Friday, April 20, 2007

Mementoes, studio and happy days.

1. There is a lady making bobbin lace at the needlework fair, and I stop for a chat. While she's telling me about knots and spiders and cushions, I notice that many of her bobbins have messages poker-worked on to them -- 'A present from...' or 'Thanks for all your help.'

2. Walking into the studio at Charleston because it is such a light, bright room full of fascinating things. It feels as if someone has pulled everything they liked to see into one room.

3. On top of Firle Beacon I spot a woman in a distinctive blue jersey dress. She seems to be alone, but there's something about her that isn't alone, although I can't see anyone in the car with her. I imagine she has come up here to take in the silence of a high place, the bright blue sky and the green downs. Later we spot her in the garden at Charleston. She is sitting on a the grass with a jolly-looking baby -- I guess that's why she wasn't alone up on the Beacon. Sometimes when I think of the future and the family I might have, all I can think of are the things it will stop me doing. But this woman didn't seem to be burdened by responsibility, and didn't seem to be missing out on things she wanted to do -- she looked like she was enjoying time with her baby.

Book treasure, worn and speaker.

1. Finding treasure in the Oxfam bookshop. I only popped in to look for a card. 2. Bettany doesn't wear makeup out and about, but noneth...