Millthorpe

I hadn't made any hard plans for the remainder of my weekend after the floral workshop. I wanted to leave it open to serendipity and see what happened. I figured that I'd probably find my accommodation, grab something for dinner and spend my Saturday night editing all the photos I'd taken that day. Belinda had a far better idea and suggested we meet for dinner at Tonic in Millthorpe with Libby and their friend Nicole. Not wanting to shun a first class meal and good company...I immediately said yes.

It was a short drive to Millthorpe where I found the beautiful little studio I'd booked, tucked away at the end of a garden path.  

(Photo from For 2)

For 2 was filled with so many thoughtful details including a bottle of wine and nibbles, plenty of beautiful books to pore over and breakfast & coffee all set for the next morning. The studio was stylishly decked out and filled with high quality linen making it so cosy and comfortable.

 I happily collapsed on the couch and unwound for an hour before dinner...relishing the late afternoon without the usual demand to feed hungry boys. 

At twilight I strolled down to the main street...it reminded me of the passage in Wind in the Willows when Mole and Ratty passed through a village on their way home from an adventure and found the street quite still, all inhabitants tucked up inside eating dinner or warming themselves by the fire. Millthorpe had that same kind of feeling...everyone tucked up in their homes as I wandered down the main street to Tonic. 

Dinner was a complete delight...Nicole, Belinda and Libby have known each other for years and the conversation flowed fast and free as incredible seasonal dishes came out one after the other. I realised as I watched these amazing women interact, that I've missed these kind of moments. After my dearest Rach died, I found myself avoiding social gatherings. I kept to myself a lot, I stopped investing in real life catch ups with friends who were still here, preferring to maintain my friendships online. Saturday night inspired me to put myself back out in the real world more often.

Chef Tony Worland, (who happens to be Nicole's hubby) came out and joined us at close of service as we were tucking into dessert and coffee. My sides were aching from laughter by the end of the night. Tony and Nicole have created an absolute gem with Tonic. Such a feast, such impeccable service from the staff and such warmth and welcome for a fine dining establishment. I bid everyone goodnight then wandered back to my little studio feeling perfectly content. Not quite ready to curl up under the covers, I spent a couple of hours editing my images from the day before finally falling into a deep and undisturbed sleep. Sunday morning involved a sleep in and breakfast in the sunshine. I sat on a garden bench, watching the birds flit about and the magnolia blossoms sway in the breeze as I savoured each slow spoonful of berries and yoghurt. 

It was a lovely, gentle way to ease into the day.

It was such a splendid morning that a wander through the streets with my camera was an absolute must! Bels recommended the Millthorpe Providore for the best coffee and, as ever she was right, it was amazing. That small town cliche of everyone knowing everyone proved true for Millthorpe as I observed locals chatting animatedly to each other while I waited for my order, but it came across in the best way. It left an impression of real community and it made me want to stay and be part of it all. 

I spent a while exploring the streets, admiring the gorgeous heritage architecture and rambling gardens. There is so much character imbued in this village and I'm keen to return with my family to stay longer and discover so much more.

My first port of call on the way home was a quick stop in Carcoar to see Belinda and thank her for inviting me to take part in the magic. We enjoyed one last chinwag before I continued on down the highway in search of fields of gold.

This weekend away was everything I needed. 

Wide open skies, country roads, time to think, creative souls, beauty and purpose, nourishment and friendship. I got to challenge myself with my photography and spend time in the company of truly wonderful people.

When can I do it all again?

Blooming Beautiful with Botanica Flora

It's no secret that there are some astoundingly creative women in rural australia. Libby Spencer, founder of Botanica Flora in Orange is just such a women. When I heard that Libby and Belinda were organising a floral workshop in the creative collaboration space at Tomolly, I knew that it would be great fun, not to mention insanely beautiful. The first workshop sold out so quickly that they ended up adding another. It was a privilege to be invited to photograph Lib in her element. She teaches floral design with such warmth and wit. We watched with great interest as Libby gave a demonstration on how to make a foam free floral arrangement, then with the help of Lib and her assistant Tess, we all took the plunge and created our own using the stunning spring blooms and foliage that filled the trestle table in the window.

 

The room was bubbling with banter and laughter as the stunning spring sunshine streamed through the great big heritage windows. 

 Belinda put on incredible spread for us to enjoy with a glass of bubbles at the end of the afternoon. Honestly...this woman is a freaking powerhouse. There were three delectable home-baked cakes and a giant cheese platter, served up on beautiful handmade ceramics from ottimade. It was the perfect way to end the workshop.

I cannot recommend these kind of events enough. Its a chance to hang out with a group of fantastic people in an incredible setting and just...create! An afternoon like this does wonders for the soul. Take a look at the Tomolly Workshops page or Botanica Flora's Instagram for future workshops. There's always something interesting on the horizon.

Thank you Bels and Lib...the ripple effect of your creative collaboration is lasting and beautiful.

xx Em

Tomolly & The Shopkeeper

When my beautiful friend Belinda asked if I would like to come to Carcoar in mid September and photograph a floral workshop held in the creative studio at Tomolly, the answer was an emphatic YES! The opportunity to pop up to the Town Time Forgot was motivation in itself, but getting to spend an afternoon with a bunch of creative women learning floral design from the fabulous Libby Spencer of Botanica Flora sealed the deal.

I decided to make a weekend of it and booked For 2, an AirBnb in the nearby village of Millthorpe. On Saturday morning I squeezed my boys goodbye and drove up through the Hilltops Region past golden fields of canola to Carcoar. It was lovely to be back again. The Main Street was busy with activity, full of visitors and locals enjoying the spring sunshine. I took the opportunity to photograph Belinda's shop before the floral workshop began and got to have a chat with the lovely Liz who looks after the store when Bels needs to dash out. Belinda curates the most beautiful collection of homewares.

The Tomolly website launched recently with stunning images by the wonderful Jenna Kensey. There are details about Tomolly and The Shopkeeper, upcoming workshops in the creative collaboration space, styling services, an online shop (soon to go live) and a little cameo of creatives including Kasturi Wren of Wren & Whippet, Belinda & Tim Neame of Hold Cottage and even little ol' me. Its a beautiful, intuitive website and it reflects Belinda's style and character in a wonderful, visual way.

It's absolutely worth the trip to Carcoar to experience Tomolly for yourself!

I've got so many beautiful images to share of the floral workshop that they deserve a post of their own.

So, til next time...

xx Em.