A joy to read, fine writing and wonderful illustrations combine to mirror in itself your reference to the marriage of writer and illustrator. Completely refreshing all round and with tips for books.
Added bonus is inspiration to now get on and play with the unused fude pen rolling about my desk !
Thank you, Nial - what a lovely message to receive. I am so pleased you liked it. I have tried with a fude pen, but still prefer a dip pen to draw, which is a nuisance as they are more convenient, and carrying pots of ink so ridden with danger ( as my living room carpet shows...)
"I heard a sudden, thin whistle, and a spark of blue lit the reeds. A kingfisher. A perfect gift.
Sitting on that river bank was the first time I had stopped to be still, and just paid attention, for the first time in weeks. After endless days of worry, waiting for phone calls, dashes across the country, after mum’s illness, I found myself sitting here with nothing to solve, but to simply to sit and look."
Thank you so much for all you share generously. I so appreciate the world of stories and art and beauty your posts open up for me.
Visiting the garden at Hemingford Grey House is always magical. I was there only last Sunday for the annual theatrical performance which has been taking place for decades though we only discovered it last year. This year was Lady Windermere's Fan. The garden beckons at the end of day and it's the perfect setting for a play. Thanks for sharing the illustrations from Nothing Said, very evocative.
I am late to your lovely post, Deborah but wanted to savour it, and your writing and images are wonderful, as always! Thanks for the kind mention. What a magical house and garden, which gave rise to such lovely books by Lucy M. Boston with illustrations by her son Peter.
I am just catching up with all your newsletters and this is lovely. I've written down all the book suggestions, as yours are always spot on, and I love any book that you recommend.
I am really sorry to hear that things have been hard recently (I sent you a message this morning before I listened to this).
I do hope that things stay calmer for you for the rest of the summer.x
I'm sorry things have been difficult recently. It seems like you found a little space of peace at Hemingford Grey and the river. Those illustrations are perfect. I love the way you help us to see literature through illustration, it is, I think the word might be, beguiling.
It really is a magical place. So lovely to be reminded of it and to see some of Peter Boston’s work. I remember when we did a simplified version of one of the Green Knowe books for OUP, we only got the rights on condition that Peter did the illustrations for it, and they were terrific. Sorry to hear you’ve been having a difficult time and I hope things improve for you now.
”Sitting on that river bank was the first time I had stopped to be still, and just paid attention, for the first time in weeks. After endless days of worry, waiting for phone calls, dashes across the country, after mum’s illness, I found myself sitting here with nothing to solve, but to simply to sit and look.”
I'm sorry for the need for a paragraph like this, but so glad that the moment happened, and that you noticed it and shared it — one feels it so strongly, as a reader — and could reprise it in the studio. I hope that things improve.
The swimmer hurrying along like the white rabbit mare me laugh. I must admit that I prefer the scene you describe to where Alice ended up!
Am looking forward to the arrival of The Given World; a local bookstore has ordered it, and it should come soon.
Loved the discussion of the novel and illustrations. Will try to find the book, but such a treat to be shown how to look at the images through an artist's eye.
Just now have begun a 1920s (I think) novel by O. Douglas, mentioned recently by a commentor on E.J. Barnes's great piece on Buchan, though someone else must have mentioned her somewhere at some point — apologies if it was you and I forgot! — because I had an unread sample downloaded. They look so far to be proper comfort reading, though I haven't read enough to make any promises.
On schedules: I suspect that I'm not alone in not even having realized that these wonderful pieces were coming out on a fixed schedule. Am simply glad for each one as it comes.
Beautiful post and so pleased you found some peace and quiet and time to just be.
I do so love all things Lucy Boston, Green Knowe and Hemingford Grey…and the quilts remain an inspiration to me. Having almost reached the end of a huge hand stitched project I am full of admiration for Lucy’s staying power. She left us a glorious legacy that I think still remains largely unknown and unappreciated.
There was so much I wanted to write about following my visit, but in the end decided to keep to the river. But, the quilts were wonderful. Beautiful designs and such exquisite stitching. The whole day was a delight. She had such an abundance of talents. Thank you x
Wonderful to hear from you again and such a lovely post. But I also know your community of readers would agree that it's more important that you look after yourself after such a stressful time rather than meeting deadlines so I'm glad you got some time to just 'be'. We gain so much from these posts - and what lovely descriptive writing about the river. While I love reading your posts about artists and writers, I wish you'd write more yourself! Unfortunately I'm unable to get to the manor, but it was so good to experience a little of it through your photographs. I love the terracotta window and roof tiles - such an inviting view - and the children's bedroom reminds me of the C S Lewis remark: "I am a product of long corridors, empty sunlit rooms, upstairs indoor silences, attics explored in solitude, distant noises of gurgling cisterns and pipes, and the noise of wind under the tiles. Also, of endless books." God bless, Susan.
