William Egwad, bard, remembered on a display in Carmarthen. He lived in our old house in the 15th C and was visited by bardic poet Lewis Glyn Cothi (1420 - 1490), and they compared poetry and genealogy together.
I got up early and went down for a wander round the Fleamarket at Carmarthen today. I knew it had gone downhill and wondered if it had recovered enough to do again, but I don't think so. It was a shadow of what it used to be - although I think the on and off rain deterred the outside stalls and there were only about 10 vehicles outside. Far fewer buyers too. I shan't bother. I didn't buy a thing, but went to see my friend Pam again (her husband had a stall inside) and we had a wander round together. I chatted to quite a few old dealer friends who still had stalls there. A couple of people didn't know Keith had died, so that was hard and got me on a bit of a downward spiral.
A really beautiful Welsh quilt, but alas there was damage to the reverse (with the pansies) on and never would you be able to match those or even match that turkey red in plain, to effect a repair. It had rotted through in an area perhaps 5" square. It was priced too high to take a chance on repairing it (£180). Gorgeous Paisley design the other side.
The nicest stall there.
I think she must buy in France. I just can't find stuff like this here at the right price. These three photos were all one stall.
Sorry for the blur, but the wind was blowing quite strongly. There are lots of Ox Eye daisies down the central reservation of the dual carriageway but the Council will soon chop them all down, quoting road safety! Yet they don't come into the carriageway at all.
Whilst in town, I did the bits of shopping I couldn't do here - strung tags (out of these), a sandwich lunch and some lemons and a stir fry pack from Aldi, two packets of Nasturtium for the tubs out the front from Charlies (current flowers in them will go over soon). Then I went to get "Rosie" (their name for them) jeggings from Matalan, and came out with some comfy stretchy cotton leggings too, and Keith guided my hand towards an orangey-coral t-shirt and matching sweatshirt, so that's my clothes upgraded for the next year! £38. That is the same colour as the jumper I bought in there to wear on holiday and as a colour it suits me.
I spent the journey home trying not to cry. It was the first time back at that Fleamarket since Keith had died. Yet when I got back there was a warm feline welcome, though the house seems so quiet now.
Pam gave me back both the Lisa Jewell books I bought her (to read and return). So I have started on one of those - Then She Was Gone. Easy reading.
Back to watching a new-to-me Jason Statham film - A Working Man. Keith and I loved watching his films together - saw some several times.
I hope everyone has had a nice weekend. I'll put up pictures from our outing to Celtic Rainforest day in the Elan Valley tomorrow.
Your heading is delightful. Should be an embroidery design. I'm sorry you had a low day, tho.
ReplyDeleteThe red paisley quilt is outstanding. Pansies! Amazing, so unusual. I'd prob buy it anyway! Careful folding to display and/ or a repair done w compatible turkey red repro fabric. How bad was the damage? Stain or tear? Do you recall the price?
I also spied darling tiny red shoes and a tiny red painted stool, perhaps for a child or a doll? Looks like a good enough flea market to me, I'd love the walk-and-look time spent.
sending hugs! It's June [but cold here].
lizzy
Sorry I see you answered my questions about the quilt. Def fixable, not a bad price. I looked again and I'd have done a whole ''red story'' if I was shopping/ showing on my blog: Two! pairs tiny red shoes, the red gingham heart, the red stool, red and white tea towels, the red paisley pansy quilt...and I'm sure lots more. Lovely wares.
DeleteBuyers over here are SO picky and I'd worry that however well I mended it, I would be stuck with it. Glad you had a red shopping trip with me today! That tiny red painted stool was priced at £70. Blimey, I wouldn't be able to get that for it.
DeleteYes I d not be buying for resale. I don't think I d pay L70 for the stool. Prob w the quilt I d offer L150.oo. I d buy it and fix for me, unless very dirty or smelly.
Delete[do people bargain at UK fleas?]
