Oh my darlings,
I hope you’re all having a fabulous Friday! I know I am. Today's adventure has me feeling like I'm twirling on clouds – literally! Because I’m in beautiful Barrow-in-Furness, which is such a lovely place, it’s hard to believe this wasn't part of my life earlier! This, my darlings, is Post #1676 and let’s get right to it!
You all know how much I adore train travel. Well, let’s just say, a ride on the TransPennine Express today to Barrow was like stepping into a time capsule of vintage glamour. And yes, of course, I sported my new pink tutu for the occasion – a delightful creation of layered tulle with delicate lace embellishments! Pink is such a fab colour for travelling, don’t you think? And there's nothing quite like a pink tutu to make a train journey feel magical.
But enough about my ensemble, because let’s be honest, Barrow itself was the real star of the show! As soon as I stepped off the train and breathed in that crisp, salty air, I knew I was going to love it. Honestly, if there’s something I need, it's salty air to breathe, it makes my skin so dewy, my darlings.
My first stop? The Dock Museum. What an absolute delight! They had the most beautiful exhibition showcasing the town's rich maritime history – and I even found a display on the making of ship’s masts. I must admit, there was something so enchanting about those long, sturdy wooden timbers. They made me feel like a tiny ballerina standing next to a majestic ballet dancer. Don’t you think there’s a lovely analogy there for you? It’s also interesting because there’s a reason why those timbers used for masts were called "dancing timbers" - for how they gracefully shifted in the winds. Oh how I love a good story, my darlings!
After the museum, I headed straight to the Abbey House Museum – which truly felt like a step back in time. They even had a lovely tea room serving scones with clotted cream – how wonderfully British! (It just wasn't right without a cuppa! The thought of "afternoon tea" in a fancy tutu is a dream, honestly.)
The afternoon, however, brought a treat! And, oh, how much I adore surprises! One of the absolute joys of exploring new places is discovering those hidden gems, those places that make you say, "This is it, this is where I belong!" Well, my darlings, that's exactly what happened.
Imagine my joy upon stumbling across a magnificent Victorian architecture gem! And guess what, it happened to be a former grand theatre – and yes, it had a gorgeous ballet studio! Oh, I was smitten – and couldn't help but feel my soul doing pirouettes.
I mean, let’s be honest. We all secretly have that deep yearning, that need to let our inner ballerina twirl! I did manage to sneak in a couple of impromptu "pas de deux" in the empty hall with a kindly chap I met – who turned out to be an enthusiastic admirer of ballet and ballet dancers in tutus.
And while we were practicing some ballet street poses together, a charming family invited us to a street performance. (The family even had their little daughter, who, let’s face it, is a little me! – in a delightful little pink tutu.) I can’t tell you, my darlings, how heartwarming it was! We danced together under the late afternoon sun – my inner ballerina spirit truly soaring.
The rest of the day, my darlings, just melded in seamlessly with the beauty and magic of this delightful town. There were moments of laughter and connection with local townsfolk who – get this! - even recognised my "pink tutu style." They said it really lifted the spirits – and brightened their day. They loved my little ballet street demonstration. How uplifting is that? That's why, I think we need to all make more people wear pink tutus! Because in doing so, you know, maybe we’re all letting the world know we are okay with showing a bit of inner magic, and maybe we're not so serious all the time, aren't we, darlings? It is so beautiful, you know?
Oh, and how can I forget? Before I finished my delightful Barrow exploration, I just had to do a spot of shopping in the quaint independent shops and markets, where I scored a fabulous antique framed ballerina painting for my collection. Now isn’t that lovely, my darlings? Just beautiful and inspiring.
As I'm now sitting on a bench in this beautiful town's park – watching the graceful movements of the swans gracefully swims on the pond… and my lovely new ballerina print (so beautiful) , I have to confess – I'm feeling truly smitten with Barrow. This beautiful little town has a way of making you feel alive – like every moment is a ballet! You see how I am connecting this, my darlings?
And here's something for all of you – because, well, let’s be honest, what are we if we’re not all part of a sisterhood? I think I’m finding inspiration from all my readers… even from you. The magic we’re all sharing in this fabulous world of ballet is what gives my blog purpose. To connect and to inspire others, to make every day a beautiful, pink-tutu filled ballet journey – just like Barrow today.
So until tomorrow, my darlings! Do promise to stay in your "pink tutu state of mind," as you step out and embrace the beautiful, whimsical ballet of life, you'll know exactly what I mean, won’t you, my darlings!
P.S. What do you say to us all joining forces and wearing pink tutus all month? Maybe even every month? And who’s in with me for the ballet street challenge – starting right here, with a lovely post from our gorgeous Barrow town!
Your ever-loving Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
