The rain in Spain ....

fell mostly on Ronda on Monday morning, which was a shame because I really wanted to have a good look round, especially at the spectacular bridge crossing the gorge.  But instead, we took shelter in the bullring - not that I in any way approve of bullfighting, but it was dry under the stands.  Ronda was the birthplace of the modern corrida and they have a museum celebrating their part in the development of bullfighting.  Among the mounted, stuffed bull heads, posters, and instruments of animal torture were some stunning capes ....

and fans, painted but not folded ....

And then on to Seville (much drier) where we explored, among other places, the Alcazar.  There I found another wonderful collection of beautifully painted fans ....

made from painted silk and mother of pearl ...

Bone? ...

and paper.

We also visited the extraordinary Plaza de Espana which was built in 1929 for the Spanish Americas Fair.  The whole thing is a feast for the eyes - ceramic lamposts, balustrades and bridges, a canal and tiled seats on which to sit to enjoy the sun and the colour.

Then we headed for Cordoba, somewhere I have long wanted to visit to see La Mezquita.  Now we are home and Northern Man, having endured all those 'crumbly old buildings' can play golf and watch football again.  You can take the boy out of the north .....

The Great British Public (bless them all) ...

Well dear RRs and OVs, Shepton was not a great success for me.  The Great British Public was in a non-buying mood and nothing would shake them from it.  They picked up, turned over, opened, admired, asked the price and put things down again.  So it was as I thought - we are between seasons.  We all like to believe that we are individuals but the years have shown that actually we are herd animals.  Something affects us on a particular day - the weather, the economy, the time of year, bad news, good news - and we all collectively buy or do not buy together.  Hence I was not alone in having a slow day but at least the outside pitches managed to set up this time, unlike the last two fleas.

I did, however, get one piece of classic rudeness to add to my collection;  a lady picked up a knitted mince pie and showed it to her husband - 'lot of work in that' she said.  Then she noticed the label with the price on it (£4.50), harrumphed, and put it down again.  'Too much for that' she said and walked off.

That wasn't quite as irritating as an incident at Farnham.  Three ladies stood by my stall next to my green painted butler's tray (which I have decided to sell as I've bought several more).

 

One said to her friend 'you could rub that down and paint it over with Farrow and Ball paint'.  She's right, of course, flowers are not to everyone's taste, but sometimes I despair at how rude (a very few) people can be!

Now to recent purchases ...

My mother and I had a trip out to Bridport last Saturday morning and went round the street market.  I bought this very pretty brooch there.  I'm not sure what it's made from - fimo possibly - but the modelling and painting are lovely.

 Then, by chance, I came across this one at the Flea which is also made from the same material.

Also at the Flea I bought these wax flowers, probably from a Victorian or Edwardian bridal bouquet ....

And, as we seem to be on the theme of bunches of flowers, here are some vintage wired wool flowers which I bought at Shepton Flea a few months ago ...

I hope those give you all some inspiration for the long autumn evenings. They make me want to start off a whole new hobby!