It was a clean quilt, but I have a feeling she put it through the washing machine and that is what did for it in that one area. People do bargain at fleas - though some are downright ridiculous. I had £60 on something recently and a chap offered me £20! Did he honestly think I'd agree to that?! They always want about 1/3 off, so I have always had to price accordingly . The general public seem to think we don't have to pay for our stand or fuel and things fall into our laps, gratis!
DeleteYou are allowed to cry. You have a pussy that loves you. Take each day one step at a time. You will get there. Lots of love. xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words. I do cry, but it's not advisable when driving and when wearing mascara :( I had two bad nights' sleep and that makes a big difference to my emotional wellbeing. Hopefully back on the level tomorrow.
DeleteI was sorry to read you had a low day, but Keith guided your hand towards your new clothes which is lovely. I've had a gardening weekend. OH cut the grass and its beginning to look like a lawn. I did the edges and moved a buddleia which I'd bought reduced and stuck in the raised bed. Now moved to a new hole in the lawn and in its place I planted a verbena and a monarda. Quiet week as no granddaughter duties, but a tip trip needs to be done. Xx
ReplyDeleteVery much his colours. He liked me wearing bright colours. Navy was a no-no! Glad you cracked on with the garden. Sounds like you achieved lots. I need to move a little rose with is not thriving - too many rocks I fear, beneath and around it. It needs a healthier setting further along the bank and I have just the place.
DeleteWhat are those small white bowls in the 6th photo? They have flowers or grapes on top. Right in front of the little horse.
ReplyDeleteI think they are moulds, but I didn't look at them closely when I was at the stall as my friend and I were talking.
DeleteThat Welsh quilt is gorgeous, too bad that fixing it would be a problem in matching. ((Hugs)). Hope your day tomorrow is better.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I'm up early (5 a.m.! but I did go to bed before 9 p.m. last night.) We'll see what the day brings. Clear blue skies and 7 deg. right now, but it was a red sunrise, boding ill weatherwise.
DeleteAnother stunning Welsh quilt indeed. Such a shame it is so badly damaged. What do you think will be its fate? If it's not badly damaged, it might be better to cut it up into smaller pieces such as cushions or runners? Although that would be criminal as well. Which is worse: leaving it as it is or repurposing it? Such vibrant colours.
ReplyDeleteI love the ethereal air of your new header photo. London Pride always gives a lovely touch to a garden, doesn't it?
I know the Carmarthen flea market isn't quite the same, and I'm not sure where it's located, but do you feel as I do that the beating heart went out of Carmarthen when they knocked down the old market?
I could repair that using the best match possible. To keep, no probs - it's a repair on the back. I suspect she put it through the washing machine . . . which is a real no-no for antique quilts. To sell on, she will have to take a low offer. Better to leave as it than make cushions as 97% of it is still fine.
DeleteGlad you like the new header. When I change my phone next I will get one with a better camera though!
Carm. Flea has always been on the showground (in the big stock barn there). Yes, they took the heart out of Carmarthen when they flattened the old mart - new one is smart and tidy, but not the same atmosphere. All to get Debenhams there - which then went bust, leaving a big empty building . . .
Firsts are never easy.
ReplyDeleteCelebrate the fact that people remember Keith..like people remember my Pirate...and embrace the memories.
We are allowed to be sad that they aren't around any more...but they would be glad that we are both getting on with life as best we can xx
It's an amazing good year for Ox Eye daisies around here, they are everywhere.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous red on that quilt - must be quite unusual ? and I liked all those sets of little drawers on that stall - although wouldn't have a use for them!
Hope today is a better one for you.
It's good that you recognise the emotional days and are gentle with yourself, no doubt Keith guided your hand to some gorgeously coloured new clothes after your emotional morning. Those daisies are beautiful, at least you got to see them on the way home before the council turn up and decimate them.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry about Keith, Bovey Belle. My hubby & I have been married 49 years thus far & I know that time is coming when one of us must face life without the other. It happens to all. Yes, we partook in a simple community garage sale this past Saturday, over at son's house, and there were far less houses participating & even further less shoppers. I'm unsure why. Hang in there! ~Andrea xoxo
ReplyDelete