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Bits and bobs about my life in my lovely home, Thatchwick Cottage, Pretoria, South Africa.

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Saturday, 3 May: Skulduggery in the Tudor court


A public holiday on 1 May was the perfect excuse for a good movie. The novel by Phillipa Gregory, "The other Boleyn girl" has been made into a sumptous historical drama. And the dastardly deeds of Henry VIII and his court make today's politicians look quite mild. In spite of knowing the horrible history of the Tudors pretty well, my friend and I were on the edge of our seats as the tragic story of Anne Boleyn and her sister, Mary unfolded. I don't believe there is a painting of Anne, so Henry's next unfortunate wife will have to do. This is Jane Seymour to whom Henry was engaged the day after Anne was beheaded. How is that for a love life? She bore his only legitimate son and died 12 days later. How fortunate we are to live in the 21st century in a free society in which women can make their own choices! If you haven't seen the movie, I recommend it. Every scene is like a painting from Holbein.

On a lighter note, here is Gal and that smelly old shoe!
And a miscellaneous bunch of Thatchwick blossoms in the rusty watering can.

Early this morning I sped off in my car to the nursery (some 15 km away) before the Saturday traffic hit the roads and came home with a bootful (please, translate if you live in the US!) of plants: bright orange calendulas for colour, foxgloves, more plectranthus Mons lavender which thrives under the trees and some bargain crysanths in pink and cerise.

6 comments:

Tess Kincaid said...

Hi Eleanor! Glad you are enjoying The Little Locksmith.

I am also really into that period of British history right now. The Tudors series is well done with a very hateable Henry, played by Jonathan Rhys Meyers. Helen Mirren also does a fabulous job as Elizabeth I in the HBO 2005 production. Haven't seen The Other Boleyn Girl yet. Sounds wonderful...right up my current alley! :)

I am not familiar with A Three Dog Life...thanks for the tip...I'll look it up!

Dorothy said...

Via Willow, I've come to your incredibly interesting blog..first of all...the title of today's post...I love it! I've always been fascinated with English history..and though we all know full well Henry VIII was a "royal stinker" we are drawn to books and movies about him and his unfortunate wives...I'm about to be off as well to buy flowers for my garden..such a fun blog...I'd love to come back now and then...have a lovely weekend...Dee Dee

Seawashed said...

My hubs and I also enjoyed 'The Other Boleyn Girl' very much. It is beautifully filmed. I admired Scarlett Johannes as 'Mary'. She did a wonderful job. I will definetly buy it when it comes out on DVD.

Have a delightful day preparing food for a house full tomorrow. I agree, I already know I will miss my 4 kids sooooo much when they move out. I've already made them promise to come visit all the time. But we all know that doesn't always happen.

Theresa @ Take A Sentimental Journey said...

Eleanor ! It is so nice to meet you . Thank you for visiting me at my blog . I am looking forward to a pic of your mother to put in my
"Mommie Tribute."
Oh, before I forget. I have just fallen in LOVE with your lovely home! I absolutely LOVE ! thatched roofs.Come visit me often, the door is always open.

Anonymous said...

I've got my "before" photo of my sparse patio. Now I've got to get some flowers. I've strung lights along the railing, but I do need some plant life out there. :) Hope you are having a lovely weekend.
Hugs ~
Alexandra

kari and kijsa said...

Your blooms look divine!! Loved the history!! Have a blessed Sunday!!

Smiles,
kari & kijsa