Finding my way...in England

An English Painting and an American Passage...

2012-02-11T11:11:00.000Z

'A Summer's Day' by Percy William Gibbs (1895-1925)
via Country Life magazine, February 8 2012

I came across this painting by Percy William Gibbs this morning....I took one extra sip of my coffee

and came right to the computer. I had a feeling many readers of this blog would relate to this painting in the same way that I did...a flood of novelists and stories came to mind. One in particular,

by American writer, Louisa May Alcott and 'Little Women'.

"The pleasant room in the house was set aside for Beth, and in it was gathered everything

that she most loved, -flowers, pictures, her piano, the little worktable, and the beloved pussies.

Father's best books found their way there, mother's easy-chair, Jo's desk, Amy's find sketches;

and every day Meg brought her babies on a loving pilgrimage, to make sunshine for Aunty Beth.

John quietly set apart a little sum, that he might enjoy the pleasure of keeping the invalid supplied

with the fruit she loved and longed for...and from across the sea came little gifts and cheerful letters, seeming to bring breaths of warmth and fragrance from lands that knew no winter.

Percy William Gibbs (1895-1925) was a landscape painter, residing in East Molesey, Surrey. Just around the corner from where I live. He regularly exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1894 to 1937. The painting above, 'A Summer's Day', is available for viewing and for sale at John Noott Galleries in Worcestershire. More information on this painting is available here.

One more, before I go...another by Percy William Gibbs, although, this one is a mystery.

I could not find the home for this one...but is surely conjures up many possibilities for a story.

'By The Pond' by Percy William Gibbs (1895-1925)
source

Now it is your turn...

what does this painting make you think of?

On that note...

I wish for you..a wonderful weekend,

filled with your heart's desires.

Jeanne xx

In Pursuit of the Perfect English Reader...

2012-02-04T07:00:00.000Z

This is a follow up to my last post, A Queen and her Diamond Jubilee. Before I proceed, I would like to thank the lovely readers of my blog who forwarded my last post to me. I had an unfortunate mishap with my iPad and managed to delete everything but the post title. Peace and order have entered my life once again...much like The Queen.

This is not a book review, yet. In fact it is about to be a purchase. To get into the spirit of the Jubilee, I have decided to listen via Audio CD to a biography on the life of Queen Elizabeth II. I have mentioned before, my life requires many hours, behind the wheel, on country roads and the confusion of city streets. I learned quickly, upon moving to Surrey, that listening to a story along the way...is well, lovely. I have listened to many and the standouts during my time living in England have been The Hobbit read by Martin Shaw and my most recent journey, Then Again, read by Diane Keaton.

I am particular about my stories, I have to listen to a sample of the Reader first. If I am going to listen to someone for hours on end, I want to enjoy their company. I am very particular on this one. In regards to Queen Elizabeth II, the reader must be English...and have the reverence of a Queen. There are several audio biographies out there, but try as I might, I just couldn't warm up to many of them. I think I found what I was looking for in the voice of Phyllida Nash. Reading sample, here.

Sarah Bradford is a internationally acclaimed historian and biographer. George VI, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, Princess Diana, Grace Kelly and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis are a few of her many acclaimed and celebrated biographies. 'Queen Elizabeth II - Her Life in Our Times' was released this month. You can read more about Sarah Bradford here.

I am currently driver without reader. When I finished my journey with Diane Keaton, I felt like I was saying goodbye to a dear friend. Yes, I enjoy a good Reader, that much... and well....there is something about Diane. :)

I look forward to the voice of Phyllida Nash...perhaps I might even perfect an English accent. On second thought...this is beyond my capabilities...my American accent with a trace of an Australian lilt...is sealed for life! But I can try...

You can read a review on the 'Queen Elizabeth II - Her Life in Our Times' here
If you shop via Amazon UK, you can purchase the audio CD, here or Amazon USA, here.

How about you... do you enjoy the company of a Reader?

Image and another source to purchase the book, via AudioGo

A Queen and her Diamond Jubilee

2012-02-02T16:17:00.000Z

February 1952...Legendary hunter Jim Corbett wrote in Treetops' visitors' book:

"A young girl climbed into a tree one day a Princess
and after having what she described
as her most thrilling experience,
she climbed down from the tree next day
a Queen-- God Bless her". '

Call me a romantic, but I just loved reading the passage above.
So much so, that it prompted me to write this post. I read it in my favourite weekly magazine,
Country Life. It arrives in my post box on Wednesdays, a sign that a cup of tea is in order to read it.
I have declared to Mr. H that when we move onto Vietnam in July, one luxury must go with us....
my weekly subscription to Country Life magazine and stash of Fortnum and Mason English tea.

This issue (February 1, 2012) is a keeper
as it is full of details for The Queen's upcoming Diamond Jubilee.
I am sure there will be more coverage to follow.

I have highlighted a few events that appeal to me.
If I am lucky, they will suit you as well.

The top of my list in London...
with links to tickets..
'Queen Elizabeth II by Cecil Beaton: A Diamond Jubilee Celebration'
Opening 8 February at the V&A, London

Followed by..
'Leonardo da Vinci: Anatomist'
The Queens Gallery, Buckingham Palace
27 April to 9 September

'The Queen: Art and Image'
The National Portrait Gallery and touring
17 May-21 October

'Diamonds: A Jubilee Celebration'
The Summer Opening of Buckingham Palace
31 July to 30 September

June 3
The Big Jubilee Lunch
'Lunch parties, picnics and street parties
will be encouraged to bring communities together.
The event is being organised by the Big Lunch.'

The Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant
'Up to 1,000 boats from around the world will form a flotilla
and travel down the Thames from Putney to Tower Bridge
led by The Queen travelling in the Royal Barge- The Spirit of Chartwell-
decked out as a 17th/18th-century royal gallery. The procession
will be accompanied by the ringing of church bells, fireworks and music.
The event is being organised by The Diamond Jubilee Foundation '

June 4
The BBC Concert at Buckingham Palace
'Will be televised and tickets are available to UK residents by public ballot.
The programme will feature musicians from Britain and the Commonwealth.'

Jubilee Beacons
'Across the country, 2012 beacons will be lit and there will be others on the Channel islands,
the Isle of Man and across the Commonwealth. The Queen will light the National Beacon
as she did in 2002 and there will be Church Tower beacons on the battlements
of the Tower of London, St James's Palace, London and The Palace of Holyroodhouse,
Edinburgh and Killyleagh Castle, Northern Island, among many others.'

Are you feeling what I am feeling??
It's going to be fun!

via

PS..
For those of you who wondered about Jim Corbett (1875-1955), as I did.
He was a British hunter, conservationist, author and naturalist.
He was an avid photographerand was famous for slaying a large number
of man-eating tigers and leopards in India.

I enjoyed discovering Jim Corbett as well today too.
Just love this blogging business!

Credits:
Images and text from Country Life February 1, 2012 issue
Jim Corbett image here

--

Missing in Action

2012-02-02T09:22:00.003Z

A strange post I know...

but my recent post

'A Queen and her Diamond Jubilee'

has gone missing.

Long story involving an iPad... mine...but,

if you happen to be one

who receives notification of my posts

via email and has the full length version.

Could you forward it back to me?

jeannecollageoflife@gmail.com

This blogger, would be most grateful. :)

Postscript:
Problem solved.
I knew there was a good
reason to add my children's emails
to my distribution distribution list.
Many thanks Miss Christine!
:)

Sentimental in Russell Square

2012-01-21T17:28:00.000Z

With six months left before moving on from England to Vietnam,

I start to notice the little things. Normally, when I step off the London Tube,

my first glance goes to the direction of the 'Way Out' sign.

You have to act quick to make sure you slot into the pace of the masses.

Yesterday, I stepped out of the tube and stopped. Lucky for me it was a quiet morning.

There was something about this sign that made me want to reach out and hug it.

I should mention, that when moving countries is on the horizon, one tends to get emotional.

I take that as a good sign as it heightens ones interest and makes you

appreciate everything around you...even a sign in a tube stop. :)

I stepped off at Russell Square, and thought how much I enjoy

seeing the older Tube stops. The ones that have not been swept into the Olympic frenzy.

I like to think Russell Square and others like it will stay just as they are.

I was on my way to the Charles Dickens Museum. In addition to being

mad about Sherlock Holmes, I am equally enamoured with the life

and times of Charles Dickens. I have lots to share on that front...soon.

If you would like to meet Alice and Albert

and read my latest suggestions for

English books and TV/cinema, read on...

The arrival of Alice and Albert from India... here

Globetrotting style..here

Having one foot in England and one foot in Vietnam...here

New finds in English books here and TV/cinema here

Thanks so much for stopping by...it is always nice to meet up

with a friend or two here. Best wishes for a lovely weekend.

Jeanne :)

images~me

Discovering Sherlock Holmes

2012-01-15T08:43:00.000Z

Sherlock...window gazing at the British Museum

I was doing a bit of 'I Spy' on my way to the British Museum the other day. I discovered a menagerie of Sherlock's in a tourist shop window, facing the British Museum. It made me think of all the mysteries hidden within the museum..so many, that I imagined Sherlock Holmes 'on the case' and having a time of it.

I have long been a fan of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's 'Sherlock Holmes' mysteries. I should be honest and mention that my enjoyment has come from the TV/movie versions. Sad to say, I have not read his books...yet.

When it comes to TV/movie versions, I can not say that I have an all time favourite as I enjoy them all. At the end of the day, in the role of Sherlock Holmes, whether it be Robert Downey Jr, Benedict Cumberpatch or Jeremy Brett, they each have their own spin on the character and I find them all endearing. Jude Law, Martin Freeman and David Burke as the familiar Dr Watson play their roles brilliantly. It's all good fun!

Robert Downey Jr as Sherlock Homes and Jude Law as Dr. Watson

via

via

Benedict Cumberpatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Dr. Watson

via

Jeremy Brett as Sherlock Holmes and David Burke as Dr. Watson

via

Detail on all of the above, in My Shop Around the Corner, here.

The House of Silk by Anthony Horwitz,

new to my reading stack...read more here.

via

How about you?

Do you go in for a bit of Sherlock and Watson?

Have a favourite duo? Any recommendations?

I love a good mystery....

Tea and Scones and Bach in the Cotswolds

2012-01-10T14:29:00.000Z

Every once and a while, you catch something

out of the corner of your eye

that makes you stop and....sigh.

This was it for me...above,

the exquisite bird table lamp by David Hunt.

Beautifully crafted in the Cotswolds.

The lamp

conjures up images of..

a library,

cozy nooks,

books piled high,

deeps comfortable chairs

by a fireplace,

a dog underfoot,

tea and scones,

and Bach

playing in the background.

Town or country,

I would take this lamp with me anywhere.

You can visit David Hunt, here.

Enjoy!

image

Jeanne...

writing at Collage of Life and here.

London: Condé Nast Traveller City Guide

2012-01-03T22:54:00.000Z

Paris, Barcelona, Rome, New York

I have been waiting patiently,

and it has finally arrived.

iPhone App: The Insider Guide to London.

This is a must have App if you are travelling too

or are living in London. My To-Do-List

is growing by the minute. I love this App.

You can view it in iTunes, here.

Best of all, it is free!

Thank you

Condé Nast Traveller

images via iTunes, here

New Year Dreams...

2012-01-01T00:26:00.003Z

Happy New Years from London!

May all your dreams come true in 2012.

Jeanne xx

image~me..via satellite :)

Artistic expression @ Tate Modern

2011-12-31T13:26:00.000Z

I took my daughter to the Tate Modern yesterday, an international and modern art gallery along the Thames river. I was only to happy to take her as it is one of my favourite places. We wanted to see the Gerhard Richter: Panorama exhibit. We made good use of our time and visited all the exhibits on show. I made my way to some of my favourites and was only to happy to discover a few more.

Two portraits below are by British artist, Meredith Frampton (1894-1984) and the other

by Pablo Picasso. I looked at Picasso's painting and thought it reflected how I felt post holiday rush. I then turned to Frampton's work and felt the calmness of his work...particularly the one of Marguerite Kelsey.

Marguerite Kelsey, 1928 by Meredith Frampton (1894-1984)
image~me

Portrait of a Young Woman, 1935 by Meredith Frampton (1894-1984)
Note: image taken by me and as a result, it has the reflection of the window
behind me. I think it adds another interesting dimension to the image. :)

Bust of a Woman, 1944 by Pablo Picasso
Portrait of photographer, Dora Maar.
Image taken by me via Instagram

The Gerard Richter exhibit represents five decades of the artists life. I was fascinated by his choice in mediums and how varied they were from decade to decade. I admit I was a bit nervous as I passed into his 'grey era'. I had escaped into the Tate in search of colour after a few dreary grey days around London. I stared to laugh when I saw one grey painting after another...all interesting, but not quite the 'lift' I was looking for. I then wandered into the next room and 'wow', an explosion of abstract colour was before me in the most interesting textures. It was a study of genius. I have a fondness for the work of Robert Rauschenberg and Mark Rothko and felt as I looked upon Richter's work that they were kindred spirits in many ways. I wondered, if once upon a time, they knew each other. The room below had a large mirror on one wall. It added an interesting dimension to the room..the perfect touch.

image~ Yves Krier

If you follow me, you know I collect postcards and love sending them even more. I grabbed a couple of the image below...one of my favourites, Betty, a painting of the artists daughter as a young girl.

Betty, 1988 by Gerhard Richter
image via Gerhard Richter

Before I left the gallery, I watched a video of Gerhard Richter speaking about his art here. For a split second, I managed to catch him taking a photo of his work as he walked through the installation prior to the opening to the public. I wondered what he must have thought, seeing some of his work, sold years ago... before him once again. I love this photo, he taking a photo of his work with me taking a photo of him..via a monitor. It is the little things in life that give us such pleasure, this did it for me. :)

Gerhard Richter...photographing his work. image~me

The exhibit runs thru 8 January, you can read about it here.

and...if you fancy an evening walk along the Thames...you can visit me here.

Best wishes for a Bright and Happy New Year....
may it be filled with inspiration!!

Jeanne xx

Glamour Girls...

2011-12-29T10:50:00.000Z

Glamming it up for New Years...

where Sloane girls go for all the trimmings.

"Something new, something fun, something to talk about"

VV Rouleaux

261 Pavilion Road

Sloane Square

SW1X 0BP

images~me

A-tisket, a-tasket...

2011-12-26T19:03:00.004Z

A-tisket, a-tasket, a green and yellow basket... Never one to miss a photo of a bike, I just had to add this one to my photo collection. I had serious basket envy when I saw this one and I am still trying to figure out the difference in the wheel size. This was the end of a beautiful walk at the National Trust property, Polesden Lacey in Surrey. You can view the photos from my walk HERE.

Twinkling lights and raindrops on Sloane Square...

2011-12-23T20:33:00.002Z

Christmas shopping tonight with twinkling lights and raindrops on Sloane Square...and it was lovely.

I had just stepped out of Peter Jones and could not resist falling back into the crowd and

snapping this pic. Not the greatest clarity...but I hope you get the idea.

Time has slipped by since my last post here. I have been around the world and back again

and it is great to be home. I have a full house for Christmas, my kids are all home for the holidays,

a wonderful feeling. As I write, my daughters and I are tucked in for our annual Christmas movie night...first one up...'Love Actually'...perfect for a rainy night in England.

From my home to yours...sending wishes for a wonderful holiday.

Jeanne xx

PS...

A song and a dance from Love Actually ... classic Hugh :)

A Christmas Caroll in Richmond Park

2011-12-07T09:34:00.000Z

A passing shot driving through Richmond Park in Surrey this morning...

listening to Il dulci jubilo on the CD, 'A Christmas Caroll' from Westminster Abbey.

