Thursday 23 June 2011

Midsummer Madness or Flights of Fancy

For a considerable number of years now we have entertained the idea of a Mad Boy. Indeed, in our very first post we touched on this subject. A Mad Boy we see as one of life's pleasant diversions.

Cecil Beaton's portrait of Stephen Tennant with bronze bust by Jacob Epstein

Someone who is unconventional, charming, witty and fun. A person who will share our interests, accompany us to concerts and the theatre in a delightful manner, engage in lively and stimulating conversation and, possibly, on occasion, run out and hail taxis in the rain. Not so much, we feel, to ask.

Once, back in the past which is 'another country', we thought we had our person. But, as it proved, we were bound to disappointment. Apart from a flair for flower arranging, of which we were most appreciative, he actually turned out to be rather dull, tiresome even. His untoward departure, into a somewhat murky future, left us not a little relieved.

interior of The Strand branch of Coutts photographed in the 1970s

Some time later we were in our bank. Bank staff, we find, are so very polite and courteous so that, after whatever transaction was concluded, we happened to mention that we were considering placing an advertisement in The Times newspaper for a Mad Boy. He thought this somewhat unwise and advised against it. However, he did volunteer himself which we thought so kind. Alas, he lived in Acton.

Most recently we have a friend, a Swede, who is, in every sense, a true Mad Boy.


An accomplished musician, who graduated from the Music Academy here in Budapest, he is, when his mind is free of music, which is seldom, the most engaging of companions. His ability to play Rachmaninov on his beautiful Steinway is, we assure you, perfection itself. As is his Smógásbord! But sadly, as is the case with so many young musicians, he is near impoverished. And this, taking his Hungarian wife and baby daughter with him, has precipitated a return to Sweden.

So, the search continues............as before!









176 comments:

  1. When you find him...will you clone him and give the issue to me?
    :) Good luck and I hope he appears soon for you!! Oh, and thanks, as ever, for your kind comment on my wheeled launcher :)

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  2. If you find someone, please ask if he has a brother and does the brother like hot weather?

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  3. I should like to offer my services, but sadly am I neither mad nor 'boyish'.

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  4. Elizabeth Rose Stanton:
    Of course, but so far as we know the only successful clones to date have been sheep!

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  5. Andrew:
    Why, do you have somewhere in mind?!!!!

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  6. Cro Magnon:
    The job description may well have to alter as time goes by. So may we keep you in mind?

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  7. Returning to Sweden? Then he really must be mad! Speaking as a Swede I see little future in my home country. It's on the road to hell.

    I do hope you find your mad boy, the world needs more beauty!

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  8. The part of me that floats above my own head-- leading a life quite apart from my own lovely earthbound existence on the plane from which all fiction writing issues-- is now fairly enamored of the cheeky Swede on the Steinway.

    Thank you for posting that snippet.

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  9. Hello Jane, Lance!

    If it was up to me I'd go for musician every time. If he proves dull in conversation, at least he'd be able to fill in the void with sound. :) I wish you finding yourself someone truly wonderful and enjoyable.

    Wish you a wonderful, sunny day!

    Hugs,

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  10. You are way ahead of me...such interesting times!

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  11. La Sombra Sofisticada:
    We still have over 100 of his music scores in safe keeping and so we are of the mind that a return to Budapest will be on the cards one day!

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  12. Suze:
    At least you are able to identify the part of your existence which 'floats above your own head'. For us, we fear that the real and the fictional blur more with every day which passes!

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  13. Kasia:
    Yes, you are so right. And, Rachmaninov became such a favourite......

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  14. Hostess of the humble bungalow:
    Not necessarily so at all. At times we are not at all sure where we are nor where we are going!!

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  15. I should contact Rachel Johnson of The Lady who could certainly organise a reality Tv show in which you audition and so track down your very own Stephen Tenant.

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  16. Bourbon and Pearls:
    What an absolutely splendid idea but should we, do you think, really care for the publicity? We are, after all, rather shy and retiring people!

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  17. Ana Degenaar:
    Certainly it makes for a little added interest in life!

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  18. Hmm, I cannot play the piano (but I can sing), my conversational abilities are not up to snuff especially when I am cranky and yes, I am female. Well, I guess that knocks me out of consideration doesn't it?

    That video was the highlight of what is a rather gloomy morning here in France. Such brio! Do you think that Mad Boys still exist?

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  19. Lost in Provence:
    Do Mad Boys still exist? Oh, Heather, we do hope so for think of all the fun that lies ahead. And of course, you, although not technically qualifying, MUST be, and WILL be, included in the party. Just think, together we can change the face of Arles, if not Provence.

    As soon as one is found, we shall be on that train to Avignon to share!!

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  20. Jane & Lance, I am sure you are more likely to find your "Mad Boy" when back in the UK. Unfortunately they are a dying breed, you only have to read the obituary columns in The Times to realise this........Rosemary

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  21. What a perfectly delightful proposition, should one be found to suit your taste exactly.

    For I fear that unless the Mad Boy were a perfect fit, he would, indeed, be merely a passing Fad Boy - and that would be a Tad annoying to then just have a Sad Boy.

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  22. Anonymous - Rosemary:
    We fear that what you say is probably true, Rosemary. We were very tempted with the offer of our bank person which was, as we have said, most kind, but we did feel that he perhaps needed to put his career first.

