suddenly monday

After another brief foray into fashion, it's now back to churches and the latest field trip, this time to the East Riding of Yorkshire. We went in cars and I got to ride shotgun in a British car. It was a strange feeling, being on the left side of the car but without steering wheel!

We drove through the pretty Yorkshire Wolds (I have been informed that these are just low hills and that hardly anyone lives there). Then we went to two Victorian churches to look at Gothic Revival stained glass and architecture.

Church of St. John the Evangelist, Howsham.


Pretty ceiling painting.


I'm not much for the Victorian era, but I love this
embroidered altar covering.


Beautiful.


With flash.


Altar reredos.


Grisaille stained glass.


White rose of Yorkshire in the window quarries.


And on to St. Mary's Church, South Dalton.


The church spire is so tall, I couldn't get
the whole building all in one photo.


From the altar, looking down the nave.


East window.
Generally not a fan of Victorian glass, but I liked this.


St. Augustine, south window.
I really like the little inset crucifixion scene.


Pretty floor tiles.


And some coats of arms of the lord of the parish.


Et plus.


And the fabulous family mausoleum of the parish lord, aft. 1697.
Black and white marble.


My love for skulls and skeletons was not disappointed.


The tomb was flanked by four female allegories,
a tradition dating to medieval and Renaissance
funerary monuments.
This is Prudence.


Closer view. Prudence is identified by the mirror
facing the viewer, and a snake.


Might, identified by the broken column she holds
and the armour she wears.
Can you spot the lion's face on her armour?


Temperance, identified by her jug of water.


And Justice. Unusually she doesn't hold the scales
associated with her, but does hold the sword of justice.


And the lord himself. Three hands!
(Really just a glove beside him, but bizarre quand même).


I would like to have this hairstyle.


Another detail of the scary duck/snake
wrapped around Prudence's arm.


Pretty architectural details.
Yay Victorian age.
xx

february air

As February draws to a close, a few random photos for the month:

Reveal your love.


<3


xoxo


There's beautiful bright magenta rhubarb out at all the markets.
I think it's a lovely February colour.


And now everyone is ready for spring...
xx

our house

80s party at the house. I teased my hair. Nuff said.

Our house, in the middle of our street

Our house, in the middle of our...
Our house it has a crowd


There's always something happening
And it's usually quite loud


And a mess is not allowed


I remember way back then when everything was true and when


We would have such a very good time such a fine time


Such a happy time


And I remember how we'd play


Simply waste the day away


Then we'd say nothing would come between us two dreamers


Our house, in the middle of our street


The kids are playing up downstairs


Our house, was our castle and our keep.
xx

nan you're a window shopper

Vivienne Westwood is one of those stores I am afraid to go into. I know that if I do, the salesgirls in their amazing outfits will take one look at me and know I cannot afford anything in their shop. I think I was scarred during my cringe-worthy trip to the flagship Chanel boutique in Paris, when I was seventeen and went inside wearing FLIP FLOPS. Yeah. Bad.

So for now, while a starving student, I avoid entering Vivienne Westwood, even though I would LOVE to take pictures inside. Although the mean salesgirls would probably frown on that. Instead I settle for the window displays. Unfortunately they are super reflective.

If I was a rich girl


Think what that money could bring


I'd buy everything

Clean out Vivienne Westwood


See I'd have all the money in the world


If I was a wealthy girl


My cash flow would never ever end


Vivienne Westwood can't go wrong


Please book me first class to my fancy
house in London town.

(yes, those are Gwen Stefani lyrics, what of it?)
xx