Sometimes the day races past and all I can do at this point is collapse in a chair. Today has been one such day. It has been busy but we have achieved things so I’m quite happy.
A friend who is a great photographer had said that he would be happy to photograph the gite for me in order that I can create new listings with Airbnb and develop a website. Therefore for the gite to be looking at its best, it was necessary to dress all of the rooms. So this morning I made 9 beds and spent some time up and down the two flights of stairs with towels and bedding. Another friend who runs a campsite did say to me a while ago that once the season is under way I won’t need pilates, I think she might be right!
The photographs are fantastic and I think that they may the place look really appealing. We lit the fire in the lounge which always makes the place look inviting. Having gone from no bookings last week I have four nights in a row this week. Unfortunately they are all only for one night. However in the next week or so I am going to look at everything and see whether I can adjust my pricing structure. The work for only one night is exhausting.
I received an email today which was headed up crochet and mindfulness. I was very keen to get to read it. I don’t think that it told me anything that I didn’t already know but it was a lovely reminder that crochet, along with a number of other creative activities, can be mindful because it is necessary to become so engrossed in the activity. Last night I did make something with the threads I showed you yesterday. The teal and gold square is made from the thread and will become the centre of a necklace. I’m not sure how much I will do with the threads because you need really good light and to be feeling perky because with such fine thread and such fine crochet hooks it is really quite difficult. I used some thicker yarn later and made a couple of granny square brooches. The hook was much smaller than I normally use though not as small as is needed for embroidery thread. I have nonetheless found a pattern for earrings which I am tempted to try, so watch this space.
Are there things that you are excited to try but present a challenge? Are there things that you are hoping I might make and share?
Tales from the Sheshed France 
It all looks beautiful Zenna. I know from Rosemary and Steve Liversidge these one night stays are hard work and exhausting. Hopefully when things ease from Lockdown you will have more bookings and longer ones too. The crochet looks good too. You are obviously working very hard. xx
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Thank you. And yes hopefully some longer bookings soon.
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I’m sure that once people have visited you will get loads of recommendations!
Photos look fab!
Creativity: I always thought I would do some creative writing/poetry but I look at the garden and just go!
Perhaps you could experiment with unusual flower containers and lush planting? Everybody loves colourful planting – but more importantly WINE!
It would be rude not to develop a grapevine and your own label! Look forward to the tasting 🥂🍷🥂
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Ha, ha! I don’t think that we’ll be seeing any wine any time soon!
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The photos look really lovely Zenna. You have both worked really hard to dress and light the rooms to have them looking so welcoming. I can imagine that one nighters are a lot of work. Hopefully nearer the main season the stays will be for longer periods of time, which is nore time efficient for you as the host.
I love the crochet squares and the colours. I think you might still want to go to Pilates for a rest !! You’ll have good strong thighs though after all those stairs !!
I made a Poolish starter for my bread last night and felt pretty challenged about it, but the end result was worth every moment of the fiddly bits beforehand. I’ve wanted to do this for a long time and seized the moment last night as it takes 16 hours to develop. I’m really looking forward to seeing your earnings. It just be very intricate work ? I had a relative who did tatting and as a child I was fascinated at it. I really don’t think many people even do this kind of thing now. Xxx
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I saw your post. What is Poolish bread? It sounds fascinating. I have every intention of going to pilates as soon as I can. At the moment I’ve stopped the earrings and have gone back to a cardigan that I started a while ago!
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Poolish bread is apparently the name of the starter that I used. I always fancied sour dough but found the feeding of the mixture to be a bit lengthy and I am not terribly dedicated. to do it every day !
This one is much simpler and it was 180 of room temp water, sprinkle of dried yeast and 150 g of all purpose flour. Mix together and leave overnight , then add it to the normal bread mix. I cooked it in a cast iron pan inside the oven and it was really with the difference. I made it again today just to prove to myself it wasn’t a fluke !! Hahaa
It worked well !! Xxx
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Sounds great, just wish I could try it!
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