It made my day. You can listen to excerpts from the CD HERE

Charles Dickens and Little Dorrit

2011-12-04T18:00:00.000Z

If you are like me and like to curl up with a good book every now and again....and even better with a great English TV drama, than I highly recommend the BBC production of Litte Dorrit by Charles Dickens. In fact, I discovered the show via a comment on my blog. I just love this blogging world!

I was especially thrilled to see Matthew MacFadyen in this series. I am a big fan of his which resulted in my daughter sighing in embarrassment when I spotted him in a restaurant a few months ago. She decided that having her mother stare a a good looking younger man throughout a meal was not much fun for her....but, it was for me. :) I digress....back to the show.

The think about Charles....he tells a good tale. They are full of mystery and intrigue.The people, the places, the story line...I have to say, it was very hard to stop myself during this series. I could have easily watched the entire production all the way through...it was that entertaining. My only disappointment was that it ended. I wish it hadn't.

This is just the beginning in a series of events around Charles Dickens. In 2012, we celebrate his 200th birthday with a retrospective. The events around London are starting to take shape and form. I am particularly keen to get over to the British Library to view an exhibitions that starts today and runs thru 4 March 2012, 'A Hankering after Ghosts: Charles Dickens and the Supernatural'. More information here. The Charles Dickens Museum is also on my 'to do' list and of course...books, books, books...the following have received honorable mentions recently.

REVIEW HERE

Do you have a favourite Charles Dickens story?

Do tell, I would love to hear!

images: 1, 2-3

A journey that never ends....

2011-11-26T11:37:00.000Z

I recently came to a conclusion. I have been finding my way in England for nearly two years now and have decided that it is a journey that never ends. I am using this blog to remember my favourite parts of England and my travels throughout. I write it about it here and my other blog, Collage of Life. I will

write on this blog for as long as we live in England. At the moment that it looking like June 2012.

Until then, the life of Jeanne...in England, as she sees it. :)

Through the looking glass at Petersham Nurseries in Richmond...

and a walk down a 150ft (50m) long herbaceous garden path...

to the secret world of Petersham House, inside and out.

We stood in silence, along with our friend below,

admiring the beauty of it all.

which then led to another adventure..

to the many faces of National Trust property, Ham House

where, at this very moment, a 'No Visitors Allowed' sign sits on it's gate

while a film crew is busy at work...

Ham House is a 400-year-old-treasure, in large part, due to the vision of a remarkable woman, Elizabeth Murray, Countess of Dysart. There is much to tell in the history of this grand house. The Countess played her part in the English Civil War and the restoration of the monarchy that subsequently followed. It is worth a visit to find out more. The furniture, paintings and textiles on display are well worth the visit...but then again, I am partial to all endeavours of the National Trust. :)

Visiting a National Trust property, any property in the UK for that matter,

is like opening the most splendid gift. You start from one end and carefully unwrap

each layer, taking time to make the moments last as long as you can.

And...just when you think you have the gift truly in hand, you discover

there is another waiting for you, in the form of a garden...and what a garden it is. :)

Just the mere mention of a 'kitchen garden' is pure delight. :)

On that note...signing off with a show that I just caught on TV last night,

a 4 part landmark BBC One series, The Manor Reborn. The show follows a team of

historian, designers and volunteers as they refurbish a 500 year old Manor, Avebury.

It is fascinating! You can read about it here and watch it here.

Best wishes for a wonderful weekend!

images~me

A Tweet from London

2011-11-20T10:32:00.000Z

I hopped the train into London the other night.

Along the way, I thought of you and sent a Tweet to Twitterville.

From my phone, I wrote...

Off to Covent Garden...

Passing National Gallery...

London lights are twinkling...

A beautiful night in London...

Wish you were here....

A passing thought on a November night in London. :)

Best wishes to one and all for a wonderful weekend.

Jeanne xx

PS...if you follow me at Collage of Life, you may know that

we are moving to Vietnam in July 2012. I wondered as I was

walking in London, what I will be doing on a November

night in Ho Chi Minh next year... bit different, yes?

A Bookshop and Mrs Delany

2011-11-12T23:42:00.001Z

This post is for those of you who get excited entering a book shop, the kind of bookshop you know you will love from the moment you pass through the threshold. You know that feeling, when you look to the left, to the right, look up, look down and know your day has just been made? It almost feels like you are in a trance, wandering from section to section, surveying the store as you would a new found home. Book covers catch your eye, book titles lure you in, you hesitate...should you start in this section or over in that section? You look at your watch...do you have enough time to do it all? You want to absorb every little inch of it, you want to lose yourself in story after story. You want to reach out and touch everything, you want to own this bookshop!

Ok...perhaps I am getting a little carried away, but I found a bookshop just like that in Richmond, outside of London. It was meant to be a quick in and out of High Street, I did not have much time. I found the bookshop at the end of our trip, the clock was ticking and we had to move on. I now eagerly await the chance to visit this bookshop again. If you have a chance to visit Richmond, check out The Open Book on 10 King Street in Richmond TW9 1ND.

But....before I left the shop, I did manage to come upon one lovely delight... The Paper Garden... Mrs. Delany (Begins her Life's Work) at 72, written by Molly Peacock. Isn't it gorgeous!

Love this!......click here

Product Description via Amazon UK

Mary Delany was seventy-two years old when she noticed a petal drop from a geranium. In a flash of inspiration, she picked up her scissors and cut out a paper replica of the petal, inventing the art of collage. It was the summer of 1772, in England. During the next ten years she completed nearly a thousand cut-paper botanicals (which she called mosaicks) so accurate that botanists still refer to them. Poet-biographer Molly Peacock uses close-ups of these brilliant collages in The Paper Garden to track the extraordinary life of Delany, friend of Swift, Handel, Hogarth, and even Queen Charlotte and King George III. How did this remarkable role model for late blooming manage it? After a disastrous teenage marriage to a drunken sixty-one-year-old squire, she took control of her own life, pursuing creative projects, spurning suitors and gaining friends. At forty-three, she married Jonathan Swift's friend Dr. Patrick Delany, and lived in Ireland in a true expression of midlife love. But after twenty-five years and a terrible lawsuit, her husband died. Sent into a netherland of mourning, Mrs Delany was rescued by her friend, the fabulously wealthy Duchess of Portland. The Duchess introduced Delany to the botanical adventurers of the day and a bonanza of exotic plants from Captain Cook's voyage, which became the inspiration for her art. Peacock herself first saw Mrs Delany's work more than twenty years before she wrote The Paper Garden, but 'like a book you know is too old for you', she put the thought of the old woman away. She went on to marry and cherish the happiness of her own midlife, in a parallel to Mrs. Delany, and by chance rediscovered the mosaicks decades later. This encounter confronted the poet with her own aging and gave her-and her readers-a blueprint for late-life flexibility, creativity, and change.

The illustrations inside the book are wonderful as well....this book would make a great gift..all tied up in a red bow.... Best wishes to one and all for a lovely week ahead... I hope it is filled with wonderful stories, whether they be ones you read or of your own making. :)

Alice in Wonderland, Downton Abbey and Country Houses

2011-11-07T23:09:00.000Z

My world is changing...my blogs are changing...I feel a bit like Alice in Wonderland...

perhaps I just need a cup of tea. I am in England...aren't I? Sometimes I wonder... how curious...

Liberteas

I had a Mad Hatter moment on Friday, when it was finally announced that we are

moving to Vietnam in 2012. Many thoughts went through my head..one being...will anyone

follow me at Finding My Way...in Vietnam? Decisions, decisions.... I am writing about those

decisions over here.

To keep my life in perspective, I added Pages under my blog photo and a few new things.

One being my Shop Around the Corner. For those of you..who, like me...love

English books, movies and TV series...I have them all, waiting for you here and here.

Doc Martin

Speaking of English movies and TV series...

