Cañas with Mum

With so much more time on my hands at the moment, and with so much to think about - I find myself turning to my sewing bag for some relief

I embroidered a photograph for my wonderful Mum for Mother's Day - cañas and calamari sandwiches in Madrid, a treasured lunch repeated many times over the years. Something to look forward to when the world calms down a bit. The food, drink and sun - but mostly my Mum.

Spanish Refreshment

Drinks - both small and large, and a calamari sandwich in central Spain last week. 

Yellow

While I didn't see any art while in Madrid recently - finding the perfect pair (or two) of espadrilles took precedent - I was reminded of a trip a couple of years ago to the Thysseen-Bornemisza where I loved this very un-Matisse still life

Yellow Flowers, Henri Matisse, 1902

Oil on Canvas

Late afternoon and early morning, Madrid

Just home from a few days in Spain - an adventurous train trip from Madrid to Seville with a couple of nights in the mountains. The start of the journey in Madrid was sandwiched with visits to one of my favourite bars near Atocha station, busy all day and through the night.

Spain last week

Potentially my favourite meal ever - a beige (and v unfashion) one of Calamari and Cañas

Spain last week where I spent 3 nights on holiday with my Mum, enjoying a largely liquid diet. It was 42 degrees after all...

Sorolla's House

The tile theme continued  (see last week's Celine post): these are from the Spanish painter Sorolla's house in Madrid, which I visited last week before catching a flight home - with a heavy heart - after an amazing few days holiday.

Dreaming

I have been rudely awoken from the best dream that I never wanted to end.... Central Spain last weekend:

We started with a night in Madrid, my second favourite city, which involved Cañas, tortilla, roof top drinks and a midnight dinner

And then on to Oropesa by train (which we almost missed, having enjoyed dinner a little too much the night before...) Luckily we managed to squeeze in breakfast before we jumped on board, my favourite meal of the day

Note the unsual name of coffee stirrer and sugar packet....

This is the outskirts of village where we were staying, and have stayed a few times over the years. Full of sights and sounds that make me so happy, and I have definitely returned home refreshed.

 

So nice to have a chance to embrace summer clothing properly,  not that I packed very well and basically wore this for 4days

Trying not to make it look like all we did was drink...But really, one of these Gin and Tonics was worth the trip alone

 

In fact, so inspired am I buy this recent trip to Spain, that One Off is probably going to offer only Madrileña inspired outfits/flamingo dresses for the rest of the summer. Watch out.

Spain

Towards the end of next week I am lucky enough to be going to Spain for a few days. Above are some pictures from a similar trip last year - an early morning breakfast (almost the best part of the day) and a baking hot Retiro park. I love Spain, and Madrid in particular, and have harped on about it before here and here.

Madrid at Home

Mini tribute: My bedside table at home. Hairband bought last week at Shepherd's Bush Market - Tessa says it looks like a Flamenco dancer has been sick on it.

Madrid Envy

Colonia

Royal Palace

Tapestry sho

Espadrilles shop

Rosa has left London for Madrid today. I really love Madrid - I'm sure some of the main reasons I like it so much are due to family connections - my parents met there, my brother was born in Madrid. I reckon (hope) I have also discovered some of it for myself though too. The ladies in summer all have really deep tans and smooth shiny legs and almost always wear white. Impressive. And the men wear chinos and suede loafers and shirts and it actually looks good. I found a few photos I took on a brief trip earlier this summer.