things that both of us were looking forward to most was doing Sudoku on the train...how sad is that?!

I glanced up, smiled, thought of you and took out my camera to take a photograph at the seat infront..

..evidence of a good day! 

Blessings from afar

It has been known, on occasion, that something has made me lost for words. It doesn't happen too often (unfortunately, says the family)  but on Saturday lunchtime I was completely silent for all of 1 minute and then all everyone could hear was, "Wow! Oh how beautiful. Look at this...quick get my camera! How kind..sigh.."

The cause of all my excitement was a parcel all the way from Australia, sent by Brenda. Could anything be wrapped up for me so perfectly? I was blown away by the little card, never mind the gorgeous brooch, blue lace fabric and ric rac.

When I opened it I fell quiet again. The blue fabric had turned out to be an embroidery - there was a vintage book called 'All Because Of Posy', some Cath soaps, (CATH SOAPS!!) a beautiful vintage birthday card, some lovely buttons and yarn wrapped up in beautiful fabric. So lovely.

Brenda, I want you to know how much your kindness means to me. The thoughtful gifts are just wonderful. The words 'thank you' seem so small, but they are sincere and heartfelt.

And whilst I am thanking Brenda I also would like to thank everyone who has bought my lavender bags, again I'm speechless at the speed in which they went, though I still have 2 left if anyone is still interested.

You know there is rarely a day that passes without me feeling such gratitude for my blog-life and for all of you out there who take the time to read and leave comments or emails. I'm hoping to be able to respond to your comments more often now as I have had a fiddle with my Typepad settings. Please forgive me if I haven't ever acknowledged your lovely presence on my blog, and I'll do my best to change that. Oh , I wish there were more hours in the day, don't you? 

Open for Business!

Here at last are my Wildflower Lavender Bags. I've made 20 in all. More details here.

Thank you for all your encouraging comments about our upcoming trip. It helps to see I'm not alone! Did I ever tell you that at the ripe old age of 21, 10 days after we got married in Devon, Anth and I left the UK to live in NZ for a undecided time.

After saying goodbye to my mother at the airport, I cried all the way to Frankfurt! I have never been able to think of Frankfurt without a smile since.

Shop Update

Wildflower Bags for sale tomorrow afternoon ~ Sunday 25th November.

A little anxious

Over the years we now recognize when our sweet Posy feels vulnerable. She goes and sits half way up the stairs, pokes hers head through the banisters and surveys the goings on below; at a safe distance. If family life gets too hectic or we have visitors, there she will sit. Slightly worried and slightly blurred, oops.

I too am slightly worried at the moment. Worry is something I do too much of and although I try my best not to, silly thoughts creep into my head. You see at the beginning of January, Anth and I will be going to New Zealand, without the children. Now, I know that we are very fortunate to have the opportunity and my beloved husband sacrifices so much to live in the UK, but I'm still feeling wobbly about leaving my children for 3 weeks and being half a world away from them. I'm scared too about the flying. 24 hours on a plane and then whilst we're in NZ a few internal flights thrown in as well. How do I feel about that, well in 4 words I can sum it up..we've updating our wills. I have flown many times before so it isn't fear of the unknown; our last long haul flight back to NZ was in 2002 (we went for the first time as a family) was quite hilarious; I dined out on that story for weeks after - especially the sniffer dog!

But joking aside, I am trying to prepare the house as my mother and Robin will be staying here with the children. I am trying to write some notes about boilers, logs, plumbers, sheds, loft access, rubbish collections, children routines, packed lunches, cat food etc.. We are so, so grateful to them for having the children. Anth's parents will be celebrating their 60th Wedding Anniversary, his brother will have a big birthday and our niece will have her 1st - so there will be parties galore. It means so much to Anth that I go with him this time and I'm trying not to let my fears spoil his excitement but they are slowly creeping up on me..it's the saying goodbye to them all, that, even now makes my eyes shiny.

So yesterday (and today I hope) I went to my 'safe' place, like Po, and sat behind my sewing machine. There is Christmas and New Year to get through before our trip so I'm pushing my fears to the back of my mind and cracking on with my Wildflower Lavender Bags. These should be ready in day or two. Thank you, as always, for all your emails and comments...would you be surprised if I told you that I have saved nearly every kind email I have received? No? Good, at least we're not strangers anymore. Enjoy your Friday.

