Justine Picardie

@justinepicardie

Writer; author of 6 books, including “Coco Chanel: the Legend & the Life” @harpercollinsuk ; “Miss Dior: A Story of Courage & Couture” @faberbooks
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Greetings from the Old Rectory, where we are preparing for the arrival of guests for Easter - so Philip is tackling his domestic duties (restocking the grog tray and making the bed). Meanwhile, I’m baking cakes: a fresh gingerbread (the recipe is from “How to be a Domestic Goddess” by @nigellalawson ); and an orange and almond cake (a recipe using whole oranges by Claudia Roden). And now I’m also juggling our supper with the cakes: linguine plus fresh lemon juice, creme fraiche, parsley and smoked salmon. Eek! Must drain the pasta and check the oven… Updates to follow shortly!
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6 hours ago
Greetings from the Old Rectory, where calm has been restored to the household, and I’m lying on the sofa with a gin & tonic, after a day of writing, interspersed by walks with Juno. As you can see, I’ve got a new book to recommend - “All The Rage” by Virginia Nicholson, which is a thought-provoking survey of the changing face of beauty, examining a century of history that saw women’s bodies becoming a battleground for emancipation. I was particularly intrigued by the author’s insightful analysis of Virginia Woolf - who happens to have been her great aunt - and Woolf’s long essay, “Three Guineas”. So much interesting material to think about here (bravo, @vncourthouse ). In other, more domestic matters, I’m making plans for the garden - this year’s snowdrops were magnificent, but I think the daffodils will need to be divided and replaced in the autumn, as they’re not quite as good as in previous springs (perhaps it’s the very wet winter that’s slowed them down?). We had a beautiful sunset this evening- and I’m already looking forward to longer evenings, after the clocks go forward this weekend. Anyway, I must rouse myself from the sofa, and finish cooking our supper: lamb cutlets with rosemary gravy, roast potatoes and spinach. And then we’re going to start watching “The Gentlemen”, having finished the excellent second season of “Kin” last night. Thanks for all the viewing suggestions - and I’ll report back tomorrow evening on how we get on with this new series. Until then, I’m sending warm wishes on this chilly evening, and waving from the Waveney Valley…
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1 day ago
Greetings from the Old Rectory, where calm has now been restored after the full moon moods, and Philip is introducing Juno to the genius of Willie Nelson singing “Highwayman”. Needless to say, after a difficult day, there are savoury snacks (egg-flavoured crisps from @patatasfritastorres ) and an aperitif (a measure of Lillet served on ice with tonic water and a slice of orange zest). Meanwhile, we’ve also had several restorative walks with Juno, in between writing (me) and attending to community matters (Philip). And now I’m cooking our supper - spaghetti with crispy bacon, broccoli, parsley, peas and grated cheese - and then we’re going to continue watching “Kin” on the BBC. It’s a Dublin version of “The Sopranos” - the vicissitudes of a dysfunctional crime family - and very watchable, in a bracingly bleak sort of way. So quite good viewing, if you like that kind of thing (which we do). Anyway, I must go and stir the pasta and grate the cheese - but I’m raising my glass to you and yours. Cheers, m’dears!
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2 days ago
Greetings from the Old Rectory, where I’ve been feeling a little unsettled today - I don’t know whether this is because of last night’s full moon or the lunar eclipse in the early hours of the morning, or maybe it’s something else entirely? Anyway, I’m still following my usual domestic routine: writing, gardening, walking with Juno, and now cooking a beef casserole (simmered slowly with carrots, onions and celery, a handful of fresh herbs, and an accompaniment of brown rice). Philip is out this evening - he’s a stalwart chair of the parish council - but will be back in time for a late supper; and Juno is snoozing in the kitchen beside me. It’s always such a comfort to have the company of a beloved dog, and I’m truly glad of her reassuring presence tonight. She seems unperturbed by any lunar activity, though she did just run off into the furthest, darkest corner of the garden, and only returned when I shouted her name loudly, and she came padding back with an extremely ancient ball… Anyway, despite the fact that it’s a Monday, which really should be teetotal, I may have to make myself a small gin and tonic. I’d love to know how everyone else is feeling today; here’s hoping you’re all okay, and I’m sending good wishes, and waving from the Waveney Valley.
