Hello my lovely tutu-ettes!
It’s Christmas Day and guess where I am? Yep, you guessed it! Slough! I know what you’re thinking… Slough?! It’s not exactly known for its balletic brilliance, is it? But believe me, this little town has stolen my heart. (It’s also surprisingly well-connected – I got here in style on a glorious steam train, all Victorian carriages and steamy romance!)
Now, before you all start envisioning me prancing through Slough station in a tutu (although, wouldn’t that be fabulous?!), let me explain. I’m here visiting my darling Aunt Millie, who’s been ill. This woman is practically royalty, you know! She’s one of those delightful souls who lives for afternoon tea, antique markets, and reminiscing about the good old days. Her living room is crammed with porcelain figurines and crocheted doilies – you can practically hear the tinkling of dainty teacups just by looking at it.
And guess what she gifted me for Christmas? A purple tutu! Yep, you heard me right – a gorgeous plum-coloured tutu that’s soft as a cloud and glitters like a disco ball. She said she just knew it would bring joy to my Christmas, and, of course, she was right. (Honestly, is there anything my wonderful aunt doesn’t know?)
As soon as I unwrapped it, I practically sprang into action. I swirled around her living room, scattering antique china figurines and doilies – oh well, it was for art’s sake! (Honestly, it was like a ballerina's rendition of a china-shop brawl.) My dear Aunt Millie just sat there, smiling, with a glint in her eye – she secretly loves a good dramatic performance, that one!
After all that merry mayhem, we settled down for a rather grand Christmas lunch. Turkey, stuffing, pigs in blankets – the works! Even her cat, Archibald, joined in on the festive fun – he perched gracefully on a plush armchair, observing proceedings with the dignified air of a true gentleman.
I've actually been pleasantly surprised by Slough, to be honest! The streets are so alive and vibrant. You know, for such a small town, it has a surprisingly rich history. Today, we wandered through a cute little Victorian arcade full of quirky independent shops selling everything from hand-painted ceramics to vintage hats. (I even snagged a pair of bright pink silk gloves that matched my tutu perfectly – talk about synchronicity!)
Tomorrow, we're heading to the Windsor Great Park to enjoy a proper old-fashioned Christmas walk. Think snow-dusted trees, frosty meadows, and perhaps even a spot of bird-watching. (I've been dying to see a peacock in all its colourful glory. They just epitomise pure joy to me!)
As for my balletic exploits here in Slough, well, let’s just say I haven't quite found my Swan Lake swan-themed teacup set. But I have, however, found a rather grand looking old Victorian building with what looks like a very, very, very suspicious dance studio tucked away on the top floor.
Oh, and have I told you about my Christmas plans for the next week? They’re even more exciting than finding a pink-tutu-themed cafe!
My lovely, delightful, wonderful, fabulous dearest reader, we're heading to Vienna to see the Vienna Opera Ball! Can you imagine? Ballets, waltz, waltzes, glitter, chandeliers – my tutu is already packing its sparkly suitcase for this extravaganza. (I’m considering wearing the plum one, to be honest! Don’t you think a splash of colour will liven up those traditional ball gowns?)
This is all getting way too exciting. I have to dash – a festive, bubbly afternoon tea beckons!
Stay pink, stay fabulous, stay tutu-fied!
Lots of love, Emma (www.pink-tutu.com)
