Hello my lovely tutu-wearing friends! Pink Tutu Sparkles here, ready to spill the tea on another incredible adventure, this time all the way up in Scotland! It feels like a lifetime ago, but it was just a few days back that I found myself bouncing about the station in Chesterfield, clutching my suitcase, a hot pink handbag, and a matching pink polka dot tea cosy (because, you never know when you'll need to keep a pot of Earl Grey hot, darlings!). It was my trusty old pal, Thomas the Tank Engine, who would be taking me on this journey of glittering excitement.
My heart, as always, was bursting with anticipation. I absolutely adore trains! The rhythmic chugging of the wheels, the gentle sway of the carriage, the sheer drama of the landscape flitting past my window – all of it speaks to my dramatic soul! And let me tell you, my little pink heart did a little dance when I saw that I had a compartment all to myself! A chance to dress up for the journey, let the creative juices flow, and start crafting my "Pink Tutu in the Scottish Highlands" Instagram look, no less!
It was all silk and glitter, of course. The train journey allowed me to create my masterpiece – a symphony of shimmery pink, pastel purples and shimmering silver, capped with a fabulous sequined tiara and the signature Pink Tutu Sparkles pink tulle masterpiece, naturally. It’s like being a human disco ball! I’m pretty sure the entire carriage could see my reflection in my tiara’s diamond! I am truly the "Sparkles" in Pink Tutu Sparkles, darling.
You see, dear reader, travel for Pink Tutu Sparkles isn’t just about the destination, it’s the journey itself. Every single stop, every fleeting glimpse of the passing world, every wave I exchange with the kind souls on the platform - it’s all part of the magic, darling! And in true Pink Tutu fashion, my journey took an even more fantastical twist – a trip on the Royal Scot steam train! Talk about living my best life!
You’ll have to forgive my exclamations, but even seasoned traveller like myself is still awe-struck when she finds herself sitting amongst Victorian elegance, inhaling the earthy scent of coal smoke, and watching the countryside unfold in the soft morning light. My dear reader, it was a picture out of a storybook! Imagine a pastel-hued landscape of rolling green hills dotted with charming towns, all watched over by the dramatic grey peaks of the Scottish Highlands. This, my loves, was a moment I’ll forever treasure in the vault of my memories!
My dear, how did my trusty sidekick, Thomas the Tank Engine, take me to Airdrie? It wouldn’t be an authentic Pink Tutu adventure without some more than whimsical travel, now would it? Enter: The Magnificent Four-Hooved Fairy Horse!
Yes, you read that right, my dear reader! Now, you may be thinking, "How did Pink Tutu find herself on the back of a horse?" Well, darling, you know I’m not a girl for conventional transportation, even when I’m off-duty! But, sometimes life has a habit of throwing unexpected (and perfectly pink!) adventures your way.
As fate would have it, my gracious hosts in Airdrie (a sweet little couple called Maggie and Alistair - the best people you’ll ever meet! And absolutely smitten with Pink Tutu Sparkles! ), had a pair of the most beautiful, gentle horses. "A quick ride out on the moor," Alistair insisted. And how could I refuse such an enchanting invitation, my lovely reader?
So, dressed in a fresh, airy tulle skirt in a delightful lavender shade (paired with a hot pink sash, of course), I found myself atop "Rosy", a majestic chestnut with the sweetest soul you’ll ever encounter. Imagine a scene of majestic serenity - the sound of hooves striking the peaty earth, the air redolent with the scent of wildflowers and pine, and the vista of emerald hills unfurling in the gentle Scottish breeze, all of it painted in shades of shimmering light! Truly, it was pure magic!
Oh, dear reader! This is when things took another turn! We went for a trot along a narrow pathway bordering a lush field teeming with happy, fluffy sheep! The air hummed with their “baa”ing, the gentle grazing of their mouths. You could hear the crisp sound of the meadow grass breaking under their hooves. I simply couldn’t resist reaching out to stroke a particularly fluffy fellow, and even more serendipitously, Maggie arrived, in hand, with an adorable lamb, “Floofy" (her name really!), a fluffy creature with the softest coat. I felt an overwhelming love for her. Maggie tells me she’s about a month old! And, you’re probably not surprised by this dear reader, that I instantly formed an affinity with Floofy - my love of cute creatures is as big as the cosmos! I couldn’t resist, my darling. It wasn’t too long before Floofy was nestled right in my tulle skirt, a beautiful symphony of lavender and white wool. This, of course, sent me into a whirling dervish of delight and twirling! Imagine, me, a sparkly tutu adorned, dancing amongst the sheep. It was quite the show. Maggie said I could see it in Floofy’s little eyes! Floofy, if you're reading this darling, just remember Pink Tutu Sparkles loves you very much. You are a fabulous companion. You can be the real "sparkle" in Pink Tutu Sparkles, now that's a concept, right?! I don't even have to dance anymore. Aww…
However, no true adventure can be without a little mishap. You may find this a little embarrassing dear reader but it is the Pink Tutu way. While trotting up a steep hill, my trusty "Rosy" gave a little jump. A gentle, little buck to shake things up, and let’s just say it was a “shake” that shook things up, and that included me, my skirt and… a little pink feathered fascinator (a bit of Parisian glam to add that je ne sais quoi, my darlings!)
The little fascinator, of course, did its best rendition of a flight performance, landing right atop the “baa"ing Floofy’s fluffy back! My poor Floofy! This is where I had to pull myself together. One thing my mama always told me: ”Alex, no matter the situation always present yourself well. Always wear pink, but keep it neat!”. My darling! I must always maintain my poise and composure as the "Pink Tutu Sparkles". That doesn't mean I shouldn't giggle uncontrollably, though! And so we were, Maggie and I, laughing, as I scooped up the offending item, before continuing our gentle horseback ramble! I am quite proud of the whole event, but especially the gentle “Rosy". The little girl who lived in the mountains was certainly my kind of gal! And the fact she knew her stuff with horses is not to be underestimated! A true adventure partner and confidant - what more could a Pink Tutu Sparkles wish for!
But as every adventure comes to an end, I eventually waved farewell to "Rosy", with a little teardrop, a little twirl and a flurry of pink feathers, and a huge thank you to Maggie and Alistair for giving me this most incredible experience. You really need to visit their farm sometime, darling! Maggie was just the best host and even took the time to show me how she makes her amazing homemade strawberry jam – an essential ingredient in their delicious breakfast pastries. We then settled into a hearty afternoon meal. A glorious mountain of smoked salmon sandwiches with lots of yummy creamy avocado and dill, with all the classic Scottish delights! We even had haggis – although my dear, that is a delicacy best savored by those with a rather bold palate! But, don't worry darling, Pink Tutu knows how to "dress" any meal! Just ask my stylist – we even add a little sprinkle of glitter to everything for good measure!
So, here we are at the end of another magical chapter. A journey filled with pink tutus, sheep, and enough adventure to fill a hundred lifetimes! And it’s with a contented sigh and a bright pink smile that I close this blog, and wish you all a "Sparkles and tutus!" filled day! Next stop, Dublin! That's right darlings, Pink Tutu is taking on Dublin! This will be truly remarkable. The beautiful city. The iconic emerald shamrock - what will I find there. Stay tuned.
Until next time, my darlings. Remember: wear a tutu, embrace the magic and always stay sparkly!
