Hello!

I forgot to tell you I saw a "band" called Crazy Girl at the Ghetto Club in
Soho on Thursday....Her theme song was shouting "Cocaine Talk Cocaine talk, Can't get enough of that Cocaine talk!" She was horrific and laughable...made me really appreciate the fine quality of bands I've been involved with! Anyways....So on Friday we all piled into Rodge's convertable and drove first to Bristol, then to Poolebridge campsite in Exmoor at the Devon and Somerset border, way up in the hills. This was unbelievable...like nothing I have ever seen before! The air was exquisite, I have never seen so much green and untouched territory. When we got to camp there was already the Vining family there (Pam, Andy, and their adorable 6 year old son Louis) We set up camp in a private, tucked away field in a tunnel of greenery, next to a lovely flowing river. The next day before everyone else arrived we all walked (and walked and walked) up steep hills to the top of the moor, where you felt like you were above the clouds and level with the sun. Sheep grazing, open hilly fields as far as the eye can see! Returning to camp we found a whole group of people had joined us, putting the party up to 12. About 30 years ago this group would do 'summer camps' for weeks in an area we revisited (the last time they were there there was trouble with the 'legality' of the whole thing...) That place was breath-takingly beautiful! It was obvious no one had been back there since and for the first time I understood the notion of an enchanted forest, it was it's own universe, cathedral inspiring, moss 12 inches deep....outstanding really. Saturday night it rained. (I had laid down for a nap and woke up with it pouring) dinner got made, we kept warm under the 'wiki-up'....heard a lot of hilarious stories that had me and the seventeen year old son of a camper looking at each other like "And they think our generation is crazy!" It was an inspiringly good time! We decamped late Sunday and went to Bristol where one of Norman's best friends Lizzie Melling made us a home cooked meal, baths, and we slept like babies in a real beds! That evening though we walked all around Bristol, which is a gorgeous, funky town. Based around a lock, there was a boat show this weekend so we got to see a lot of ships etc. I could definitely see how people love to live there. Yesterday we drove back through Salisbury, where I have been before on my own...gorgeous countryside. After dinner last night I slept for about 14 hours! Tomorrow we are moving to a flat on Montague square for 3 weeks....not sure what is going to happen tomorrow (it's my 24th birthday!) I think we are having dinner at the Groucho club which will be very nice! I'm going to load all my pics to a photobucket site so you can all look at them....I hope these aren't boring entries! I'm having a great time, but I do get waves of missing my friends so much! xx

going camping!

It's actually sunny, so keep your fingers crossed! Last night I went to a terrific party/fashion show, hosted by my friend Charlie Meyer. Our friend Sophie was there too, and it was fantastic to see them! They are so lovely! ....And I got to meet Alan, who was so cool and down to earth...I am even more impressed with him after meeting him. Turns out we were neighbors on both 7th street and 10th in NY too. Well, we are off. Not sure the next time I can get online. Hope everyone is well and wishing you a fabulous weekend! xx

My nickname....

I got a nickname now, and people are now introducing me as Virginia Slim, or Slim for short! Haha! I have to say, it's catchy! So it looks like I'm not going to the "summer camp" until Friday now. Thursday night we have been invited to a masquarade ball being thrown by a friend of mine for 4 fashion designers....Alan Cummings will be there, who knows ME, but I've never met him! (I did have his autographed picture hanging above my bed for many years though! I guess you could call me a fan!) So that's exciting for me! Been going to this park everyday, exercising, playing with this gorgeous dog, and tonight to a 'Crazy Girls" show, and tonight might be the night I meet Norman's sister (whose birthday is next week along with mine!)

Impressions

I haven't been abroad since 2003 when I did a stint at Oxford. At the time I was very studious and didn't spend much time sightseeing. I did see Stonehenge, which was brilliant, and a lot of good theatre. Being here in London now, socializing and observing, there is a lot to take in. A lot more differences than I had initially seen. As similar as it appears, I very much feel like an American abroad! We are staying in a lovely English house in an adorable urban nieghborhood. The smell here is very pure and clean, the lavender and jasmine are potent. Kids playing in the street. There is the loveliest, public, manicured park around the way, I'm not sure I have even seen one quite like it. Gorgeous flower beds, a community cafe with tons of kids and everyone knows each other, fields, an aviary, and a view that overlooks the city that is just breath-taking. Last night I had my first piece of fish since I got here. I can't remember the last time I've eaten meat so many times in a row! I've been out socializing in different circles and it seems to me, especially in more 'mature' crowds, that smoking and drinking are just something you start doing when you wake up in the morning until you go to sleep at night....with many cups of tea inbetween. People have been really kind to me, for the most part. I'm a little anxious to hang in out a slightly younger crowd, just to see how cool they really are ;) ....tomorrow night I am going out with my friend, Emma, to see a performance artist, and hopefully I will get to meet up with a friend from highschool. Yesterday, when it rained I really missed being able to call or text my friends, but I am writing a lot, exercising, reading, and really enjoying my time here. Meeting lots of interesting people as well. America has a increasing bad reputation and our current politcs are common jokes. I've been asked several times, "Do Americans have any idea how the world currently sees you?" It's been something I've been reflecting on a lot...

Beginning of Adventure!

So I flew into London after a few lovely days with friends in the NY countryside and driving through scary monsoon-like showers to arrive at the airport. The first two nights we stayed at The Chelsea Arts Club, a very sweet members-only club where I learned a thing or two about keeping up with the English! The first night I performed King Kong and at the part when I do this head slap action, I forgot I had a huge ring on, and now I have a bruise on my forehead! The following night my friend Emma Summerton, the photographer, came in to have dinner with me, Norman, 3 of Norm's best mates, and her friend who just got back from 2 years in Shanghai (she loves it there and can't wait to return). I was requested to perform again and got a standing ovation, then we all went to The Groucho Club. Jude Law was there and we smiled and locked eyes a few times! He is not the worst looking man I've ever seen! The following day I went into this terribly trendy, expensive store on King's Road and found an adorable shirt with none other but The Chelsea Hotel picture on it! Of course I bought it, and that night had a very rich, fattening English meal! We are staying with guitar player/film-maker Roger Pomphrey, and watched his latest film "Who the
F*@% is Pete Doherty?" It was a very well made film, I was extremely impressed! (the subject matter was a little grim, they all come across completely strung out and their talent never lived up to their egos if you ask me) but the film was great! Yesterday I finally did some laundry and repacked. My computer is having major issues and I still need to finish sorting my blackberry out (hopefully today). Went to a BBQ last night, it was lovely, except for this woman who somehow, accidently throw a glass of champagne in my eye...it still sort of stings! The man who is playing Othello at the Globe with Norman's brother in law Tim McInerey was their, along with about 15 "documentary film makers." So, apparently I was in The New York Times Sunday paper yesterday, the City section in an article NYTimes.com: Love Letters to a Dowager of a Muse
Date: 22 Jul 2007
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/22/nyregion/thecity/22chel.html?ex=1185768000&en=cc6950599315990d&ei=5070&emc=eta1
Today I hope to sort out my phone and computer. There is a "Camp" being planned for this next weekend in the countryside of Summerset! Roger has a lovely collie dog Luca, who has become my constant companion! It's chillier here than I expected, but I am enjoying myself very much! More later...xxx