Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Pinerolo Children's Book Cottage



At the very end of a super busy month, which included a full weekend of launching my new release Snap Magic and two weeks visiting blogs for a promotional tour, I was tired and definitely in need of some 'me time' – time to reflect,  recharge, and revisit my picture book in progress. It was time for my visit to Pinerolo Children's Book Cottage.
Nestled on the edge of the historic township of Blackheath in the Blue Mts, Pinerolo was a sanctuary of creative bliss just waiting for me to explore its secrets. I was thrilled, overwhelmed with joy and very proud to have been chosen as one of the Illustrators in Residence this year.  
Pinerolo is owned and operated by Margaret Hamilton AM, a former award-winning publisher of children's books and now a picture book author herself – B is for Bedtime. I was excited to have the opportunity of being mentored by Margaret during my week's stay in the cottage. There's a lovely interview with Margaret Hamilton on the Reading Time blog of the CBCA here
My first afternoon in the cottage was spent settling in after seven hours travelling. Then I went for a walk around the extensive grounds, enjoying the mature trees and large flowering shrubs of azaleas and rhododendrons. Blackheath was holding its annual Rhododendron Festival that coming weekend – another reason I was pleased to have chosen springtime for my week's stay.
Beside the cottage a large Italian farmhouse transported me to a holiday in Tuscany and treasured memories of our time spent there with my young family.
But from the corners of my imagination Banksia men intruded, reminding me that I was in fact in Australia.
After a very comfortable sleep I had my breakfast on the little back veranda of the cottage.
And enjoyed the view.
While more children's stories and a reference to my first book Pond Magic entered my thoughts.
At the bottom of the garden a large pine (Pinerolo means Place of Pines) held counsel with a circle of magical pine stools. The perfect place for storytelling and listening.

Or perhaps just reading...











6 comments:

DimbutNice said...

Beautiful images and reflections Angela.

Angela Sunde. said...

Thanks you so much, Dimity. I have another post coming of images taken during one of my daily walks. It's such a special place.

Anonymous said...

It looks idyllic, Angela. We also stayed in Tuscany with our young family in an old farm house in Poggibonsi.Leslee Anne, Writelinks

Angela Sunde. said...

Hi Leslee Anne! Thanks for stopping by. We also stayed in Poggibonsi at a beautiful old farmhouse called Agriturismo Vernianello on the Chianti Rd. It's a very special family memory for us.

kavacık kurye said...

Çok teşekkürler, Dimity. Günlük yürüyüşlerim sırasında çekilmiş görüntülerden gelen başka bir yayınım daha var. Çok özel bir yer.

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