Thank you very much, I hate letting people down, but I really wasn't in any state to write and focus. I enjoyed writing something different, and would like to write posts more like it. The manor is a wonderful place and possible in a day from here, though I wished it had been cooler to explore the garden more. I love the C S Lewis quote - thank you. I am definitely the product of endless books! Thank you, dear Susan xx
How lovely to hear from you, your posts are always a treat. Sorry that you’ve been having such a stressful time - hope everything will calm down. Glad to hear that you got the chance to go away… I’ve never been to Robin Hood’s Bay, but have read “The Offing” and really enjoyed it. I’m also a great fan of Green Knowe and would love to visit Hemingford Grey one day - I’ve heard so much about it. But had never heard of “Nothing Said” before, so was delighted to have a new recommendation! Peter Boston’s illustrations are wonderful. Hope we will get the chance to see your drawings at some point too! Take care xx
Thank you so much, Amy. It has been such a stressful time and really hope there is a pause in proceedings for a while. Robin Hood's Bay is a magical, unspoiled place and bought his book there. Xx
I enjoy reading your attentive posts about obscure(d) women artists. From this post: Robin Hood's Bay was a beautifully picturesque reward for completing the Coast to Coast. I walked straight into the sea -- something romantic about the North Sea -- & ceremonially placed a pebble carried all the way from St. Bee's Head. &: amused by the woodbug skeletons, to know I'm not the only one who has to shelter wet work from their demise(s) in the ceiling.
What a wonderful way to end! After reading the book, I would love to do it. Robin Hood's Bay is such a marvellous place. Last time I visited a couple had just finished the walk and had fish and chips at the Fish Box on the hill. A very fitting reward!
Thank you for another lovely post, Deborah. I don’t know what’s been happening in your life (frankly, it’s none of my business), but I wanted you to know how much I look forward to your posts - and be assured, absence makes the heart grow fonder! Sending you positive vibes, Rod😊
Thank you very much, Rod, that is really cheering to hear. I hated being late with my post, but it just wasn't possible to settle and write. Your support and kindness is greatly valued.
A joy to read, fine writing and wonderful illustrations combine to mirror in itself your reference to the marriage of writer and illustrator. Completely refreshing all round and with tips for books.
Added bonus is inspiration to now get on and play with the unused fude pen rolling about my desk !
Thank you, Nial - what a lovely message to receive. I am so pleased you liked it. I have tried with a fude pen, but still prefer a dip pen to draw, which is a nuisance as they are more convenient, and carrying pots of ink so ridden with danger ( as my living room carpet shows...)
"I heard a sudden, thin whistle, and a spark of blue lit the reeds. A kingfisher. A perfect gift.
Sitting on that river bank was the first time I had stopped to be still, and just paid attention, for the first time in weeks. After endless days of worry, waiting for phone calls, dashes across the country, after mum’s illness, I found myself sitting here with nothing to solve, but to simply to sit and look."
Thank you so much for all you share generously. I so appreciate the world of stories and art and beauty your posts open up for me.
Thank you very much for such a lovely response. I am so glad you liked it.
Visiting the garden at Hemingford Grey House is always magical. I was there only last Sunday for the annual theatrical performance which has been taking place for decades though we only discovered it last year. This year was Lady Windermere's Fan. The garden beckons at the end of day and it's the perfect setting for a play. Thanks for sharing the illustrations from Nothing Said, very evocative.
What a wonderful place to see it! It was so hot the day I visited that walking around at lunchtime wasn't possible. Dusk would be perfect.
I am late to your lovely post, Deborah but wanted to savour it, and your writing and images are wonderful, as always! Thanks for the kind mention. What a magical house and garden, which gave rise to such lovely books by Lucy M. Boston with illustrations by her son Peter.
Thank you very much, Ann. The visit feels dreamlike now. It was the hottest day and would love to go again when it is cooler, to linger.
I am just catching up with all your newsletters and this is lovely. I've written down all the book suggestions, as yours are always spot on, and I love any book that you recommend.
I am really sorry to hear that things have been hard recently (I sent you a message this morning before I listened to this).
I do hope that things stay calmer for you for the rest of the summer.x
I'm sorry things have been difficult recently. It seems like you found a little space of peace at Hemingford Grey and the river. Those illustrations are perfect. I love the way you help us to see literature through illustration, it is, I think the word might be, beguiling.
Thank you, June. I really hope things stay came for a while. I love his illustrations, they capture the otherworldliness of her novel so beautifully.
It really is a magical place. So lovely to be reminded of it and to see some of Peter Boston’s work. I remember when we did a simplified version of one of the Green Knowe books for OUP, we only got the rights on condition that Peter did the illustrations for it, and they were terrific. Sorry to hear you’ve been having a difficult time and I hope things improve for you now.
Yes, she was very definite about it and his images capture so beautifully the spirit of the text. Thank you very much, Alison.
Keep recharging your batteries Deborah. You will come out the other side of these challenging times stronger.
I do hope you are right, at the moment I am just shattered! X
”Sitting on that river bank was the first time I had stopped to be still, and just paid attention, for the first time in weeks. After endless days of worry, waiting for phone calls, dashes across the country, after mum’s illness, I found myself sitting here with nothing to solve, but to simply to sit and look.”