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3 days ago
Greetings from the Old Rectory, where there’s been a cold east wind blowing today, but Juno has found her favourite spots to warm up in the sunshine: in our bedroom, or on the first floor landing, which gives her the added benefit of being able to keep an eye on proceedings from her vantage point. Meanwhile, I’ve had a peaceful day of writing, walking and gardening, and now I’m cooking our supper (steak with sautéed potatoes, courgettes and spinach). A full moon is rising above the trees in the darkness, and I know there’s going to be a lunar eclipse just before dawn; so if I’m wakeful (as is sometimes the case at the time of a full moon), then I might venture outside to see if it’s visible. But until then, I’m going to curl up with my beloveds; and as always, I’m sending warm wishes, and waving from the Waveney Valley…
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4 days ago
Greetings from the Old Rectory, where we’ve had hail and sunshine today; fortunately, the tulips and fritillaries have withstood the downpours, as has the spring blossom, and Juno is happy to be outside whatever the weather. I’ve been doing some gardening, accompanied by Juno, and we also went for a walk together in the afternoon, and were lucky to see a hare racing across the meadow. Afterwards, we had tea and toasted crumpets (with butter and marmite for Philip and peanut butter for me). Then I did a little more pottering in the garden; and now I’m cooking our supper (sausages with onion gravy, mashed potatoes and peas). As I get older, I find more and more comfort in these gentle quotidian rhythms of home; particularly in a world when the news is a constant maelstrom of disaster, dread and damnation. It’s not that I don’t follow the daily news - I do, on BBC Radio 4 (and I’ve had some troubling nightmares in the dark hours as a consequence) - but I have learnt to remind myself of Mary Oliver’s wise words: “Joy is not made to be a crumb”. And when I see the hares running in the dappled light, and the finches flying over the hawthorn hedgerows - well, these are joyous creatures, and I give thanks for such blessings…
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5 days ago
Greetings from the Old Rectory, where we’re gathering at the grog tray for Friday evening cocktails, and Philip is recommending a Cocchi Americano on ice with a sliver of orange zest. Juno is rather sleepy, having accompanied me on a long walk this afternoon - where she encountered stiles for the first time, and needed encouragement in tackling them. It reminded me how young she still is - just seven months - which I sometimes forget, as she’s grown so fast. Anyway, she thoroughly enjoyed discovering an unfamiliar footpath, and I was cheered by the chorus of spring birdsong and scented froth of blackthorn blossom covering the hedgerows… Meanwhile, I’ve also been writing today, and wrestling with my new book; I’m at that stage where it feels as if I’ve got a long, steep hill to climb, and I’m not entirely sure of the exact direction, but relying on instinct and intuition to guide me. It’s after writing stints such as these that I really enjoy cooking: a chance to use my hands instead of my head. So tonight I’m making roast chicken with fresh thyme and a lemony gravy, plus roast potatoes and spinach. And as always, we’re raising our glasses to you and yours. Cheers, m’dears!
