I was lucky enough to visit Mindrum Garden last weekend.
We walked through the woodland….
And walked past the foxgloves, roses and aquilegia’s.
This is a special garden. All my favourite flowers.
A few came home including an (old wild type) deep red rambling rose.
At home the foxgloves are blooming madly.
And today (and yesterday) got a good watering.
I’ve revamped the gardening website - its just for fun, don’t except too much.
Since coming home from my London trip I’ve been so very tired.
I slept 14 hours one night. Usually I’m lucky to get 6 hours.
The gentle art of gardening.
Slow and steady.
Reaping beautiful and yummy rewards.
The first foxgloves to appear in the garden.
Searching for beautiful details in the ordinary and everyday.
Something I aim to do from now on.
Find me on Instagram for daily posts.
I’m using the hashtag #innerdailysmile
I took this yesterday and call it “Magnification"
Even abstract light patterns are beautiful.
First stop on Saturday - Charlotte Tilbury's Covent Garden Store for a indulgent hour of girlie make up.
Not something I’ve done for a long time and I loved it.
Picked up some great tips and more of her makeup.
I’m a convert.
I sat on the last chair on the right, getting onto the chair was my challenge of the day.
Then I wandered to the British Museum via Seven Dials….stopping at Gudrun Sjoden, for a new dress and Orla Kiely for a new summer bag.
The British Museum was busy with some very rude visitors.
What is it about London that gives one the right to be rude and selfish?
After lunch in the Members Room I headed to the Egyptian exhibition, not really my thing.
But interesting to see different objects from different times.
Then Sicily, which was also not really my thing.
But its en-route to the train.
I had a few moments to see old favourites.
And a quick pop into Indian again.
Then tired but very happy I caught the train from Kings Cross back to Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Back to green fields, nice people, sheep….
…and my garden.
*sigh*
I had the dates mixed up for the NHM and the exhibition on Otherworlds was no longer running.
I didn’t stay long.
Darwin was surrounded by too many children.
Instead I took a cab to the Royal Academy and grabbed brunch.
Beautiful food and surroundings.
The exhibition was "In the Age of Giorgione".
Good to see.
After dropping my bag at the hotel I went shopping, the Z Hotel Piccadilly is wonderfully central.
2 minutes walk and I was in the middle of Soho, from expensive silks, to mouthwatering street food, to sex shops and viagra heaven.
I love Soho for its wackiness.
The Cloth House on Bewick Street.
Yes, three lots came home with me.
I could have happily squirrelled away loads more.
Cass Art Shop.
Arts & Crafts Exhibition at Liberty.
I could have purchased almost everything and lived happily ever after with it all.
After returning the the hotel to drop several bags I headed to the National Gallery.
Where I wondered around, purposely getting lost.
Spotting (non-virgin) women in paintings.
There aren’t many around.
Says a lot.
Paolo Veronese, Happy Union, about 1575
Lucas Cranach the Elder, 1506
Bacchiacca, 1515
Just look at the vibrant colours here.
Its striking to see bright Renaissance colours, followed by dull Georgians and then back to bright Impressionistic paintings.
George Shaw
Painting from My back to nature exhibition.
Honestly the only one I liked.
I’ll stick to the Renaissance.
On the 24th floor of the Holiday Inn Kensington.
Very strange to see so little greenery.
Fascinating to see how the larger houses are placed with the mews houses.
And SO VERY LOUD and BRIGHT at night.
Even with double glazing the traffic and tubes, bright lights and sirens kept me awake.
So used to NO noise at all and NO lights.
The next morning I walked along to the Natural History Museum via Fortum & Mason.
I resisted.
Just.
No visit to the V&A is complete without looking at the embroidered pieces.
Some in the newly refurbished and newly opened European Galleries.
French Court Dress 1795-8
English jacket, early C17th
Its not just the embroidery that catches my eye.
Bracelet, 1500-1600, possibly belonging to Elizabeth I
Both the above from a Headcloth for a bed 1554-75
Embroidered cover 1592
My favourite piece of embroidery in the V&A, section of a cushion cover around 1600.
One of my favourite Art Nouveau pieces by CFA Voysey. 1896-1901.
Bad picture, lovely clock.
Always need to take a walk through India when I visit.
Admire the contemporary artwork and the building.
Take a moment of rest and chocolate brownie in the Members Room.
And of course, buy jewellery, sari squares and flowers in the shop.
Yes, I really did buy silk flowers and carry them home successfully.
Mad woman.
