She's Leaving Home...

Best quote of last night, amid much laughter and dancing: "You should leave more often!" Oh, Tessa...

First then: my heartfelt thanks to the ever-fabulous Perrys for their outstanding hospitality last night. It was a gorgeous send-off. We met in Jacobs Bar, headed over to Bushes, and made our way up the hill from Algiers to Caseys (bolstered by the Fabulous Baking Lady's double espresso and cappuccino cupcakes - thank you Sarah). Obviously there weren't enough establishments en route, and prosecco appeared from a home along the way (thank you, Petra). And then to the Glebe.

I'm certain that I can't do justice to the myriad elements: the Glebe courtyard by candlelight, delicious food, DJ Dev keeping us on the floor for the night... Sharon Rose's serious skirt action; John M holding court by the bar; Allie revising so many lyrics "Cheveley's off to London... Big Mistake..."; Paula leading us in a reprise of All the Single Ladies; me reuniting with the Shakespeare ladies for one last moment together in the garden; and throughout the night, friends old and new dropping in to chat, and dance, and laugh.

And cry a little.

Thank to everyone for the support and cards and advice and gifts and good wishes - and super-special thanks to Tom G for all the help with the move - but most of all, and most simply, thank you for sharing last night, and so many other soulful and sparkling and treasured days and nights. I found more than I ever dreamed of in this precious community, and to paraphrase e e cummings, I will carry your heart with me.

Onwards.