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6 days ago
Greetings from the Old Rectory, where Philip is serenading Juno in the drawing room, and they’re enjoying some savoury snacks together, although my husband’s idiosyncratic evening tipple (vermouth, ginger ale and a slice of lemon) is strictly for himself. Meanwhile, I’m cooking our supper - macaroni cheese with a mustardy sauce, plus spinach and broccoli stirred into the baking dish while it bubbles in the oven. Then we’re going to try to decide what to watch, having given up on “The Gone” (Philip fell asleep in the second episode), ditto “Palme Royale” (great cast, looks fabulous, but a disappointing script). Alternatively, Philip could continue singing his way through “High Society”; which never fails to be cheering. And as always, I’m sending my warmest wishes, and waving from the Waveney Valley…
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7 days ago
Greetings from the Old Rectory, where I’ve been baking and writing and gardening today (a quiet yet enjoyable way to celebrate the long awaited spring equinox). Our village has a fortnightly gathering, where we take turns to cook lunch for the older members of the community, and today I made a marmalade pudding cake - a delectably zesty recipe that is one of my favourites, by the great @nigellalawson (and you can find it on her website). I’ve also been out for several walks with Juno, and admiring the bridal froth of blackthorn blossom in the hedgerows, and listening to the chorus of birdsong. Now I’m back in the kitchen again, making our supper: lamb cutlets with rosemary and red wine gravy, roast potatoes and broccoli. So Juno is looking very hopeful indeed… Meanwhile, Philip has poured himself a glass of Byrrh with what he claims to be a smidge of rye whiskey - “for medicinal purposes” - and he’s playing the soundtrack from “High Society”. As he says, what more could we ask for? Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, and some “shimmering sharps and flats”. Cheers, m’dears!
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8 days ago
Greetings from the Old Rectory, where I’ve been admiring the new paperback edition of “Destination Fabulous” by my friend @annagmurphy - a joyful book with a wonderful new cover that really captures the beauty and brilliance of Anna. I’ve also just started reading “Caledonian Road” by @andrewohaganauthor - a writer whose work always inspires me, and who has a rare gift for both fiction and nonfiction. This is his new novel, and I’m already beguiled by the brio of the opening sentences: “Tall and sharp at fifty-two, Campbell Flynn was a tinderbox in a Savile Row suit, a man who believed his childhood was so far behind him that all its threats had vanished. He had secrets and troubles, yet out of the cab window St Paul’s was shining on Ludgate Hill and the angels of London were on his side.” In other, more mundane matters, I’m cooking spaghetti bolognese for our supper, and feeling very happy to be home. Philip has chosen the perfect music for the evening - Mozart’s clarinet concerto - and Juno is sleeping peacefully beside me, though she will leap up as soon as supper is served. In fact, her nostrils are already twitching as she dreams…
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9 days ago
Greetings from @coworthpark where I’ve been doing a talk about Coco Chanel for a very expert audience - of Chanel executives from around the world. We’ve had such an interesting series of conversations - and I’ve also had time to explore the beautiful gardens here, which feature an extraordinary collection of rhododendrons and magnolias. Anyway, I’m now joining the Chanel team for a drink, so I must quickly reapply a little lipstick, and gather my thoughts. As always, I’ll be back here again tomorrow, and sending good wishes to everyone… Au revoir, mes amies…
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10 days ago
Greetings from the Old Rectory, where the magnolia tree is looking magnificent, and has thus far remained untouched by frost (although I don’t want to tempt the weather gods). We’ve had a peaceful day here: I’ve been gardening, accompanied by Juno (who miraculously didn’t dig any unpopular holes), and then we had toasted cheese and tomato sandwiches, with lots of cups of tea. Afterwards I fell asleep on the sofa while reading, until Juno woke me up by licking my face; and then listened to the Archers (there is a new Robert Snell, I note). And now I’m cooking our supper: roast chicken with fresh herbs and lemon juice, broccoli and roast potatoes. We’re also debating what to watch this evening, having seen American Fiction last night, which I highly recommend; it’s fully deserving of its various award nominations. All suggestions gratefully received - but we’ve already watched this year’s Oscar winners and runners-up, and the popular TV series (eg Slow Horses, Criminal Record, Succession, The Crown, Lupin, Mr Bates vs The Post Office). Hmmmm - maybe I need to return to a good book? I’ve just finished Christopher Isherwood’s Berlin stories, which are brilliant…
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11 days ago