Photo Highlights.

Just some of the nice things I've been up to in the last couple of months. I really enjoyed the Summer holidays- not just because I was able to get away, but because we filled the other days with nice things. It was a good precedent to set, as it seems I've had the energy and luck to carry on with little treats and days out into the Autumn. We're just off out to town to have a peruse around the shops and a little bit of lunch. Hope you're enjoying your time off if you have any!

1: a trip on a little steam train. It took us to the pebbly seaside where we had a picnic and flew our kite.
2: A Venetian Fete. One of the winning carnival floats that we watched parade along the canal.
3: Jimi Hendrix, the homemade kite. The children bought the things they needed from the local shop with their Grandad, and spent a morning creating our flying machine.
4: Little Guy has his face painted at our day out with the Pirates.
5: Pretty coastal views.
6: Our Duck Tour in London. It was fantastic.
7:  A squirrel in St. James Park, London.
8: Mini P's Paddington Bear 3rd Birthday Party
9: My beautiful Missy Pickle, meeting a Mermaid.

xxx

Holiday, Part 2: Ibiza.

This was the indulgent part, after the music and camping at Cambridge in late July. I was persuaded by friends and family who were probably very fed up of me wearily dragging my problems about, and looking grey, to go abroad on a sunny package holiday. I did it! And it was just what I needed.

We went to Santa Eulalia, which is said to be a little overlooked, as people think that all of Ibiza is in the same mode. It was very nice! All cosy and warm and very very lovely. We never even heard a DJ or passed a club. Elvis and Tom Jones impersonators galore though! Lots of clear blue skies and deep blue seas, and we saw fish and lizards and cats and dogs. Everything was simple. And there was the choice of a lounge on the beach, or by the pool, or a little stroll to the marina, up through the hills or around the town. We didn't sit around too much, and just took it all in. I think I did let my guard down, and remembered how to relax- bliss.

The best part would be very hard to pin down, but I really enjoyed the off-road-rambles, and keeping to no particular timetable. The worst part is simpler to decide: my reaction to the pressure on the plane. I did have a piercing toothache, on the return journey from my last aeroplane-holiday when I was 16. Ouchy, but I assumed I'd been unlucky that time. Hmmm. It turns out that I am not a happy flyer, and was quite nervous for the whole experience. It didn't help that my body reacted again! This time I had terrible pressure behind my left eye socket.  (And the eye itself remained a little smaller than usual for the rest of the break! Attractive. Fully recovered now though.) Happily I was okay coming home again, so my unpleasant experiences remain at 50% for my flying journeys. But then so do my happier ones. Note to self: you have sinus issues!

 The view from the balcony.

It was lovely to laze about, and read my Agatha Christie novels, and be in my fella's company without having to try hard at anything. Quietness is ok, and so are late evenings talking lots about all sorts, and joint-effort-crosswords, and snuggly siestas.
We two seem to share an inclination to 'people-watch'. Does anybody else? I can't help myself! We saw some interesting characters. And this harmless little occupation kept us going during the 8 hours that we sat around the airport, waiting for our plane to be signed as 'safe' after engine work. Eye Spy soon petered out. Not a problem- we devised secret codes for when we saw a 'Typical Brit Abroad', or someone who looked like they had a name beginning with a particular given letter. We wondered what the people in the MacDonalds queue would order, and we took great delight in observing what fashionable people were wearing. We saw a lot of young ladies with high buns, so obviously we had to discreetly hum the Bod tune to each other to sound the alert...

Here Comes Aunt Flo.

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This was a one-off-holiday really, but I feel very lucky to have been able to have a proper break. Lets think calm blue colours and keep those stress levels under control this time.


xxx

Holiday, Part 1: Cambridge Folk Festival.

