More souvenirs of Lewis, this time a mug made at Borgh Pottery - perfect for my mid-morning coffee as it's just the right size, weight and feel in the hand. (Fussy? Moi?).
It is a family joke that wherever we go I seek out potteries and bring back something made in them, but then I use all these pieces and love them, and they remind me of my travels in a very meaningful way.
The mussel shells I found on the beach were so perfectly shaded in their purpley-blues and greys that a few had to find their way into my pocket, but they just go with the mug, don't you think?
Exactly! It is crucial (and, indeed, our duty!) to support local shops and crafts on the islands. I recently purchased four beautiful soup bowls and a jug in the pottery on Tiree. Conversely I met a man who boasted of only having spent £8 in 10 days whilst staying on Tiree. I did point out (most politely) that tourist income is very important.
Of course, the right mugs are vital for breakfast, coffe and tea. Isn't it obvious - why do we have to explain!
Posted by: Claire | 26 August 2009 at 10:57 AM
Lovely pictures. Now may I make a comment NOT about this post? I use that really handy google reader to read my regular blogs -- it's great as I can see every new entry as it appears. But while all the others appear in their entirity, yours always just show up the first line or two of each post. This means you have to actually open up the blog to read the entry, which slightly defeats the purpose of having it in g reader. I was wondering if this is a deliberate choice on your part? I know this isn't a major issue so forgive me if I sound unduly quibbly.
Posted by: Harriet | 26 August 2009 at 01:19 PM
I absolutely love this mug. I also enjoy owning things from places I've visited; so many good memories with each use.
Posted by: Tara | 26 August 2009 at 01:21 PM
It is deliberate, Harriet! Originally I had the whole post showing, but then I changed my mind as given the time and effort spent in getting the blog to look right - font, colour, size of text, arrangement of pictures, not to mention all the links in the sidebars - I thought it was a pity that none of that came across to anyone viewing the post in Google Reader; all you get is the 'basic product'. It's rather like inviting a friend to come and see your new house and then making them peer in through the windows to look at the interior rather than coming inside for a proper look round!
I use Reader myself but more as a quick way of discovering which blogs have new posts up rather than as a means of reading them; unless I'm in a big hurry, I'll click over to the site itself and take in the full thing as the writer meant it to be shown.
Posted by: Cornflower | 26 August 2009 at 08:45 PM
Fair enough! Of course I often click on them too but sometimes feel I need to read a bit more to decide if I want to do that -- I speak as someone in the throes of moving house so my time is pretty limited right now.
Posted by: Harriet | 27 August 2009 at 08:13 AM
I've always loved mussle shells - and the fillings actually - the mug matches the blue beautifully - may have to abandon my favourit badly chipped and cracked Boscastle Pottery mocha wear one now.
Posted by: Carol Juniper | 27 August 2009 at 04:58 PM
Claire, I am a cat of little imagination, who cares much more about the quality of what is in his saucer than what the saucer is made of. Of course I don't drink fine claret from a pottery mug, but I'd rather that than a poor wine from a beautiful Riedel glass. So please, if you can spare a few seconds, do tell me why it is "so obvious".
Let me second your plea for the support of local shops; this applies in the centre of London (where I live) as much as on Harris
Posted by: Dark Puss | 06 September 2009 at 05:05 PM