Back Again

Hello again! I'm back, feeling a bit more refreshed and healthy after my break. I'm eating less stodge and I've joined a gym! It's been a much-needed pause in which I've found the time to catch up with myself and sort out my priorities. While I was away we had a little holiday in half term which was a real tonic, and some surprisingly mild November days, along with lots of rain. I've watched the riotous colours of autumn reach a peak in October and gradually subside as we move towards winter. Things are looking rather soggy and drab outside now, and the hours of daylight are diminishing noticeably. I found a string of white fairy lights to brighten up the house, and lit candles to bring a bit of twinkliness to the unending grey days. Where has the sunshine gone? It came out for a short time when I was at work last week and I almost fell off my chair with delight. We have to make our own light and warmth at this time of year, and I very much enjoy doing it, cosying up indoors, and taking the opportunity to get outside for a walk when I can.

Here are some of the things I've been up to while I've been away:

Putting up last year's crocheted autumn wreath and some richly-coloured cards and postcards on the wall in my shed. I do love those jewel colours and earthy tones.



Arranging my home-grown honesty in a home-made vase (I am not a natural potter), and making a little autumnal still life with acorns, a lantern and and old wooden bobbin.

Admiring the translucent honesty seed pods which make me want to draw them. 

Saying 'goodbye' to the last of the cherry leaves. The wind two weekends ago saw them all off, leaving the tree bare. It's now easier to see the birds which perch in its branches and come to the feeders.

Finishing reading Simon Armitage's 'Walking Home' which I enjoyed immensely. I was with him every step of the way on his Pennine walk and couldn't help but laugh at his dry sense of humour.

Having bought some liquorice and fennel tea a while ago, making my own with fennel seeds from the garden and liquorice root from the health food shop. Delicious, and surprisingly sweet.

Sweeping up heaps of fallen leaves which gather in drifts around the house and along the paths.

Enjoying the wonderful colours of the squashes and pumpkin on our window-sill,

Then roasting them in the oven in olive oil, salt and pepper. Also delicious.

Stopping off at Salisbury Cathedral for a wander instead of driving past, as we usually do.

Enjoying the tranquility of the cloisters, and appreciating the architecture (as well as a coffee in the lovely cafe).

Waking up to yet another tangerine sunrise. Glorious.

I hope you've been able to fit some fun things into your life lately, and that if you live around these parts you're able to stay toasty and dry out of the high winds, rain and colder temperatures that are heading this way. Batten down the hatches and put the kettle on. The perfect excuse for curling up somewhere cosy and relaxing!

Stained Glass and Faded Silks

Thank you, everyone, for your birthday wishes. I do love having a birthday at this time of year, and am so enjoying the autumn as it progresses. At the weekend we all went to visit J at university and had a walk in its beautiful grounds. The sun came out after a while and lit up the most dazzling display of bright, jewel-like colour. As the light caught fallen leaves they resembled stained glass in glowing shades of crimson red.

Coppery dark russets.

Lustrous scarlets.

Gradually the reds gave way to yellows.

Light, translucent yellow-greens.

Orangey yellows.

The sunshine shone through the leaves, illuminating them.

There was even a bit of lime green.

A glossy magpie with blue-black wings hopped across a lawn quite near to us.

The lake was very still and tranquil that afternoon, a haven of glassy calm.

Giant gunnera burst from the sides of a pond in a green explosion.

Soon we came to a beautiful botanical garden and the mood changed.

Formal garden rooms enclosed a natural wooden sculpture.

A different set of colours developed. A soft vintage palette, like the shades of antique silks.

Pale mauves.

Faded pinks.

Washed-out blues and lilacs, like dyed lace.

Dark browns and blacks which punctuate the paler shades like French knots.

As we walked between herbaceous borders an embroidery of silver started to surround us.

Gossamer spun silk suspended in the air.

Delicate seedheads, dusted with silver.

Then a glimpse of more colour ahead.

A shining tapestry of bright gold.

Glorious. 

Gilded borders sparkling in all their finery.

 And finally, after all the glowing stained glass and faded vintage silks, a stately and majestic oak tree, muted and understated, with a carpet of quiet brown leaves beneath it. 

It was a beautiful, luminous day, full of colour and texture. Autumn is truly a season which appeals to the senses and makes me feel glad to be alive. And we had a lovely time with J - it doesn't get much better than that.