Two of my favourites are wrapping up this week. I caught up with the last of Season Five on Doc Martin and will see the final episode of Downton Abbey tonight. I know I have a few American readers who equally enjoy both shows. My lips are sealed. :) Can I just say that you will enjoy both immensely!!

Austen Prose

Lastly, I am sending thanks to fellow American expat, Michelloui @ The American Resident, for putting onto what looks to be a great little book. The Anglophiles amongst you should enjoy this one. Some Country Houses and Their Owners by James Lees-Milne. If you have not met Michelloui, she has a great blog filled with her 20 years of wisdom on living life in the UK. Please stop in and tell her Jeanne sent you. :)

From Amazon UK....

The delightful, gossipy diaries of James Lees-Milne describe his encounters with the owners of country houses - from eccentric lords and oil millionaires to raffish socialists - as he travelled over England saving properties for the National Trust. Here are sharply observed accounts of dinner with Vita Sackville-West at Sissinghurst; Winston Churchill's bedroom at Chartwell; T. E. Lawrence's dilapidated Dorset cottage; and war damage to a great house in Derby. All are infused with his love of beauty and his sympathy for those giving up their ancestral homes forever.

Are you thinking what I am thinking?

Yes, it looks like a great read!

Dinner calls my friends...and Downton Abbey follows.

I leave thanking you all for hanging out at Finding My Way in England...

you have made the journey all the sweeter for it. :))

Mrs Greville and Polesden Lacey

2011-11-03T15:24:00.000Z

I am doing a bit of reshuffling, reorganising and blogkeeping as I consolidate a few blogs. Mrs Greville has been a big part of my English life having spent many hours inside and out of this beautiful property. The following refers to a post I wrote at Collage of Life in June 2010.

I had the most wonderful experience, I met Mrs Greville. Not the real Mrs Greville, she has been gone sometime (1863-1942) but I was introduced to her thru her beautiful home. I am certain this woman had spunk...she could hold her own with the best of them. Not always an endearing quality, but in her case, certainly memorable. I visited what was oncer her home, Polesden Lacey, a National Trust property and once the country home of the 'dynamic and ambitious' Margaret Greville. I ascertained that Mrs Greville was a woman to be reckoned with. This was a woman who knew what she liked and how things should be done. This was a woman of exceptional taste.

The curators of Polesden Lacey had this to say about Mrs Greville...

An inveterate traveller...

'Mrs Greville rose from obscure origins to attain political influence, great wealth and the friendship of royalty. An inveterate traveller and relentless celebrity-hunter, she could be both discreetly charitable and personally waspish. The natural daughter of William McEwan, a millionaire Scottish brewer and philanthropist, she declared 'I would rather be a beeress than a peeress.' She was one of the most influential hostesses in Europe for nearly four decades. Princes and maharajahs, viceroys and prime ministers, ambassadors and captains of industry enjoyed her lavish hospitality, but there was a price: she often aroused strong and contradictory reactions. The diarist, Chips Channon wrote that there was 'no-one on earth so skilfully malicious as old Maggie'. But when she died, the Queen Mother wrote wistfully to Osbert Sitwell, 'I shall miss her very much'.

The Duke and Duchess of York (later George VI and Queen Elizabeth)

spent part of their honeymoon at Polesden Lacey in 1923

Discreet dalliances...

'Under the watchful eye of it's demanding chatelaine, Polesden Lacey became the perfect setting for pleasure and leisure, for gossip, luxury and discreet dalliance among the upper classes. 'I never follow people into their bedrooms', remarked Mrs Greville.'

Mrs Greville with Spencer Tracy and guest

A drunken butler...

'Glorious as the setting was, Mrs Greville's staff would occasionally let her down. On one occasion, it was apparent that the butler was intoxicated. She wrote a surreptitious note saying, 'You are drunk; leave the room at once', summoned the butler and placed it on his salver. He bowed courteously, advanced to the guest of honour, Sir Austen Chamberlain, and presented the note to him. The eminent politician spent the rest of the meal in mystified silence. When she explained the misunderstanding, he replied that it was the first time he had ever been silenced by a drunken butler'.

A grand entrance...

'Every evening, at 6pm, the footman would lay out drinks on the 17th-century refectory table, while the gramophone would play the latest hits by Noel Coward. When she was sure that all her guests were gathered attentively below, Mrs Greville would descend the staircase slowly, pausing at the landing for maximum impact before completing her entree among her visitors'.

Food for the famous...

'Attention to detail ensured that the food arrived piping hot, while the champagne chilled, a welcome novelty compared with many country house dinners. Mrs Greville was renowned for her french cuisine, which was described in the Daily Telegraph in 1930 as 'unsurpassed anywhere'.

The Polesden Lacey Dinner Book

If you were a guest of Mrs Greville, you would have enjoyed...

The Guest Room

The Library

The Billiard Room

Can you see why I am enchanted?

Feeling tempted to visit?

You can find out how...here.

Book reviews, writers retreats and Marcel Proust

2011-10-31T11:28:00.000Z

This is for book lovers everywhere. Especially those of you who commented on my last post...

A Love Affair and 84 Charing Cross Road, here.

A few posts ago I wrote about the London Review of Books.

I had recently discovered it and have since subscribed. I have to say each issue since has been a treat.

It has become my travel companion, taking me from station to station around London.

Yesterday, I read through the topics that interested me most and deciding that I must pick up

the latest book, Blue Nights by Joan Didion, I moved onto the classifieds. I am not sure

what it is about English magazines/newspapers and classifieds but I feel compelled to read them.

When I do, I feel like I am sliding into another world.

I know this sounds random, but I have a feeling some of you will be just as intrigued.

Thinking of taking a creative writing class...at Oxford?

Read on...

Interested in visiting Bloomsbury..the heart of 'British Bookselling'?

Read on....

Fancy a writers retreat in France or England?

Read on...

Thinking of Venice?

Marcel Proust did too....

Want to know the Top 10 Bestsellers at the London Review Bookshop?

Here you go....

Am I enjoying my subscription to the London Review of Books?

Absolutely!

If you want to get in on the reading...you can check it out here.

PS..

My enthusiasm is totally unsolicited. I just like it

and if I like it, I think of you. :)

images by me

on my kitchen table :)

A Love Affair and 84 Charing Cross Road

2011-10-21T11:43:00.000+01:00

Last night, I called time-out for myself and grabbed a stack of old magazines,

a pair of scissors, poured a glass of wine, lit my favourite candle and enjoyed watching

'84 Charing Cross Road' ...all over again.

The story is based on a book by Helene Hannff written in 1970.

It was made into a stage play, television play and the movie that I refer to here.

It has a sterling cast,

Anthony Hopkins as Frank Doel a quiet and endearing Englishman.

Anne Bancroft as Helene Hannff a smart 'brassy' New Yorker.

Judi Dench as Nora Doel, a quiet soft spoke wife with an Irish lilt.

Ian McNeice as Bill Humphries, Frank's efficient co-worker.

Those of you who are followers of Doc Martin would recognise

Ian McNeice, he plays the character Burt Large.

Roll back the years and there you have it...1949-1968,

Frank in an antiquarian bookshop, Marks & Co in London and

Helene in Manhattan, New York. Letters are shared, books are posted

across the pond, birthday gifts and Christmas packages soon follow....

there is joy, there is laughter and I admit the tissue box came out a few times too.

My Thursday evening, nothing too exciting....just what I needed.

For those of you who are new to '84 Charing Cross Road'...

I recommend you read the book first. When you are done with both the book and the movie,

move on to The Duchess of Bloomsbury by Helene Hannff. :)

It makes for a great gift too!

I leave you with best wishes for the weekend and wondering

on friendships. I often explain to people who are not familiar

with blogging that is similar to 'pen pals'...we write back and forth,

we often share gifts...and if we are lucky, friendships are made.

Are we that different from Helene and Frank?

top image: UK movieposte, book image via me,

bottom image via You Tube as noted in movie clip.

