Post #258: 18th March 1997
Darling readers,
Hello from a gloriously sunny Broadstairs! It's my 258th post and it's feeling pretty good, I have to say. This seaside town on the Kent coast has stolen a little bit of my heart. It's full of charm, with its pretty houses and quaint cafes - oh, and a little something I’ve been looking for: a tutu boutique! 🤩
I'm on a mission, you know. To get the whole world wearing a pink tutu and dancing! A mission I started in my hometown, little old Derbyshire. It's been an absolute joy to spread the pink tutu gospel from Nottingham to Naples and all the way over to Italy - because, darling, when you wear a pink tutu, you can literally wear your heart on your sleeve! And a little bit of it on your thighs, I suppose! 😄
My adventures always start at home. There's nothing quite like starting the day in my comfy little cottage with the morning dew glistening on the lavender. The air is still, the birds are singing, and the scent of fresh bread fills the air from the bakery down the road. Ahhh, life is so perfect! (Of course, I have my trusty little pink tutu for company - it never leaves my side). 💕
Today's travel involved my beloved steed (the steam train - all red plush velvet and gleaming mahogany) - I have a little thing about train travel, it always inspires my creativity. It’s a real shame I have to squeeze my pointe shoes into the luggage! But that's the beauty of having an “off-duty” tutu bag - perfect for fitting the essentials!
My Tutu Boutique Adventures
Once I got to Broadstairs, I practically ran, ballerina style, to the charming tutu boutique I had spied in a magazine. Let's just say it was love at first sight. They had a gorgeous selection of "adult" tutus - the kind of "wear with your everyday outfit" variety, you know? They also had the most spectacular collection of Italian tutus. You have to see them to believe it! Made of softest fabrics, each one seemed to whisper the passion and the artistry of its origin. And they weren’t just for dancing - oh no! - these were beautiful, wearable works of art - I purchased three. 😄
I felt a little giddy - like I was walking on air in my new pink and white Italian number, all swirls and sequins - it reminded me of my ballet classes in Rome! I practically pirouetted around the shop as the assistant beamed, her bright smile reflecting the happy energy of the place.
Speaking of ballet, Broadstairs has an enchanting little theatre, the one that I love - where they put on local productions. You won't be surprised to know that I managed to snag tickets for a matinee showing of the Nutcracker. So delightful, even if they did leave out some of my favourite parts!
But, oh my, the dance was superb. There were just those little glimpses of "real" talent among some of the amateurs... like they were channeling those prima ballerinas of old - which just made me want to jump up and start performing myself! But a little part of me, just the tiny "know your limitations" part, held me back... Maybe I could teach them? 😏 I must return, and learn.
Tutu Time with the Birds!
As the sun began its slow descent, casting the sea and the town in golden hues, I decided to take a stroll along the cliffs. I think it’s a good thing I wasn’t on my trusty horse today because it’s quite a precarious path - even on foot! And of course, I had to have a pink tutu with me. 😄 It's really amazing what a bright colour can do. The birds all seemed to gather round, chirping excitedly - the local seagulls probably just loved all the sparkle, though!
Anyway, there were so many seabirds, of course. Gulls and guillemots - and what look to be some little razorbills! I adore birds. My very favourite ballet is actually The Swan Lake. And I can even see a faint resemblance to these beautiful birds as I look out at the sea and watch them dipping and diving. It's such a powerful image! 🦢
A Day To Remember
Broadstairs truly enchanted me today. There’s nothing quite like dancing your way into a new town. My adventures today had it all: a charming boutique, delicious cafe treats (a scrumptious cup of Earl Grey tea and a dainty Victoria sponge, just the way my granny makes it, served in a beautiful, floral teacup and saucer!), the seaside breeze, birds, ballet, and of course, my precious new pink tutu! ✨
As I tuck myself into bed, I feel a surge of joy, and, of course, my head full of tutu-inspired daydreams! The scent of lavender wafts in from my little garden - as sweet as my dreams.
Until tomorrow, my lovely darlings!
xx Emma 💖
