Things of beauty...how are we today?

Friday I'm in love....with the idea of a quiet weekend! There is something about this time of year, where it gets dark at 4.30pm that just makes me want to snuggle up and nest. Yet instead there are social engagements galore and just altogether too much to do.

I have had a pensive time lately wandering what's it all about? I have no answers yet. Quelles surprise. It's always the case that I want to press 'pause' and consider whether I am happy. That elusive kind of happiness...am I content? Is everything OK? I suspect better to just not think too much about anything and enjoy the ride. I must try to learn to do that. Stop thinking; just be.

via Dust Jacket Attic

Ivory handles and lace...

I had a homemade package of prettiness delivered yesterday, from my friend Melissa...and it brought tears to my eyes it was just so, so lovely. 

Boo has a ballet exam coming up...the nerves...the tutus...the hair buns...it's 'Ballet Shoes' relived, which secretly I love. I am living vicariously through her.

I have posted a few paintings by this Danish artist, whose work is close to my heart. Makes me think of my Danish grandmother. 'Interior' by Vilhelm Hammershøi painted in 1901.

I think this the perfect mix of old and new...

Just love this bouquet with grey...

via Hey Gorgeous

Anna Friel in Vanity Fair...

via from me to you

via we are all in the gutter

I can't help feeling an absolute twinge of patriotism with this engagement announcement this week and by the way Kate - love the Issa dress! Perfect choice. This does, in some way,  make me feel happy and hopeful and pleased to be British.

Have a restful, chilled-out weekend...

Things of beauty...

You'll be pleased to know that the blues have lifted! Replaced by a slight, growing, warmer comfortable blush of pink! It's amazing how the mind works; absorbing and reasoning new things until they feel like they fit. I have been delighted to see the Boos settle back into the school routine in just a couple of days. My daughter especially, I realise, has grown up so much these last months and has blossomed in confidence and...how can I say...savvy? She just seems to 'get it' now, more than she did even at the start of the summer. How wonderful when life starts to make sense...

The new 'life choice' is bedding in! It's all OK...as you all said it would be. So to some things of beauty to appreciate this Friday...some British beauties, all chestnut-haired and peaches and cream complexions!
Have a great weekend...

Kelly Brook looking positively radiant

'The Rehearsal' by Edgar Degas painted in 1877.

Back to school this week for the Boos...back to the abc...homework, kit bags, pick-up and drop-off...and quieter moments drinking tea for me!

via are so happy

by Chris Nichols

via The Bottom of the Ironing Basket

Nostalgia...in just one look...the 80's classic 'She's Having a Baby'; I would defy anyone not to cry in the scene where she has the baby and the Kate Bush song is playing...seriously.

Grace and elegance...

Blousy pink loveliness wrapped in brown paper and string...oh to be given a bouquet like this!

photograph by Sarah Tucker Travel Photography

I love this tablecloth...

via tiny white daisies

Cheryl Cole in October's British Vogue...looking stunning; she is the nation's darling. X Factor season has started here; compelling viewing for my entire household.

Our own Anna Friel in Vanity Fair...

Keira Knightley, whom my husband is convinced he saw on a flight back from New York. Well he said it was either Keira or Yasmin Le Bon...either way, she smiled at him :-) He said she turned left into first class and was wearing a very sharp grey suit and Louboutins - he clocked the red soles! I figured - would Keira really fly long haul in a suit? She seems more like a jeans girl to me...anyway...!

Thank you for your comments this week; you made it all seem way better...