panama hats

you can't make these in england - they're made in Ecuador and probably earned their name being traded in Panama. English hat makers buy/comission them in some very refined styles but a long time ago I became a fan of Pachacuti who have a genuine, integrated and meaningful approach to connecting economically disadvantaged artisans to western markets: setting up retirement provision for older workers, creating community owned plantations for the plant that provides the fibers used etc.

I also like the clarity with which you can choose between weaves and grades and you'll invariably pay less than from messrs. Lock or Bates.

my childhood hero

"But I'm not an animal lover," says Attenborough emphatically. His face scrunches up in disdain. "Animal lover means sentiment; a cloying, anthropomorphising sentiment. I don't love earth worms or spiders. They're rivetingly interesting and they give me huge intellectual pleasure. And aesthetic pleasure, I suppose. But that's a different thing altogether."

That's not the same as loving them? "No. It's the word 'love' I don't like. The phrase 'animal lover' - well, it just grates on me! That's why I'm irritated when people use it on me. They say, Oh, you're an animal lover!" He glowers. "I say, I am NOT an animal lover."

my incredibly beautiful girlfriend

and her beautiful little girl.

moving rooms

i'm now in a walk-in/live-in closet but i like my door

no cinderella

you will no go to the surrey hills - nor even the park...

friday night prep

shame this morning is so murky - i'm off to the park

Uncontacted Tribe - Brazil