My Essential London Apps

2011-10-19T08:26:00.000+01:00

Switching Gears...

I have been totally immersed in thoughts

from our trip to India (here, here, here, here and here)

and need to pull myself back into the real world.

Before I left I stared consolidating my notes on London.

What started as a simple idea is

taking on the proportions of War and Peace.

iPhone/ iPad Apps..

I am going to take it one step at a time

and start with my essential London Apps.

As long as I have these few Apps....

I am good to go.

Getting started...

London 2 Go

Time Out London

Have map will travel...

Mini A-Z Atlas London

Train, Tube, Bus..

Stopping off for a bite...

Tatler Restaurant Guide 2011

Looking to see what is around the corner....

National Trust

English Heritage

Jeanne's Travel Tip:

Have a trip planned?

Download a travel App before you go.

They come in very handy and it saves dragging

tourist guides around in your luggage.

Setting your sights on Paris, Rome, New York or Barcelona?

Check out Conde Nast Traveller, here.

Stay tuned for my 'Nice to Have' Travel Apps :)

image~ Pinterest

English Gardeners and the Fashions of the Day

2011-10-07T13:00:00.000+01:00

I received a lovely note from a reader, Anita, in Australia.
She made my day!

She was looking for a post I had written on English gardeners.

I had mentioned a book she was keen to find.

She searched thru my blogs and could not find the post.

Firstly, I was impressed that she went so far as to do that.

There are many trials and tribulations of having five blogs, one of them

is trying to remember where I posted on something.

Luckily, this was an easy one to remember.

I wrote the post 'Gardening Style' over at my other cashmerejeans...style.

In my mind,

if you collect gardening books, you must have this one.

'Garden People: Valerie Finnis and the Golden Age of Gardening

by Urusla Buchan

Photograph of Nancy Lancaster tending her garden, taken by Valerie Finnis.

The woman behind the camera...

Valerie Finnis, woman extraordinaire.

Photograph by Tessa Traeger

There is no doubt that Valerie Finnis was a talented photographer.

"With great skill and verve, she took photographs of gardeners, gardens

and plants from the mid-1950's onward, using a Rolleiflex camera

given to her by a friend."

"All are seen at home in their gardens, weeding, inspecting, watering and

standing proudly by their plants, wearing the fashions of the day, epitomizing

many aspects of life and society in the second half

of the twentieth century."

Lady Birley of Charleston Manor in Sussex.

Cecily 'Parsley' Mure wearing silk whilst watering her alpine trough.

Valerie Finnis loved gardening and her eclectic circle of contemporaries

and friends that lived within that world. She left some 50,000 transparencies,

taken between 1950-1990.

Valerie Finnis appearing in World of Interiors magazine.

If ever there were a hat to love, this has to be it!

Photo beautifully taken by Jan Baldwin.

I have been collecting gardening books for years.

I am very excited to have this book

sitting alongside the rest. I highly recommend it!

American, Nancy Lancaster gardening at Haseley Court.

Margery Fish of East Lambook Manor in Somerset.

Valerie and her partner in life, Sir David Scott, with their pug Kate, "sitting outside

The Dower House, where they lived and gardened together in great harmony."

A great book for that special gardener in your life.

(and it could be you)

Images

via the book, Garden People:

Valerie Finnis and the Golden Age of Gardening

Valerie Finnis potting around with her pug via

World of Interiors magazine.

Sissinghurst Gardens...one room at a time

2011-10-03T13:28:00.000+01:00

Earlier this summer, I made a mad dash into Sissinghurst gardens,

30 minutes before closing. I vowed to go back, tried a few weeks later

and managed to sit on the M25 for six hours having to retreat as it closed yet again.

It was not meant to be this summer.

I want to tell you all about the Elizabehtan house set in fields and meadows

in the beautiful Kent landscape. I want to tell you about the owners,

Vita Sackville-West, poet, novelist, gardener and her husband, Harold Nicolson,

writer and diplomat. There is more to their story than you can imagine.

But that is another story.

I have many photographs from my 30 minute photo shooting spree..

waiting for my words. I think a cold winter's day and time

on hand will be required to write the post that I want to share, until then

please join me as we walk thru

Sissinghurst gardens....one room at a time.

June 11, 2011

and then their are the fields and meadows....

I will save that for another time...

Best wishes my green thumbed friends,

Jeanne xx

images~me

A Literature Festival and London Review of Books

2011-10-01T14:41:00.000+01:00

The river Thames en route to Richmond with a stopover at Petersham's Nurseries. :) here

This morning my daughter and I were having one of those great
philosophical discussions while driving along the back roads of Surrey.
If you ever feel the need to have a heart to heart conversation
with one of your children..or anyone for that matter,

save it for a long car ride.

We were talking about people and judging them before you have had a chance to get

to know them. Said I, in all my motherly wisdom, "things are often not what they appear"
to which I added 'You can not judge a book by it's cover'.

Morning drive over and I am home with my morning coffee,

reading over a fantastic brochure I picked up in Richmond last week

for the Richmond Upon Thames Literature Festival

running from the 3-27 November 2011.

You can read all about it here.

There is so much on offer that it is hard to choose.

This is what I have marked so far..

Anne Sebba and 'That Woman: The Life of Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor'

Sheila Rowbotham: 'Dreamers of a New Day'

Lisa Chaney: 'Chanel Biography'

'The River Podcast' with Amy Redmond, Radio 1 producer

I also discovered the London Review of Books.

Where have I been all this time to have missed this?

~~Blogging?~~

Each issue contains up to 15 long reviews and essays by academics,

writers and journalists in addition to art and film reviews,

poems and a 'lively letters' page.

Add to this a bookshop and cake shop in Bloomsbury.

14 Bury Place

London

WC1A2JL

I thought how I professed this morning to my daughter that

you can not judge a book by it's cover....

In this case, I would say that you could!

The artist and writer Peter Campbell has been creating

the covers since 1992. Each one is a work of art.

I love that he hails from New Zealand as well.

I'm in...if you are interested in subscribing too,

please read the advertisement below, it caught my eye

and the result is a subscription and this post. :)

Best wishes to one and all for a wonderful weekend.
We have had spectacular 'Indian Summer' like weather
here in Surrey with sunny skies and warm weather
forecasted for the weekend.
Glorious!

top image~me
all others via London Review of Books

Secret Places: Dennis Severs' House

2011-09-26T21:00:00.000+01:00

SHHHHH....

She whispers...
I wanted to write all about it, let you in on the secret, but I think
this is the sort of place you have to discover on you own.
When you arrive at the Dennis Severs' House, you will find
this ominous black door awaiting you.
Your first thought is...do I dare enter?

Just below the door knocker...

I wondered what I was getting myself into. My blogging friend,

Pamela @ From The House of Edward said,

'you must see the Dennis Severs' House, it is like no other!'

I trust Pamela's judgement explicitly.

I looked up for a glimpse of what was to be... and entered.

Having lingered as long as I could, I left as quietly as I entered.

There was just so much to see, I did not want to miss a single thing.

But I did, I am sure.

The next group was waiting to go in.

I was happy, I left with this book tucked under my arm

with plans to return one day.

Visit London: Vintage Fashion

2011-09-21T23:40:00.000+01:00

I have been following along Visit London for sometime now and always

enjoy their tips on things to do and see when in London.

via Visit London

My daughters and I have been to a few of the vintage shops listed below.

Beyond Retro

Radio Days near Waterloo Station

Absolute Vintage

Vintage Fashion at Camden Market

Rokitt

Upcoming vintage fairs

They are well worth the visit.

Have a look at Visit London: Vintage Clothes for more details.

Be sure to check out the upcoming vintage fairs too.

While we are talking Vintage,

here are a few more sites that you might like:

Vintage Fashion London

The Vintage Guide to London

and if you are on FACEBOOK

check out these:

London Jumble, Markets and Fairs

I Love Markets

Once you start looking you will discover

a whole new vintage world.

