simple pleasures

Wishing goodbye to July. A few snapshots of the simple things bringing happiness my way. A moment in time, to celebrate the joy in the everyday.

: :    Precious time spent outdoors with my wildlings. 

: :    Happy mail, full of gifts from new friends.

: :    Indulging my love of photography.

July has been a joy. We've had fun times, filing away memories to enjoy again. I'm hoping August brings its share of good times. Fingers crossed for a heatwave. 

bloom in the park

Late May, and my birthday sailed around again. My mum offered to look after the little ones for the day, so we made the most of it, deciding to visit Bloom in the Park in Dublin.

Bloom is a four day gardening festival, which showcases the best Irish garden design alongside innovative Irish food producers. We spent the day gaining inspiration from the impressive show gardens, admiring the beautiful blooms around every corner and savouring the delicious food on offer.

Unsurprisingly one of my favourite areas was the craft village. There were so many lovely products to covet. I couldn't resist a beautiful plant pot from KaroArt, a very talented ceramic artist based in Dublin. Her Etsy shop is a delight.

As the day drew to a close we decided to leave before the traffic jams inevitably swallowed us up. It was a good decision. We escaped the bedlam, stopping off for dinner on the way home.

A lovely day, well spent. I think we may already have a plan for my next birthday. 

emerging

Oh, where to start. I suppose I just need to jump right in. It feels like a long, long time since I gathered my thoughts and recorded them here. I lost my voice for a while. But now I am emerging like a butterfly from it's cocoon. Maybe not so beautiful, but most definitely eager.

Life has been a whirlwind since I last posted. School concerts and presentations, a stay in Children's Ward for suspected appendicitis and the arrival of my best friend's baby boy. School broke up at the end of June for nine weeks of summer break.

We've been to beautiful Pembrokeshire, where we had a really lovely holiday. So, summer for us is well under way. We have plans for picnics, barbecues, adventures and fun.

I'm hoping to find time to pop back here more regularly to record some of the memories. I'm also looking forward to catching up with all your lovely blogs now that life isn't so crazy.

What are your plans for summer break? Wishing you all fun times, whatever you're up to.

simple pleasures

Just a few simple pleasures making me happy lately.

: :    My boy's pure joy in finding a hatched egg in the garden.
: :    Blooms and blue skies. Summer is here.
: :    Impromptu adventures on the lough shore.

Now that summer has finally arrived there is more than enough to keep a smile on my face. It is hard to believe we are almost half way through June already. We have a busy few weeks ahead in the run up to the school holidays at the end of the month. 

The school sports day is tomorrow and as I write, the wee ones are galloping around the garden like wild ponies, practicing for tomorrow's activities. I best go and make them their tea.

Wishing you all a lovely evening and thank you for your comments on recent posts. I love reading them. They make my day.

golden hour

Snapshots of lough shore adventuring at a favourite place. At golden hour, one May evening.

The weather lately has been so changeable and not at all May like. It's been cold, dreary and wet. So when the sun peeked out from behind the clouds last Monday, I threw together an impromptu picnic tea and we headed out for some fair-weather exploring. 

We visited Reilly Wood, a beautiful deciduous woodland which leads to the lough. We walked through the meadow down to the water, spotting lots of butterflies fluttering around in the sunshine. The little ones explored the shore, delighting in finding a little frog and an emerging dragonfly. Climbing over gates and clambering on tree stumps eventually tired little legs, so we headed for home.

That evening the abundant fresh air and golden evening sunshine were relished. I do hope summer arrives soon.

Joining in with The Photo Gallery 233 at Sticky Fingers.

wildflower love

Wildflowers are enchanting. Pretty little blooms that appear as if by magic. To choose a favourite is an impossibility for me.

Bluebells. Doesn't everyone love bluebells? Woodlands carpeted with blue are truly magical. The nodding bells swaying in the breeze. Perfect fairy flowers.

Cow parsley. Frothy fronds of delicate lace like blooms. Perfect little parasols. Maybe the prettiest wildflower of all. 

Cuckooflower. Heralding the arrival of spring. Almost always coinciding with the first call of the cuckoo. Pretty pink blooms dotted all through the meadows and verges. 

And lastly speedwell. Tiny, perfect little flowers. The most beautiful shade of blue.

So, do you have a favourite wildflower? Do tell, I'd love to know.

one day in may

This Bank Holiday Monday dawned dry and bright. A lovely day to visit the woods in search of bluebells. We packed a picnic lunch, met up with friends and set off to explore. 