I'm sorry for the need for a paragraph like this, but so glad that the moment happened, and that you noticed it and shared it — one feels it so strongly, as a reader — and could reprise it in the studio. I hope that things improve.
The swimmer hurrying along like the white rabbit mare me laugh. I must admit that I prefer the scene you describe to where Alice ended up!
Am looking forward to the arrival of The Given World; a local bookstore has ordered it, and it should come soon.
Loved the discussion of the novel and illustrations. Will try to find the book, but such a treat to be shown how to look at the images through an artist's eye.
Just now have begun a 1920s (I think) novel by O. Douglas, mentioned recently by a commentor on E.J. Barnes's great piece on Buchan, though someone else must have mentioned her somewhere at some point — apologies if it was you and I forgot! — because I had an unread sample downloaded. They look so far to be proper comfort reading, though I haven't read enough to make any promises.
On schedules: I suspect that I'm not alone in not even having realized that these wonderful pieces were coming out on a fixed schedule. Am simply glad for each one as it comes.
Thank you very much, that means a great deal.
It was such a welcome day and one I won't forget.
I read a book by O Douglas, called Pink Sugar,some years agony and loved it! I really must find another by her as it was proper comfort reading.
I'm glad. For all three of these sentences! I hope things get better soon.
Thank you xx
Beautiful post and so pleased you found some peace and quiet and time to just be.
I do so love all things Lucy Boston, Green Knowe and Hemingford Grey…and the quilts remain an inspiration to me. Having almost reached the end of a huge hand stitched project I am full of admiration for Lucy’s staying power. She left us a glorious legacy that I think still remains largely unknown and unappreciated.
There was so much I wanted to write about following my visit, but in the end decided to keep to the river. But, the quilts were wonderful. Beautiful designs and such exquisite stitching. The whole day was a delight. She had such an abundance of talents. Thank you x
Wonderful to hear from you again and such a lovely post. But I also know your community of readers would agree that it's more important that you look after yourself after such a stressful time rather than meeting deadlines so I'm glad you got some time to just 'be'. We gain so much from these posts - and what lovely descriptive writing about the river. While I love reading your posts about artists and writers, I wish you'd write more yourself! Unfortunately I'm unable to get to the manor, but it was so good to experience a little of it through your photographs. I love the terracotta window and roof tiles - such an inviting view - and the children's bedroom reminds me of the C S Lewis remark: "I am a product of long corridors, empty sunlit rooms, upstairs indoor silences, attics explored in solitude, distant noises of gurgling cisterns and pipes, and the noise of wind under the tiles. Also, of endless books." God bless, Susan.
Thank you very much, I hate letting people down, but I really wasn't in any state to write and focus. I enjoyed writing something different, and would like to write posts more like it. The manor is a wonderful place and possible in a day from here, though I wished it had been cooler to explore the garden more. I love the C S Lewis quote - thank you. I am definitely the product of endless books! Thank you, dear Susan xx
Oh I would love to go to Hemingford Grey so much! Looking forward to seeing what you've drawn. And I'm sorry things have been hard. x
Do go whenever you can, it is so special. Thank you xx
How lovely to hear from you, your posts are always a treat. Sorry that you’ve been having such a stressful time - hope everything will calm down. Glad to hear that you got the chance to go away… I’ve never been to Robin Hood’s Bay, but have read “The Offing” and really enjoyed it. I’m also a great fan of Green Knowe and would love to visit Hemingford Grey one day - I’ve heard so much about it. But had never heard of “Nothing Said” before, so was delighted to have a new recommendation! Peter Boston’s illustrations are wonderful. Hope we will get the chance to see your drawings at some point too! Take care xx
Thank you so much, Amy. It has been such a stressful time and really hope there is a pause in proceedings for a while. Robin Hood's Bay is a magical, unspoiled place and bought his book there. Xx
A pleasure as ever. I hope the coming months provide some calm. I’m currently reading Ben Myers latest book. I have heard good things about Cuddy.
The Offing is wonderful, as is The Perfect Golden Circle. I have Cuddy waiting!
I’ll add them to the list! X
Let me know what you think of his latest x
Will do. It’s niche.
I enjoy reading your attentive posts about obscure(d) women artists. From this post: Robin Hood's Bay was a beautifully picturesque reward for completing the Coast to Coast. I walked straight into the sea -- something romantic about the North Sea -- & ceremonially placed a pebble carried all the way from St. Bee's Head. &: amused by the woodbug skeletons, to know I'm not the only one who has to shelter wet work from their demise(s) in the ceiling.
What a wonderful way to end! After reading the book, I would love to do it. Robin Hood's Bay is such a marvellous place. Last time I visited a couple had just finished the walk and had fish and chips at the Fish Box on the hill. A very fitting reward!
Thank you for another lovely post, Deborah. I don’t know what’s been happening in your life (frankly, it’s none of my business), but I wanted you to know how much I look forward to your posts - and be assured, absence makes the heart grow fonder! Sending you positive vibes, Rod😊
Thank you very much, Rod, that is really cheering to hear. I hated being late with my post, but it just wasn't possible to settle and write. Your support and kindness is greatly valued.