Monday 25 August 2014

Into the blue


We seem to have bid a hasty farewell to summer here in the UK and been plunged unceremoniously into autumn; wind, chill, rain and all.

I'm a little sad about that.
 


 
I am waiting in vaguely doom-laden anticipation for the nights to draw in, the temperatures to drop, and the imminent return of the relentless school routine. Getting up early is going to be a real shock to the system, for all of us.



 
There were still some lovely blue skies on Saturday as I went to see my hairdresser Kirsty; she worked her customary magic, amid plenty of coffee and chat.
 



I refused to be daunted by the rain this morning, and pottered into the garden as usual to take my photos. The shoes - wonderful though they are - were obviously a foolish choice, I just wanted to see how they looked with the dress.
 

1960s mini dress - Second to None, Walsall
1970s shoes and tights - charity shopped
Umbrella - gift
1960s bracelet - local vintage/retro shop

 
Well, I think they look pretty good, but you can hardly see for the montbretia.
 
That's the level of my professionalism - I've been photo bombed by a plant.
 


My sister Sabena gave me the Missoni umbrella for my birthday. I love it, it's the only modern designer item I own, but I am slightly worried that I'll leave it on the bus one day and be forever gutted.

The woolly hat came with some hand-me-downs for Claudia from a friend's daughter - she rejected it, so I swooped. I have a feeling I'll be needing it.
 


But we did have a lovely summer with plenty of sunshine.

 Here are some photos from a trip to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park last month which I didn't get around to posting. It's one of my very favourite places.

 
 One & Other - Anthony Gormley 
 
 I love this; it reminds me of Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square, but an Everyman version standing on a tree.
 


An exhibition of work by Ursula von Rydingsvard.


This is called mama build me a fence. It's huge, and beautiful.


Sitting - Sophie Ryder

Molecule Man 1+1+1 - Jonathan Borofsky

Ten Seated Figures - Magdalena Abakanowicz
 
(Plus one seated Nina.)
 

 
Buddha - Niki de Saint Phalle
 
I thought of Vix and Krista, must be the wonderful colours.
 
 
 
Large Owl - Thomas Houseago 
 
 

 There is something refreshingly accessible and unpretentious about sculpture in the open air...
 


and in such a beautiful setting.

An annual visit is good for the soul; in fact, I'd like to go more frequently, that would be even better.



And look, Henry Moore's Draped Seated Woman is still here. She hasn't moved back to Tower Hamlets in London after all, or been sold off (as I wrote about here) and I have to say I am very glad to see her.
 
 
 
It is, isn't it?
 
And I'll be connecting with Patti and co at Visible Monday as usual.
 
After that, I'm off to my sister's in Buckinghamshire for a last blast of holiday fun.
 
See you when I get back!
 
xxxx

53 comments:

Vix said...

Yay for Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Liz loves it when you post photos!
Great hair, love!
Loving the short dress, killer shoes and blue legs and that Missoni umbrella is the best thing ever. What a wonderful present. You need to handcuff it to your wrist, not in case you leave it on the bus but one of us might get a bit naughty after a Porn Star too many.
Love the one eyed navel gazer, I like how he reminds you of Krista and I.
Love you! xxxxx

mispapelicos said...

I am quite sick of the hot sticky summer. Winter is lovely her.
I also missed not having been to England, ahhhhhhhhhhh
You always look fabulous, dear friend and so does your family.
I do hope to meet you one day
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx

Mother of Reinvention said...

You look fabulous in blue. Definitely cooler weather on the way. Good thing you have such a fabulous umbrella to cope with it. Sculptures are brilliant and the park looks like great fun. Back to school sucks though. Xxxx

Gracey the Giant said...

Love all the blue. So pretty on you. And that umbrella really is fantastic!

It's still pretty warm here, but it definitely feels like fall. I'm sure it'll start raining sooner rather than later.

Unknown said...

I think you and Vix must be communicating on your outfits! Both blues and 60s mod! Both of which I love! Just send that cold rainy weather right here, my house is hot and stuffy! :)

Asparagus Pea said...

No that umbrella will stay with you - I have one from MoMa NYC that was given to me when I was part of a very affirming LGBT wedding party some several years ago in New Orleans. I have made numerous attempts to lose it but it stays with me. The handle is falling off but i will use it till it expires x

Asparagus Pea said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Sarah Jane said...

I do love your colour themed posts Curtise. I agree with you on open air art. I am all for unpretentious and accessible. In Liverpool One today there was a piano left out for people to use free of charge which I thought was really sweet. I know what you mean about the impending drudge of the school run. I'm not looking forward to it either but I always feel slightly relieved when the madness of the summer holidays comes to an end. Nothing like a haircut to make you feel better and I love the look of the dress you're wearing in the photo. I want to see more xx

Sarah Jane said...

