Queen of Wands

With the traditional black cat as bodyguard (we still need to do a little bit of work on him - just some tweaking). A lot going on - and the rain pouring down all the time. It feels like working in an aquarium. The river is rising alarmingly but everyone says it is okay as they have done something to the dams upstream and so we can't get floods again. I hope this is right and not just wishful thinking. Anyway, a lot done today including picking up our new stamp for the outside of the parcels. It is beautiful. I will try to scan it and show it. We will have an awful lot of mailing to do when the deck comes out so I want the parcels to be decorated this time. Other things. I have had another meeting with the guy writing our picture book. This time we had a dummy to talk around and I'm getting convinced he will do a great job. Okay, it's a small amount of words but they need to be funny and witty and sweet and edgy all at the same time - we don't ask much! Oh - and I want to take a trip to Transylvania. But much travelling coming up so will it be possible for us to fit that in too? Back to our beautiful queen. Oh - more news first though. We finally got permission to use the fabulous photos of Mr Svacek, the photographer who specialises in Cesky Krumlov. Nice man too - we will work more with him. It means we have these fantastic photos of the Baroque theatre - This theatre was closed (due to changes in theatrical fashion) in the late 18th century - they simply shut the door with everything still there, incredible but absolutely true - so when it was reopened in mid 20th century it was like a time-capsule. It is one of the most thrilling places I have ever been. We also have photos of the MAD Baroque Masquerade Hall and the Magical Hall of Mirrors (if a woman looks in the mirror there she will never age by a day BUT... there is a snag (of course)) Whoops - I'm rambling. Okay - first the Queen in the Baroque Theatre: