*three things that make me smile: an exercise in gratitude – feel free to steal this idea with wild abandon and fill your blog with the happy*
Inspired by Emily of Nerd in the Brain here are my Three Things Thursday, this week all seen during a trip to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London:
First, I’m very grateful that I don’t have to wear a woollen knitted costume when I go swimming. I can’t imagine the drag factor, the sag factor and how long it would take to get one dry! Click on the picture to go to the V&A’s description of this garment.
1937 Knitted Bathing Costume
Second, amazing tiles. There were so many in the museum, both as exhibits and as part of the structure. Below you can see two exhibits that particularly made me smile. The tiled panel is from Iznik, Turkey and was made around 1580 (click here for more details); the huge fireplace is also Turkish and dates from 1731 (click here for more details)
Third, the skill that must have been required to make this quartz crystal ewer. It was made in Egypt around 1000 and was carved out of a single block of rock crystal. I have to say that this particular object left me speechless. Click on the picture for more details.
This carved rock crystal ewer is a thousand years old
So, those are three things making me smile this week – what about you?
The Snail of Happiness 
coppicelearner
/ March 2, 2017Having heard of the underwear exhibition from you I took my daughter there when I was visiting her and it was really good. Sadly we did not have time to see much of the rest of the museum but we will go again another time. Thank you for telling me about it and glad you enjoyed your trip.
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nanacathy2
/ March 2, 2017Those tiles are wonderful. Bathing cotumes have really improved. I have a wonderful photo of my Mum and her brother in matching ones, circa 1935!
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katechiconi
/ March 2, 2017Three things that have made me happy this week: waterfalls, salted caramel chocolate and artisanal Camembert cheese. If I can add a third, it’s to be travelling in great comfort 🙂
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katechiconi
/ March 2, 2017Oops, that should have read “… a fourth”
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anne54
/ March 2, 2017Thank heavens for lycra in swimming outfits, although the one in the photo looks very stylish. Three things for me? Sunshine, dinner with my Mum and starting on a painting that I should have started 2 years ago 🙂
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insearchofitall
/ March 3, 2017That crystal vase would make me nervous to have it out anywhere, It’s beautiful!!! Yes, the sag factor could be intense in the swimwear. I’m grateful I don’t have to wear it. Love the tile work especially the fireplace. I have so much to be grateful for I almost couldn’t list them on a page. Today, a friend to take a walk with and have a nice lunch after. The possibility of a new writing group, and a clean warm bed to sleep in tonight. They are collecting funds in our city for the homeless. Makes me appreciate the simple things. I have a home.
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katythenightowl
/ March 3, 2017I remember as a child having a swimsuit that grew as it got wet – it must have had wool in it’s makeup, I think 🙂
I really love those tiles, and immediately thought what wonderful crocheted afghans the patterns would make! Lol
I don’t blame you feeling speechless about the ewer – all I could think of was just how much time it must have taken to be formed – amazing! 🙂
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arlingwoman
/ March 3, 2017Pretty amazing stuff here–the suit for my gratefulness not to have to wear something like it; the tiles for their amazing colors and patterns; and that vase, goodness, for the craftsmanship and skill…
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Laurie Graves
/ March 3, 2017And perhaps we can add a fourth item to the list—museums that preserve these wonderful items so that we can take a look at the past.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ March 4, 2017Yes indeed – and free entry too at the V&A – what an amazing place.
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KerryCan
/ March 3, 2017The tiles and crystal pitcher are spectacular! The swimsuit? Um . . . I’m with you–that must’ve been dreadful to waer!
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