"BARNS BURNT DOWN, NOW I CAN SEE THE MOON"

I just returned home from London and I was greeted by a beautiful
package from one of my employees from my Newport store in California,
Lisa Dirkes. Inside the package there was a lovely book that inspired me
through my jet lagged sleep, and 2 gorgeous watercolor sketches.
The talent enclosed was amazing.



There is so much I have to discover about the lives of people who
have crossed my path through the journey of Shabby Chic.
Creativity, deep thinkers and seekers seem to be a common thread
between us all. Pink, lace and frill may be sweet and pretty,
but we are a group of substance.



Portobello Road was on my doorstep for the past few weeks during my
stay in London. Portobello Road is a lovely little quiet street,
with pastel painted houses and old store fronts.



But on Saturdays, the street is transformed. It becomes an antique heaven.
Street stalls mainly selling jewelry, paintings, clothes, glassware, books and accessories line the street. Thousands of people from all over the world crowd together and enjoy the treasures.



Record players play crackled old time music.
Yummy smelling crepes which I call "confused pancakes"
have Nutella and strawberries. My daughter loves them.
Cameras click away. A few times I was asked, "Where is the book
store from Nottinghillgate movie". I learnt where it was.
I listened to many stories vendors insisted upon sharing.
I was fascinated by an old jam jar and asked some questions of the vendor
who looked a little like Santa Clause. I asked him if he was going to be
at the same spot the following week in case I came back.
He proceeded to give me his life story, and how he had only not been at
his spot twice in 40 years. He then showed me a torn piece of
newspaper from his back pocket, with a photo of a " James Bond girl".
He told me had dated her for 6 days 30 years ago . Many stories to tell.
I have learnt to build in story listening time into my treasure search.



I started buying some treasures, lovely broaches, fabric and linens with
no real purpose. I am starting to feel my creative juices flowing,
actually exploding. My creativity cannot be kept inside and it is starting
to express itself.



Unlike many, I love the weather in London. The rhythm of the seasons suits my personality best. I appreciate every "weather" for I know it will change.

Along with the structure of working and completing my book,
I had daily walks/runs through Kensington Gardens.
Its rather lovely returning to my roots as a tourist. I explored
London like I never did when I lived there. Kensington Garndens is heavenly.



It joins Hyde Park to Kensington to Nottinghill, connected by pathways.
I spent hours sitting by the pond where the "Queen's Swans" live.
They are magnificent . I had my ipod with me and listened to classical
music as I watched them float around, so proudly.
Some days I cried, some I laughed.
The park is very historical and dates back hundreds of years many kings
and queens lived there, including queen Victoria.



I watched many group sports, cricket and football and many picnics. The minute even a little bit of sun comes out, the British strip down, men take off their tops and take in the rays, quickly, before the rain.

I found myself interested in everything and everyone. I chatted to the English cabbies, ("Hackney Carriage" drivers).
I learnt all about "The Knowledge". This is a four year study program that all English cab drivers need to undertake before they can drive a cab. There are
25,000 streets and places of interest that they need to learn, by driving around
on a motorbike with a clip board for 4 years. I asked if GPS systems have
made that not a necessity anymore and was told that nothing can out beat human "knowledge". English cabs and their drivers are wonderful.



A big treat for me is the Electric Cinema. This is a theatre from the Soho House team of hotels that are mainly throughout England and NY too. The Cinema is lovely and old with plaster swags of wreaths and roses. Sitting in big mushy leather chairs with footstools, and you can order "bangers and mash" and a drink. Bangers and mash are mash potatoes and sausages. Yummy.