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  23. Blue Fruit:
    Such a wonderful, and very, very witty comment for which so many thanks for it has really made us laugh.

    Perhaps, finally, all the Mad Boys are destined to become sad as they pass their sell by dates!

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  24. I don't think that's one that the job centre could help with! A live-in butler-cum-minstrel-cum-walker would fit the bill; maybe don't ask Rachel Johnson as she might just send Boris ;)

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  25. Trashsparkle:
    We love it! No, better not even to try the job centre - we just might not be taken seriously! Oh, but the thought of Boris appearing on the doorstep would, indeed, be to have gone too far!

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  26. Dear Jane and Lance,
    Wouldn't you like a Mad Girl ?!! I would love the job but, alas, I don't think that my husband will spare me !! Trouble is, I think that I have all of the necessary qualifications and, I ADORE Rachmaninov.....I'm not bad at flower arranging either !!
    Keeping my fingers crossed that you find your perfect Mad Boy soon.....although, when you do, I fear that shall be a little envious of him. XXXX

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  27. its great to have a little "maddness" in life, full of passion, in a good manners of corse and a good sence of living life in its fullest.

    have a great day!

    this would be so perfect whit the "lets misbehave"- tune :) whit the movie "easy virtue" :D

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  28. I have spent my entire life trying to avoid or shed Mad Boys, and here you are advertising for one. I think trouble lies ahead for you, I am afraid to say.

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  29. Jacqueline:
    But already we have thought you would be essential to the whole scheme for he may well need to learn about interior decoration [and who better to teach style?] and all things chic. No, Jackie, you are most certainly required!

    And, by the way, we could ourselves do with knowing something about flower arranging. Any chance of a post?!!

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  30. Hello Jane and Lance,

    This is a great idea to have a mad boy. Good luck to find the perfect mad boy.

    Greetings
    Jérôme

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  31. Akissfromthepast:
    But, we have been secretly hoping that you might perhaps be available youself from time to time, even on a part time basis?!!

    Your suggestions for the music are wonderful. Let us, between us all, keep madness alive and well!

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  32. Tom Stephenson:
    You are probably so right and we should heed what is clearly sound advice.

    But, could we just have a quick glance at you reject list?!!

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  33. Maison de lin:
    Thank you so much, Jérome. Probably easier said than done!

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  34. Oh, bless! A mad boy indeed! Were I still experiencing the follies of youth I would have put my hand up as Brighton and Budapest with Jane and Lance would have been wonderful...

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  35. I don't normally watch telly but I'd make an exception for A Search for The Hattat's Mad Boy. You should email Endemol, you'd get the rights to the show and a mad boy, you can't lose.

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  36. Nicholas V:
    But none of us, dear Nicholas, is ever too old for anything. And such a sweet thought.

    But let us, for a moment, be practical and consider the cost of the air fares!

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  37. magic and drudgery:
    How very kind of you, Marie, and what a brilliant suggestion. Do you think that it could be bigger than 'Pop Idol'?

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  38. Already I am picturing the cavernous C19 apartment in Budapest as heightened mix of Brideshead Revisited and Cold Comfort Farm, with a touch of E.M. Forster added into the mix. When you find a likely looking lad, perhaps you would ask him to write a poem as the final test? Perhaps a poem about your good friend Mise, or something equally important.

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  39. "Are you mad" is a question I frequently ask my son!
    Having finished University for the summer, he is looking for something to occupy his time over the next few months. He could come and join you in Budapest, but I fear by the end of September you both will be driven, quite mad!

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  40. Mise:
    Oh, how wonderfully you put it all. And to this picture of such charm could we not add a Yeats-type figure, a latter day Lady Gregory and, of course, Coole Park [with or without the swans]?

    As you can see, we have completely warmed to the idea of the poetry writing. And you, dear Mise, whatever must be included on the selection panel at the final round of interviews.

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  41. My Spotty Pony:
    He's on! But only if he can bring Spotty with him to join us all for tea in the drawing room!

    Abby, we thought about you yesterday afternoon and do hope that you had a really wonderful time at Alnwick [with all those dukes and duchesses!]. And, we trust, no more speeding fines!

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  42. You get so many comments that it's a bit daunting to chime in, but nevertheless I submit that you, Lance, yourself, ARE the Mad Boy, and I would love for you (and Jane) to take me to the theater and fill out the rest of the evening with your wit and charm!

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  43. Paul Gervais de Bédée:
    We are more touched than we can say with your very generous and kind comment. What is more, we do believe than an evening spent in the company of you and Gil would be nothing but a delight.

    As to the Mad Boy, perhaps, once upon a long time ago.

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  44. What a delightful post! One thinks a "Mad Boy" would be most diverting and entertaining, at least initially. But, I fear that what makes them so appealing at first inevitably renders them increasingly tiresome over time. A sense of entitlement and "wanting more" creeps in, and it all ends with broken teacups, a minor Titian gone missing, and rather less in one's accounts at Coutt's than before...

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  45. I know the perfect Mad Boy for you: he roars around with clippers in hand arranging flowers, is up at all hours of the morning perfecting his home (which is filled with interesting bits and books), he is a lovely cook and a stunning conversationalist.
    But at 50 he is no longer a Boy and he has a mortgage! Still I will tell him of your need for a Mad Boy.