You may even come across one of these lovely frocks.

via Couture Allure Vintage Fashion Blog

If you have the vintage fashion bug in a big way,

have a look at this book too.

details here

To get you on your way....a little entertainment.

Enjoy!

100 YEARS/STYLE EAST LONDON

from WestfieldStratford

images and video as noted above

Glamour of the Gods

2011-09-19T08:13:00.000+01:00

I went along on Saturday to view the

'Glamour of the Gods' exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery.

I started to jot down a few of my favourites for this post

but quickly realised it was impossible. I was writing down every image.

Mary Pickford

Lillian Gish

Louise Brooks

Charlie Chaplin

Greta Garbo

Jean Harlow

Buster Keaton

Joan Crawford

Cary Grant

Clark Gable

Katherine Hepburn

Myrna Loy

William Powell

By this point I had only covered the 1920's and 1930's

with three more decades to go. I stopped writing, read every word,

and went around again. They are all fabulous

and the catalogue is equally as impressive.

Stay a while...the National Portrait Gallery is a treasure in itself.

You could easily pass the day.

Before I go...I admit I had one absolute favourite...

Evelyn Brent, 1899-1975
Image taken by Henry Wasman, 1925

If you see this exhibit, you will leave thinking much as I did,
about another time, on the silent screen....

The exhibit runs through 23 October.

via National Portrait Gallery

All images from the Joun Kobal Foundation, 2011

nomad...thinker...writer...girl....

2011-09-16T22:44:00.000+01:00

CHRISTY

nomad. thinker. writer. girl.

Mothers talk and when they do, one thing leads to another...and here we are.

Glenda @ Gg-notes on the journey and I have been blogging buddies for a while now.

She is gracious, warm and like me, has lived the expat life.

When Glenda wrote to say that her Christy was moving to England,

I offered to lend a welcoming hand. As Christy lives a distance from me

I thought I would welcome her by way of this post. Christy has a great blog,

Everyday Planet

where she writes about her experiences as she settles into life in England.

I can relate to that. :)

Christy is a huge fan of the Duchess of Cambridge

and has a great collection of photos.

Christy is in England to become a missionary.

She is a girl with heart.

She writes

"I've just moved to England to be a missionary and

Katherine-Hepburn-style office girl (like in 'Desk Set')".

Scene from the movie 'Desk Set'

I can relate to that too!

I started to think of all the advise I could give to Christy.

I have cornered the market on travel books and have so many thoughts

that I do not know where to begin.

I then looked at Christy's blog

and realised she could teach me a thing or two!

She has many great suggestions which you can read here.

I am so inspired by Christy that I am in the midst of

developing a series of Travel Diaries with all my favourite

spots around England and beyond. It has proved to be a bit

more challenging that I thought...so stay tuned.

In the meantime,

my advice to Christy as a new expat settling into a country.

(she is a pro at this, being a TCK, but I will say it anyways, more here)

Smile

Keep your eyes open.

Never leave home without a camera,

a small journal and pen.

Talk to people, look for stories.

Pay attention to the little things.

Write, write and write some more.

Keep in touch with friends from home.

Make new friends.

When blue, make a point of going someplace new.

I did not mean for that to rhyme ;)

Buy postcards!

Write postcards and post them.

Look for the unusual.

Find out people's stories.

Start the day looking for a story.

They happen when you least expect it.

Keep a record of all your favourite places.

Write about them.

Say hello to your mother for me.

Smile

Yes..I know they are quite simple

but they work!

To Christy, I send my very best and hopes that

we meet someday.

Before I go...there is one more

Glenda is blessed with two beautiful and talented daughters.

You can meet Jenny

over at Life on Canvas

Signing off to work on my Travel Diaries....

Jeanne xxx

Images via Christy's blog

Everyday Planet

Desk Set image via The Movie Scene

One Tiara Please....

2011-09-08T15:22:00.000+01:00

It's my birthday on Sunday and I have to say the

Tiara below is looking mighty tempting.

I might just pick one up and wear it for the day.

That should get my kids going. :)

For those of you living in London

or those who plan to visit before October 3rd 2011,

here is a little reminder to pick up tickets

to The State Rooms at Buckingham Palace.

The rooms are used by the Queen and members

of the Royal Family for State,

ceremonial and official occasions.

Nineteen State rooms are

open to visitors.

I am off to see the wedding ensemble

of The Duchess of Cambridge.

The remaining weekends are sold out but I did manage

two tickets for the last week of September.

If you are interested, do not delay!

You can purchase tickets, here.

Wedding photo images via Mail Online

State Room images via The Royal Collection

One Door Closes.....

2011-09-05T21:56:00.000+01:00

I am a firm believer in the 'one door closes and another one opens' attitude on life.

The weeks pass as we wait on news of our next move.

The 'Expat Express' is picking up a bit of steam, albeit slowly.

I look forward to pulling the cord...and blasting the news.

This photo was taken in a 30 minute rush before closing at Sissinghurst Castle Garden

earlier in the summer. It was a case of do I or don't I? How could I resist? I am working on a post

with more information...back with that one soon.

Since Sissinghurst, we have travelled to France and back.

It was a wonderful trip, but I have to say...

I was ever so happy to pull into St. Pancras station in London.

Living in a French world when you do not speak the language can be frustrating.

I vowed not to return until I can speak the language with depth and understanding.

I better hop to it as the 'Expat Express' looks like it will be stopping

in a French speaking country. Parlez vous Francais?

image~me

Le Chameau Boots

2011-08-20T12:59:00.001+01:00

Last year I wrote a post, Balmy About Boots. I thought for sure this little obsession of mine would pass, but alas, it has not. The topic of thought at the moment is 'wellies, gumboots, mud boots, rain boots', call them what you like, but not all boots are made equal. If you have slopped around in the mud for any length of time you will appreciate this.

Time is passing and the weather is cooling in England. My favourite wellies burst a seam last Spring and I have been in the market ever since. I am looking for the boots that will fit like a glove, have a super strong tread, will stay warm and yes, dare I say it, look good. It has been a toss up for months. The English Hunter brand or the French Le Chameau brand. Such decisions!

I have been thinking....since I am in France at the moment, I might as well try them on...don't you think?
They are a bit expensive, but I know they are designed to last. I expect to be swishing and squashing around in my wellies 20 years from now. They have to be the right ones. So....if I divide, the cost of the boots by 20.... voila! Bargain city :)

Oh dear, green or black... ugh! Another decision! I know there are some serious boot enthusiasts amongst you...what say you? Practicality is key. :)

images~Le Chameau

Laissez Faire at Chateau de Cheverny

2011-08-17T13:20:00.001+01:00

Hound heaven at Chateau de Cheverny today.

Rest time for one and all.

Paul, Marquis de Vibraye

1809-1878

(Photo taken in

Chateau de Cheverny

France)

images~me

Crossing the English Channel

2011-08-15T09:16:00.001+01:00

Looking back at the entrance to Cherbourg Harbour.

One of the great things about living in England is the easy access to Europe. We are on a two week holiday in the Loire Valley, France. Getting here from Surrey, England was relatively easy. We packed our car, drove one hour to Portsmouth, hopped on the ferry for a three hour ride to port in Cherbourg, France and we were there. We travelled via Brittany Ferries.

To set the mood, I listened to a few songs by Charles Trenet.

Once off the ferry, Mr. H had the challenge of adapting a right hand drive car to a left hand driving situation. I admit, it was more challenging for me than him. I sat in the center of the road, gripping my seat for dear life and while he drove hugging the curb. Once we realised that this was an everyday occurrence on European roads we settled right into a natural rhythm and I finally managed to let go of the seat.

We made our way to Chateau d' Audrieu in Lower Normandy, arriving in the evening.

To read more, click here

I make a habit of photographing the view from our window in every hotel we stay in around the world. Some have been memorable and some not. The image below was a welcome sight on Saturday morning. After breakfast we made our way around the garden and extensive grounds of the chateau. It was a brief visit but well worth the stay.

From our window...

