Warhorse in London

It was an extremely tough call , to find a theatrical production which didn't have singing in it , no 'wanky' actors prosolating their monologues on stage, no interpretive dance moves, one that had a proper story to follow AND be suitable for kids. But I did it.( all but the kids filter had to be taken into consideration for Michael, who had never been to a theatrical production and was pretty sure he wouldn't like it anyway)

Warhorse is based on the Childrens book by Michael Morpurgo. It was recently made into a film, one I have seen and not too proud to say I blubbered the entire way through. I had heard reviews on it given it has life sized puppets for the horses. Before you gag, let me assure you that within minutes of the horses entering the stage, you see past the operators beside and onside them. All you see is a life sized REAL horse, who twitches its tail, snorts , prances and moves effortlessly, gracefully, beautifully. The structures of the horses are strong enough to allow the actors to mount them and ride. The special effects employed to give the impression of the horses galloping are breathtaking. To say the audience is immediately enraptured is an understatement.

Its not very often that the performances on stage will evoke such an  emotional response from its audiences; but I can tell you that there were few dry eyes in a number of scenes.. And yes.. I blubbered as well.

I think the most rewarding thing was to hear Michael say that he'd enjoyed it and would be willing to go to another performance at some point.

Feeling blessed.. Feeling rushed..Feeling a bit guilty too

To my long suffering and very loyal readers, thank you.. I have been consistent with my blogs for so long and then have fallen in a heap.

 I apologise for this break in transmission, but assure you that normal programming will reappear shortly.

So much has happened in this short time since coming back from the Camino, all great, I can assure you; but it has meant that we have been traveling round alot and that much of the time I haven't had good internet connection - or the time to commit to writing a blog. Those following the kids blogs will also see that theirs have been very flaky too.

I have a number of blogs in 'draft' format, so will attempt to compete them and publish all in one hit.

I do keep a photographic diary - so if all else fails, pop on over to instagram   - http://instagram.com/anniemmitchell

Painting of two worlds at Melford Hall, Suffolk

No sooner than the guide told me the name of this painting and the artist, than I forgot it. However, the story that goes with it stuck with me and one I felt I must tell.

The painting is hung over the fireplace in the children's dining room in Melford hall. Its fascinating as it was painted in two halves, but different artists. 

The couple on the bridge are the focal point. The husband points towards the light - where people are having fun, skating, chatting and going places. The mood is airy and free with plenty of space and movement. 

As we are drawn towards where the wife is pointing, the mood darkens with the colours and stoic forms of the church and government buildings. The people going to church are slouched and seem to trudge through the environment. 

Michael and I stood and commented on details we picked up in the painting for a good half an hour. the more you look into it, the more tiny and significant symbols you pick up.