Great ships and flocks of gulls

Winter is closing in on our house today, swirling winds whipping leaves from their branches and throwing them up into the air. The sky is as dark as dusk and it is only just after 10am.

The winter in my imagination however, has been captured perfectly in these top images by local Hastings artist Claire Fletcher. Where is my knowing reindeer to guide me through the snow? (will add to December wishlist)
Many of Claire's illustrations and paintings are inspired by a magically nostalgic view of local attractions, surroundings and traditional British past times. How lucky to see the world in this playful way. Great ships and flocks of seagulls, mermaids and sailboats, favourite pets and toys, dress ups and exploring games.

I see life in a similar way in my head, I just can't draw or paint for toffee.

If you are falling for claire's work as I have, be sure to catch her at the Selvedge Christmas fair.

All images Claire Fletcher.

Flowers everywhere

Summers almost upon us and I am so happy to be placing flowers everywhere, some from the super market, some from a friend, some retrieved on a walk and some from my dad's garden. I layered them all up on the table for dinner with friends. Lamb, potato gratin, slow roasted tomato comfit and bitter chocolate cake for dessert. All recipes chosen from Bill Granger's delicious book Feed me now.

A walk today, while the sun was still out, took me past a whole host of new blossoms. Boughs draped in deep pinks, mauves and creamy pale blooms all frothy like just poured champagne. I have been think about flowers so much lately still craving a garden of my own, choosing a list of my favourite varieties to sew once we have an outside space. Top of my list anything pretty that can also be eaten, then lilacs, peonies, and I am feeling a slow rising jealousy at a huge patch of colourful snap dragons in one of my neighbours gardens. I remember how amazed I was as a child when my mum showed me how to pinch the petals and make their little floral mouths open and close.
I will put the envious feelings to a good use and draw up a garden wish list. Hope your long weekend turned out well and I am wondering if you have a favourite flower from your childhood ?

Berries and bracken

After popping into town yesterday to drop off some more possessions to charity and treat myself to my bi-annual manicure. I grabbed a hot buttery jacket potato from the take away stand on my way back home. Then settled down in a blanket with my potato an the new issue of country living. Many Autumn pages later and feeling inspired I finished off one of eight wreaths I am making for a local shop that stocks a few of my things.