I love live music of all kinds, but I have a special little place for folk. It somehow makes me react in a happy way, every time. Thats what its all about, surely. I studied folk as often as possible during my degree and A Level, when there was free rein to prepare your own projects, and even where there wasn't but the essay title could be interpreted towards it! I soon became obsessed with the collection of it, by classical composers, (Vaughan Williams and Bela Bartok are the main ones) and how these 'songs of the people' (a middle class observation if ever I heard one... but true enough) spoke for the land from which they came, and became integral to their physical work (think sailors and shanties, and spirituals in America). Fascinating, rich stuff.
Events and day tickets to folk festivals were one of the highlights of my holidays when I was little. My Uncle is an avid fan, and he always seemed to be just back from, or just off-to somewhere. I used to love the names: Chippenham, Cropredy, Sidmouth (I remember going to this one with him). His bedroom at my Grandparent's house was full of LPs and tapes, and he would get in trouble for playing it all too loudly. I loved the diversity, and the energy of it all, and I really liked the atmosphere to the gigs I went to. It was time, this year, to return to the scene!

You know the wonderful thing about folk lovers, is that they are friendly, and laid back, and smiley. One of the performers remarked in a Sky Arts interview that I saw, that this was possibly the only festival where the crowd maintained their manners enough to stay within the white lines. So that transfers to the kinda people you end up striking up a conversation with, or camping next to. All of the staff were lovely too, and the main site was fab- there was a main stage, and two secondary ones (one for local bands and workshops) and just a 5 minute walk from all the billed stuff was a beautiful huge pond, and in a smallish tent was a little intimate venue where you could feel part of amazing busking-type stuff that you'd never come across. I was called The Den, and it was a lovely teepee, complete with living room features on stage, and rugs and cushions on the floor.

The Den

 Stage 2- Fiddle Workshop. This was early on in the festival- most people 

didn't arrive till the weekend. None of the site was this empty again!

 The Spooky Men's Chorale. As bizarre as it their name, but quite entertaining.

And the program was brilliant. I watched, amazed, as new acts were announced on the website, having conversations with said Uncle about all the things that he wanted me to see on his behalf, and looking everybody up on youtube. Traditional folky stuff galore, with some mainstream greats too, and acts you've probably heard of, on Jools Holland, and thought you might come across again, and recent successes in the folk arena who have managed to get mainstream recognition. Just a small taster:

The Secret Sisters,

Chris Wood,

Bellowhead, (Spiers and Boden also performed as a duo- fantastic!)

Kate Rusby,

Richard Thompson,

Saltfishforty,

Pentangle,

Peatbog Faeries,

Rumer,

Mary Chapin Carpenter,

Laura Marling,

Port Isaac's Fisherman's Friends.

Whoa! I think I saw all of those, or remained nearby with a Greek salad and an Old Rosie, so that I could diligently say to my Uncle that I'd 'heard them', even if it wasn't something that could drag me away from a well deserved and well-queued-for meal. So this is an interesting thing- the elements of traditional 'folk' up against more household names. The hardcore folkies who have been going for years (and they all tell me that this is something I will really want to return to), have quite a bit to choose from, and those who just want it all (um, like me) have all of the above, and the new unsigned or newly signed performers to dip into.

 lovely flags at our colourful campsite

The performance tent at our site- open mics each evening. We camped away from 

the main festival and took a short bus ride in each day. It was nice to be able to retreat a little from it all, but the idea of staying on the main site is very appealing.

Then there were the announcements on the bill that made me jump up and down. So inspirational and wonderful was their music on CD and on Radio 1s Live Lounge (an avid fan here, of that programme), that I couldn't wait to get there. I also felt the need to get to these gigs 90 minutes early or so, so that I could find a space near the stage: Frank Turner and Newton Faulkner were the headliners.

Folk? Actually, not strictly... but there is something about this type of singer-songwriter, and story teller, that has firm roots in a folky idea- strong rhythms, personal feelings and stories, stuff that communicates so well, and is original sounding. Frank Turner (who is flibbing fantastic), has a new (beautiful) album out to promote, and is described as more of a punk-folk performer, but he was there for all of the above reasons, and he looked humbled by our reception. He was almost apologetic in interview, concerned about the reaction he might get from people who had come to see folk, and he sang his unaccompanied song to try and get some votes, and even had a guy on a recorder for us, but he was great. We went to the festival with my fella's sister, and two of her work colleagues, one of whom was in his 60s, and 'here for the banjos and Morris Dancers'. He thought Frank was superb.

