For we're like creatures of the wind

Wild is the wind. 

It certainly has been blowy. I think our slates and chimney are intact, although some storm debris has ended up in our garden; it must have blown there from another roof, I can't see any damage on ours.

I've had one beret or another clamped to my head for days, it's the only way to defy the wind and rain and retain a modicum of order in the hair department.

1960s Kenrose dress and peacock necklace - flea market

Coat - vintage fair

Beret - charity shopped

Leather gloves - gift

Boots - retail (old)

I popped into town yesterday to meet my friend Sue at Bank Street Arts, where she works. Shamefully, I had never been before; how is it that there are places to visit right under my nose which I don't know about?

It's a not-for-profit arts centre with gallery and workshop space, based in a Georgian town house with all sorts on interesting nooks and crannies.

There are quirky decorative ideas galore.

Through the keyholes...

...fictional characters explore other books.

After a look at the exhibitions, I pottered about in the rain taking photos.

Bank Street and Paradise Square have some wonderful Georgian architecture, mostly used by businesses, especially law firms.

This house is actually still a residential property, and currently for sale, if you're interested.

This ornate building is next door;

up for lease at the moment. I'm seeing a vintage emporium with cafe bar, aren't you? 

While I was taking photos of this imposing building on Paradise Square...

...the man you can just about see in the window (left, middle) came out of the front door to ask what I was doing.

I blathered on about my blog and what a lovely building it is and surely I didn't need permission to take pictures until he went back inside, through boredom probably.

I don't generally think of Sheffield as having much in the way of beautiful historic architecture (it suffered from being a target for bombing in World War II) but as with most places, there is still plenty to enjoy if you know where to look.

Krista probably won't even remember this, but when she visited the UK and we met up, we strolled down Walsall's pedestrianised shopping area, full of your usual modern high street shop fronts. Nothing much to see, you would think, but Krista said look up.

And of course, there were some grand Victorian windows and decorative features (do I recall a lion's head, or have I made that up? Vix will know), all high above street level and missed by shoppers hurrying on their way to Primark.

(Left to right) Louise and her mum, Krista, Lucy, Vix and Clare, Walsall, September 2012.

Only Krista, Vix and I are still blogging out of this colourful crowd.

I often think about Krista's advice.

Look up.
Look around.

 I like looking at the details too.

Which is probably why I spotted this little tin on a stall on Chesterfield flea market. It did make me laugh.

Bile Beans for your biliousness, female weakness, and lack of charm, a bargain at a shilling and threepence.

And I'm back where I started, talking about wind... It's not just thrown together, this blog.

You're welcome.
xxx