Wolf Hall ... Hilary Mantel.... Fantastic

When I was handed Wolf Hall I actually groaned and not exactly with pleasure I might add. I love historical novels, but faced with 650 pages it went on the shelf. I was told it would take me awhile to get into it, so it stayed on the shelf. About 4 weeks ago I decided to give it a go, and then could hardly wait to go to bed to read more, Mantel's writing style drew me in completely. She details short, almost off-hand conversations between Cromwell and his family. And then, sometimes, she will give us fascinating debates between Cromwell and Sir Thomas More, the "man for all seasons" who was ruthless in his practices to rid England of heretics, it doesn't lag one bit for a 600+ page historical novel, it moves very quickly. Throughout the novel, Cromwell is reminded of his humble beginnings and is looked down upon by noblemen who wonder how he has been able to rise to such lofty heights. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in Henry VIII and that time period. Readers looking for something along the lines of "The Other Boleyn Girl" won't find it here...this is fiction at its finest.

I was left wanting more and lucky for me I had the sequel 'Bringing up the Bodies'. It continues the story of Thomas Cromwell; self made man, secretary chief minister and adviser to Henry VIII at one of the most tumultuous times in British History. You will also find yourself reading certain passages over and over again simply because they are so perfect. And  I have to mention that you will find yourself laughing out loud at times? This time I never groaned when I saw 400+ pages in fact I was truly disappointed when I turned the last page. The style, the intricate plotting, the characterizations, and Mantel's total ability to capture England itself and the mundane details of 16th century English life, are without parallel. This for me  goes straight to the top of the list of the best novels I've read this year.

Have you read them? tell me what you thought.

To Those that do and to Those that Don't!

Just a few of my vintage post cards that would have been sent to friends and family for Christmas between 1906 - 1910.  To those who celebrate I hope you have a very happy Christmas and those that don't  I wish you a happy holiday. Thank you also to everyone who has commented, followed and  generously sponsored some fabulous giveaways over the year on my blog. Will be back sometime soon. 

Warm wishes

Chrissie

xxx

 

 

Make it Snow !

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp,
And surely I'll be mine!
And we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

We twa hae run about the braes,
And pu'd the gowans fine;
But we've wandered mony a weary fit
Sin' auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidled i' the burn,
Frae morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roared
Sin' auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

And there's a hand, my trusty fiere,
And gie's a hand o' thine!
And we'll tak a right guid-willie waught

For auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

along with a few Lines from Robbie Burns.

x
 

Simon Beck and his Amazing Snow Designs

Created by British artist Simon Beck while wearing snowshoes and he has created the most amazing designs from snowflakes, spirals, cubes and more abstract creations.

Each pattern is crafted by Mr Beck alone in the skiing town of Les Arcs, in the French Alps, where he lives during winter.

And he uses an orienteering compass to create the perfect geometric designs. Simply amazing

Pictures curtesy http://www.dailymail.co.uk follow link to read full article.

Simon on Face Book

Cast Away the Clutter

Saw this fabulous Blythe doll house/storage unit and fell in love with it and the gorgeous little dolls, and now I want to regress back to childhood and have my very own collection. I wont, I know but nothing wrong with dreaming is there? My craft area is just not organised and I seriously need to take some lessons on how to achieve this. I no sooner clear up all my materials and then quicker than you could say Jack Rabbit it's back to square one again grrrr, so this page for me is a good start. If you want to see some more clever and yet simple ideas (none that I would ever have thought of) and yet some are really so obvious, pop over to this great  page  and start right now to cast away the clutter. Right!! Bottom picture is my work area, see what I mean!!!! Watch this space I might just do it and come back and show you.

Flower Power

I can't tell you what fun I have had with Lucinda's beautiful handmade paper flowers, so far I have made hair combs, bobby pins, xmas baubles, and yesterday I made some hair spirals the hardest part was making the spirals but think I got it. Have another few ideas up my sleeve just need the time to play with them. What do you think of these? I was worried at first that the flowers were going to be to flimsy to work with but they are such a good quality paper and real fun to work with. What would you make with them?

More Tea, Vicar? Vintage and Retro Specialists

Just found this morning another fabulous vintage page called "More Tea Vicar" and thought I would share a few of their   wonderful vintage  kitchenalia items  that  will be for sale on the the 15th of December at St.Mary's Hall in Whitstable at the Seaside Brocantes. Click on link to take you to their page to see some other great vintage goodies. I still have my mother's  big mixing bowl just like the one below, and it brings back wonderful memories of my childhood days cooking with my mama each time I use it.