Not only my Tea Towels..

..."Mum ..MUM...MUMMM...What on earth is this??!!

Tut, bang the door is thrown open.."MUM...!"

One of my children appears at the bathroom door, a look of disdain on their face, an arm outstretched with one of my new 'face cloth' held between their thumb and index finger.

"Ah yes, I see you've found one of our new face cloths." I reply, bracing myself for the reaction.

It came. So this vintage find hasn't been welcomed with open arms. That was to be expected.

"Well," reminded Anth, "how many other people have lace around their face flannels?"

"Yes but if you look at it you will see it is actually ric-rac sort of made into an edging, it's not officially lace. It's so clever, just look!" I say.

He briefly looks. Now you have a look - I bet you appreciate it.

I found about 6 of assorted sizes. Oh yeah, guess where? Yep, Totnes in another box! So, it's not just our tea towels that are trimmed with lace it's our face cloths too.

Now, I bet even Cath hasn't done that!

Blast from the past

Over the last few months I have been lucky enough to come across some true vintage goodness in book form. I have always had a copy next to my bed of Arthur Stanley's The Bedside Book ~ A Miscellany for The Quiet Hours ~ written in 1947.  I love anthologies and this never fails to delight; and delighted I was to find recently The New Bedside Book ~ Peace At The Close.  The language 'Peace At The Close'..why couldn't I think up something so simple but so succinct.  I'm also enjoying Elizabeth Craig's Housekeeping written in 1947; how many books have you read that has a whole weeks menu for a cat?

I love the language again when home making was an art and a full time job.  I am hoping to pick up some hints as my housekeeping skills are decidedly lacking.

I've also seem to be building up quite a collection of old books about Britain. The Shell Country Book is all about the British country and how it has evolved through the ages and I'm finding it rather fascinating reading - gee I must be getting old when I would rather read about Yew Trees instead of the latest Jilly Cooper. No wonder my children's eyes raise to the heavens

when I show them my latest collection of books! And to top that off I have

the old fashioned Reader's Digest Book Of The British Countryside...umm..it's not looking very cool is it? It's the sort of book that your Great Uncle John would have been given for Christmas in 1970.

Maybe it's not just Britain who's historic. Still, you'll never know when you might have to explain the intricate workings of the Hurdy-Gurdy - right, now on to Bird Song At Morning.

Coming soon

...my wildflower lavender bags.

The Award for the Best Christmas Cover

Absolutely no contest..

My little un-black book

I've been waiting for quite awhile for Cath to bring out an address book; and when she did I completely missed it until I happened to walk into Gazebo in Totnes the other day.

It's lovely. Each letter has a different design - the above being my favourite - well I think it is. There are so many to choose from.

So no little black book for me just a little flowery one. What else! Now just need to fill it. My pen just hovers...why can't I bring myself to write on it's beautiful pages.

I'll try again tomorrow...

Today

Devon awoke to a brilliant blue sky, a low bright sun, and nip in the air.  Perfect even though it was a Monday morning. I was late for school, the traffic horrendous so I decided to go 'the lanes way.'

Even though I was late, I did stop to take some photos...shh..but then my worst fear happened...I came face to face with another car..eek.  For a woman who can't reverse that is a nightmare. They reversed. Fortunately.

Then it was off to start my day which included P.E, with 29, 4 and 5 year olds.  Music, which included giving said 29 children, 29 musical instruments to all play at once (continuing our firework theme) and an assembly with a clown and a sausage machine (don't ask; the children needed to be scraped off the ceiling)The day ended with me going home with a headache.

But on a more positive note there was a certain comment from a little boy that made my day worth while.  I had taken him into the cloakroom to find his P.E kit which he had forgotten (again). As I was looking for it feeling slightly harassed he suddenly looked at me and quite out of the blue said, "I like your hair."  Just like that. Now he is one of our more challenging children and I was so surprised that he had even noticed. Dear of him.

Makes Monday mornings and headaches much more bearable.

Is it vintage?

