little wonders of nature

A few photographs of tiny little wonders of nature.  Taken today on a short outing between the showers. I love the colours in these pictures.  Greys, greens and yellows.  Another perfect palette, a gift from nature.

We have planned a home day for tomorrow.  The weather is to be spectacularly bad according to the forecast so we will be content by the fire.  Wishing you all a good day whatever the weather.

weekending

January is a slow month. Mellow after the festive season. No real agendas. Not feeling like you should really be doing something. The long, dark days can seem endless but I quite enjoy the opportunity to cosy up and take it easy.

This weekend I spent Saturday at The Linen Green with a lovely friend.  We set off early in the midst of a dreary fog.  The fog was replaced by rain a little later. Not the most pleasant day but a lot of fun none the less. Browsing the last of the sales and enjoying a long chat over lunch.  Good for the soul.

And today was a lovely day.  We enjoyed a late breakfast, much Lego building, a walk in the woods and a roast chicken dinner. The little ones are now tucked up and I am happily ensconced on the sofa with my feet up, stove lit and content to spend the evening flitting between reading and watching television with Mr F.

Hygge. The Danish word which roughly translates into English as cosiness and perfectly describes my weekend.  Maybe hygge explains why the Danes are often described as the happiest people in the world.

the year in books: january

I have always loved to read. Ever since I was little. Any reading material would do. When I ran out of books, my granny's People's Friend and Ireland's Owns provided me with words to fuel my desire to read.  

My mum who isn't an avid reader, could never understand my love for the written word.  I think it infuriated her that I constantly had my head in a book.  But reading transported me to new and exciting places. Reading provided me with a great escape.

As life took over and time constraints infringed, I have not made time to read my beloved books.  I still read lots of magazines, blogs, craft and cookery books, short bursts to satisfy my love of words.   But not nearly enough books.  

I love the experience of reading.  The smell when you first open a new book. Turning the pages as you become engrossed in the story.  Marking your place with a bookmark until the next opportunity to cosy up and enjoy another few chapters.

I have been perusing the lovely Persephone Catalogue over the weekend, deliberating over which book to choose.  I will make my decision tonight and place an order.  A little gift for me.

I have already started to read This Perfect World, a novel unread on my bookshelf.  Number one of many more books, I hope. 

Linking up with the lovely Laura for #theyearinbooks.  If you love to read you too should visit Laura at the circle of pine trees.  Her blog is beautiful.

I have also opened an account at Goodreads.  You can find me here.

beginnings

A new year.  A new beginning.  I am looking forward to it.  I have no resolutions for the coming year, just good intentions.  Lots of them but mainly to encourage creativity at home, for all of us.

We have begun 2014 indoors.  The weather has been awful.  Cold, wet, stormy days abound.  Days best spent cosied up by the fire.  Crafting, reading, baking and Lego building have kept us busy.

But we have managed to brave the weather for a few bracing walks when there has been brief respite from the storms.  Even just an hour outside blows away the cobwebs and pinks the cheeks.  

We will be packing Christmas away tomorrow.  I always feel a little sad taking down the decorations and boxing them up.  But I also love clearing the way for newness.  I am looking forward to making a few changes to brighten our home in the coming days.  

Wishing you all a wonderful 2014.

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I also wanted to say thank you for your get well wishes.  I am feeling much better.