Newton Faulkner is a feat of multi-tasking, and every single part of him is about the music-making. He has mastered a particular style of rhythmic guitar playing which includes drumming on the side of the instrument, with hammer-ons, harmonics and regular melodic and chordal playing. Its much funner to listen to than the clnical description sounds! His hit single 'Dream Catch Me'  may be familiar, and it is hauntingly beautiful, but its only half of what he can do. I haven't included links so far- I highly reccomend you check Mr Frank, Laura Marling, and the Fishermen out, but you must listen to this:

I'm a bit of a fan, and there was a signing tent where I got my programme, and my Fella got his 

guitar signed. Other musicians were there too, but the queues were long, and you ended up missing 

great music standing there, so Newton's was the only one we collected. 

We were lucky enough to go to a guitar workshop with him, which was  informal and relaxed, and not heaving to begin with, so we had the pleasure of being able to sit near the stage. A big part of this festival is giving people a chance to see or become involved. (Its a fantastic place for children- willow weaving, flower garland making, traditional story telling, and so it goes on...) We stumbled upon a fiddle workshop too, but I was too much of a chicken to take my violin. I will next year... I think! Anywhoo, we all sat there, struck a little dum by all that we were seeing. Its not the sort of skills you can grab in a day or a few weeks, but its just really interesting to be given a tour of his guitar and set-up, and shown what happens where and how to put it together. He tunes his strings very differently to the traditional way, which is an interesting idea, and gives an insight into just how much thought and prep goes into his style. And he's hillarious! So at ease with a crowd, and spontaneous and fun. What a nice guy.

We went to a vocal workshop with the Fishermen too- fantastic! You may have come across this traditional Cornish singing group- the BBC did a programme recently, with that Gareth chap from The Choir, investigating shanties, and they were featured. I think they have commercials and bits in the offing too. Good on them. They're highly entertaining- fantastic banter, wonderful accents, ofcourse (made me miss my Cornish relatives, although I do still see my dad regularly... but you know what I mean...) and beautiful harmonies and performances. Their album is good, Little Guy loves it, but you lose a little tiny 10% of something in the recorded article- they're just superb live, with minimal accompaniament , and if you ever get a chance to go to Port Isaac, I do believe they have carried on their tradition of singing by the sea on a Friday evening, for the locals. I know of a lovely fellow blogger who may have been to one of their performances on their home turf recently- we'll have to see what she says about it!

Port Isaac's Fishermen's Friends.

Oh, its been so lovely to sit and reminisce, and go through my photos once more. It really is the type of festival you'd want to return to, especially if there is somebody on the bill you need to see, (Stornaway and Joan Armatrading have previously played) because its a great venue.

Willow-sculptures: chinese lanterns decorating the camp.

Street artists. We saw a few of these- you couldn't escape. Best to move along 

otherwise they approached you! A beautiful fox in the background.

Returning to my little ones and their cousin, who they were staying with. I came bearing gifts! 

Little Miss L is modelling her new watch, Little Guy has his bumblebee sun hat, and Pickle Missy, as she is the eldest,  is sporting the folk festival essential- a flower garland.

And the camping? I survived- hurrah!  The weather was very kind to us, and the camp-showers have been updated from the ones I was told about- no solar power for us! Just regular over-used get-them-while-they're-hot ones that can sustain a lovely temperature when they are largely un-used in the mid-afternoon. Oh I must just post these links, if you get a chance, and you like your traditional folk,  The Willows and Feis Rois Musicians were my favourite little discoveries of the weekend.


xxx

Full of the joys of... Summer.

This muggy weather has suddenly given way, as they promised, to beautiful bright rays of sun. (And its lovely out there). It feels as though that is the pattern for my personal life just recently too. I feel like there has been a period of grey heaviness, much as I was able to wade through it with a half-smile, and now...well, I feel like this:

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Don't you just love this image? Thats me!

The timing of my good mood is odd, because I received another Brown Envelope of Doom the other day, (this sort of depressing brand of communication is quite regular, and it always seems to contain news that gives me a bit of a shock). Its hard. I was just finding my feet, setting goals, and now I'm a bit lost again. But it doesn't seem to have dampened the mood, because lots of good stuff has been happening recently.