The woodland was beautiful. Just beginning to come into leaf as the new growth appears slowly but surely. The beech leaves were especially pretty, all soft and translucent and a perfect shade of green. The woods were full of spring sounds; birdsong, babbling streams and rustling leaves. A soundtrack to total relaxation.

The little ones explored abandoned dens and built forts with fallen branches. We found a carpet of bluebells. Though not completely in bloom, they were very close. Oh well, I suppose that means we must return again another day.

Wildflowers bloomed along the path. Wood anemones, sweet violets and lesser celandine were among them. Sheep and baby lambs in the fields bordering the woodland enjoyed the sunshine, basking in the warmth. They were wise to enjoy it. It has been so cold here these past few days. Torrential rain and freezing winds do not feature in my expectations of May.

One of my best friends is getting married on Friday. I have everything crossed for pleasant weather. Even just a little sunshine. Come on May, you can be so gorgeous.

How about you? Have you been searching for bluebells?

Joining in with The Photo Gallery 229 on Sticky Fingers.

may day

A flower posy for my friend. A celebration of May Day and the promise of summer. I left it on her doorstep earlier today. 

The blooms were gathered from the garden and arranged into an old jam jar. Wild garlic, viburnum, pearlbush and cotoneaster make up the posy along with a purple flower, which I am unsure of. But I love its colour and shape. I added some gypsophilia. I couldn't resist it.

Joining Lou from littlegreenshed in reviving this lovely tradition and also remembering my childhood flower gathering in May. 

Joining in with #natureinthehome and #NITHMayDay. 

nine

Today our eldest turned nine. Although I'm not sure how this could possibly have happened. Time just seems to pass so quickly.

He is just lovely. Growing up and becoming confident. Articulate in expessing his opinions and feelings. I really enjoy our chats. He is full of wise words. 'A rock of sense', my granny would say.

Kind, thoughtful and always concerned if someone is upset. I really love the big boy he has become. 

I just wanted to take a moment to celebrate my firstborn, our lovely boy. 

Happy birthday, little man.

simple pleasures

Spring has well and truly sprung, bringing simple pleasures and sunshine.

::   Blossom. More beautiful blooms appear everyday.

::   Watching our nature lovers explore and learn about the world. 

      Like little sponges.

::   Blue skies and colourful street art on a trip to Dublin.

We've had some lovely sunshine this weekend and we've spent our time outside enjoying the warmth. The sky is beautiful this evening. All glowy and pink. A shepherd's delight. Promising more sun tomorrow.

I hope you've had a great weekend with sunshine and blue skies. Wishing you all a lovely week.

five

Today we celebrated our littlest turning five. She has been so excited for weeks. She couldn't quite believe the Easter Bunny would be delivering eggs on her birthday. 

We've had a really lovely day. Presents and chocolate eggs as the sun shone this morning. Then out for Sunday lunch with my parents. The birthday girl was the centre of attention all day. And she loved being spoilt.

Our precious little one. Growing up to be a beautiful little girl whom we simply adore. Full of fun, giggles, kindness and love. A smile so infectious, you bring so much happiness. We all love you so very, very much.

On Saturday next, we will have a small birthday party. With chocolate mousse cake and crispie buns. And fun and games with your brothers and cousins.

Hope you've all had a lovely Easter weekend however you chose to celebrate.

The photo is from our holiday last year in Wales.

beach combing

Oh how I love the beach. Especially this time of year. Wrapped up against the cold wind. Tasting the salt on my lips.

As has become a tradition around St Patrick's Day, we answered the call of the sea. This time to the east and the beautiful Antrim Coast Road. Fossil hunting on our Jurassic coast. 

Hours spent searching for treasures. Sea glass, pebbles, rocks, shells and anemones. So many excited squeals of delight as special finds were crammed into pockets. Adding to their collections.

When the cold became too much, we headed back to the car for a picnic. My numb fingers tingling with relief as they circled a hot cup of tea. After, we drove a little further into the glens. It's a truly beautiful place and we made plans to return when the weather gets warmer. 

We returned home after stopping for tea. Our littlest declared 'this is the best day of my life'. Enough said.

simple pleasures

Just a few simple pleasures bringing happiness lately.

: :     Blue skies and wispy clouds.

: :     Playing with clay.

: :     Gorse blossom and it's coconut scent.

: :     Freshly baked scones. With jam and cream.

: :     Tiny little blooms. The garden awakening from its winter slumber.

I really enjoy taking the time to stop and acknowledge some of the little things which bring happiness to my day. So what's making you smile? Do tell.