Well hello my lovelies. It is I, Frances. I was ever so delighted when a few of you suggested yesterday that it would be lovely to know a little more about me. I heartily agree.
So with my dear Ms CurlyPops away on her great adventure I thought I would share my story.
It's a wonderful story, I'm sure you'll agree, and goes back a good long way. Way back to the wee land of Scotland where I spent my years as a young lass.
I come from a long line of talented and passionate craftspeople. Our family has a history that goes back many generations. We are known for our work throughout the land, including resident staff positions for the royal family. My father was a tailor's assistant and my mother a designer and fine dressmaker.
In my early 20's I was blessed with an opportunity to move to Paris and begin my own career in the fashion industry. I worked with many of the great Parisian design houses and it was a time of great joy in my life. I learned so much, met amazing people and attended wonderful parties and events.
I met my first love Jean Paul in my first year in Paris. It was love at first sight and within weeks we were ensconced in a magnificent apartment filled with fine furnishings in the most luxurious array of colours and textures. As it is with love that starts with an inexplicable burning passion our flame petered out and we went our separate ways.
It was then, in my third year in Paris, that I met the great love of my life. Antoinette was a shining light in a dark world. A seamstress beyond compare, she made couture unlike the world has ever seen. We had a wonderful life together, filled with warmth and laughter and love.
My darling Antoinette was lost to me in a tragic accident, of which I cannot bare to speak. It is enough to say that for many years I was left completely bereft.
I had to make a break, seek out a fresh start in a brave new world. I bought myself a one way passage to Australia and sought work as an assistant with a kind tailor. Marco took me in, and I worked by his side until he retired in early 2009.
And that is how I came to live with my dear Ms CurlyPops. I placed an ad in the local paper looking for a live-in assistant's role and found myself in the colourful and creative home of everyone's favourite crafty soul.
These days I'm living a much quieter life, which suits me just fine. I just love to work with Ms CurlyPops. She's always coming up with amazing new ideas and stunning, colourful, bright, happy creations. I can't imagine a better way to spend my late years.
With Ms CurlyPops away on the great adventure I've been keeping the house running, taking care of my household companions and dreaming up all sorts of sewing projects. I can't wait to talk to my mistress when she gets home.
Do come home soon my dear Ms CurlyPops. We miss you.