Take a look at my Happy List:

Sports Day.
I was a little bit emotional- it was another Mummy Milestone, being my first. Pickle Missy did me proud. Highlights? Bouncing off in the spacehopper race before the headteacher blew the whistle, and being lifted up to the basketball hoop, to have a fairer chance (given her size!) of getting a ball through it. She also finished in last place for the little race she competed in, chiefly because she was trying to keep her sunhat on.

A visit from the parentals.
The children were too tired to do much, but mum and dad were in good spirits, and it was nice to have the adult conversation, and to see the bond between them, and their grandchildren.

Moving On.
After a period of lethargy, I am motivated, and after periods of disorganization, my house and mind feel tidier. I've had a good sort-out, and I've given myself little tasks to tackle in my free time. I'm also making the effort to veg in a constructive way- reading, or making things, or working on my Thirty list.

New readers.
I got a little mention, and a LOVELY write-up, here. I was really overwhelmed, and came across the link in my stats. They made me feel like I had something relevant to say, and although its a shame that that post isn't in my usual style (so I worry that I come across a bit emotional and paranoid to new readers), I was really buzzy when I read my name in the list of recommended parenty-blogs!

Sunny Sunday.
Today in itself was a good day. We are lucky enough to have a bandstand Here, with lots of grass, and a small playground all in one enclosed (sort-of) area. You know how much I love live music... of any kind...and the weather was perfect for the brass band today. The children loved it, and I bumped into some old friends, and chatted to lots of people. Happy faces. 

Family Life.
I'm in a lovely routine- and the children are thriving on it. There have been more play-dates, and a structure to the contact they have with their dad since our mediation. Yey! Pickle Missy and Little Guy suddenly seem more secure, and confident. My little girl's school report was shining recently, and her brother is very settled and smiley at nursery. And I feel like I'm gaining friends, and making plans, (getting a tiny bit of a social life). Its lovely.

A holiday.
Its been booked. Bite me, Brown Envelope! (Although technically it was booked before that last one arrived). I am going here for a week in August.

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Have you guessed? Its Ibiza, although (I'm bored of justifying it, but I feel I ought to!) it won't be the clubby part- we got a lovely deal on a half-board holiday at the opposite end of the island, where all of the slower-paced-people go! It will be wandery, and relaxing. The scenery looks fantastic. Its my first sunny holiday in 14 years, and I have (modest amounts of) shopping to do for it. You'll be hearing more of this, I'm sure.

Hoping you're full of Summery joys too...



xxx

The Sea.

I am lucky enough to be able to get to the coast as much as I want. So most days I do.

 My dad, a Cornishman, loves to check up on its blue-ness when he visits and I wander along that way when I finish the school run. I take walks, and I run occasionally along the pathway. Little Guy takes trips to the boats sometimes, to watch the fishermen with his nursery,

I could only have dreamed of watching fisherman with my nursery. We had treats of our own, and were located near an army barracks, so probably spent lots of time peering-in at soldiers, but I sometimes wonder at the sort of things my two will get used to doing, as part of their everyday lives, to look back on. And I also wonder whether they will grow up with that 'sea loving gene' that I thought had passed me by...

Turns out, it hasn't. Its just that living so far away from it for so many years, I never realised I had one.

Sometimes, I can be persuaded into a cycle ride, and the sea wall is a very inviting route- especially on a warm day, with a little stop at a cafe, and a spot of people-watching. (Nothing sordid! I just like to imagine what these beach-dweller's lives are like, and where they have come from, and what possessed them to wear speedos and long socks, you know... that kinda thing...) The right kind of nourishment after all that pedalling is paramount: cheesy chips, cider, and one of these. The ice-cream lady said 'would you like red sauce?' Silly question.

There are many tracks playing through my head when all I can hear is waves, and seagulls, and here is just one. Enjoy.

xxx

Blog Update: Beautiful Things for May.

Hello! Sorry its been a while, but yes, I have indeed been doing Beautiful Things.

