Julie Arkell Summer Fetes and Puppet Shows

 Julie Arkell is actually a faerie.

 I know this because of her perpetual smile,

 translucent skin and the twinkly sparkles

 that shoot from her eyes.

She twinkled.

Soon everyone was rummaging

 in the local brocante for vintage 

split crotch pantaloons

 so they could look like her.

The  local flea market had genuine vintage 

petticoats and genuine fleas too. 

Now when struck by a Julie moment, 

my skirt will show a ruffle of broderie englaise,

 and maybe my fingers will twinkle too.

The split crotch pantaloons

 keep your legs warm and are very handy

 for those french squatty type bathrooms.

 Total immersion is easy

 at Les Seours Anglaises.

everything is at your fingertips,

 appearing before you even know.

Bedroom hooks placed just where needed,

power adaptors and hair dryers at the ready,

deep luxurious baths and pillows

 a princess would sleep on.

 The open kitchen

sported micro herbs.

 Plentiful delights sprang forth seamlessly.

 The fresh raspberry trifle

 begged to be recorded for posterity.

Which was good as it had 

 a short but appreciated  life.

Total immersion is possible

 with views from the studio space,

and Julie's inspiration. 

My well filled to brimming.

 This little brooch by Julie

 wanted to be mine.

 

 Tender was adopted very quickly.

 

The Summer Fetes and Puppet Show workshop

 included puppet shows made by Julie (above), 

and bunting. Faces were either painted

 or scrounged from magazines.

Clare's beautiful puppets

Meeting Mary Stanley in the flesh,

 I knew we would be good friends. 

We shared a work table along with Syd Mc Cutcheon.

 Who knew she was the famous

 Sheep Floozy, of blog, Artfest and lots of other fame? 

Our work table was strong, grounded and calm. 

More puppets later.

There is a period of digestion after a good retreat,

where inspiration and experience is assimilated, 

and I need this time.

As I prepare for Berlin, thoughts and ideas will drift and settle in their rightful place, only then to be shared.

More of the groups' puppets 

and bunting next time.

No swear word, just, a bientot.