BONES AND BLING

Last night I went to an amazing ball in aid of Save The Children. Presided over by the Princess Royal, it took place in the magnificent National History Museum - which was lit up like a Disney castle.





















Against a backdrop of stars (pretend ones) and surrounded by glittering Christmas trees, we dined on duck and dark chocolate. And it's so nice to be able to get to wear velvet, bling and maribou feathers!


We sat beneath the giant bones of an ancient dinosaur, which dominates the main hall. The light was strong which means that my picture isn't brilliant - but this may give you some idea. It does seem strange to think that this mighty creature which once roamed the earth, should end up being bathed in Barbie-pink light and towering over dining tables....thank goodness dinosaurs couldn't see into the future (or maybe they could - maybe even now there is a secret band of them, plotting their revenge and return!)



The auction went on for so long that I was forced to miss Bryan Ferry, who was doing a few songs. Well, I had an early start and an urgent deadline and I'm not a particular fan of a man who many consider to be an aging roue. Now if it had been the Rolling Stones it would have been different.
Who would YOU miss the last train for?

SCAMS AND PADLOCKS

Back from an inspirational weekend in Paris and trying like mad to finish my book which is all about a man who hates Christmas and a woman who should never have become his mistress.....
(Note the padlocks which countless lovers have attached to this bridge - leaving their love-locked hearts forever in this romantic city).
But why am I staring at the ground?

Because moments before, a smiling person had "found" a gold ring - it's a famous Paris scam. You are shown the ring and you buy it for a ridiculously bargain price and there is talk of luck and a suggestion of magic.
No, we didn't fall for it - we were too busy trying to find oysters for lunch!


And here's a photo of Christophe and Arnaud - who made me laugh so much over dinner.


Would anyone care to name two dinner party guests who will appear in my latest book? The scene is in a beautiful London town-house. The heroine has never met any of the (Italian) hero's fancy friends before - and is insisting on throwing a dinner party for them. There will be tears before bed-time.... but be quick - I'm delivering the book at the end of the week.

DREAM DINNER

On Monday I was in Paris with my daughter and ate Bouillabaisse at the Terminus Nord - a wonderful restaurant which is situated bang opposite the Gard du Nord. It's an unexpected setting for a reliably good place to eat - a classic French bistro serving exemplary food. Try it. And here is something to whet your taste-buds....


This afternoon, I'm off to Paris again. It's research - OF COURSE!
And in the meantime - what's your own particular dream dinner?

MARY HAD A LITTLE.....

So this was Cornwall. Unlike the cerulean skies and golden dappled paths which featured in my last trip, this time it was all windswept and rainswept - with winds which howled at night like caged beasts. But oh, so atmospheric. Particularly when I looked out of my window first thing - to see apricot-tinged waves sparkling in the early morning light.
Here's a glamour shot while out walking!



And my friend Catriona's unique use of a paper back to help shelter her from the driving rain!



And the cutest little lamb you ever did see. This part of Cornwall has so mild a climate that lambs are always born before Christmas. And this one bleated so sweetly that we all began reciting nursery rhymes and deciding that mint sauce should definitely be banned


What shall we call the little lamb?

THE WORLD IN MINIATURE

Back from Cornwall (WINDY!) and Avignon (TALL BUILDINGS) with lots of lovely photos but no battery. So - while I'm powering up the camera and tackling the book which is due very, very soon - I'll show you a figurine crafted by Kate Evans, who is enormously talented.




It's supposed to be me! She made it from Fimo modelling dough and then baked it in the oven. See how she cleverly replicated the amber beads which I used to wear ALL the time (and still love) and the Doc Martin boots (which have long gone).
The world of miniature fascinates me - hence my devotion to naff fridge magnets and toy-towns.
What fascinates you?

GLORIOUS CORNWALL

This is the view I will have for the next three days, though sadly- the rain continues to thrash down from the sky


Never mind, with a landscape more rugged than one of my heroes, a lap-top to hand, proofs to correct and an imagination looking to be fired - it will be perfect.

HEROES AND VILLIANS

Rach from Fareham suggests that Alexis could be good inspirational material - and since I could certainly do with some at the moment - here he is.


What d'you think?
To my mind he's just a little bit TOO perfect to make a perfect Presents hero. He just doesn't look quite complicated and complex enough to be a bad boy who comes good.....








Having said that - I should be careful what I wish for since my current hero is giving me headaches. I have spent the whole day grappling with him and he is refusing to behave!

So in an attempt to give my imagination a break - I leave you with this thought. If you could have dinner tomorrow night with anyone you choose - living or dead - who would it be?

Me?
William Shakespeare.