#956 - 14th February 1999
Dearest readers,
Can you believe it? It's Valentine's Day! And guess what? I'm in Coalville! I know, I know, not the most glamorous of destinations, but trust me, this little town has a lot of charm and a surprising number of fabulous, pink-tutu-worthy moments.
This trip's a bit of a departure from my usual ballet-focused excursions. You see, I was invited to judge a local "Best Dressed Pet" competition at the Coalville Animal Shelter. Yes, you heard right, I'm talking adorable pooches and kittens, all gussied up in their finest! Now, I love animals almost as much as I love ballet (and pink tutus, obviously) and anything to do with kindness and helping our furry friends is a good thing in my book.
The train journey itself was rather picturesque. Rolling green hills dotted with fluffy sheep, sunlight dancing across the windows, the whole experience was pretty much as idyllic as you could get. I decided to indulge in a spot of wildlife watching, imagining a graceful herd of deer in a woodland clearing – ballet on hooves! A little bird perched on a branch, twittering its head off, had me wondering if he was auditioning for the role of a prince charming. This is how my mind works, always looking for the art in everyday life!
I chose a special outfit for this occasion. A delicate pink tutu, obviously! It was made from layers and layers of shimmering pink tulle, with a touch of lavender to add a dash of magic. The top was a blush pink crop top with a hint of lace. I tied a blush pink silk scarf around my waist for that extra touch of whimsical charm and popped on a pair of fluffy pink bunny ear clips (you never know when they might come in handy!), to complete the look.
You know me, a girl can't have enough pink! I even decided to embrace the festive mood and sported a pink heart necklace. A touch of romance for a day filled with fluffy creatures and heartwarming tales.
When I arrived in Coalville, the first thing I noticed was the air. Crisp and fresh, a beautiful contrast to the bustle of the city. It was the perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll to the shelter. The town itself had a real sense of community. There were a lot of local shops, all with cute little signs and windows displaying colourful items. I imagined myself owning a boutique selling tutus in a rainbow of hues!
At the shelter, I was met with the most heartwarming scene imaginable. Dozens of animals, all patiently waiting for their forever homes, surrounded by kindhearted volunteers who were all so enthusiastic and passionate. The shelter was bustling with activity. Children were squealing with delight as they petted kittens and puppies, families were happily walking dogs around the enclosure. It was beautiful to see such warmth and kindness emanating from every corner. It just goes to show, good vibes and tutus really are universal languages.
The "Best Dressed Pet" competition was a complete hoot. I saw a little chihuahua sporting a pink tutu! Seriously, he was so cute! It even matched the one I was wearing – how’s that for a ballet collaboration?! We also had a pug in a fetching tweed waistcoat and bow tie, a tabby cat draped in a flowing cape, and even a fluffy rabbit decked out in a teeny tiny pink top hat. It was absolutely heartwarming.
After the competition, I was overwhelmed by how much kindness and generosity I saw. I saw people walking away from the shelter, hearts filled with joy, clutching their newly adopted companions. The feeling of contentment was contagious. The magic of love truly does prevail! I left the shelter feeling utterly inspired. This visit made me believe that a touch of pink tutu magic, combined with a little love and kindness, can change the world.
In the afternoon, I strolled through the quaint town center, searching for a cozy café with a warm fire, ready to enjoy a cuppa and write about my magical Coalville experience. And guess what? I discovered a tiny bakery filled with delicious-looking cakes. Of course, I went for the one that was pink – it's the universal language! But I’ll be honest, the cherry bakewell looked tempting. Sometimes, life really is just about enjoying the sweet things!
Speaking of sweetness, you know I just have to tell you about this delicious experience I had. It happened while I was getting on the train back home, my trusty pink suitcase beside me. The gentleman beside me was mesmerised by my tutu! It was quite surreal, and hilarious, but I wasn’t going to be caught with my tutu down! I gave him a dazzling smile and then whispered, "Would you like to learn some ballet?" And that’s when everything changed. I started explaining the art of ballet, what it means to me, the magic of the pirouette. It’s fair to say, we shared an amazing journey through ballet, from my tutu on to his own thoughts. By the time I got to Derby, my friend on the train had learnt the basic moves of a pirouette! What a lovely experience that was. A chance encounter with a stranger on a train – that is something you don’t often experience. This magical moment brought an extra sprinkle of magic to an already extraordinary day.
It was such a magical trip. It’s not often that I get to judge a pet competition! But Coalville truly showed me that life’s most meaningful moments often happen in the most unexpected places. It reminds me that a little touch of pink magic can go a long way. Even without a tutu, you can make the world a brighter, kinder place!
Until tomorrow, darlings!
With all my love and twirls, Emma
P.S. Did I tell you that I'm thinking about making a special line of pink tutus for pets? Perhaps the "Pawsome Tutu Collection?" Let me know what you think! We’re in a constant process of evolving at Pink Tutu and, just like the ever-changing patterns of ballet, we can always use some creative inspiration!
And, just so you know, the site’s www.pink-tutu.com. You know I am so excited to welcome you and chat, share ballet adventures, travel, and spread that joy of tutus!
