The Darjeeling Limited

After bidding farewell to a fond friend soon to embark on epic journey of worldwide travel I sped across town to the glitz and unglamour of Leicester Square to watch three brother's journey of discovery in The Darjeeling Limited

I've long admired Wes Anderson's films – Rushmoor, Life Aquatic, Royal Tenambaums – so I was keen to see it before it disappeared on to DVD. Yet another quirky collection of individuals doing random and slightly odd activities played by the familiar Andersonite actors, ie Own Wilson, Jason Schwartzman and Bill Murray.

Full of zany gags, sharp language and stirring music I'm tempted to go out on a limb and say that this is Mr Anderson's best effort yet. I couldn't possible categorise the film, is it a road movie, a rites of passage film. I know not. But this doesn't matter, the charm of the film is the absurdity of the tale mixed with touching examinations of the human spirit all the while shot with a vibrant colourful lens. India is a perfect set for the players to operate against and for Anderson to view life through his lens, the rich warm colours that emerged in Life Aquatic were taken to a new level in the kaleidoscope of Asia.

A beautiful touching journey of discovery.

Good things to do on a sunday

1. Have a lie-in. Don't worry about waking up early and when you do wake up, go back to sleep again.
2. Take time over breakfast. Slowly let the coffee brew and take care slicing mushrooms, tomatoes and slices of bread. This weekend I used a rather tasty loaf from Borough Market's Flour power Bakery, a sourdough bloomer, which toasts up well and makes a particularly good piece of fried bread. Bacon should be crispy round the edges yet juicy in the middle and this weekend I had my eggs scrambled. I would have liked to attempt to poach them but apparently you need fresh eggs and there is little fresh about my kitchen cupboard.
3. Listen to Radio 4. At home I generally listen to 6 music except for a sunday when I enjoy 'Desert Island Discs', 'Gardener's Question Time' and 'Just a minute'. This weekend's castaway was Rory Stewart who walked 6,000 miles across Asia. hHe claimed not unsurprisingly that this was a life changing experience. A thoroughly likeable chap.
4. Fall asleep on the sofa for a quick nap. nice.

Sad and moving

This photo and this writing by Duane Michals is pretty awesome (it's the combination of the two together that make the piece, the sum is the greater than the whole). I love the bitter-sweetness of it.



The caption reads: This photograph is my proof. There was that afternoon, when things were still good between us, and she embraced me, and we were so happy. It did happen, she did love me. Look see for yourself!

Fascinating how viewing photographs from yesteryear brings memories flooding back, and the emotions felt at that point in time are suddenly as vivid as they once were. Facebook has brought to light photos of me in my student days – ten years ago, but like only yesterday. My travel photos bring sensations flooding back and awaken experiences from teh back of my mind.

My father and mother separated last year and it's been a painful process for everyone, but as Duane rightly points out the good times will always be there and whether or not there is a photo to document it the important thing is that the good time happened in the first place.

Seeen originally on shanelavalette.com

Where are you Miss Muse?

Found this on Ffffound.com

Probably part of a commercial exercise by I do like the heartfelt nature of the writing. Reminds me of this piece of street poetry in Glenelg, Adelaide.

Have a happy hand-made Christmas

This year I decided to buy handmade gifts direct from their makers as much as possible. Whereas in previous years I'd abstained from giftbuying and donated the equivalent amount of money to charity, i felt this was an appropriate alternative tack.

My inspiration came from this post on cookie's blog. And a quick search around reveals that there is burgeoning handmade/crafted movement simmering away. I think the gifts that you can give a far more interesting and by their nature completely unique.

So with this in mind I journeyed to the Sunday Spitalfields Market where I brought the following:


A tweed purse with funky lining

A scarf

Some bags


This lovely bag made from vintage kimono's is problably my favourite buy. My mum, the bag's recipient is a talented textile artist who has always been interested in bags and vintage fabric and cultures - perfect!


And this leather purse was brought from the lovely Jill Green.
Her stall in the Art Market off Brick Lane is a treasure trove of printed delights – and she lovingly gift wraps everything. A double bonus.