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finding my green thumb...

...in the search for inspiration for my front garden, I have discovered the work of Nicole de Vésian

Her amazing use of colour, texture, and shape in the garden of La Louve (The She-Wolf) in Provence makes me want to attack every plant in my garden with  shears.

I have been dreaming of a space with an abundance of cool stone and a soft grey/green palette-  this magnificent garden captures it all.

I am impatient to see my garden come to life - but I am trying to move slowly and thoughtfully forward. I  find that perhaps the process of making my garden a reality is as rewarding an experience as standing finally, in the finished  space.

It is a growing,evolving thing; a constant work in progress.

I'll sharpen the shears anyway -something to keep me busy while the plants are growing...

 

the very last blackberries...

were the result of a pleasant half an hour of labour on Sunday.Just enough for a generous bowlful plus a few extra for Grace. A little beyond the blackberry brambles, there were a few apple trees loaded with fruit, well within our reach. So naturally we did what you do when you have the great fortune to be able to pick your own blackberries and apples just a stone's throw from your own front door.

 We made pie.

Personally, I think pie tastes quite different when you have picked all the filling yourself.

It was all quite story book like except for the fact that I didn't wear a gingham frilly apron for the pie making bit. I'm much more a utilitarian denim apron from Muji type of domestic goddess.

Oh, and there was a little bit of swearing when I got stuck in the brambles. I'm pretty sure there is no swearing in story books. But let's just ignore that slight slip, shall we and appreciate a bit of pie goodness. With cream and icecream,of course.

 

 

 

No, her toes are quite alright...

This is what happens when your three year old finds a bottle of red nail polish and a quiet corner to play in.She was rather pleased with the results.

Note to self: Grace is quite proficient at opening bottles....

No, her toes are quite alright...

This is what happens when your three year old finds a bottle of red nail polish and a quiet corner to play in.She was rather pleased with the results.

Note to self: Grace is quite proficient at opening bottles....

shiny ,happy...

There was a festival in the village last week complete with funfair and a parade of floats.

Charlie was a Giant Sunflower....a few late nights and I finally succeeded in getting those petals to stand up! I had planned on making the collar leaf edged but lack of time and sleep meant that I had to simplify somewhat. Leafy wrist bands and a big smile did the trick instead!

All grown up....

..three already.

 Grace captured perfectly...all wild curls and a big mischievious grin.

Happy Biirtthday,my  gorgeous Grace!

This is the only photo out of many where all three of my girls were looking at the camera- and I didn't have a monkey sitting on my head ( thank you Rose!).

simple....

knit.....using the 'just in time neck cozy' pattern found here. I used two strands knitted together of the gorgeous Manos del Uraguay silk blend (silk and merino extra fine wool) colour 6461- soft, drapey and with just enough shine. You can knit it up in about two hours and it makes a perfect gift. I think the next one will be for myself in a charcoal grey.

soup.....ugly but really delicious. Not only is it quick to cook but it's also good for you, so it ticks all of the boxes. The recipe is one I found attached to a bag of Puy lentils I bought a few years back, which I have tweaked a little.

I don't add the cream( why would you?)  and I use powdered organic vegetable stock and water. Once the soup has finished cooking, I puree half and mix it back in so that you still have bits of carrots and lentils for texture. My final secret trick is to add the finely zested peel of a lemon which just gives it that subtle kick. Add some good sourdough bread and it's perfect.

 fun....a friend took this very cute photo of my three girls...Grace playing the clown as usual.

As for the hair, well remember this?

 All I need is the kooky hat and a few oompah loompahs running around.

(Actually I've always thought a few oompah loompahs would be quite helpful around the house...)

 

flavours of Christmas....

Cranberry, pistachio and rosemary Florentine bars...a perfect combination of flavours for Christmas.

Merry Christmas to you all....may it be full of family, friends and loved ones.

To all of my family and special friends at home- we miss you and send you our biggest hugs and love.

Soak up a bit of sunshine for us!

 
Despite the long list of to do's around here, the two big girls and I managed to steal a bit of time to make a few presents. Charlotte used a sewing machine for the first time and made two lavender bags for her sisters.

Rose created a beautiful patchwork scarf for her friend.

They were both so proud of their work - I am determined to make more time next year helping them with creating handmade bits and pieces.

And a bit more time for me to do the same....such a sense of achievement to watch Damian finally try on his knitted hat that I finished only just in time to wrap up and put under the tree.

Now, just where to find that extra time? If you have worked that one out, order a dozen or so hours for me!

And an extra pair of hands wouldn't go astray either.

Now, wouldn't that make for an interesting present to find under the tree...

go the tutus....

During the 2009 Windsor Half marathon, I followed a couple of runners wearing red tutus. When the going got tough around the 10 mile mark, those red tutus gave me something to focus on and help me keep on moving. I decided that the next half I ran would definitely involve a tutu.

This year I ran with a friend, in matching black and white tutus. We thought perhaps that they would be a little more subtle than red ones. We soon worked out that there is no hiding in a tutu at a sporting event so next time I might try a bright red and pink version. No point in being shy.

Not only did the tutus add an element of fun, it made it much easier for the spectators and marshals lining the course to offer their support and encouragement."Here come the tutus! Go the tutus! Nice tutus, girls!"

We finished the run in 2.08.38 which we were quite pleased with taking into account that we had not really done quite the training we should have. Oh well, always a next time for a PB...( Currently trying to decide whether to tackle the Henley Half in a fortnight- it is supposed to have a very scary hill. Anybody run this one?)

Rose also tackled her first run - a 2.5 mile race around the deer park. We had to bump her age up by a year to enter her- and she ran all by herself .She insisted that she wanted to do it on her own.

 And the best bit- a real medal! How proud was I? Almost as proud as Rose herself!

oh my...

...words and images by rose.

Perfect way to end my day.