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Obsessed with stationary

Nothing is more pleasurable than a brand new notebook, or a thin-tipped pen which writes beautifully, or squared paper, or brown paper for that matter. Arthur thinks that stationary in general is a marvellous and joyous thing.

In recent years, Arthur has discovered the wonder that is a Moleskine notebook. From a write-it-yourself Paris guidebook to the new Recipe Journal, a Moleskine satisfies all notebook-related cravings. They are complete with pockets for notes, a 'ruler' page, a ribbon divider, all tied up with an elastic band, how marvellous! I carry at least one everywhere I go and now refuse to use any other diary.

It doesn't help that since I was a small child, my mother has worked in a cavernous gift shop in Saffron Walden. So when it came to those days when I was ill and off school, my mum would take me into work. An excruciating 9 hours of sitting behind the counter and listening to the gossip of the town, making pot after pot of tea and going out to pick up the doughnuts from "Dorry's" (Dorringtons - the best bakers ever!). Until, that is, I discovered the soap display. That's right, hours spent putting together little baskets of soaps/soap buds/tissue paper and other goodies, finished off with a covering of cling film over the top (fixed to the bottom with sellotape, being sure not to rip the cling film - a talent in itself let me tell you!)

Since then I have harboured an unhealthy obsession with stationary - down to finding the "back to school" aisle in Tesco exciting! All those highlighters and rulers... Anyway, this weekend whilst in Shropshire, I stumbled across the weird and wonderful world of the Church Stretton Antiques Centre and lying there outside was a (rather beaten-up but still functional) drawing board! The joy! Having recently enrolled in an evening course in Interior Design, this was like finding a bar of gold.

In short, stationary is good for the soul... fact!

Art xx

Design by the sea

It strikes Arthur that living by the sea, is tough...
Last night, having eaten a near-perfect meal at our beloved seaside restaurant, The Harbour in Port Isaac, we were shocked to hear the news that an irritating visitor with a nasty attitude had written a scathing review on Trip-adviser of his visit to our lovely eatery. Now, one can only assume (and save despairing of the human race) that this diner had no idea what effect such a damning review would have on a local business such as this. And, one would hope, that having seen the effect his poisoned article had had on the proprietor of The Harbour, he would instantly retract his unkind words and feel very bad indeed at such insensitive, ill-informed and unjust rage.

This got me to thinking about how business down here in Cornwall is so fragile, and despite the local produce being lush and fruitful and the talent untapped, a slight tip in the balance can send a small enterprise spiralling out of control into the abyss, without forewarning, never to be seen again. Many a perfectly good bakery, gallery, shop and cafe has come and gone from Port Isaac since we have been visiting, and yet on every street in London businesses remain, despite being utterly soulless and... well... crap!

So you have got to give it to those little gems in the South-West who remain steadfast, year after year, throughout recessions and depressions, high seasons and low seasons and don't let anything get in the way of doing what they do best, doing things well. A perfect example of such an enterprise is Acorn Antiques of Wadebridge - what a treasure-trove of French furniture. From wine crates, to bed posts, painted wardrobes (of Narnia status) and dressers, Acorn is a thriving business which appeals to second-homers and locals alike. Only the other day were some fishermen-looking-types crowded round an old butchering table in the window reminiscing of the good ol' days when furniture was made 'proper.'

Trevathan Farm is another shining beacon of hope for the English business, a bustling farm shop and cafe forms the hub, with cakes the size of small houses and fresh meat for sale straight off the farm. I can safely say I have never cooked a tastier meal than with Trevathan ingredients.

Also, tucked away in possibly the smallest shop ever, Atlantic Blanket in Padstow does exactly what it says on the tin, it sells blankets (by the Atlantic). But they are beautiful blankets, proper blankets, like Grandma used to give you when you were ill on the sofa. A strange thing to sell you might think, but on entering the shop your opinion will instantly change and a feeling of warmth and homeliness will replace it.

Major players like MARK and Boex continue to successfully fly the flag for contemporary furniture design whilst Jamie Oliver's Fifteen Cornwall continues to produce some of the best food I have had, with a setting to die for, and all for the good of the local kids. And they all display what seems to be the common denominator in surviving down here... doing things consistently well.

Arthur xx