The rose bush in our courtyard is blooming. Its buds are black as night and open on to the most beautiful blood red petals. I have spent the day trying to take my mind off of the health of the Prince’s Mother, and also our dear family dog Sian, as both are close to leaving us.

I can not say it was a pleasant day, obviously the weight of these concerns is too heavy to be thrown off by idle frivolty. However, I did watch a film called Russian Ark, it is a very interesting look at Russian History shot rather abstract in one continous frame. I reccomend it. I also recieved some beautiful oils from Black Pheonix Alchemy Lab, I have Alice, Marie, Maiden, Poison Apple, Titania and Antique lace. They all smell so good I can not choose a favourite but Poison Apple is the most interesting and Antique Lace the sweetest. I shall wear Titania to my party and smell like wild peaches.