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  46. When one starts to live life where the "real" and the fictional blur, well, that's when life gets interesting. It sounds like a good idea, and might be very entertaining, but I've found any type of triangulated friendship difficult to maintain. Perhaps elusive dreams are best left that way. In the meantime, enjoy your search. It's good to have a passion that keeps one ever on the look-out.

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  47. Reggie Darling:
    This has to be, surely, the most perfect comment to a post ever. We love it. So clever, so witty and, alas, so true.

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  48. DaniBP:
    How wonderful all of this sounds. Flowers everywhere, sparkling conversation and excellent food all have a very great appeal.

    Age is not for us a barrier, but the mortgage could prove to be a little bit of an obstacle! Would he be available for interview? Expenses would, of course, be met!!

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  49. Teresa Evangeline:
    Oh dear, Teresa, we fear that what you write here is so near to the truth and bears out the saying that it is better to travel hopefully than to arrive. Like Mary, we shall ponder these things in our heart(s).

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  50. Hello,

    I agreaa this must be easier said than done!

    Greetings
    Jérôme

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  51. Maison de lin [again]:
    You are right. But the whole thing makes for a little fun. We hope that you are enjoying a good Thursday. Here it is very hot, 33C!

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  52. Oh what a lovely post, Jane and Lance...I am still chuckling. Dare I say it? - I've written a limerick:

    There once was a pair of Hattatts,
    and a boy on a horse, with cravats.
    They startled us all,
    and left us in thrall,
    living vividly, never ersatz.

    Faisal.

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  53. Gardener in the Distance:
    Oh, Faisal, this has absolutely made our day. We love it, and have laughed so much.

    If you do not mind, then we should love to place it in our side bar with, of course, a correct acknowledgement. It may take a little while to do as we are slow with the technology!! Thank you so much.

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  54. Boyish? Yes. Mad? Of course. I have three candidates for you: me, myself and I. That second one being particularly talented at tinkling the ivories....more Chopsticks anyone?

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  55. That does sound so charming. I hope you find your Mad Boy soon as I'd love to hear what adventures you get up to.

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  56. Lance & Jane, top of the morning to you.

    You have wound us up today! "Mad Boy wanted by the Hattatts- Live in/out" I feel you will be on an ever-ending pursuit of this boy as he dashes tither and fro in his elusive fashion. He has the permanence of a gypsy, three days will be his maximum stay and he will move on. He will return and as Reggie Darling mentioned his demands will increase with each new visit.He will soon become "chippy" like the current furniture trend and sadly we will see the post heading
    "Mad Boy -Free to Good Home - the Hattatts"

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  57. WE:
    We are spoiled for choice. You, you, or you! Now which shall it be? We think, on balance, we shall plump for you, as you do seem to have a fine eye, even though it tends to wander, for an antique. And, dear WE, knowing you as we do, we shall place you immediately onto the short list - no preliminary interviews required in your case.

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  58. Dear Jane / Lance,

    What a wonderfully thought provoking post you have offered us and how delighted my little voyeur within was to read the comments.

    But I must point out one of the prerequisites for a good Mad Boy that has been overlooked is the ability to un-cork a bottle of champagne with grace and ending with a final flourish with an ever so slightest of “whispers” as the cork is freed from the bottle.

    Hmm, were do I send my application? - G

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  59. DearHelenHartman:
    How very foolish of us to have reached this stage without doing the sensible thing, seeking the advice and wisdom of our favourite, and America's best known, agony aunt. And what, dear Helen Hartman, would you advise?

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  60. Helen Tilston:
    Dear Helen, this is so wonderful!

    But you and Reggie are right, it could so easily end in tears, most likely ours in this case, before bedtime.

    But, putting that aside, may we talk business for a moment? Would you be prepared to be on stand by, for, as you have said, we probably only have three days, in readiness to paint the definitive portrait as a keepsake of what by then will be the near erstwhile Mad Boy? The sitting can, of course, be on the balcony, to comply with your plein-air work!!

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  61. Gary:
    We are clapping our hands in joy at your wonderful comment. But, you are right, how could we have forgotten the champagne?

    Now, Gary, can you do it? If yes, then you're right there in the final round. Forget the preliminaries, consider it almost in the bag! Or, more aptly, and to avoid too many metaphors, get out the ice bucket!

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  62. Dear Jane & Lance - most job descriptions make our eyes glaze over within the first sentence, but your "Mad Boy" advert is so charming we feel sure you will be swamped with applicants. Wishing you the best from Oakland, CA!

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  63. Dear Jane and Lane,
    the limerick's all yours - Faisal.

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  64. It sounds as though you're wanting to hire a very young Oscar wilde, which in turn sounds exhausting! It would be so much more fun to hire someone unformed and tame, and turn them Wilde.

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  65. Goose Vintage:
    Thank you so much, Bill and Leo, and if we become too overwhelmed we shall pass on the applications for you to give them that quick once over which, we are sure, will sort out the sheep from the goats or, at the very least, isolate the opportunists!

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  66. Gardener in the Distance [again]:
    Thank you so much, Faisal. It is now in place on the sidebar just below Elizabeth's lovely drawing which she did specially for us after reading our post, 'When the Last All Clear is Sounded'. We shall treasure your limerick.

