Oh London, I've missed walking along your streets in the cool, crisp air.

Dear London Town, Though I took a six week absence from you, I owe you an apology. It’s been a long time since my last letter to you. I remember a friend telling me once that she felt funny about calling me or writing me after such a long time of not communicating. She thought that maybe too much time had passed and we would be unable to retain our connection as friends. I told her she was silly and off we went on our merry way. I’m such a hypocrite. It’s been so long since I’ve last written, I had been thinking of ending our affair and hiding it away. I feel like this is some sort of confessional where the public can pass judgment. ‘Forgive me, blog & readers (psst – you out there?), for I have been lazy. It has been three months since my last post.’ There. I said it. I’m a bad blogger. Maybe I only judge myself. Perhaps I just want one less thing on my list of responsibilities. I go to work and then after work I am busy doing networking meetings, tastings, events, watching shows, enjoying friends. When I have a night to myself, I just want to sit and do nothing. I make a meal and watch some episodes or a movie and spend far too much time on Facebook and Twitter. I guess I just don’t feel like blogging, but I’m trying to start out slowly and make Sunday my writing day. It is MY day and I will use it to bring back some balance to my life. I bought myself a big treat today. I now own a bike. (Thanks, Gumtree!) It has a name – Hercules! No kidding! It actually says that. It’s a vintage Hercules Balmoral bike, complete with wicker basket. I just need a bell!

I also picked up a serious load of flowers today at Columbia Road flower market. I will tell you a secret. OK, well, it’s probably a well-known one, but still. Go after 2:30pm to get your flowers and you’ll get a ridiculous deal. I need to check out a book from the library or something. I have no idea what half of them are, but I know they are pretty! It makes me feel good to have lots of green inside since we lack a garden outside. (In American, that’d be a front/back-yard.)

Read the rest of this post »

It looks like I have to share my favorite view of London with a few others. I'm slowly dawdling across Waterloo Bridge in total m'fucking awe! Why don't I do this more often? -- Dom (a few minutes later he adds:) I'm such a loser but at moments like this I fall back in love with London. -- Dom ...only needs to cross the Thames (in either direction) to be reminded of why she loves London. Even after eight years, it's still impressive. --Ann With a view like that, how could you not fall in love?

Dear London Town, Much time has passed since my last love letter to you. The summer was busy with research, people visiting, a few trips and having ciders in your pubs and parks. The leaves are now turning from green to yellow, orange, red and brown and finding their way from limbs to the ground. The weather has been gentle, with the nights being just a bit chillier than before. The heater has been turned on in the flat for the first time in many months. I've been lighting my favorite cinnamon cider candle to make the place cozy and sipping on hot chocolate while keeping my fingers warm around the mug. I love this time of year and I love that I'm here for it, London. We've never really shared this time of year together. Here's to Autumn and to you... xx (For more wonderful photos of Kew Gardens in Fall, check out Stuart's blog.)

Dear London Town, I wish I could say I missed you on my holiday, but I didnt. I enjoyed the carefree days of lounging by the pool, drinking coffee, eating my weight in pasta and trying to speak Italian with E's parents. Such a perfect trip away...and so close! In less than a 2 hour flight, I can return some day. Still, I have come home to your warm embrace! How strange, London Town! Has summer finally hit your streets? Perhaps you and I will need to sit in the park, drink Pimm's, and reacquaint ourselves. xx

Dear London Town, It's not you -- it's me. I need some time to unwind and think about what I need from life. I'm going to Italy to sit in the sun, eat pasta and relax for a few days. I promise I wont betray my love for you. Be back soon. xx

Dear London Town, My favorite time of the day with you is at night on the bus driving over Waterloo Bridge. II look across at the skyline I so fell in love with many years ago. Your government buildings, your cathedrals and your theatres light the sky and pepper the riverbank. Why are you so beautiful at night, London Town? Why do I feel like you know I'm looking at you? You flirt back - catching my attention and baiting me to love you more! Silly, Town, you know I love you. I told you so. Are you still unsure? Each night, when I cross the bridge, I will blow a kiss to you. Maybe one day you will kiss me back. xx

Today is the first day I actually felt the rain on my skin. Usually, London Town, I can see your streets and cobblestones moist with precipitation, but nothing in the air. I left without my umbrella this morning. Your weather forecast suggested that I have a cover overhead, but I laughed at it and thought to myself that the predictions hadnt been accurate lately. Why would today be different? As though it was biting its thumb at me, the sky above, full of gray, thick clouds, decided to wring themselves out onto my head as I walked through the streets of Holborn. I am not sad that it rained today, London Town. No, you were just being you. xx

I realize that you are trying to get warmer outside, but you really are taking your time! On Monday there was snow on the ground. On Tuesday, you cheeky thing, you teased me with bright blue skies and a shining sun; but your wind blew so bitterly cold that it made my ears hurt! Today, the sky was gray and filled with clouds. This weather makes me want to stay in and huddle by the radiator with a hot cup of tea. It's just too cold for us to see each other right now. xx

Happy New Year from Kate Matlock on Vimeo. London Town, you really had yourself a party last night. I'm glad I'm not the one who had to clean you up. xx