I've seen more of my lovely fella recently than I have in ages, as a big job of his has eventually ground to a halt. It was a little drawn-out and stressful, but thankfully he's in one piece! So he's been about, which means that
a) my garden is a little thirsty
b) I have seen a lot of CSIs recently (but I do like them, especially when accompanied by sofa snuggles and cider)
c) my laundry pile is growing ever-more precarious.

But I don't much care. For also we have explored a lovely 'new' (new to me) Beach. And this morning, we had The Eats:

We indulged in a fantastic meal. Here is my breakfast:

I hardly ever eat breakfast, but the very occasional brunch is all good by me. We went to a fab little cafe on a quiet High Street, with the most adorable tables (can you see the home-made table printing?!) and friendly staff, and lovely music, such as Jamie Cullem and Tracy Chapman, and white walls, with black writing, also decorated with painted eggs and sausages and tomatoes etc. (Do I make it sound like a low-budget ice cream van or children's ward window,?...with those well-meaning but terrible pictures of familiar characters, that really don't look like original Mickey Mouses and Donald Ducks?! Well its not- its a little bit fabulous!) And beautifully cooked food. Can you believe I ate all of this? This is a 'small breakfast', not a 'large breakfast' or a 'Hank Marvin breakfast', which are also to be found on the menu. Random fact: I lived with my ex, a vegetarian for 8 years, and became gradually unaccustomed to the sights , and more particularly, smells of non-veggy food, finding that I couldn't stomach the thought of it... and here I am eating bacon again! It seems quite wrong but also, this morning, a little bit right.

So, to the Beach:
It was beautiful, so we ventured out to the sea, but not to my normal beach- to one that was a little drive away. I had to keep Pickle Missy off from school for two days because she was sick on Sunday, but as it turned out, past the initial 3 hours, there was really not a lot wrong with her (thank goodness!) I wasn't allowed to send her back into school though, so as she was bright as a button, she came too. We looked at the boats and imagined where they might go, and collected stones, and climbed over the breaks, until we found a patch with smaller pebbles, and, at last... sand!

 
It was a gloriously sunny day, and there was plenty to see. I loved the pure colours of things, and the effect of blues on greens, on browns, on whites.

Custard came too, and there was a picnic of Hot Cross Buns (they're still going in our local shops, but then again, they're still selling off Easter Eggs too, like I've never seen before!) and fruit. We indulged in a little ice cream too.

We liked the feel of bare feet against the sand and stones... and in the sea! And we also made a friendly little wriggly chap out of  things we found. My sister, Pootle, says 'Andy Goldsworthy inspired'. I say 'Eric Carle'!

We also went on a third adventure recently, but I'll pop back to tell you about that one another time soon. Less is more... or something! Hope you're all havng a sunny week!


xxx

Eastery Goodness

As predicted... I didn't manage to get back here before Easter, but I hope your long weekends were full of nice things. Mine was! I bought this little chappy for my niece, (and was so pleased with the find!) and the campervan for my lovely fella.

Christmas Easter is all about giving. Egg-cup-pressies wherever possible I say. 

And there was baking, much baking.

The Little People helped with the mixing, and icing, (and EATING) but mummy will have to admit to finishing the getting carried away with the decorating after they lost interest slightly.

My first attempt at a simnel cake for many years. Its only me (and a couple of visitors) who eat it. Not a bad situation given my love of marzipan...

I cooked a roast chicken dinner on Easter Sunday, which was a treat in itself (I don't do roasts very often on account of Pickle Missy's veggy preferences, and me working Sunday lunchtimes). This weekend was different, and the left-overs didn't last long. I made a Rocky Road for pud with crushed cadburys mini eggs, but you'll have to trust me on that one, as the photos didn't really come out.


What else? Well there were swimming trips, arty-moments, barbeques by the beach (no we don't live in Australia, but this weather convinces one to do these things!) an Easter Egg Hunt, and picnics, and gardening, and baking and, and, and...

Our lovely Easter cards.

I'll do another post on the garden soon, but I couldn't wait any longer to show you our hanging basket in its new position, hanging!- look!

