Not to London to visit the queen. But to South West France, deep in the countryside in the Lot valley. Along with quite a lot of the population of Holland, it would seem!
Eating chocolate pud and creme anglaise a la menthe
watching the twinkling reflections of the stained-glass windows in a tiny hill-top village church
fois gras central in St. Cirq Lapopie
ancient village on a very steep cliffside overlooking the river Lot
A very special treat the day before we set of for France was a quick train trip up to Birmingham NEC for the Festival of Quilts. And it was worth it just to see this masterpiece by Carolyn, a kind and lovely blogger friend. See more about her quilt here.
I took some more photos, but in my excitement and because I hadn't invested in a programme, I didn't have the artists' names. So sorry.
little boxes and indigo
domestic scenes
sari silks
and threads
BIG ceramic hearts
REALLY BIG ceramic beads in lovely shades
slightly smaller versions
OK, so this smart-alec can not only play the violin, she can do it dangling from one leg from the topmast of a circus marquee
unfurling ferns
no visit to FoQ complete without some purchases
sweet little free-machine stitchery on felted blanket by Janet Clare
(v. cheap, so treated myself!)
And another one which became a brooch yesterday
Talking of brooches, there was quite a gathering of bloggers at FoQ, photos of which you've probably seen on other blogs, and I met some of my heroines that day. One,with quite unexpected generosity, pressed this awesome beauty into my sweaty palm. I was quite overcome and couldn't believe my eyes. I love Viv's work and just wish I had a smigeon of her artistic talent and freedom of expression.
Cakey interlude - three types of plums from our garden
And another 'birthday treat', something I've wanted to do for years-and-years and eventually managed to get to a few weeks ago - Gifford's Circus. They travel around the Cotswolds area during the summer months, camping out on common land with their traditional vehicles and bite-sized marquee. We went to see then when they were on Minchinhampton Common, for a matinee performance on a beautiful summer's day. I have to tell you that I haven't laughed so much for ages and was completely transported by the effervescent theatre, gymnastics, music and 'pure magic'.
sorry to have been gone so long - I'll be back soon, promise .....
Chrissie
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8 comments:
An absolute feast of photos! Your holiday photos look stunning. Thank you so much for sharing the Festival of quilts- I couldnt go this year:( I love your friend's quilt.x
Such a feast of photos as Dotty says. Those lovely places is France, beautifully captured and the FoQ shots equally tempting. Lovely to see Carolyne's quilt. Really nust try and go - next year...
What a plum of a post -- beautiful photos. That part of France looks completely magical.
Well worth the wait! I just love the half timbered buildings from your Holiday in France, and Gifford's Circus - I'd like to go, but have no-one to go with (my beloved being allergic to that kind of thing )so it's next bet thing to see photos.
A veritable feast for the eyes, this post, Chrissie. Loving the big ceramic beads, seriously wantable! Also really liked the quilt with domestic scenes. Glad you enjoyed Giffords. I fail to see how anyone could go and not love it......
As always, your photos make your holiday look so idyllic - which I'm sure it was. Makes me want a holiday even more! The quilts look terrific - there are some very talented and creative people out there. And you are definitely one of them!
Anne
So many wonderful things to comment on but my eye was drawn to that beautiful rusty heart.
Chrissie,
I'm catching up with blog posts after my own little holiday break. Beautiful photos and all of them a feast for the eyes. What treats you've had. I love those beads and can't wait to see what you'll do with them but I'm with Gina - that rusty heart is a gem! Lesley x
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