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  67. Mark D. Ruffner:
    You are right, Mark, a much less tiring road to go down. And one, if nurtured, could lead to Oscars all round.

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  68. Dear Jane and Lance ( again, again ),
    you're such a scream...I'd say your Mad Boy ought to be out there looking for YOU.
    Faisal.

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  69. Isn't is disgusting that some talents (such as a mind-boggling Rachmaninov) are frequently under-rewarded, while some other talents (such as kicking a ball around and feigning injury) are so ostentatiously reimbursed?

    May I suggest you loiter around the box office at The Royal Opera House in search of your Mad Boy? I used to work there. It's positively overflowing with talented, charming gentlemen (and ladies of course) whom I know for a fact, are more than capable of delicately uncorking a bottle of champagne.

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  70. Gardener in the Distance [again]:
    Faisal, thank you! It has already given us so much pleasure and will continue so to do.

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  71. Eleni:
    We agree absolutely with what you say here. It is, indeed, one of the depressing facts of life today to observe what the majority of the populace chooses to value and what, to their great detriment, they wholeheartedly ignore. If there is no vision, the people perish. How close we appear to be coming to that.

    Rest assured, we shall not be seeking our Mad Boy either inside or outside of the new Emirates Stadium off the Holloway Road.

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  72. Lance and Jane Good Afternoon.
    I am bursting with joy at the prospect of such a commission. I see the completed painting: Title: Mad Boy Back Lit on a Brighton Balcony, Oil on Linen painted in situ.

    I can hear "Mise" say go on, continue and include me in the poem
    I will now hand it over to "The Gardner In the Distance" to complete the wording.
    Such fun
    Helen

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  73. Helen Tilston [again]:
    And we too are overjoyed. No, we are beyond overjoyed, beyond ecstatic even. But, perhaps you should hold fire on mixing the paints just yet until we have tracked down said Boy!!!

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  74. If only George Clooney was available. He certainly would make a wonderful Mad Boy.

    I never heard that expression but so like the idea.

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  75. Starting over...:
    Well, GC is hardly a boy, but in his case, should he care to volunteer, we should certainly make an exception!

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  76. Hi Lance and Jane, NOW I know what I want (need) for Christmas.......a Mad Boy. He must be handy to fix things around my home, and not adverse to gardening and pulling weeds. :)
    xo (P.S. Oh and a real techie too)

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  77. Barbara F:
    Now we realise how foolish we have been all these years as we have never thought to include 'Mad Boy' in our letter to Santa. Well, if we have no luck by the beginning of December, we shall rectify this past omission and add extra mince pies and sherry as an incentive!!

    We are not sure, Barbara, how adept a Mad Boy would be at all those practical activities which you list, our brief experience, would suggest that such skills would not be strengths. However, a 'techie' we should think is a distinct possibility as even 4 year olds are computer wizards these days!

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  78. If your search is in vain, you might try the newest trend amongst wealthy American housewives - the pocket gay. While perhaps not so sophisticated as the mad boy, they share some of his traits.

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  79. Dear Jane and Lance,

    I must admit, I never heard of the term 'mad boy' before. It does sound interesting. It must be nice to have someone to accompany you, share your interests with and even introduce you to new things. What I am wondering about...why does it have to be a boy or a man? There are many interesting ladies around!

    Your post made me realise that I am lucky enough to be acquainted with one or two mad boys myself :-)! I hope you will find yours too.

    Have a lovely evening!

    Madelief x

    What a beautiful concerto by the way!

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  80. Sounds interesting....

    But I think your idea has pasted. You need to be in a 1930 or 40's English novel where a educated posh is home from where ever, war or Africa and ends up living with you.

    cheers, parsnip

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  81. Chris J:
    Now that is a term which we had not heard before!

    Certainly the many gay friends who we have, both in Hungary and in the UK, are amongst the most creative, talented and intelligent of all the people who we know. They continue to enrich our lives.

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  82. Starting over......[again]:
    Now that we totally endorse!

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  83. Madelief:
    'Mad Boy' was a term coined by the English aristocrat, Lord Berners, for the youthful Robert Heber-Percy. And, indeed, as you say, there is no reason at all why it should not be a 'Mad Girl'.

    But from what we know of your own enchanted life, we can well imagine that you are constantly surrounded by young, intelligent and interesting people, whether girls or boys, mad or otherwise.

    You too have a lovely evening.

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  84. angryparsnip:
    You know how it is, sometimes a life played out in a pre-war novel does seem to have a particular appeal. And this is no more so than when, as you are experiencing, life can be very harsh and unremitting.

    We do so hope that the fires are now more under control.

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  85. This is a sad topic for me. I'm going to make a post about it too. I knew a Mad Boy when I was at college. It turns out that a Mad Boy has to remain a Boy and never grow up. He has to have the Peter Pan syndrome.

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  86. When you find him do you think we could do a time share? The occasional presence of a Mad Boy would be such fun.

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  87. Olga:
    We are so sorry that this post brings back sad memories for you. It is often the case with some young people that they have difficulty in accepting responsibility not only for their own actions but how also they affect other people. This can make for problems where relationships are concerned.

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  88. Niall and Antoinette:
    A time share is a brilliant idea since we are already of the opinion that a full-time Mad Boy might prove to be a little too demanding.

    We are delighted to welcome you as followers.

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  89. Is there an upper age limit on Mad Boys?

