Post #2942
Hey lovelies! 💋
It's your girl, Emma, here, coming at you live from sunny Mitcham! (Yes, I know, who knew, right?!) 😉 But before we dive into this little slice of London loveliness, let me give you a quick rundown of how I got here.
Yesterday, after a gloriously exhausting session at the Royal Opera House (they've been working on their "Swan Lake", and I simply have to see it again before it opens), I decided on a whim to hop on a train down to Surrey. A change of scenery is always a good thing, and let's face it, I need all the inspiration I can get for my upcoming "Ballet Around Britain" tour. I've been brainstorming new routines, finding some gorgeous new pink tutus for the trip (more on those later!), and, well, you know me, just generally living life in the pink lane! 💗
The train journey itself was divine, of course! All sunshine streaming through the windows, a beautiful landscape rolling by, and me, curled up with a hot cup of tea (no milk, thank you very much!) and a vintage copy of "The Ballet Annual." Did I mention it was a vintage copy? I love the delicate, antique feel of old ballet books, with the beautifully-illustrated sketches and stories of ballet stars from bygone eras. Such elegance and grace! 🥰
Anyway, I arrived in Mitcham, feeling ready for an afternoon of whimsical fun. My first stop, obviously, was the Mitcham Cricket Ground. Cricket isn't exactly my forte, but I'm drawn to the gentle atmosphere and the sheer beauty of the greens and the stands. Plus, let's be honest, there's nothing quite like a cricket match for spotting interesting people - you never know who might be hiding in the crowd! 😉
I even had a chat with a rather charming man in a straw hat (and I know, I know, this is all very much not "me", but there's something about a sun-drenched cricket match that just melts my heart.) He told me about his pet guinea pig (which, funnily enough, he was carrying around with him in a vintage picnic basket) and his secret love of flamingo tutus! See, this is what I love about travelling – unexpected adventures and conversations that lead to the most fascinating people and stories. 💖
From there, I took a leisurely stroll through Mitcham’s picturesque town centre, all winding cobblestone streets and cute little shops selling artisanal fudge and hand-crafted souvenirs. (I had to buy a vintage ceramic swan – it just looked too pretty to resist!) 🦢
The real star of the show, however, was the Mitcham Common. Such a breathtaking spot! I know it sounds cheesy, but I swear the air was practically humming with a joyous energy! Maybe it was all the children shrieking with laughter as they zoomed down the slides in the park, maybe it was the squirrels scurrying up the trees like little furry acrobats, or maybe, just maybe, it was the sheer delight of seeing so many people taking time out to enjoy the simple beauty of the outdoors. 😌
Naturally, I decided to treat myself to a spot of picnic – and let me tell you, the setting could not have been more perfect! I spread out my gorgeous vintage floral blanket, a gift from my beloved Auntie Betty, and sat amidst the wildflower meadow.
My picnic fare was nothing short of fabulous, featuring fresh, juicy strawberries (still slightly warm from the sun), a delicate brie and fig sandwich on multigrain bread, and, for dessert, a delicate raspberry and almond cake (thank you, Waitrose! 🙏). It’s not everyday you get a picnic so beautifully framed by nature, with birdsong providing the soundtrack and the sun warming your skin. Bliss! 😇
My journey continued through the afternoon, filled with charming encounters (a group of teenage girls practising their cheerleading routines, a gaggle of ducks waddling across the pond, even a lone heron stalking the edge of the reeds), and ended with a truly captivating sunset. Honestly, I've never seen colours quite so breathtaking - a mix of golden yellow, fiery orange, and deep violet, like the sky itself was being painted by an artist who was just too excited to contain himself. 💖
My Mitcham adventures came to an end as the sky darkened, but my heart was brimming with joy and gratitude. There's something truly magical about discovering hidden gems, be it a charming town centre, a verdant common, or simply a moment of shared laughter with a stranger.
And I, for one, am utterly convinced that every place in the world has its own unique charm. So, remember, my lovelies, open your eyes to the wonders that lie around you - you never know what delightful surprises might be waiting! ✨
Before I sign off for the day, let me know: Where are your favourite spots for discovering beauty and adventure? I'd love to hear all about it! 😊
Don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com for my latest ballet tips, my favourite pink outfit picks, and a glimpse into the life of this tutu-obsessed ballerina! 💖 🩰
Lots of love,
Emma 💋
P.S. Have you tried a feather tutu yet? Let's face it, it’s all the rage right now - and it's simply perfect for adding a touch of magic to your wardrobe! Just a hint, my Mitcham feather tutu is going to feature in my next post, and believe me, it's gonna be epic! 😉 💖