A view of Chateau Adrieu.

A lovely white garden at Chateau Adrieu.

Gardens at Chateau Audrieu.

A maid's walk.

Saying goodbye to Chateau Audrieu we packed up the car once again

and set our sights on the next stop on our list....

My French travels....

Crossing the English Channel

Mood Blogging: C'est si Bon

My French World

Playing Sherlock in the Loire Valley

images~me

'Gone Travelling'

2011-07-28T14:16:00.000+01:00

Gone Travelling, Back Soon!

xxx

Travel news @ Collage of Life

image~me

Rockport, Massachusetts

USA

Expat Women: Confessions

2011-07-14T16:29:00.002+01:00

On my iPad, a new book by Andrea Martins and

Victoria Hepworth, Expat Women: Confessions- 50 Answers to your

Real-Life Questions about Living Abroad. I was recently asked

to read and comment on this book and was happy to do so. The request could not

have come at a better time with move # six sits before us.

The book covers just about everything.

Here is a sample....

Settling In:

culture shock, trailing spouses,

clubs, making fiends, household help,

transitioning quickly

Career and Money:

work-life balance, loss of career,

financial difficulties, starting a business

Raising Children:

pregnancy, adoption, teenagers,

special needs, bilingual children,

empty nest

Relationships:

trailing man, intercultural couples,

divorce, infidelity, when one wants to go home

Mixed Emotions:

holiday sadness, retiring abroad,

aging parents, medical treatment abroad,

friends back home

Repatriation:

sudden exit, visa expiry,

reverse culture shock

I have added the book to my summer reading collection. It is the perfect sort of book

for my iPad for it is one that I see myself referring to in the years to come.

If you are considering an expat life, are new to the expat phenomenon,

are a well seasoned expat or are in the throws of ' heading home'

after many years away, you will find this book helpful.

New to Expat Women?

It is a great site, you can read about the book

and this informative site, here

image

A Vision in Red

2011-07-09T09:56:00.000+01:00

I saw it, wished I had bought it, thought about it, saw it again at the

Hampton Court Palace Flower Show yesterday and bought it!

I am building on my English 'country attire' which translates to ways

to stay dry and warm come cooler weather. This Weatherproof Rain Cape is a beauty...

it's long, has lots of buttons up the side for ease of comfort, it will fit

over the handlebars of my bike, can be worn over a back pack, it is lightweight

and best of all it has a hood with a lightweight wool tartan lining.

It comes in spruce green, warm red, navy blue

and black @ The Carrier Company .

Red Riding Hood for me...

I am thinking rain hat next.

PS to Pamela...

it is calling your name :)

Images:.Top photo-me

Bottom two photos- The Carrier Company

Creating in the Cotswolds

2011-07-04T22:16:00.000+01:00

I recently discovered the work of Vanessa Arbuthnott, a very talented designer. I only wish I had the home to compliment her beautiful creations. Thinking that some of you might, I thought I would introduce you. Vanessa started her business ten years ago with an idea, a few samples and her trusty pinking sheers. She had four active children and a loyal team to support her business goals.

The Cotswold countryside is where she lives and serves as inspiration for her designs. She has nine collections, each sounding better than the last, Hand Printed, Meadow, Earth, Cockerel, Wildflower, Seaside, Garden, Woodland and Sky. With this she adds her signature colours...teal, pidgeon, spinach, buttercup, limestone, clay, damson, duck egg, stone, raspberry, mushroom, cornflower, straw and lettuce. It all sounds as good as it looks.

I think the rest speaks for itself.

It warms my heart to see women move forward with an idea and make it happen. I think Vanessa has done that in spades. My hat goes off to her. :)

To see more of the Vanessa Arbuthnott range, click here.

Images via Vanessa Arbuthnott

A Bounty of Roses

2011-06-30T12:18:00.000+01:00

Drawing inspiration from.....

Rosa Glauca

Species 1830

Felicite Perpetue

(Rambler)

William and Catherine

English Musk Hybrid

Images ~me

Chelsea Flower Show

London, 2011

Malus Royalty

2011-06-23T17:57:00.002+01:00

I came across this plaque in a garden recently and thought it was very clever. To mark the occasion of a birth, a tree, Malus Royalty, was planted in honor of what I imagine are two very special young girls. I started to think of the possibilities for a gift like this. They are endless...

If you are looking for a gift to last a lifetime,
this just might be the ticket.

Writing whilst traveling in Christchurch,
New Zealand via BlogPress from my iPad.
I am still learning..please excuse. :)

Shopping with Jeanne at a Midsummer Fair

2011-06-15T14:59:00.001+01:00

image

Last weekend I went along to the Wealden Times

Midsummer Fair in Kent.

I wrote about it here. It was bigger and grander than

I imagined with lots of great vendors.

I am sharing the love today. Let's go shopping!

I have had a few people ask me about this red cape.

I took a quick snap in the breeze.

Shop at The Carrier Company.

What I could not pass up is another market basket.

I love the long handles on this one.

Shop at Butternut Baskets

I wish Pamela from From The House of Edward was

with me on this one. She would have loved

this shop. For all things mysterious, beautiful

and wonderful, shop at Devotion.

Loved these Hammamas. A sarong with a difference.

You have to shop here if you are looking for beach chic this summer!

Shop at Hammamas.

There was a whole lot of love happening around these Ballet Pumps.

There are lots more to have a look at. Shop at Mandarina Shoes.

They were just as beautiful close up. Irish Throws woven

in traditional woolen mills. Shop at Roothies.

Everything about this store is beautiful and it is located in

Hawkhurst, Kent. An English beauty.

Shop at Cordelia James.

Looking for a space to call your own?

How about a shepherd's hut?

A idyllic garden retreat!

Shop at Court and Hunt.

I always like to save the best for last. My reason for being at the fair,

the fabulously talented Sharon at My French Country Home

and her lovely daughter, Ella. A treat! Shop at My French Country Brocante.

Images from the shop as noted.

The second and last were taken by me :)

A Woman's View of the World

2011-06-12T21:09:00.001+01:00

Some of you may already be familiar with my other blogs.

They cover a range of topics including more of my travels around England.

Someday, I hope to merge them all into one.

Until then, you can find me at the blogs below.

Thank you for reading Finding My Way in England!

Collage of Life

one woman's view....

Recent Post: A Country Ride and Midsummer Fair in Kent, here.

Cashmerjeans...style

elegance and grace..

Recent Post: Purple Paisley Palazzo Pants, here

Midlife Wisdom

joys and passions...

Recent Post: Midlife Passions, here

one woman traveller

viewing the world....

Recent Post: Regarding Henry Moore, here.

images 1, 3, 4 ~me

Vanessa Redgrave~ Chris Beetle Gallery

The Story of a House...

2011-06-09T17:53:00.000+01:00

A couple of months ago,

I was sitting on a park bench, waiting for my car to be serviced.

I could not help but notice this house in the distance.

It stood out from across the way with it's light blue trim

and I quickly fell under it's spell.

Naturally, I had to get up closer and being the good blogger that I am,

I had a camera with me. This house cried out for TLC. I took a few photos

and have since passed it many times. I noticed that someone had the good sense to buy it

and I hope they will keep the integrity of the house. I often wondered what the house looks

like inside and what the new owners will do with this historical home.

Today, my curiosity got the best of me and I was delighted

to find a link to the house.

Since history is everything in England, I enjoyed reading...

The house was built circa 1700 in the Reign of Queen Anne.

Past owners include the eminent General Sir John who served

in the Napoleonic Wars, a 19th Century Publisher, Leonard Seeley

and more recently a distinguished water chemist, Dr Ewart Akeroyd,

who pioneered survival kits for WWII seaman and air crew.

There you have it.

Many of the period features of the house are still intact.

The pebbled pathway to the front door pre-dates the house and is apparently

of Tudor origin. High ceilings, cornicing, decorative panelling, superb fireplaces,

charming reception, impressive inner hall with domed ceiling,

magnificent drawing room, impressive staircase

small garden room....and on and on.