    I wonder what the qualitfications required are, or maybe they fluctuate with time and need.

    Oh all the wonders I am filled with. Good luck in the search.

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  90. Jason:
    No, dear Jason, no upper age limit.Probably, once a Mad Boy, always a Mad Boy!

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  91. Hmm - wonder if Rupert Everett is available, shall I give him a call?

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  92. I must agree with Olga - Mad Boys do tend to trail heartache in their wake. I once had one of my very own or rather, shared him with a dear friend. We were a very happy and precious (in only the way the young can be) trio for several years, but in the end we were both sadly deceived by our MB. After endless idyllic afternoons lounging around Oxford or flitting around London, we three were cast out of paradise (also known as finishing graduate school). We dispersed to far flung cities. and after that, our MB simply vanished. Nary a word for over a decade now. Sigh. He was such fun while it lasted but clearly unreliable.

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  93. 92 bloody comments
    HOW DO YOPU DO IT!
    GREAT POST
    X

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  94. Dear Jane and Lance, love your charming mad boy post...your quest is definitely not and easy one but not am impossible one either...It might take a bit of time and patience - which to me is what any worthy quest deserves - it's going to be all worth it in the end.
    Good luck!
    Claudia xo

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  95. Dear oh dear...I believe a time machine is in order here....but if one can't be found, I think Cro would make a wonderful present day runner-up!
    Brilliant Swede...such a joy to listen to, how is he not rich and famous?!
    xo J~

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  96. Oh, many years ago, we had a Mad Boy named Sebastian .. He and I would giggle and comment on things ( from shopping to comments on people in the street) , he was quite an expert on Ballet and knew many of the dancers in NY, he was not bad at shopping either ..
    He was one of the first of my husbands friends that I met, all those years ago, he remained our friend until he died.
    There has never been another Mad Boy since ~

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  97. I would have thought there were hundreds, if not thousands, of "mad boys" buzzing about. I strongly suggest going back to the bank for more intense browsing.

    How funny that my word verification is "merriero!"

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  98. Lulu LaBonne:
    Now that would be particularly delicious. We first came to know of him many years ago, possibly in the 1980s, in 'Another Country'.

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  99. Mommy en France:
    The sad tale you tell does, as you clearly do, have to be put down to just one of life's experiences. Great fun, we are sure, whilst it lasted, but most likely doomed from the start. But at least, for that brief time, you enjoyed the company of someone intelligent and cultured; not always the case!

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  100. John Gray:
    Thank you. We are always so thrilled when people are kind enough to leave a comment in addition to reading a post.

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  101. Claudia Lane:
    This is so very generous of you. As you say, the search is never easy to find the 'right' thing, and you must be very conscious of this in your particular business. But the adage, seek and ye will find', usually works out in the end whether to do with interior design, in your case, or a Mad Boy in ours!

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  102. 24 Corners:
    We should hesitate to call Cro mad, or indeed anything approaching it, but he is certainly one of life's individuals, a character who, even if not with us, continues to charm and entertain us daily with his writing.

    Apart from for the very few, there is, it would appear, no money in music, and even less in classical.

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  103. aBroad:
    Sebastian sounds to have been absolutely charming and what fun you clearly had together. Such friendships, which do not materialise readily, are all the more valuable for that. You, and your husband, must miss him greatly.

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  104. smilla4blogs:
    Indeed there may be, but it is always a question of finding the right Mad Boy from the many who, as you say, are out there.

    Perhaps we should not so easily have refused the offer of the bank employee. Doubtless by now he is, in all probability, running Coutts or something similar.

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  105. He could even be in the higher echelons of the Bank of England or the IMF!

    Thank you Jane and Lance, as always a really interesting read.

    Keep 'em coming..........

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  106. GaynorB;
    Now you may well be right. Perhaps we have missed out on a golden opportunity, a once in a lifetime's cahnce. Head of the IMF. Now that would be something....!

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  107. wishing all the best in your serch : )

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  108. Demie:
    Thank you so much. We shall be sure to keep you updated!!

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  109. What a lovely idea, a mad boy has just moved in here, but alas he has lots of fur and four legs, getting tickets for the theatre may be beyond him, but, hailing a taxi in the rain sounds just up his street.

    I hope that you are lucky in your search, individuality seems to be driven out these days, but I can see from your wonderful blog it is still alive and ticking if you look for it.

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  110. I'm no expert but I bet that both Brighton and Budapest are quite full of potential candidates! Happy to pop over for a few days to vet the potential lads for you. Good luck!

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  111. Oh my, head of the IMF, not THAT made me laugh, you two!

    Just a tiny other thought: with all due respect to Gary, I would think to be truly "Mad" one would rather need to be experienced in the art of sabrage instead of whispering, no?

    Wishing you both a lovely weekend!

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  112. Susan T:
    Ah, yes, but your 'Mad Boy' looks to be absolutely adorable and we certainly fell in love with him in the picture you show on one of your older posts of his sitting, looking doe-eyed, on the polished floor!

    And thank you, Susan, for the generosity of your comment and for becoming a Follower. Through this we are delighted to have found and followed you.

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  113. Craig:
    What a spledid idea to have you, and we hope Clive too, to vet the candidates for us. But, tell us truthfully, can you be trusted not to keep the best for yourselves?

    Have a happy weekend.

