Guess Who?

 Guess where I went yesterday? Who is my favourite all time artist?
a clue (care of Youtube) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Liv2Abvr3wQ

 Had a fantastic day at Glastonbury, but have to confess that one day is certainly enough for me, that many people in one place makes for a tiring experience! This wasn't the first time that I had seen Stevie...Back in 1980 I saw him play in London at "The Hotter than July" concert, and of course being the ultimate hoarder, so was able to find the ticket & newspaper cutting from then.

Earlier in the day we enjoyed  The Bees perfect music for a Sunday afternoon, or in fact anytime. I have been listening to "Octopus" as I have been ironing, sewing and pricing for the past few weeks.

This guy was a much - awaited treat, Dr John, all the way from New Orleans (don't you just love those flowers on the front of the stage!)

Then, it was a fast walk around to the Pyramid Stage to see Ray Davis (of the Kinks fame). What I admire about these guys from the 60's is that they know how to engage the audience and really get everyone on their feet. Most of the audience were certainly not born in the 60's, so could have little or no knowledge of the music from that time.... but Ray had everyone in full voice for Lola, Waterloo Sunset and others. It was a brilliant gig, and the accompanying Crouch End Choir were awesome.

Next stop was The Acoustic tent for the Bluesband. As you can see they are somebody else I saw in the 80's! A mere 29 years ago.... Below is Paul Jones back in 1981, that guy must know the secret of eternal youth as he hardly looked any older. Apologies for rather rubbish photos, I am usually too immersed in the music to take more than a couple of shots!

Now, you can see there is a bit of trend going on here. Yet another favourite band that I used to see in London in the early 1980's. These are Toots and the Maytals who played regularly at the Venue in Victoria Street,  London.

But of course - the best had to wait until last. Stevie Wonder played a fantastic set. This man has created so much amazing music you would question how on earth he could pick out what to play? He did not disappoint, if you are a fan look on BBC i player or Youtube. I have already lost half of today watching favourite bits over and over again..... it really was a night to remember!

Dancing in the Street!

This was the scene in a tiny hamlet in rural France last weekend. A musical evening of a varied selection from traditional French music to Rhythm and Blues..............

There was a great community atmosphere, young and old took to the stage to perform. The "stage" was parked literally in the street, so that is where the dancing took place!

Much earlier that day we had travelled many miles to this beautiful location for yes, you have guessed it a Vide Grenier (Car Boot Sale) of course!

You can just see the field where it took place (below) behind the Château..................

We visited many "Vide's" over the weekend, and here are a few of our finds. Some are destined for The Dairy House, and others for the various fairs coming up in the next few weeks........

Regular trips to France are always a "lucky dip" as to what you find. This time I was lucky enough to find a mannequin (a first!)

Along with these kitchen posters..... shutters.. garden bench..... cuddly toy!

Ticking.... pretty plates.....

Glittering glassware included funky 50's tumblers, Deco Sundae dishes, and a 50's glass jug suitable for Pimms (with 10 matching glasses)

Vintage champagne buckets seemed to be on every stall, so I bought 6 in total!

...and of course the usual selection of kitchenware, enamel jugs, cake plates, toys, baskets, mirrors, pictures, vintage dresses and textiles!

Hope you all had a fab weekend too?

Vintage cut out dolls.

 I do love these cut-out dolls. As a child I collected the ones from the back of the Bunty comics, and played for hours and hours with them. I wish I still had them as they were a great record of the fashions of the late 60's and early 70's. I gave them to a younger cousin when I was about 14.

I bought these recently in France, and look forward to when my niece comes to stay so that we can cut them out and have a play!

 Which is your favourite outfit?

This unusual set of cut out dolls came to me recently, but has since sold to a lovely regular customer at the Honiton Fair.

French Leave...........

Despite being very busy with the repairs and redecoration of the house, we managed to escape to France for a little retail therapy last week. Above is Flossie wearing one of several red & white scarves I purchased. I should think that Sarah might be tempted by one or two!

This is the view of the largest vide grenier that I have ever been to. The stalls stretched for almost as far as you can see....that was 2.5 kms along this road, meaning 5 kms of stalls in total to get round.......and a very long walk to where the van was parked!

However, we did grab the odd tranquil moment, and a delicious lunch with family in Brittany.

Then it was back to the cottage to sort out all our finds.....

I bought several of these empty clock cases, I think they will make interesting display cupboards....

This unusual carved frame was one of my favourite finds on this trip, it will be taken to the Dairy House this week. Now, back to the painting..... no time for slacking!