In this house?

Surprise, surprise....

and the house around 1958...

Don't you just love it when life is filled with little surprises!

I look forward to seeing what comes next.

There certainly are a number of possibilities!

What would you do?

Photos and information about the house, here.

The Covent Garden Academy of Flowers

2011-06-06T22:10:00.000+01:00

The Covent Garden Academy of Flowers, showing it's magic

at the 2011 Chelsea Flower Show. Rose bud perfection.

The Covent Garden Academy of Flowers at Chelsea Flower Show, here.

For information on courses, here.

images~me

Enchantment in a box....

2011-06-03T23:08:00.000+01:00

I stopped in at a local Antique Fair on the weekend and picked up a few vintage postcards and photos that were tucked away in a box. It wasn't till later that I realised that there was correspondence on the back. I am not sure which is more enchanting....

images~me

With this basket....

2011-05-29T16:43:00.001+01:00

A basket of roses tucked outside the David Austin display
of heavenly roses at the Chelsea Flower Show in London.
With this basket, I do say....have a wonderful day.
Jeanne xxx

Isabella Plantation....you move me

2011-05-26T15:28:00.002+01:00

If you were with me today,

we would have stopped in at Isabella Plantation

in Richmond Park, London.

It is just as well that you were not with me as

I got lost....and did the loopty loop several times

around the 8 mile perimeter drive.

That happens to me a lot. :)

It really wouldn't have mattered

because Richmond Park is a site to behold,

with

50 ponds

550 acres of woodland

11 gates (I now know them well)

Seven car parks (know them by heart)

20 mph speed limit (oops)

Two 18-hole golf courses

Four rugby pitches

and...

650 deer

150,000 trees

1,350 species of beetle

750 species of butterfly and moth

450 species of plants and ferns

400 species of fungi

130 species of bees and wasps

119 species of birds

and two Shire horses ( I thought the same thing)

I eventually found my way :)

Isabella Plantation dates back to 1637

and is filled with many of the specimens listed above.

In bloom at Isabella Plantation throughout the year...

Spring: camellias, magnolias, daffodils, bluebells

azaleas and rhododendrons.

Summer: Japanese irises, day lilies, candelabra primula,

flowering straz trees and fragrant magnolia.

Autumn: Fothergilla, Japanese acersa and tupelo trees are ablaze in colour.

Winter: Witch Hazel, Mahonia and Rhododendrons 'Christmas Cheer'

are in bloom with early camellias.

With this knowledge, I embarked on a stroll, with friends, around the Plantation.

My only regret was that I was doing it midday, not the best light for this amateur photographer.

Alas, I persevered, knowing that I could come back, on my own,

when the timing and lighting would be just right.

We passed thru the gates, in and out again

and then a thought crossed my mind...

Is it possible that Philip Treacy drew his inspiration

for Princess Beatrice's hat from Isabella?

(Imagine the gate photo upside down.)

With that thought in mind, you and I would have left for

Pembroke Lodge to have a coffee.

We would have admired a spectacular view and

would be happy to spend several hours doing so.

The only problem with me is that I am easily distracted.

While my friends were looking out, I was zooming in.

How could I resist?

I so admired this woman below...she has great sensibilities.

Hat, portable chair and a bag filled with

plenty to keep her occupied.

Ah well, there is always next time.

I am bringing my hat, chair and carry all.

Care to join me?

Isabella Plantation photos~me

Princess Beatrice, here.

Information on park

from Guide to Richmond Park

Travel Notes: Loire Valley, France

2011-05-25T10:00:00.003+01:00

The elegant chateau and town of Saumur in the Loire Valley, France
Photo copyright Jean-Daniel Sudres

We have planned a two week holiday in the Loire Valley this summer.
I normally start to think about a trip a few days before we go which leaves me

very anxious once we arrive. I always wish I had read up a bit more.
This time, I plan to do it right.

We have our accommodations sorted. Mr. H had an agenda,

which was to get as far away from the crowds as possible.

Quality Villas came recommended to him. He found a chateaux

and after much discussion with the owners of the house, a deal was struck...

the donkeys could stay. This seemed to be a deal breaker for him

although lord knows why. I think he may have second thoughts when the

chorus starts in the morning. I am a little anxious about this one.

I plan to fill in the gaps with things to see and do on this page.

If you have any suggestions, I wholeheartedly welcome them.

If you are planning a trip yourself, stay tuned. More to follow.

I just needed a starting point and now I have one.

Jeanne's Travel Notes: Loire Valley
Chateaux:

From Anthony Peregrine of The Sunday Times:

Six recommended chateaux

Chambord, Chenonceau, Chinon,

Amboise, Clos Luce and

Villandry and Chaumont for keen gardeners.

Chateau de Chambord
Photo copyright Patrick Giraud

Ornamental Gardens of Chateau de Villandry's

Restaurants:
Le Pot de Lapin
35 rue Rabelois, Saumur
Tel: 02 41 67 12 86

La Table de Bergerie
La Bergerie
49380 Champ Layon
Tel: 02 42 78 30 62

Restaurant Le Gambetta
12, rue Gambetta
49400 Saumur
Tel: 02 41 67 66 66

Vineyards:
TBD

Have you been to the Loire Valley?

If so, any suggestions?

Travel Notes on Venice, here.
Images via Bugbog

A Singular Beauty

2011-05-21T14:57:00.001+01:00

I was standing in front of this enormous building below wondering how I could

capture the beauty in one small detail. By the entrance, trailing up and past

this lamp, a singular beauty with a trail of followers behind.

If you have not stopped in to Collage of Life to read

about the beautiful gardens at Loseley Park, you can do so here.

They took my breath away :)

Best wishes for a wonderful weekend!

Jeanne xxx

Monarch of the Glen

2011-05-18T23:26:00.000+01:00

Dear Lads and Lassies!

I just have to send out a big thank you to those of you

who put me on to the TV series, Monarch of the Glen.

I started this series earlier in the year and sat with tissue box in hand last night

as I signed off on the very last episode.What can I say? It was a lot of fun :)

My favourite character was Hector.

For those of you who would like to rekindle the magic, here is a little

trip down memory lane for you.

Chelsea on my mind and a little Joni Mitchell

2011-05-18T22:11:00.000+01:00

I have Chelsea on my mind, the Chelsea Flower Show to be exact. My catalogue arrived in the mail today. I have been eagerly circling, folding and marking the things I would like to see. In the spirit of the Chelsea Flower Show and just because I love Joni Mitchell....I bring you her 1969 rendition of Chelsea Morning.

More on Chelsea Flower Show

Chelsea Confessions

Dreaming Colour

Ooh la la!!! in Sloane Square

Come Rain or Shine

Flowering Dubarry's

Chelsea Handbag

Sparrow and Finch

Lyrics to

Chelsea Morning

Woke up , it was a Chelsea morning, and the first thing that I heard

Was a song outside my window, and the traffic wrote the words

It came a-reeling up like Christmas bells, and rapping up like pipes and drums

Oh, won't you stay

We'll put on the day

And we'll wear it 'till the night comes

Woke up , it was a Chelsea morning, and the first thing that I saw

Was the sun through yellow curtains, and a rainbow on the wall

Blue, red, green and gold to welcome you, crimson crystal beads to beckon

Oh, won't you stay

We'll put on the day

There's a sun show every second

Now the curtain opens on a portrait of today

And the streets are paved with passersby

And pigeons fly

And papers lie

Waiting to blow away

Woke up, it was a Chelsea morning, and the first thing that I know

There was milk and toast an d honey and a bowl of oranges, too

And the sun poured in like butterscotch and stuck to all my senses

Oh, won't you stay

We'll put on the day

And we'll talk in present tenses

When the curtain closes and the rainbow runs away

I will bring you incense owls by night

By candlelight

By jewel-light

If only you will stay

Pretty baby, won't you

Wake up, it's a Chelsea Morning