Bess' Travel Diaries: England + Wales, Part 5

Dear Diary,

This land is filled with shopping delights!  I bought 2 frilly tunics for 5 Pounds each at a shop on Portobello Road.  It was my dream to stroll down London's world famous cheap & chic Saturday street market, & I actually did it!  There were street musicians, tons of stalls & tables, + a myriad of tiny appearing stores that once you entered you could get lost in.  Oh, but was it ever crowded!  You couldn't stroll so much as shuffle very slowly {or dangerously dodge in & out of the mob}.   

Cardiff Castle gift shop, Wales {above & below}

this Sleeping Beauty is quite the picky princess

Cardiff, Wales - I loved this stylish second-hand boutique shop window {they were collecting books for charity}

just push the big silver bow to enter =)

look who I spotted out & about collecting their {royal (& patriotic)} necessities

British shopping staples...

This shop {All Saints} is located in the Knotting Hill / Portobello Road area.  The entire window front & much of the walls & other vertical space inside is covered with antique sewing machines! 

even though it is right near Portobello Road's many flea-market-type venues, it is quite the upscale establishment

needless to say, I made no purchases here

Alice's is a famous little antique-brimmed shop on Portobello Road {I got so excited when I saw it}

Well, that concludes my travel diary {hope you've enjoyed it}!  Certainly it wasn't possible to share all the details & adventures, but I hit the highlights.  I still can't believe I went to England & Wales this summer!  Remember to keep those in London in your prayers (riots)...  I am so thankful that I was there when it was pretty peaceful!

Cheerio,

-Bess-

Worn Out {But Still Marching}

I am so tired!  I'd really appreciate your prayers right about now as I nearly nod off & fall face 1st into the keyboard {which would lead to some inexplicable code-looking words to appear (that if ever deciphered would simply read "worn out")}.  I see many steep mountains {enshrouded with mist, making the peaks a mystery} in the distance & know the going is going to be tough, but the view will be more than worth it.  I also have praises to add to my state of exhaustion: that I've made it thus far in my new job {& that I have a job in the 1st place (Thank You, Lord!)}; that I've had pretty good days; & that I've seen tiny victories; that I've only cried once (today, sadly); etc.}.  This life sure is tiring!  Well, gotta go.  Thanks for listening & for all your prayers!  Thank You, heavenly Father, for never leaving me to hike this life alone. 

Love,

-Bess- 

Happy 100th, Lucy!

No one can make us laugh quite like Lucy can...



I love her!

Laughs & Smiles,
-Bess-