I do love your colour themed posts Curtise. I agree with you on open air art. I am all for unpretentious and accessible. In Liverpool One today there was a piano left out for people to use free of charge which I thought was really sweet. I know what you mean about the impending drudge of the school run. I'm not looking forward to it either but I always feel slightly relieved when the madness of the summer holidays comes to an end. Nothing like a haircut to make you feel better and I love the look of the dress you're wearing in the photo. I want to see more xx

Miss Magpie said...

God this weather, it has a week to sort itself out before I go on holiday!

I love your umbrella it's ace.

Jane and Lance Hattatt said...

Hello Curtise,

Well, although you may be wearing blue you look far from glum whatever the weather. By the way, sunny days with wall to wall blue skies here in Budapest........just thought that you might like to know!!

Your photographs of the Sculpture Park really do capture the essence of the place. It looks to be exactly what we should enjoy too and the sculptures look magnificent set in the landscape. You all look to have had a great time there.

After all our years at the chalkface we are selfishly delighted when the return to school takes place .......peace reigns on public transport once more! Still, you really sound as if you have made the most of the summer and the new hairdo looks fabulous!

bahnwärterin said...

here is autumn too :-(
but you don´t look sad in your blue outfit with the gorgeous umbrella!!!!!
love that you try to understand the german texts!
i always try to not use the translator - that thing makes often no sense....
sculpture park is beautiful - we would like to visit it too!
xxxxxxx

Fiona said...

Look at you in blue! Cosmic. Loving the mini, fab blue pins and of course the platforms. (I'd have worn them too) The Missoni brolly is an ace pressie from your sister, I have a feeling we'll be seeing more of it...? I remember you mentioning the Yorkshire Sculpture Park when I posted my photo's of the Cass Foundation and totally agree with you about open air art. Love Ursula's pieces btw.
Enjoy your last few days with the kids before school starts. xxx

Kezzie said...

That place looks incredible! I must visit!! You look stunning as usual and I love your hair! Don't lose your umbrella! I have lost 3 expensive umbrellas in the last year!!! X

Patti said...

Don't you love out-and-about art? And my favorite part of getting my hair done is coffee and chat with Joy. It's therapy! Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday, love your blue dress and tights. xox

Becky said...

Really good hair and outfit situation!!! Loving the art. Draped woman and buddha are pretty amazing. That pic with the kids 'Everything is Connected' is pretty much perfect.

Suzanne said...

What a brilliant garden! I want to go.

I recognized that Niki de Saint Phalle piece instantly. We saw so many of her pieces when we were in Nice.

Too funny about being photo bombed by a plant. I've had a similar damn plant wanting to take all the glory in my own backyard.

All the blues with the fabulous umbrella are stunning.

bisous
Suzanne

The Style Crone said...

You are as beautiful as the sculptures in Yorkshire Park. Greeting the rain with color is the perfect way to deal with the change in the weather. You are the opposite of wind, chill and rain.

Great haircut! Great photo!

Jazzy Jack said...

You are wonderful in your blueness! I love the photo bombing plant. It is a complement to all the blue and picks up the colour in the umbrella. One would almost say you planned it! The Everyman on the tree is my favourite. Thanks for the tour. I know what you mean about facing school hours again. But here Summers are so hot, we don't miss them too much. I'm glad you had a lovely Summer. Have a great last hurrah! xo JJ

Sue said...

I love the very first photo!! Well I love all your photos but the first one is gorgeous. Sexy legs clad in blue tights, fabulous short colourful dress and a brollie to die for! Those shoes look perfect with the outfit to. I did laugh at you being photo bombed by plants, buggers! As you lose your warm weather we are slowly creeping into better temperatures and I for one cannot wait!

Anonymous said...

Have a wonderful last blast Curtise. Enjoyed the sculpture park, especially the wood workings.
I'm enjoying these last summer days too but also looking forward to school starting and kicking my kid out the door.

Pull Your Socks Up! said...

Thank you for the trip to the sculpture park, it's my second and I feel very lucky! The kids have certainly shot up since last year's post. Am I tripping or did you wear that fab red cotton frock to the sculpture park on another occasion? I may forget a pretty face but I never forget a spectacular frock and I'm pretty sure you won a cafe and shopping trip to a vintage shop in Sheffield for a winning pic of you wearing that same frock. Damn the autumn blues, or rather, you look damn fine wearing top to toe blue. Legs!! And "my" blue shoes! Our summer's are so very harsh here in Brisbane that any chill in the air is a welcome relief from the sauna, but having lived in the UK and born in NZ, I certainly understand why you would mourn the end of those perfect days. xoxoxoox

Sue @ A Colourful Canvas said...

OMG, I can't stop laughing...photo bombed by a plant...seriously, I'm going to have to pop back tomorrow to finish reading your post Curtise! I will say this....you look anything but blue in this fabulous frock! You are totally rocking the look from tip to toe! One more thing...I find it so refreshing reading that you are not looking forward to back to school. You really do seem to enjoy the break from routine, as you should!!!

hippyatheart said...

Really love your all blue outfit and the umbrella is fantastic! I'm sad summer ended so rapidly but with your colorful outfit you made the most of it!

Caroline said...

I can either find no umbrellas when it's raining or ten umbrellas when it's dry. Sod's law.

Enjoy your last days of the hols in Buckinghamshire.

Señora Allnut said...

mwhaha, photobombed by a plant!?, anyway you look gorgeous and your shoes match nicely your dress and your fabulousness!!, such a pretty dress and lovely colorful umbrella (I should be afraid of lost it too!)
Amazing sculptures on a pretty background, such a great place to visit!
besos & bon voyage

Unknown said...

Bugger the weather but you look absolutely smashing! Stunning! And the hair looks gorgeous. How do you do it woman? XXX

Porcelina said...

The blue tights are stupendous with that dress!! Honestly, sheer fabulousness. I like breaking out the coloured tights when the weather gets a bit dreary, but I tend to stick to plain black when I have a jazzy dress - this has given me some inspiration, thank you x

Anonymous said...

Wow, wow I absolutely love, love, love you in all that fabulous blueness. Love your hair of course, why wouldn't I the style is similar to mine.....you look wonderful. Brilliant pattern on the brolly.

Krista said...

Your parasol is a work of art and you'll never lose it, promise! I love all the blue in your outfit but my god again here you go with these beautiful places. This sculpture garden kinda blows my mind, I've never been to one. Are you allowed to touch them or is that bad? I'm compiling a list of all the places you've shared that I wanna go visit, well be busy next time I'm there:). Have fun at your sisters and one big last hurrah!
You were right about that one colorful statue , my favorite!
Love youxxxxxxxxxxooooo

Cordelia Earle said...

It is crap that it seems that Summer has upped and left without even a by your leave!

I wish we lived closer I really want to go to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, those bunnies are the best things ever.

That blue mini dress you are wearing is stunning, I love the colours, but especially the pattern, I have admired paisley for a few years, just waiting until I am brave enough to wear something bright enough.

Cxx

Diane said...

I love the YSP too - your pictures look great - you picked a lovely day to go. Did you visit the Crystal Blue apartment thingy? I thought it was amazing. Might treat myself to a trip soon. LOVE the hair xx

Mrs Bertimus said...

YSP is one of my fave places, especially the shop. Did you see the life size goose lamp there? I was so tempted... X

Goody said...

Your hairdresser is a keeper-your hair always looks so perfect. Love, love, LOVE the umbrella.

The sculpture park looks like a great place to visit, might be even more interesting in the wintertime.

freckleface said...

No, see, I'm not having it. I'm holding out for a bit more summer. We had lots of sunshine, but i could handle a bit more. Besides, you need more summer to enjoy those gorgeous blue platforms to the max. Especially with that cute little mini showing off your fabulous pins. Yorkshire Sculpture Park, haven't been there for years, but it is a great place, always has something to inspire you. Back to school...brace yourself! Xxxxxxx

Forest City Fashionista said...

I would enjoy a visit to that Sculpture Park - it makes art seem less "precious" and encourages interaction when it's displayed outside like that. The wooden fence is very cool!

We are quickly advancing into fall here too, although you wouldn't know it today with a humidex of 38 degrees celsius. It's been a short summer with wildly inconsistent weather.

I love your new umbrella! I manage to keep mine until they self-destruct, which they do, a lot.

silvergirl said...

enjoy your holiday
i so love this blue paisley dress!
Brett

Melancholy and Menace said...

Oooh, so many gorgeous images!

I've never known anyone to be photobombed by a plant before :)

Looking lovely as always.

Enjoy your final Summer/Autumn break xx

Angels have Red Hair said...

Well the shoes may not have been the practical choice but they definitely look the business.
Enjoy your last little taste of summer :0)
xx

Unknown said...

Niki de Saint Phalle is one of my faves. I will have to set up a shrine to her. And the driftwood artist is interesting. The umbrella is beautiful, so is the outfit, love those colours with your hair. I have an umbrella from the British Museum, you have inspired me to do a post with it. It's coming up to that time of year....

diaryofapennypincher said...

