Arrested #1

Concept photography by Noemie Goudal, London

Arrested ~ a haphazard series for stimuli that stop me in my tracks, as and when they arise.

Seasonal Delight

I miss asparagus already... all coming from Peru again. Such a short season locally - it seems on the one hand so archaic and almost mystical and yet so frustrating - grrrr food miles!

A Thing A Day

The results of my hoarding tendancies have been pushing me a little off-centre lately and I've been craving a less cluttered home. So, while I won't even attempt the ambitious task Bindu Wiles has set herself I did find this more manageable option via Susannah Conway - the A Thing A Day Challenge. And while I might not manage to get rid of one thing every single day, now that the intention is there I'm hoping for great things!

Cresting a wave

I always feel that Thursday morning is like cresting the wave of the week. Sometimes being on the home straight is a miracle.
This week ~ I'd like more time.

Detective Work

I've been doing some detective work on the beginnings of my newly acquired antique tea set. After, a highly educational foray into the world of porcelain manufacturers and marks I was excited to discover that my beautiful tea set dates back to somewhere between 1917 and 1925. It will be very special to sip from cups with such history - although I'm almost afraid to use them in case I break them! Typical me!

Image credits:
China Marks (http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/); St. Paul's Cathedral Library, London via annesenglandtrip07; Early 19th Century Magnifying Glass, The Gentlemans Library Sale at Bonhams via parishotelboutique

Restored

Today I had a much needed Jane-Day. I'm often so amazed at how I can forget what little things I can do to relax, regain my equilibrium and lift my spirit. I had a leisurely morning, listening to music I've not listened to for years and generally pottering about. I decided to take my camera on a walk into town and to the antiques shop and along the river. I happened on another antiques fair on my way and fell in love with a beautiful china tea set and, so, had to make a quick trip home with my loot before continuing on my merry way. I bought a new little notebook for my handbag (yes, another one of these) and sat on a bench by the river and penned a few ideas and snapped some wildlife. Then I came home to delicious leftovers from last night's dinner party and now I'm enjoying my sun-drenched sitting room and imagining vintage tea parties with my new tea set.

21.5.800

I've just joined 21.5.800 - Bindu Wiles' new project: for 21 days do 5 days of yoga a week and 800 words of writing a day!! It's free to join.

Okay, so I know it started on June 8th and I'm joining a bit late and I also know that the next 21 days are a bit hectic for me with comings and goings but I've decided to give it a go, to try and stick to my own 21 days even if it's going to take longer than the project. Sometimes I desperately need deadlines and challenges.

I've recently swopped from yoga to pilates. I have an excellent teacher and I really feel it working. In fact, I think everybody should have some pilates with a good teacher to discover the nuances of the tension in your body, the effects of old injuries and the joy of really using your muscles. I love pilates, but do miss yoga for it's spiritual, grounding effect so I'm looking forward to giving 21.5.800 a go.