Clitheroe Festival

So, as usual, I get myself all worked up and terrified, and as usual, everything works out fine in the end! We had a great day at the festival, and the drumming went down really well - hard work, but worth it, my poor arms were aching, and my finger tips stung, but that is always a reminder of a good day. Here is a very rare photo of me, second from the left with the big doundounba drums.

There had been a flag making workshop a few weeks ago I was supposed to go to, but couldn't make it at the last minute. The flags were displayed above the shops through the town, and looked fab - I really liked this one, but couldn't read it as I had forgotten my glasses. I want my own flag now!!! Look at the lovely grey sky above it. The rain held off all day until our last performance, so we played under the shop canopy of 'cowman's famous sausage shop' - really, the only way is up from here on in!

With an hour to kill between each performance, I ended up, inevitably, in the charity shops. I think Clitheroe has to be the small town charity shop capital, there are at least 8!

One of those wonderful serendipitous events occurred. I had less that 24 hours earlier commented on the lovely Megan at maximum rabbit designs blog regarding her obsession and growing collection of Russian dolls, that I never ever see them around here. The first thing I spot in charity shop number one is a Russian doll. The woman behind the counter tells me she has just put it out, and does she know me? I turned out we were in Pinocchio together about 28 years ago in the Whalley Church Players.

Anyway, back to the Russian dolls... I couldn't wait to get back to the car and take them apart and see what was inside, as the main doll was quite small - just look! 10 dolls!!! - it is a 1p piece at the end, so 3 of the dolls are smaller than a penny!

My second charity shop moment of bliss was this coffee service. It had been in the shop a few weeks at £10, and I really couldn't justify spending that on it, even though it is royal doulton. anyway, I went in the shop, and it had gone. pottered about the brick a brack at the other end of the shop, and there it was! It had been reduced to £5. I decided it was meant to be mine, and swiftly took it to the counter. it is now sitting on the kitchen window sill. I took the shot with the back yard in just because everyone is showing off there gorgeous gardens at the moment. I have never managed to get a house with a garden, but love gardening, I even studied horticulture for a while. I love my tiny yard really, and just try and make the most of it, everything is in bright pots, and I couldn't help myself with the walls and shed door, blue and Post box red! ok ok, I like it! and finally - WHERE HAS THE SUNSHINE GONE?????