bluebell island

i live in a valley
a valley in the heart of the forest of dean
just behind my cottage (and to the front and either side is the forest)
its a mass of bluebells during may
this year has been particularly wonderful
the photos above are just outside the back garden in an area i call my island

ian took this portrait of me there last year


there's more of my bluebell island in the video below
including some of the paintings it inspired

a perfect weekend

i have been away for a few days

its been like a dream... a perfect dream
some things you can take pictures of
but other things like nightingales singing, twinkling sagittarius stars

and most especially kind, funny and talented friends are clearly and keenly remembered if not shown here


we stayed at saint-michel-l'observatoire in the luberon area of provence
here's our hotel...wonderful views of the mountains....and great food

of course i have to show you some food from france...so hard to chose which of many photos

we shopped for a picnic
and after a walk through oak trees

we saw this

ochre towers in the bright sunshine

one day i found my perfect french garden

lavender

more lavender and rose in a cake

as my amazing new friend said....fantastic flavour ...but a bit like eating soap

thank you so much to all concerned
i feel privileged and immensely grateful

summerland

my dear friends lindsey and liz came with me to the opening of my summerland show

lindsey made a great video at the start of the show
love the birdsong, sunshine, the sound of her shoes...
and hearing her refusing a glass of champagne!

thanks lindsey!




and here are a few photos of the show before the people arrived






***warning it all gets a bit girly from here...
but do come along if you like shoes and dresses


we matched the flowers perfectly


and here is a view of my coat from the back...i do love it!


and here's the photographer

and here is her own very new art and ceramics website
...and to be fair here is liz's too... we have some painting e-courses in mind...watch this space

forget me not

and here it is the new video
i love it

i really hope you enjoy it