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  114. Lost in Provence [again]:
    Now, Heather, is this really such a good idea? Let him loose with a sabre and first the champagne, wonderful, but, secondly, it could well be, in a fit of extreme madness, our heads!

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  115. Well if you should find this perfect mad boy, do ask if he has a relative just like himself and ask if he is interested in living in America!!
    Though they often are culture hounds and live eat and beath all things having to do with art, music and culture they can also be finicky and fickle, not have easy temperaments and often are free spirits.
    Good luck in the serach:)

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  116. I have never heard this term before but I have four boys here who are very good at making me "Mad" when they set their minds to it! Good things come to those who wait! I am sure he is out there somewhere!

    A happy weekend to you both,
    Stephie x

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  117. The enchanted home:
    Not much persuading should be necessaary as the young of Europe, in particular, yearn to live in America so we shall probably not even broach the subject for fear of losing our own Mad Boy immediately, let alone any relatives he may have!!

    But, you are absolutely right about potential fickleness; we should all tread with care!

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  118. StephieB:
    But the answer is staring us in the face! We are quite happy to wait until your boys are grown up and then, as we see it, they can job share!!

    Happy weekend - and don't let them drive you mad!

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  119. Hello, Jane and Lance, you have done it again. I had just about resigned myself to a lifetime of wanting to be the two of you and now you have upped it to three. Damn.

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  120. wellfedfred:
    That is both witty and generous of you and, we assure you, much appreciated particularly in the light of all those wonderful restaurants which punctuate your days.

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  121. I have often entertained the idea of a beautiful boy but never a mad one.

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  122. Dear Jane and Lance,

    You do make me chuckle. On first reading your post I had visions of the required Mad Boy as being, in the Byronic sense 'mad, bad and dangerous to know'! However your Swedish friend appears to be a loving husband and father and not at all Byronic apart from his dark, handsome good looks!

    Stephen Tennant was indeed the ultimate Mad Boy and so OF his time. Hopefully your Mad Boy is out there somewhere ... and the search must be such fun:-)))

    Jeanne
    x

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  123. Share my garden:
    As in most things, we tend to go over the top.....beautiful, talented, witty, polite,charming,,,,and mad, of course! We hope to find it all!!

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  124. Cottage Garden:
    Oh yes, we feel that you have hit the nail on the head here. If only we can sort out exactly what kind of Mad Boy we are looking for, then we might stand a chance of securing him. However, perhaps by the very nature of Mad Boys, requirements will change as the mood takes. Goodness, perhaps we need a battalion of Mad Boys to cover all eventualities!!

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  125. I fear that I shall hear more of this over the air waves via the Rachel & Boris duo waving placards.

    'Mad Hattatts seek Mad boy to help them with some mad expeditions,board,keep & small remuneration in exchange.'

    Think Midsummer madness abounds! Ida

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  126. Ooo! Can't wait to hear all about it.

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  127. Ida:
    We are beginning to think that the exclusive media rights will be worth a bob or two, so to speak. How do you fancy being our agent, Ida?

    All that is needed is a keen eye for a Mad Boy and an ability to sort out time wasters and the insane. Are you free? We think that we need all the help we can get!!

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  128. M Pax:
    Do not worry, the whole thing will 'go viral' on the internet within minutes of the Mad Boy being found!!

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  129. "Alas, he lived in Acton".

    Brighton should prove a very good hunting ground for your requirements, don't you think? I once knew of a mad boy, Christopher was his name, he lived in London, spoke several languages fluently, adored himself and various other people, but turned out to favour idleness above all things.

    Dear Christopher, I wonder what became of him.

    Dear Jane and Lance, I do so adore your unshakeable
    determination to remain at least one century behind the sordid present.

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  130. Friko:
    Well, we did think that Brighton would prove to be very fruitful where Mad Boys were cncerned. However, although plenty of people appear to be mad and certainly look to be mad, no-one has yet lived up to our demanding expectations. Perhaps we shall have to 'lower the bar' so to speak!

    Dear Christopher, we are fond of him already and only idleness as a negative trait. Please, dear Friko, search through your address books so that he may be found!!

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  131. What a fascinating idea, although I wonder if it may also be a little dangerous to go searching for such a person. For whatever reason, such brilliance of character is often married with a volatile temperament - there are certainly plenty of examples in the art world. Good luck with your search!! It would be wonderful if you were to find such a friend!

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  132. Louise:
    Yours is the voice of reason to which we should heed. Indeed you echo the words of Reggie Darling [above] that these things can so often go wrong.

    Our closest encounter with a Mad Boy turned out in such a way when he proved to be rather undesirable in so many ways. Enough said here!

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  133. what a great idea!...my husband works away from home and a mad boy would be the perfect companion for me...actually, i find a good dog is far less trouble than people....

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  134. mermaid gallery:
    Now you have planted the seed of a new idea - a dog. Far easier, most likely to deal with, and something on hand to snap at the heels of the Mad Boy if, and when, he caused trouble.

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  135. As we say in the Congo, mad boys and elephants go out in the midday sun.

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  136. Gorilla Bananas:
    In that case, both should be tanned.

    ReplyDelete
  137. Good morning, my dear Jane and Lance! Thank you for the compliment you posted to my blog last night on 'Trois.' Unfortunately, entire post was removed due to some very odd diatribes being thrown in my general direction with no source. Ah, spam.

