The Breaking of a Wave Cannot Explain the Whole Sea...
One of the best decisions I think I've ever made was to throw caution to the wind, pack up and move to live on the south coast of England. Whilst Brighton is a bustling city full of energy, creativity and activities which seem never-ending (there is always something to do!)there are also moments of quiet revery to be found in the surrounding South Downs.
For a recent visit to the white cliffs of Seven Sisters, I wore a vintage skirt, which I always refer to as my 'Brighton Skirt'. Not only was it found in one of the vintage markets here, but it has a print of seagulls and a floral garden, that reminds me vividly of the Pavilion Gardens in late summer. I love the muted colours and soft, aged fabric.
I wore it with a simple white crew T-shirt, battered leather sandals and my great-grandmothers charms which featured in a recent post.
The weather was bleak and foggy, with a relentless wind which made our ears ache. However it is in this kind of weather that my favourite version of the sea appears.
Working on the coastline of Brighton, I have come to know the sea in new ways. And whilst the glistening shimmer of tranquil water is undoubtedly beautiful, my favourite days are when the blue-ish green gives way to a churning, ferocious grey and white, with the waves hurling themselves at the shore ending in explosions of foam.
And besides, gale force winds aren't that bad...
Especially when one has a particular fondness for throwing Kate Bush-esque moves and becoming thoroughly 'Wurthery'!
When I was a child our family holidays were all within the confines of the south of England, a favourite destination being the New Forest. We had free reign of lakes, forests and never ending pastures, dotted with bushes and heathery flowers. After long days of exploring, playing and watching the wild ponies, we would fall asleep in the back of the car on the journey home.
I think it is because of these holidays and day trips as a child that I have such a huge affection for the British countryside, and a scornful regard for budget holidays.
Horribly snobbish sounding I know, but I'm just so thankful that my parents let us experience the freedom and beauty of the The Forest over a beach club on a sun-soaked island somewhere.
It is with this in mind as an adult, that I love exploring and being outside. I had lately been missing the 'green-ness' of home, so this trip to Seven Sisters was perfectly timed for me! We walked for a good couple of hours, stumbling across plenty of sights along the way...Including a GREEN phone booth!
And then, in true Brighton style (where you tend to bump into someone you know, everywhere you go!) We happened upon Oliver, who is Josh's bandmate in Time for T! Perhaps we weren't quite so lost in the wilderness after all...
And lastly, a portrait against the white, flint-flecked cliffs. I'm wearing a new lipstick I got this week by MAC. It's called 'So Chaud' and is the most fantastic matt orangey-red! Completely in love with this colour!
I hope you enjoyed a taste of the beauty of the South Downs, I hope to return again soon - preferably when it's a bit warmer!
More soon, including a recent adventure with Dulcie of Human Sea.
Love Yours Truly, x