The children had scooters from mummy. There is something to be said for the art of nagging. Given enough time, mummy does listen, and she does respond! I didn't mind treating them, as their birthdays are so near to Christmas, that they could otherwise miss these Summery Outside thingys. No major injuries as yet, unless you count a very sore trapped finger... but that was more the fault of a bedroom door hinge...

 Note the green and gold curly-ribbons, which are now permanent fixtures, and arguably just as exciting as the main present.

Lots of outsideyness this week. Perfect.

It was all quite fab... and now we must leave it behind, in an ' in between Christmas and New Year' fashion, because the loveliness isn't quite over-and-done-with yet, although it feels like its all happening a bit too quickly. It is a great pull, to have to resume 'normal business' for a couple of days, and to have to pretend to concentrate on school and work... before the Royal Wedding Bank Holiday (!!!!) which I hope will be full of lots more nice things.



xxx

PS, the 's' on the keyboard only works when it feels like it, so in actual fact, 'Easter' keeps coming out as 'Eater'. You ought to see my kitchen cupboards after the Little People opened the rest of their pressies from family and friends- how apt!

Today, I like these things... 2

Another one of these posts, like the one I did back in January. They're simple and fun, and a place for me to put all of my recent favourite discoveries, so that I won't lose them.

Last time, I was loving Last.fm. Well... I still am, for the reasons I outlined. Totally loving it. Its always in the background now on my computer... until I come across an artist who makes me turn that off, and immediately whizz to 'youtube' to hear more of them. Well look who I discovered through it yesterday, while I was playing with yeast and sugar solutions for dough (an unnecessary detail, but a true one) she's my new favourite singer, and I'm tempted to drag the man out of retirement, to see if Jim'll fix it for me, to have her come to my birthday party, and provide the music (and the stunning legs!!!! Jealous? Me?... and the bass player with the comedy folk-lovin-beard). She's something else...

Oh, I'm a big fan of green things appearing in my garden right now. Gotta love the Spring. I've planted out my toms (and am determined to be a good tomato mummy), into their own individual pots, and popped them in the mini greenhouse, along with a large tray of lettuce seeds. (I'm a girl who loves her salads... but you guessed that...) I'm also enjoying watching the poppies open up their lovely wide petals, and yawn in the sunshine, and close back up in the colder weather and darker parts of the day. How clever are my poppies?! I'm enjoying the hyacinths, and hoping to plant out the strawbs tomorrow. (You see? I'm using actual plant-abbreviations- as if I'm a proper gardener!) Better photos to follow in another post, but heres a taster...

Today , I liked our walk along the canal. Just me and my fella. It is lovely in all weathers, but as today was so yummy and warm, it was even nicer. Everybody we passed said 'hello', and we saw yappy dogs that looked like small cats, and ducks with curly tails, and had tiny conversations about nothing, because the company and the views were enough. I saw more blossom, and more types of blossom than I can ever remember seeing before. Beautiful.

Hmmm. Also, in keeping with my 30s list, I'm ticking off some reading:

which I stole borrowed from my dad. He knows about it, but to be honest, if I thought I had too many books on my shelf, unread... well, you know, his problem is much larger kinda thing... so he doesn't mind the odd three or four relocating. And he has the bestest books to choose from. Factoid.

I am also loving beeeeees, especially ones that come to visit, and buzz about, wondering if they could get into the My Little Pony Teaparty House, and if they did, whether they might ride on the little light-up-ride, make a cuppa, and play the sound-effect-piano. Mister Bee left eventually, but not without some confusion about my sliding windows. And he had no stripes!... but yellow legs. Fas-kinating. He was fun.

I love this place, and wish I had lots of money to buy all of the contents of its jewellery list. Its my kind of jewellery- quirky and beautiful.

I also like my children's creativity, and am happy to have their little works-of-art on walls and window sills to gaze at while they're away. And (I know its a little late... but its only just left for its long journey to its new bewildered grateful owner) look what Pickle Missy made her Great Grandma for Mothering Sunday!

xxx

Recent Beautiful Things.

