On the fourth floor (out of five) of the John Lewis department store there is a magical place of material, notions, knitting supplies, and all sorts of crafty things.

I was disappointed in the selection of paper supplies, but do not expect to have the time to make cards at this point, anyway.  (I know that you are breathing a sigh of relief that you will not be finding sparklies all over the place for the next three weeks.)

On another floor, I walked through the seasonal section so that I might peruse the Christmas decorations being sold to real live Londoners.  I was not surprised by anything I saw, really.  It seems that the US and the UK agree on this issue of importance.  You either pick classy or trashy–or you do one of each in two separate rooms.

Last evening, at the Roundhouse near Chalk Farm Station, Master Shortie wore out a crowd of singing, dancing fans.  I was impressed with the number of people who had already memorized every song, though MS has yet to release his first album.  When it does “drop” I am sure things are going to get really crazy.  I had a great time; there is nothing better to relieve stress than a catchy beat shared by a crowd.