Monday 3 June 2013

Two go to London

Had a lovely weekend with daughter Vikki in London - even though it was tiring travelling down one day and back the next, with lots of walking in between! Can't believe how long it's taking me to catch up today - and it shows that I spend far too much time online. It was good to have two Internet-free days.

The launch of the Words with Jam anthology was excellent at Foyle's and I even met some ladies I knew from the RNA. Definitely a proud mother moment to know my daughter's story was in such good company, after meeting and hearing some of the other winners and runners-up. They put on a very good spread too! The anthology, An Earthless Melting Pot, is now available from Amazon in kindle and print.

The rest of the time, we enjoyed meandering through Covent Garden yesterday morning to the wonderful sound of classical music from the lively young group of musicians in the courtyard. I love that area and can imagine the history behind it.

Apart from the markets, one of the shops that intrigued us the most was an old-fashioned toy shop with the most wonderful Victorian stage kits, children's books and marionettes, all of which inspired my imagination and made me want to rewrite one of my short stories.

The interesting toy-maker-looking man behind the counter, in the tiny space upstairs, told us this is one of the oldest, original shops in the area.

Before getting the train home, we spent a little time in the British Museum where we headed to the ancient Egypt and ancient Greece areas - both of which I was eager to explore for inspirational photos. It's such a vast place, of course, that we couldn't cover much more in the time. It was lovely to see it lit up at night too.

Fortunately, the sun shone for most of the day and we happily relaxed in our first class train seats on the way home - it was worth the little extra for space, peace and table service!

For the dog lovers among you (although it will appeal to anyone), I'm featuring Australian tween author Charmaine Clancy on the Flights of Imagination blog today with her mystery novel, Dognnapped?, which is set in the dog show world.

Rosemary

12 comments:

Wendy's Writing said...

It sound like you had a wonderful day, Rosemary - I was up there myself this week seeing 'A Chorus Line' which took me back to the 76 when I first saw it!

Joan Fleming said...

You certainly managed to pack a lot into two days, Rosemary! Congratulations again to Vikki and her proud mum.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

It was all very enjoyable, Wendy - we passed by lots of theatres and didn't have time to go in!

Thank you, Joan - it was all go!

Jean Bull said...

I'm glad you had a great time in London., Rosemary. Congratulations to Vikki too!

Vikki said...

Thank you for the congrats, Joan and Jean. Your photos turned out well, Mum! I really enjoyed the weekend and that toy shop was a great find!x

Joanna said...

Congratulations to Vikki and what a wonderful moment for you, Rosemary. The Words With Jam anthology sounds fantastic.
That was an amazing weekend. The toy shop sounds incredible. I would love to spend some time in there. x

Teresa Ashby said...

It was lovely to read about your trip to London, Rosemary - it sounds fabulous. That little old shop looks wonderful - even seeing the picture of it is inspiring :-) Congratulations to Vikki and to her proud mum :-) x

joanne fox said...

There is always something exciting abuot going to London. Glad you enjoyed it and congrats to Vikki. x

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Many thanks, Jean!

That toy shop was one of our highlights, Vikki!

Thanks a lot, Joanna - we did a lot in the short time!

Thank you, Teresa - it's lovely to watch a (grown-up) child achieve a moment like this!

Thanks, Joanne - maybe we should have spent another night so we could have explored other parts of the city!

Nas said...

Hi Rosemary,

I enjoyed visiting London through your photos. I wish someday I get to visit it in real!

Thanks for this post!

Nas

Vikki said...

Thanks all for the congrats!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thanks for your comment, Nas - hope you get there one day!