Here is a little bit of my back yard, actually, its a lot of my backyard because in truth there is not a whole lot more to it. The space is small, teeny even, but I like to think that it has potential to be something special. Like I said yesterday, I have lots of plans for this little space, and I'm hoping to share some of it with you next week because next week at Attic24 I've decided it's going to be an outdoorsy sort of week. Regardless of the weather, although I'm hoping it's gonna play ball.
But I'm showing you this picture now because I want you to see my booooootiful new Greengate bunting strung up there. If you've been popping in here a while, you know how I feel about Greengate. I adore it, unconditionally. It makes me sooo happy, yes it really does it for me. Its absurd, but true. And this bunting really captures the essence of Greengate stuff, its so pretty, colourful, happy, carefree and charming :: in short it's all the things I like to think my life might be.
There's a story behind this bunting.This is a story about me and Sally. About how we "met" in Flickrville. About the way in which I came across her photographs one day and thought for a brief moment that I was looking at my own pictures. It was the strangest feeling, to realise there is someone out there in the world who sees things, collects things and photographs things in the same way as I do. I spotted my mug, yes my mug, in her kitchen. We have the same identical old tartan picnic blanket. She has a Greenagate jug which I very badly want for myself. She shares photos of her coffee, a plate of buns, bits of rooms, her lunch, a bunch of roses in much the same way that I share my life with you all. She is just not as wordy or long-winded as me. But its extraordinary the way in which we have connected. I always love to look in each week and see her life unfold in images and the briefest of descriptions, its always a lovely visit.
Then one day I popped in and she had posted this image. Ohhhh Greengate, Greengate, I was so instantly in love with this bunting it made my heart squeeze when I saw it, I know, I am so sad, I have no idea why the Greengate designs affect me so? But oddly they do. So I asked from whence the bunting came, only to be told it was from a shop local to her :: so about 350miles away from me then, not a hope in hell of popping there for a shopping trip one morning.
But Sally being the kind of person she is, immediately sent me a message and offered to go bunting-hunting for me next time she visited the shop and mail it to me. Oh I nearly wept with gratitude! How kind! How thoughtful! Yes Please, if its not too much trouble?!
And after much excited exchanging of messages over at Flickrville, a package arrived a short while later containing not only the beloved bunting, but also these wonderful Cath Kidston napkins which perfectly match my table runner look. Delighted, thrilled, pleased beyond words I was.
I had agreed to pay Sally for the bunting of course, but also wanted to make a little something to send by way of a thank you. I really wanted to express how much her kindness had meant to me, and something handmade was the bestest way I could find to do that. So I played around with some fabric, ribbon and buttons and stitched Little Birdie. I had a lot of fun doing it, I had forgotten how much I like sewing, I have been so preoccupied with crochet this past year.
So Little Birdie is now happily living at Sally's house, and I am happily sitting under my bunting. Gifts of pleasure and smiles all round. Its a happy life we lead in Blogland and Flickrville.
p.s. Sally doesn't (yet) have a blog but you can see her beautiful images over here xxx
I think bunting is one of my favorite things - it is so happy and decorates any space perfectly don't you think! I love your birdie too.
Posted by: Rachael Rabbit | June 23, 2008 at 02:36 PM
I have to say i just adore you blog, your museing and your wonderful photos, such a pleasure to look at!!
Posted by: marisa | June 22, 2008 at 01:20 PM
I have come over here via ChezMagpie - what an absolutely gorgeous blog you have here. I will most certainly be back in the very near future...
Posted by: Melody | June 21, 2008 at 01:24 AM
Lovely Lucy, what a fabulous birdie!! He rocks! I love his feet too, and his little hearty wing..so glad to read below that you used to sell this stuff for a living, otherwise I would have cried at the waste of talent..have you considered an Etsy shop? I would be in the queue!x
Posted by: Anna | June 20, 2008 at 09:09 PM
I love that bunting too! It was not so long ago that I had not even heard of Greengate. But my eyes have been opened! I just wish I had the money to spend...or maybe my boyfriend may treat me if I drop enough hints..yeah right :) I can dream
Posted by: Debbie | June 20, 2008 at 06:49 PM
Hello! Been led over here by Mrs Magpie. Oh what a treat...I can see I need to put the kettle on and come back with a cuppa and sit down and read.....lovely colourful photos.
Posted by: Diana | June 20, 2008 at 03:31 PM
I received some bunting in the post yesterday but haven't got round to doing anything with it yet. Agree with you about the loveliness of Greengate. Little Birdie is rather gorgeous too.
Posted by: Funkymonkey | June 20, 2008 at 02:40 PM
I received some bunting in the post yesterday but haven't got round to doing anything with it yet. Agree with you about the loveliness of Greengate. Little Birdie is rather gorgeous too.
Posted by: Funkymonkey | June 20, 2008 at 02:40 PM
I received some bunting in the post yesterday but haven't got round to doing anything with it yet. Agree with you about the loveliness of Greengate. Little Birdie is rather gorgeous too.
Posted by: Funkymonkey | June 20, 2008 at 02:40 PM
I received some bunting in the post yesterday but haven't got round to doing anything with it yet. Agree with you about the loveliness of Greengate. Little Birdie is rather gorgeous too.
Posted by: Funkymonkey | June 20, 2008 at 02:39 PM
I love that bunting!!! I know exactly what you mean about Greengate, their products and colours are just scrummy! Fingers crossed for the weather playing ball next week! Love the little birdy, I'm sure Sally will be a very happy lady when she gets her pressie
Kimx
Posted by: kim | June 20, 2008 at 02:24 PM
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! Do you get the idea I'm loving that bunting! Did you know that my lovely friend Andrea stocks Greengate so if you're ever looking for something, let me know!
Julia x
Posted by: julia | June 20, 2008 at 02:14 PM
I love the birdie button feet!
Posted by: simone | June 20, 2008 at 02:13 PM
Hi Lucy and yet again what a lovely blog. I find your blog so uplifting; you are so happy. Adore the bunting! Have a lovely weekend. I am exhibiting at the Axe Vale Show this weekend...in the rain. Lovely. Wish me luck! Kathy
Posted by: kathy | June 20, 2008 at 12:05 PM