High Hopes

In early October Ed and I visited the Grand Designs Live show at the Birmingham NEC. It was interesting but to be honest we were both tired and there was such a lot going on there it was a little overwhelming. Extraordinarily busy too. We were just heading to the exit, or at least trying to find it when we saw a painting by Doug Hyde. We both loved it immediately and right then and there we bought it. I have to say it's not something I would usually go for but it's bright colours and childlike qualities really endeared us to it, it is also framed beautifully. The main thing was the title 'High Hopes' and the red balloon.

It arrived a few weeks later (we couldn't take it away with us on the day). Here it is...



I'm not sure where it will go in the cottage yet but I love it.

The red balloon bit, well here's a little something to sort of explain a little about the significance and relevance to our new house.

I wrote this on September 1st 2010.

"At some point in my life a red balloon has come to represent some sort of positive spiritual sign to me. They have appeared at significant moments here and there, now and again. Perhaps it's pure coincidence, regardless I take pleasure in seeing them and comfort when I do.

Today, on what can only be described as a perfect, golden sepember evening we snuck to the cottage. We only had our offer accepted yesterday and whilst it isn't officially ours yet, we couldn't resist. The warm sun shone between the trees and rabbits were playing at the far end of the field. Ella and Henry ran to explore the hedges as Ed and strolled along, Ed listening to my running commentary about how the orchard will look without the vast sea of nettles and piles of old bricks. As we walked and talked we could see the hazy shape of a red hot air balloon in the distance, somewhere over Warwickshire or beyond. It was a moment of pure magic, like something clicked into place."