Bank Holiday weekend, no offspring. Did you get the full significance of that statement? The sweet scent of freedom on the breeze. The boys went to Wales with our friends and their caravan. And me? Well, I did work on Saturday, but Sunday was mine all mine.
So I got up at the crack of dawn and went to meet Kristina at Columbia Road Flower Market. I would show you artful photos of the flowers, but quite frankly, all mine look like this. It truly isn't the place to be if crowds of people freak you out.
It's a miracle that I managed to find Kristina at all. But she very wisely suggested meeting outside a cupcake shop, Treacle. And I can sniff out a cupcake at 50 yards. Even if they were trying to camouflage themselves in the grass.
We mooched, nattered about floral preferences, ate cupcakes and did a spot of shopping - here, amongst other places.
By an amazing stroke of luck, I also bumped into Jessie Chorley - whose altered book workshop I went to last year. She has a new shop on Columbia Road, but it was shut in preparation for their grand opening. Apart from being a talented artist, she clearly has the memory of an elephant, because she recognized me and gave us a sneaky preview of her new space, which is the most atmospheric treasure trove of a place. And provides me with the perfect excuse for retuning to the area soon.
And another spot that warrants a re-visit was the V&A Museum of Childhood in Bethnall Green, a short stroll away. Walking through London always gives me the greatest pleasure - the streets you never see on the bus or the tube. Imagining the lives within.
And the museum was so much fun - even without small people in tow. There's a Quentin Blake and Roald Dahl exhibition on at the moment and some groovy kitchen chandeliers in the entryway.
I think the boys would love it (particularly the case full of vintage Scalextric). Perhaps I'll take them. After I've scrubbed the camping mud off.
Sounds like a lovely day out. Y'know, I've never been to Columbia Road or the Mus of Childhood - must rectify that one day soon.
Posted by: Annabel | 04 May 2009 at 19:44
What a wonderful day out. I very nearly did a workshop with Jessie Chorley last year... we might have met and not realised it but sadly in the end I couldn't make the date!
Posted by: Gina | 04 May 2009 at 19:57
Sounds like a perfect day. So, there really is a street named quilter? I thought those were just signs they sold at quilt shows!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | 04 May 2009 at 20:53
Oh, it's years since I visited the Museum of Childhood. We had lunch in a dodgy caff close by - might give that a miss next time but I bet the children would like the museum. Hmmm.
Posted by: dottycookie | 04 May 2009 at 21:25
Ooh lovely, a day to yourself! and what a fab day it looks like you had too! I must go to Rob Ryan's shop one day, I love his work.
Posted by: Simply H | 04 May 2009 at 21:40
Thank you for sharing this blissful day - even on the other side of the world I was so happy to follow you around!
Posted by: mary | 04 May 2009 at 22:18
A perfect day! K x
Posted by: kristina | 04 May 2009 at 22:36
What a great day out. And I could easily be seduced by vintage scalextric....
Posted by: Pebbledash | 04 May 2009 at 23:14
I need to find friends with a caravan. That sounds like a great Sunday.
They don't seem to have jelly diamonds or silver balls (I believe those are the technical terms) over here. Children's birthdays just aren't the same anymore...
Posted by: UK lass in US | 05 May 2009 at 00:33
Oh glorious freedom. I dream of such a day.
Posted by: Megan | 05 May 2009 at 02:42
I'm trying not to be jealous... really trying... sigh..
I had a weekend full of relatives and weeding. Not quite the same thing.
sigh.
Posted by: monica | 05 May 2009 at 08:09
You truly are an inspiration. Up at dawn at a flower market - I would have stayed in bed and read a book.
Posted by: The Coffee Lady | 05 May 2009 at 09:10
sounds like a wonderful day - and how fab to have a kid free weekend (in the nicest possible way)! Remember going to the Mus of Childhood years ago, but had forgotten all about it - must organise taking the children there x
Posted by: Julie | 05 May 2009 at 13:55
Sounds like you had a wonderful day. That childhood museum looked good, although not sure that I could bear those crowds, I don't do well in crowds.
Posted by: Thimbleina | 05 May 2009 at 14:24
I went to the Museum of Childhood with my Mum a couple of weeks ago (and left the baby at home with the husband!). Lots of 'I remember that's.
Posted by: Anna | 05 May 2009 at 15:23
The cupcakes look yummy anyway, and we want to see what you purchased at Ryantown!!! The day sounds fun.
Posted by: Lisa | 05 May 2009 at 17:13
What a fab day out! But what did you buy????
Posted by: Lucy Locket-Pocket | 05 May 2009 at 21:08
Oh! That Kristina knows all the best places - I am feeling jealous - if only it was possible to be on two places at once.
Posted by: Alice C | 05 May 2009 at 22:25
There's a Quilters Street! Wow - there is everything in London!
Sounds like a wonderful day out.
Posted by: Jane Weston | 08 May 2009 at 17:18
There's an Italian bistro that we go to occasionally that has similar lighting. They use graters over the smaller tables, colanders over the larger, and pieces of various metal over others. They even have a Tower of Pisa on the wall, made from various kitchen implements.
I found your blog by way of your old blogspot (and a reply to your cabo halter top post). I'm enjoying looking around. :-)
Posted by: Carole | 01 June 2009 at 23:55