Hello, how has your week been?
My week has absolutely flown by and I’m struggling to think where the time has gone, but it’s been a good week. Today however I’m writing this in the car as we’re on our way to the funeral of one of Mike’s colleagues. He was a lovely man whom I always looked forward to seeing together with his partner, and he died very unexpectedly and far too early at just 46; a sober reminder of how precious every moment is.
At the end of last week I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Ceramic Art London, not only was I able to identify the pieces that I liked and was inspired by but also, and perhaps equally usefully, those that did not appeal to me. I left knowing that I want to explore more textured surfaces and natural finishes on finer pieces - watch this space!
The lambs continue to bring smiles to our faces, they are enthusiastic guzzlers and are now looking really quite robust. The rest of the flock will be returning to the orchard this weekend and we’re hopeful that they’ll integrate okay while still being keen to come and take a bottle until they’re ready to be completely weaned.
I have begun to notice that when I don’t find time to make I’m more frustrated, there’s less elasticity in my personality. But I’m learning to remind myself that the reasons I lack time are often due to decisions I have made, not always, but often, for example orphan lambs and art fairs! One of the benefits of creative pursuits though is that they can be put aside for a time and returned to without any problems, in fact sometimes it’s positively helpful and offers greater objectivity, whereas tomato seedlings need watering or potting on pretty in timely fashion and heaven forbid you don’t feed a lamb on time!
Full moon magic
People often ask me if I miss the barn (where we previously lived) and I rarely pause before I answer yes. I miss the stairs and the shadows the light threw on them from every aspect; I miss the oak tree outside the front door (I sometimes wonder if it would be really wrong to jump over the gate between our properties to give her a hug); and I miss the way in which I was more easily able to watch the moon from the front door and through the skylight above the stairs. The full moon this week coincided with the night of my birthday which somehow felt rather special, it was a lovely clear evening and being in the garden at night to feed the lambs has meant I’ve been able to properly notice the sky.
We’re off on holiday next week, we have a wonderful trip to Italy lined up, beginning in Milan and ending in Naples. I won’t be writing quite as usual but will probably send a ‘postcard’ or two as we enjoy exploring the cities of Italy and all the beautiful things they have to offer. I’m almost ashamed to say that I have never been to Venice, Florence or Rome and am so excited to finally see them while enjoying la dolce vita. Fingers crossed for better weather than forecast for the beginning of next week, but take note never to holiday with us for we have a history of experiencing ‘unprecedented’ weather while away!
On our return from holiday our elder daughter, who has been living at home, will move into a flat of her own. I’m so pleased and excited for her, but can’t deny that I will miss her enormously. Mike largely works away so my nest really will feel empty for a bit, at least until daughter number two returns home from drama school! In celebration of having finally secured a flat, not an easy task for 20 somethings these days, we made a trip to Ikea last weekend. I have made many, many trips to Ikea in various countries over the years but this one will, I think, always be my favourite for the message we found at the bottom of one of the storage boxes in the marketplace. I hope it made many other people smile as much as us.
On that note, I wish you a happy week ahead.
Arrivederci!
Vx
Aw, what a lovely note.
Have a wonderful holiday xx
Have a fab holiday. Xx