Your stunning electric blue outfit is almost vibrating out of the computer screen towards me! Wow, such a gorgeous colour! Your sister has you sussed, what a thoughtful gift. Love your photobombing plant too.

Beth Waltz said...

If you do wear that stunningly sexy blue ensemble on a bus, keep the Missoni handy to fend off the men with good taste. (You'll never be able to run in those shoes.)

We have The Pyramid Sculpture Garden nearby in Hamilton! Ohio. It's a magical place, but not a Nikki in sight.

Photo-bombed by a plant?! A first, but it is a bold plant.

Ivy Black said...

Yup...the autumn is nigh. You look fab in blue....love blue legs. That is one delicious brolly. You won't leave it behind, it's to shouty. I do love a sculpture park too. Sophie Ryder is one of my faves.
Everything is Connected. Ain't that the truth. Have a great time.
xxxxxxx

Helga said...

Your hair was the first thing I spotted when I opened this post, and I love it! Ooo, so very Cabaret, my darling! Schwing!
I am sad for you that Autumn is nigh, but so happy that Spring is springing for us! We've had a very bitter Winter, and I am gagging for some warmth! The daffies are popping out and it gladdens my heart!
...........as do those LEGS! Woof! Great frock, great shoes, gorgeous shades of blue! The triffid plant wants to eat you!
That sculpture park is so awesome. I'd love to have a drunken picnic there! Your red frock is delightful, too!
Love! XXXXXXXXX

Unknown said...

Gorgeous you heading another thoroughly lovely posts! Pretty you in that lovely leggy dress. Flirty handling of that umbrella ... you must have the local menfolk on their knees. Shoes are perfect ... whatsamattayou!? Transitional, and excellent.
Brilliant photos of the sculpture garden. My longings for the urban world are soothed by your thoughtful posts. So much to love ...

at my dressingtable said...

Fabulous post again , love the pictures and the blue colours in your outfit are gorgeous, Best wishes xxx

Virginia at A Sewing Life said...

Do you think coming over for a visit to your hairdresser would be too extravagant? Clearly, she is ace.

We used to live near a sculpture park (the DeCordova museum in Lincoln, Massachusetts) and I loved visiting the art there. Since it was right in our own town, I went often and got very friendly with all the pieces. It's such a great way to interact with sculpture.

Also, maybe summer will make another appearance. Fingers are crossed.

Natalia Lialina said...

Curtise, you look like a beautiful glass sculpture on the first photo - that was my immediate association, and look, you write about sculptures here! :) Love your hair - both the shape and the color are great! The Missoni umbrella is pretty amazing, it would be sad to loose it, it goes so well with your cool and colorful outfits!! Your sister gets you it seems.

The park blew my mind. I can definitely see why you love visiting it, I would too. It's impossible to decide which sculpture I would love to see the most, they all are fantastic, and as a collection they are superb! Everything is connected - yes, yes...

Lovely photos of the countryside, and as always, of your beautiful kids! Look at them, they grew so much since I first saw them on your blog. :) I am even glad that summer is ending and school begins, but then - I don't have to get up early! :) Many hugs xxxxx

Lizzie Cole said...

I love Yorkshire Sculpture Park too - I literally blogged about it two days ago :)

Lizzie's Daily Blog

Lyosha Varezhkina said...

sculpture park is amazing! looks very interesting and definitely inspires for everything incl. the outfits.
I loved you total blue outfit and it didn't look like you were blue in it despite the weather. lovely shoes and dress pattern impressed me

Lyosha
Inside and Outside Blog

Shawna McComber said...

What a vision in blue you are! Mine eyes are dazzled! The tights and shoes are amazing with the dress and ohhhh the umbrella! Isn't Missoni delightful? I love the colours in the top you are wearing in your close up picture too.

What a fun park with all the art! I would love to see it. Although I am planning a very limited trip to the UK I am so glad I get to do all of this armchair travel via blogs such as yours. I adore your trips and photos.
It was very clever of you to contrast the orange monbretia with your blue outfit! I love monbretia and even like the seed pods added to bouquets from the garden.
I hope your last trip of the summer was lovely!
xoxoxo

Trees said...

I'm 100% in love with that blue outfit!! It's my favourite outfit EVER!! Also I love the booby bunny - she rocks. I'm slowly catching up with your blog posts - I've just gotten so behind lately!

Catherine said...

Nice brolly! And I love your dress! I love visiting art and sculpture parks like that. Especially on gorgeous sunny days as you did. I do find it annoying though when the sculptures don't have a description, but we normally just make up a story for it instead.

And if it makes you feel better, here in the land of springtime, it's still rainy and cold. Poo