I wonder if I speak for you too when I say this hasn’t been the easiest week for those of us living in the UK. I have heard the word discombobulated used on a few occasions to describe how people are feeling at the moment. I can’t think of word that better describes how I too I have been feeling. A little out of sorts and weighed down. When we look back on all that’s happened in the last 2 weeks: a new Prime Minister, the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and the subsequent ascension of King Charles the III, perhaps it is not surprising. So much change, endless TV and media coverage, and of course the constant live stream to ‘the queue’.
I wrote a couple of days ago of how it felt to be in London at the moment. It is an immense privilege to be here and feel the sense of occasion, but I have also felt the need to escape from the heaviness of it too. Losing myself in books is always a great way to escape for me. Sitting with some gentle music, a candle and reading has been a real blessing this week. At the start the year I began reading 3 different seasonal books, each divided into the 12 months of the year. I look forward to coming to each of these books at the beginning of the month as each gives me reading pleasure in a different way.
One Woman’s Year by Stella Martin Currey, a Persephone book first published in 1953 was recommended to me by my good friend Karen. It is a mix of diary, short stories and recipes written from the viewpoint of a housewife living in an austere Britain. Lovely period detail and utterly endearing.
The Literary Almanac by Francesca Beauman is a month by month guide to seasonal reading. There are so many great ideas of books to read each month in here.
Celebrating the Seasons with The Yorkshire Shepherdess by Amanda Owen was a Christmas gift. I had not really come across Amanda Owens before, but I have been loving her monthly descriptions of life on her hill farm in North Yorkshire. The photography is glorious too
One of my favourite places for a special breakfast in London is The Wolseley in Piccadilly. I’ve been here quite a few times with my husband but never alone. This week after taking in all the flowers in Green Park and visiting Buckingham Palace, I decided to treat myself. A table for one, a newspaper, coffee, fresh pink grapefruit and the best banana bread in London felt completely self indulgent and a wonderful escape for a little while!
We are now just hours away from the funeral of the late queen, and I am feeling of slight trepidation. However you are feeling about recent and forthcoming events I wish you a calm and peaceful week.
Angie: I am sitting here, in my studio and it is 3:45 PM. I have “the queue” live and turn around to watch from time to time. While I am not a Royalist (after all, I live in the very rebellious America!) I am fascinated. Again, the discipline amazes me. To watch David Beckham emotional as he approached the casket after standing for what? twelve hours…. It is all so very unlike this country, especially these days.
I was supposed to be in London mid-October but have now decided to just go straight to Manchester. But I want to see the Dior exhibition and also the Kaffe Fassett before they close next spring. So maybe we can meet up!
Stay well my friend.
I think we’ve all become a little ‘discombobulated’ during the last 10 days or so. I, like many others, presumed the Queen would live for ever!! For some stupid reason. The thought of a new King (however nice he might be) is mind a mind blowing change. It will take us all sometime to get our heads round it, and hopefully Charles will be able to follow the example of his mother and secure the future for the Monachy.
Who knows?
Best wishes
Carolyn
Thanks!