I think that this time of year is a time for change. Perhaps thats true of the transition between all of the seasons, but Springtime makes me clean things, and bake, and move furniture, and add things to my beautiful home. Its one of my favourite things to do- nesting. That and searching out a bargain. Here are some recent additions from the last couple of months, to my place: Here.

You like? I like. One of my favourite topics at A-level, was the French music of the period 1880-1930ish. Same of the art actually- I find that cultural scene fascinating. Ooh, do you feel like some Ravel? I do.

Luvverly. Well, I saw this chat in a charity shop for £3.50, and he had to be mine. I vaguely recalled the club name from my studying days, and in fact was excited to see a sign for one on a trip to Paris 8 years ago. I googled it, and there it is- its the one I was thinking of, I'm pretty sure it is- where all of the cultural artists gathered. And I now have a reproduction of one of those lovely posters. Yey! My hallway looks much more cheerful, and every house needs a cat.

I didn't have a soap dish before, and have been on the look out for the right one. Marks and Spencers, £4.50. I've removed and kept the rose scented soap (not really my bag) for some unsuspecting female's birthday present, and replaced it with our own! (You may have noticed by now that the right hand part of each picture is blurry. I'm afraid to say that my phone camera lens is scratched. I discovered it today and was not a happy bunny. I really will have to learn to use my complicated digital one that is usually a Special Occasion Camera. Wish me luck!)

A corner of my cluttered dressing table. Yes- a dressing table! How exciting :) Part of the lovliness of my Single Mummy Zone is that I can donate spaces to my pretty things nowadays, where I can appreciate them, and where they are safe. Spotted photo frame, £1.99 in a charity shop yesterday. And it is framing Marilyn- I'm not the most massive fan, film-wise, I just haven't watched that many, but I know something beautiful when I see it. I bought this postcard on a trip to London a couple of summers ago. I went to a gallery that was showing a collection of Marilyn and Audrey photography, and of all the glam photoshoots, and seminal film images, this was my favourite- she's windswept, and imperfect, and wrapped up in a cuddly cardi and blanket on the beach. Cosyness.

Daffs! They don't usually sit here but it was too sunny to take a photo of them in the window, so as an added bonus you get to see my spotted butterdish. I realised recently that I have a thing for spots. I never knowingly say 'I must have that- its spotty'- I probably say that about things decorated wth flowers, but this was totally non conscious, so I guess I like spots! My beautiful nodding daffodils are sitting, in a jug bought from the charity shop at £2.99.



xxx

The Woods

Thats where we went on a sunny afternoon last weekend. It seemed just right, catching the last of the sunshine, and being out and about in the midst of it all. This song was our soundtrack. Here is a fab group, if you haven't come across them- and even if this song doesn't grab you on first hearing, (you need to get at least half way through it to 'get' it) check out Skinny Love and the rest:

As we got boots and jackets on, my fella and I found that we were both humming this track, and realised that we had chosen different harmony lines to recall. I was wondering why this was, and if our ears picked up on different layers of a song, and why they might... when it transpired later on in the car that I had been humming the bit that comes through the passenger-side speaker, and he was humming the bit that comes through the driver's one. I was quite disappointed that there was such a straightforward explanation, but a mystery was solved...!

It was my lovely fella's idea to go exploring, and to play Hide and Seek.

We found no Gruffalos, or Monsters, but we did play, and hide in ditches...

...and look at the little details: saplings, dew drops on twigs, moss on the ground, (such an amazing feeling underfoot!) spider webs caught by the sun. And we enjoyed spotting the little slithers of light at the end of the tree tunnels. Aren't they lovely?

I'm going to sound like a Hippy- but it felt peaceful, and ancient, and beautiful. The whole experience totally blew me away.

We also listened to the nothingness- something I can't do very comfortably. Put this was comfortable.

We felt like we were being torn away from it all when we realised it was time to go home, make our home-made pizzas and put the hot baths on for the small people. I wanted to stay the night! I realised I don't do enough of this kind of exploring. We are lucky to have the sea and lovely parks with ducks and swans, and gardens nearby, but to just go and wander about amongst nature for an hour or two in unfamiliar surroundings was fantastic.


xxx