    Have a beautiful weekend, and yes, indeed those double yellow lines would be quite striking on a minimalist background!

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  138. Suze:
    That you should have this experience is, sadly, a reflection of some aspects of society today.

    We NEVER publish anything which is anonymous, nor anything where the source is not openly verifiable, nor anything which purports to come from somewhere which it does not. Occasionally we have admitted a 'made up' name but this is only to allow us to make a reply which indicates to the sender that we know the source of the comment.

    Our 'high tech' friends are wizards, rather like you, but in their case with the sitemeter.

    Have a lovely evening.

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  139. My dear Jane and Lance,

    I am, indeed, a Wizard, but a silly-hearted one at that. I do not require approval for posting, as you well know, and part of the reason is quite childlike-- I love waking up in the morning to see a bevy of comments while I have slept posted to the blog.

    An interesting question-- do we indulge in the simple things which give us pleasure at the expense of keeping up the guardrail or is it the other way around?

    I have been much beaten and broken-hearted in my day, as have we all. But I take too much pleasure in hope, simplicity of heart, serendipity and the belief in the fundamental goodness at the foundation of existence to allow anything dark and untoward rob me of the light. Which, between you and me, I think is far more powerful.

    Incidentally, my real wizarding powers lie in taking apart the human heart, therein resides the most elegant and praiseworthy program.

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  140. Thanks for your kind comment on my blog, hope I'll be back soon.
    Dona

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  141. Suze:
    We love your approach to life and would never wish for you to change. We are heartened by your positive approach to all things, even those which, as you say, have a dark side. And, we applaud your spirit to continue to enjoy the freedom of what you do in spite of any forces to the contrary. As long as it all continues to give you pleasure, then it is good.

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  142. Dona:
    Thank you. We always enjoy your posts and shall look forward to your return.

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  143. I must admit I have never heard of a mad man till now but I agree with everyone it would make a facinating fly on the wall...

    I hadn't thought about taking orders for the 'cafe' sign but I'm sure I could make another if anybody was interested x

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  144. the fishermans cottage:
    Alas, Deborah, we now feel that so many people have taken to the idea, that Mad Boys are now going to be so much in demand that they will be even more elusive than they are at present!

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  145. Oh gosh .... you don't need a mad boy ... you just need me to take you out to some interesting places .... definitely including a concert by the Berliner Philharmonic and a play at the 'Other Place' in Stratford. And maybe we could add to that with a book club specialising in Timothy Mo.

    And the coup d'etat? A trip to Skegness! The reason being that there is no better way of appreciating finery than experiencing vulgarity.

    Who knows, you might even enjoy Skegness!

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  146. Annie [Lady M]:
    Well, Annie, it has to be said that we cannot imagine to be with you that a single hour, let alone an entire day, would pass by without some delightful and hugely amusing happening in which your undoubted wit [take intelligence as read, of course] would be to the fore. The 'Other Place' we well remember from the days of our mis-spent youth, and afterwards at the Dirty Duck! And the Berliner Philharmonic, yes please.

    But we do have to insist that the line is drawn at Skegness!

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  147. thank you for your thoughtful comment......I could do with a mad boy right now....or any boy!!

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  148. Young at Heart:
    You probably would not be saying that if you had one - they always need feeding!

    Your post was so very moving and we are so sorry.

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  149. Hi Jane and Lance, see what you have started.... Mad Boy Mania! Shame about your Swedish friend, he even looks a little like your 'Mad Boy ' painting. I am a bit mad, I watched your video in silence as someone has turned down the volume on the computer and I don't know how to turn it up, but it was truly fascinating watching the sheer speed of his fingers. I shall return when I have sound. Hope you are both feeling fine and dandy? Love Linda x

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  150. Flowers on my table:
    Well, Linda, you know what they say...Mad Boys come and Mad Boys go one just has to be philosophical about it all!! Still, better that than they arrive like proverbial buses all at once....now that would be tricky to handle!!!

    Hope that you are all well too and enjoying your Sunday evening.

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  151. Jane and Lance, Madness Maybe, Flights of Fancy Indeed,
    The thought is intriguing, to have your own Mad Boy or Girl. Fun, absolutely. I would apply, but alas I am full time here in America with home and faimly. Oh, but what a wonderful idea for some lucky chap.

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  152. Emily:
    We really do think that you would make the most delightful of candidates but, alas, as you say, the Atlantic divides us and there is the no small matter of your family. They, rightly, might be less keen on the idea.

    We do hope that you are able to get your blog problem sorted before too long and without too much difficulty.

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  153. Fabulous!

    For who in their right mind would go forth without said Mad Boy?
    Reminds me a bit of some of the iconic characters in the latest Woody Allen flick.
    May his trip back to Sweden be sweet at least.
    Cheers, Alcira

    nerochronicles.com

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  154. Alcira Molina-Ali:
    Well, we certainly have no wish to sally forth without said Mad Boy but, at present, he is proving rather tricky to track down. We don't suppose that you came by any on your recent travels?

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  155. Brilliant idea. One of my sons might be perfect for you in a few years. Can I just say how much I love your posts (and by extension, you)? So witty, charming, erudite and inspiring. Thank you!

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  156. Jen of Country Weekend:
    You are always so very, very kind. Thank you so much for these very flattering words which, we assure you, we shall treasure.

