Balmy June Weekend

Well known and wonderful Mosaic Artist, Cleo Mussi is based in Stroud, Gloucestershire and has been having Open Studio's through the month of June, which I really wanted to go to, particularly as our good friends, John and Kate live in this beautiful part of the Cotswold's. Off we went this weekend, but sadly, Cleo's Studio was not open so that part of our trip was not to be (boo hoo) but we did have a wonderful weekend, steeped in a closeness to nature that we don't get quite so easily in London. Our weekend started with a visit to the Stroud Community Agriculture farm - run by members who all participate in the farm's tasks and benefit from taking home their own organic veg every week. It was lovely picking warm carrots from the ground, rubbing off the soil and munching - and teaching kids that carrots don't come from the supermarket or the freezer! The rest of the weekend was spent in John and Kate's beautiful garden, watching children playing (and being so caring) with each other. I particularly enjoyed seeing the wildlife in their pond - newts, frogs and dragonflies (appealing to my fairy loving inner child!) and the kids helped Kate set up the wormery that she got for her birthday. John, who is a primary education specialist, helped me mull over ideas for mosaic making with children. Saturday evening was spent in the hot tub at the bottom of the garden - very, very relaxing. Seeing a badger walk by would have topped it off - maybe next time.