Smash

"..but it's vintage.." I wail. "I can't just replace it." (Though between you and me I'll have a jolly good try!)  And this is currently what I've replaced my replacements with, and so far this month, apart from last week, we've had a clear run with no breakages. I love my glasses, just like I love my mugs, side plates and dinner plates.

 

Another reason I'm showing you the contents of our glasses cupboard is to show you my 'new' shelf edging. I found it in a shop in Leominster. A shop that sells the most beautiful, vintage (there's that word again) clothes and accessories. Racks of old tea dresses, aged hat boxes, Victorian nightdresses, perfume bottles, jewelery, sequined handbags, heavy velvet curtains and laced edged bed linen all jostle for space. I spend my time turning over the price tickets with bated breath hoping the item that caught my eye is within my price range. The only thing that I have ever bought from that shop is a tiny pillowcase and some old hankies for 50p each (subject for another post). That was until this time when in between the Chanel No5 bottle and the white evening gloves and next to the hat pins and cigarette holder, I saw this box.

No price.

"Excuse me, how much is this?" I enquire.

"Umm what is it?"

"Shelf edging." She studies the box carefully, turning it over and over.

"I'll have to ring the owner, hold on."

I wait for the inevitable £25 a metre, and study the box. Lakeland Plastics, no surely not! Now I have nothing against Lakeland but why was it in this shop where the youngest thing in there was me! Yeah, and that is saying something as my 44th birthday fast approaches. Too fast.

"She's not answering. Would £5 be alright?"

"Yes," I squeak, "I think it's from Lakeland by the way"

"Lakeland?!"

So now I just have to get my head around the whole plastic thing. I usually trim my shelves with real crochet lace which keeps falling off, but I've been seduced by the peel off and stick ,wipe clean instant gratification thing.

What do you think, does it look vintage?

Chocolate Boxes

Now I can't quite remember if I have shown you this before; if I have then I'm sorry. Humour me and pretend you have never seen it before.  It's an old chocolate box. Can anyone tell me why they don't make chocolate boxes like this anymore? Why on earth not?

This is one I found in Ludlow a few months ago and I use it to store my unopened packets of vintage ric-rac and pieces of lace etc.

And this one I know I have shown you before, but it completes my collection. Yeah, my huugge collection of..2! But I'm a lucky girl to have 2, oh yes. And if any chocolate manufacturers are reading this, please can you make your boxes like this again.

Reasons to be cheerful - soft fluffy paws

Alfie's...

...and Posy's..

Cheerful? I am, even though it's back to school tomorrow. It's my favourite half term - nativity, excitement, carols, shepherds, glitter, cards, advent, halos, and 30 pairs of wide eyes as they listen to the Christmas story for the first time. Now that too, is a reason to be cheerful.

Embarrassed

I've spent the last 2 days in various degrees of embarrassing self-consciousness, some amusing some not...well perhaps yesterdays were but Thursdays weren't.

I had posted all my lavender bags on Thursday morning and happily settled down to make some more; but by the evening I received an email from a dear lady in Australia (Hi Lynn) which reminded me of the postal restrictions for Australia. Gulp, I hadn't even thought about sending 'plant matter' and have subsequently discovered that I can't post lavender outside of Europe. Ahh, huge sigh. I feel so stupid, silly, dumb..you name it. So that was Thursday night.

Friday morning 9am. Trip to the dentist. Big, big thing for me. Gigantic thing for me as I have had a bad experience before and have managed to go since 1983 without having another filling. That was until yesterday. Boy, was I scared and I felt embarrassed/mortified at sounding so irrational when explaining my fears to the dentist. After 2 injections and 7 fillings in the one tooth, (part of it had broken) I left the dentist with a dumb cheek and mouth mumbling like a fool. I still had things to do so kept having to explain to strangers why I was dribbling and incommunicable.

Then there was this,

my trolley at Sainsburys with nothing but Christmas editions of most of the woman's magazines available.

Oh yes, friends, I'm sure there are people who are still talking about the wild eyed, drooling, mumbling woman who seems to live on nothing but December magazines.

Shop open here. SORRY, ALL SOLD BUT MORE SOON!