Beauty and the Beast

Peculiar and somewhat prophetic, captured exactly four days before the Ukrainian Invasion, we stumbled across this abandoned shooting range - a relic of the second World War.  Unbelievably, this austere wartime relic is a short walk away from the centre of Carding Mill Valley, the National Trust managed Shropshire beauty spot.

Abandoned buildings always have unsettling atmospheres...

...a feeling of time suspended...

...a sense of unfinished business...a tug of war between past and present, for the building's heart and soul.

However, at times like this, it is vital to remind ourselves that there is still beauty in this world and wide angle, black and white landscapes can help do just that.

Here is St Laurence's Church (Grade I listed) in Church Stretton with its Norman nave, Victorian aisles and 13 grade II listed structures within its churchyard.  

A frequent failure on my part, I tend to do my research later (usually because we don't plan in minute detail our activities in advance) and then regret it when I discover key elements I wish I had captured for posterity.  In this case, I later discovered that the Church bears a rare Sheela-na-gig above its Norman doorway.  If you don't already know what this is, you might want to Google it to spare my blushes.  Apparently, a stone has been strategically placed to protect the modesty of this one.

When the news became too much to bear, we headed deep into Worcestershire's Wyre Forest (the largest woodland National Nature Reserve in England) to experience nothing but the sound of the gentle spring breeze rustling the trees and the melodic, blissfully ignorant bird song.  The forest dates back to at least the year 900 and covers the equivalent area of 1700 football pitches.  

This week has been a conveyor belt of uniquely varied meetings, notably with a local celebrant, the National Trust (to agree some student work experience) and a representative of the shiny new Glass Museum, ahead of its opening.  I'm also checking and charging camera equipment in readiness for an Islamic house wedding photo shoot next weekend.

In the meantime, a couple of purchases to share with you - some light relief.  First up, an immaculate Broiderie Anglais white dress, purchased by its original owner in 1969 and worn once for a garden party in the same year.  I had envisaged using this for a photo shoot with a willing model (which I still plan to do), but I'm thinking it may find its way into my summer wardrobe with a little "toughening up" styling.

Lastly, I can't remember the last time I bought a pair of earrings.  I tend to wear the same little silver sleepers on repeat.  I never seem to find any second hand earrings I like and fancied a departure from my usual preferred precious metal, silver.  After a little research, I came across the Parisienne Agape Studio, creators of contemporary, affordable pieces, inspired by ancient culture.  Even better, Agape pieces are coated using sustainable, recycled batches of 24 carat gold.  

Here's the link.  https://agape-studio.com/pages/about

My belated Birthday treat arrived on Friday, beautifully presented in a little vegan leather pouch and were exactly what I was looking for.  I chose the Alba earrings, inspired by the ancient Persian civilisation and symbols of sensuality and charm.  I'm hoping some of this might rub off on me.  

And so another Saturday rolls around.  I'm now making some headway into my latest read, The Mercies...

...and eagerly awaiting the second episode of season 6 of Peaky Blinders.  I can't bring myself to binge watch this.  I want to savour its artistry and performances.

I've made a conscious decision to watch the news during daylight hours and avoid the late bulletin.  It's just too much.  I made some headway into getting together a package to donate to one of the local collection points, a Polish Church in Dudley.  However, after hearing stories of some collection points being overwhelmed, I'm wondering whether a cash donation might be a better option...?

Having recently produced a set of postcards which includes this jaded sunflower, some of its beauty is now lost to me, given its symbolic link to Ukraine.  This photograph now seems to reflect the country's current desperate situation.

I much prefer to keep these sunflowers in mind (photographed in a field near Sarlat, France) and like us all, try and somehow will this war to end.

As I type, the sun has retreated behind a blanket of white cloud and the wind is quickening.  Not that it matters today, for this afternoon we're off to unleash an afternoon with the Evanses on our friends, Bob and Caroline.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!  Sending positive vibes in return for your news!