    Now, about your son. First we have to wait a few years and then...... this makes us wonder just what Mad Boy traits he is already showing. We are suitably afraid!!!

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  157. I have returned, with sound and listened to your 'cheeky' Swedish friend play...absolutely wonderful, what a tremendous talent he has. So sad that he is not paid what he is worth! Much love, Linda x

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  158. flowers on my table:
    Rachmaninov is one of our all time favourite composers and with so much music in Budapest we are never short of a concert to go to. Last Friday we were at three!! Long story, but all absolutely excellent.

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  159. I've had as much enjoyment reading the comments as the post; such fun!

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  160. Thistle Cove Farm:
    We could not agree more about the comments. People have indeed entered fully into the spirit of the whole post. We have laughed so much at so many of the very funny and witty things said.

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  161. I have never heard the term Mad Boy but I love it! What a concept - best of luck. I feel my son would be perfect for the job. I'll check with him -

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  162. TCFO:
    At the end of the day, it is no more than a jolly piece of fun. We are quite certain that your son would be a wonderful companion to have about - and we are equally sure that he is totally sane!

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  163. Would you like to have an Asian Mad Boy that speaks perfect English? He is an actor, singer-songwriter and a vocalist in a rock band. He loves acting and singing and music is in his blood. Entertaining his audience is his passion. He is young, carefree, unconventional, witty and funny and often comes with wierd ideas. He is my son, would you like him to apply for the job?

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  164. Quay Po Cooks:
    What a wonderful suggestion. Your son sounds absolutely ideal and would, of course, which we should so much welcome, bring with him the experience of a different culture which would enable our horizons to be further expanded. And how joyful that would be. Does he also share your love and skill of cooking? We should rather hope so!

    Alas, it is only the whole continent of Europe, and probably some oceans too, which separate us!!

    Thank you so much for your comment. Have a very happy weekend.

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  165. Dear Jane and Lance, good luck with finding your perfect Mad Boy. Keep us posted! xx

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  166. Christina@Fashion's Most Wanted:
    Please keep a look out for us at your most interesting parties!!

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  167. Thanks for stopping by, it's always great to meet knew people.After reading through your blog all i can say is WOW!! You sound like "The most interesting couple in the world". I also need a "Mad Boy". I'm surrounded by dull lifeless people.I feel i might be assimilating. I'll keep checking back to see what your up to.

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  168. cconz:
    How really spirited of you to say all of this but we are, we assure you, just plain, simple, down to earth, Mr. and Mrs. Average. You know the kind - chips and peas with everything, hand knitted cardigans, slippers, wash the car on Sundays, love game shows, do the lottery, turn out for the Queen....nothing special really!

    AS for the Mad Boy, as soon as we find ours we'll put him on to looking for one for you.

    Whatever, we are delighted to welcome you here and do hope that we shall see you again.

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  169. Dear Jane & Lance. Oh this post was delightful and has my mind daydreaming already.

    Funny enough, I was thinking of returning home to London in April, when the opportunity to go to art college appeared out of the blue. However, I had been thinking of putting an advert in The Lady as I believe I would make a wonderful Lady's Companion. I would be quite content living in Knightsbridge, or Chelsea and running out to buy gin, the paper, watercress, vintage port or whatever my employer would need.

    I am very knowledgeable on a variety of subjects (and mistress of none) but I have been told I make a very good Pink Gin. I have been told I have no need to kiss the Blarney Stone here in Cork, as I am never short of something to say!

    Do you think if I advertised myself as a Mad Girl it would give the wrong impression to some dear lady?

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  170. Dolly:
    We absolutely love this and have laughed so much at your description here. And why not a 'Mad Girl'? And why not Knightsbridge or Chelsea with, of course, the odd very expensive cruise thrown in for good measure during the winter months? And if, when art college is over, and your advertisement in The Lady secures you this highly paid, perfect position, perhaps you could, on the odd occasion whilst mixing those Pink Gins, obtain us an introduction to some of your employer's friends who may care to have a 'Mad Couple'.

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  171. Actually I was hoping we would winter in my beloved Italia. I speak Italian from my time living there, so I could translate for the Old Dear. I wouldn't need to be highly paid, as an art student in my garret I am used to living on a budget. I figure bed and board with a small bit of spending money would be sufficient :)

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  172. Dolly:
    Oh, a much better thought. Both because we love Italy [why are we not living there?] and because we absolutely despise cruises [total prejudice never having been on one].

    But over the salary - aim high! The Old Dear will, of course, be able to afford to pay well but then you, in turn, must think about a very comfortable retirement at some point in the future when you will be free to travel at will and collect wonderfully expensive art books, amongst others.

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  173. Dear Hattats, thank you for the financial advice. You are absolutely right, I am a bit too easy going when it comes to saving for a rainy old age. I shall aim higher I promise you.

    Should you like to hear more about pink gins, you may like to have a look at: http://wallartbydolly.blogspot.com/2011/01/call-me-bond-dolly-bond.html
    before it disappears from the blogging landscape.

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  174. Dolly [again]:
    Always, in our view, sensible [but how dull is that?!!] to think of the future which may as well be comfortable as opposed to being spent in penury.

    And what work you have given us: London photographic exhibitions, Kenwood House and now Pink Gin. How busy Google will be this afternoon!

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