Up, up and away.

August Bank Holiday Monday and there is only one place to go and that is the Bristol Balloon Festival. All sizes, all shapes and all over the place, balloons in formation or single seaters, you've got them all. Even though the weather wasn't great the spectacle was. As the darkness of night draws in they light up the balloons in sequence to music as well. Fantastic!

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna!!

This Bank Holiday Kat, Matt, Tree and I decided to visit Croome Court for the Krishna Festival. This event was to remember the time that the Krishna movement took over the estate from 1979 to 1984. Although I grew up living next to Bhaktivedanta Manor in Hertfordshire, I never knew that they had such a strong presence in Worcester. This accounts for why Tree thought they lived everywhere as she grew up with the same impression as I did.

There was a number of activities to see including Theatre, Meditations, a tour of the estate and stalls. Tree was shown how to put a saree on which was great fun as the wind was very strong. The Prasadam, blessed food offered to Krishna, was delicious as ever and even Matt enjoyed himself I think. I felt a little sad on leaving as I miss the contact that I had with ISKCON when I was in London. Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare. Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

White Leaved Oak.

Followers of this blog will know that I have wittered on about the White Leaved Oak for years. Right from when I had the shop, where I heard about it for the first time, I have tried, and failed, to find its exact location. Finding the hamlet is no problem but the tree is steeped in mystery. Rumoured to be a 1000 years old, it grows on a large stone somewhere between the hamlet and the base of the Malvern Hills. It's trunk has an image of the 'Old Hag' in it and it's branches are decorated in all manner of ribbons, trinkets and offerings. The trunk is hollow in the middle and you can climb down into it. Three people would comfortably fit inside. No made up road leads to it and you have to have a mind to find it in the first place. After Tree and I found it, to mark Lammas and our handfasting anniversary, I was tempted to put its location for all to find on the internet but then I thought 'No!' it must remain hidden. I believe it is like a pilgrimage and should only be seen by those who really seek it out. It's anonymity is its magic. If you find it, I am sure the peace and serenity of the whole place will fill you with awe. Happy hunting!!