Treasure the World Around You

An ancient solitary tree beckoned me to attempt a footpath through a wheatfield

Walking has been a gift throughout this year. I feel fitter and healthier because we have walked over twenty miles a week. During the jaunts, we have discovered new destinations in our local area and opened our eyes to the natural world; ever-changing light also worked its magic.

I had no idea how many local lanes we ignored during twenty years of living in beautiful South Wales. Adventures were confined to the familiar tourist destinations, yet there were places on the doorstep. We discovered a lane in Michaelstone that leads to a footpath across farmland. An ancient solitary tree beckoned us to attempt a footpath through a wheatfield, and we were rewarded with a view of the Somerset coast. Once we reached the tree, we encountered a man following the same route. He made us aware of the original road ancient travellers used to reach London, and we considered how landmarks such as trees would have been landmarks in ancient times. As the man talked, he looked out to sea because his ancestors used to live in Somerset in the eighteenth century, and said he felt connected to them. Was he waiting for them to return? He seemed to disappear very suddenly into the distance.

It felt as if nature had conspired to present us with a glimpse of a Monet painting.

Though we have walked the same routes many times now, seasons and sightings of wildlife have rewarded us with different perspectives. Previously, we may not have had time to see the dragonfly waiting on a tree or spot bees on flowers. We never really paid attention to the livestock in the fields close to the house, or the progress of crops in the farmer’s fields. During the dark days of lockdown, we searched for colour and found it in our garden. Bluebells stood proud at the back of our garden and enhanced the character of the tiny shed. Furthermore, alliums planted in autumn 2019 presented vibrant displays throughout the spring and summer, attracting bees, insects and birds.

When Lockdown eased, we were able to visit Dryham Park in South Gloucestershire and could not believe our luck when we were able to get close enough to photograph deer in the park.

When Lockdown eased, we were able to visit Dryham Park in South Gloucestershire and could not believe our luck when we were able to get close enough to photograph deer in the park. The presence of these magnificent creatures had a calming effect. Dyffryn House, closer to home, tested us with torrential rain when we visited but we endured it and captured images of the rain sparkling on lily pads. It felt as if nature had conspired to present us with a glimpse of a Monet painting.

Our lives have been fraught with challenges, but seasons have remained constant and soothed us. Wildlife continue to keep themselves busy with their daily lives and remain calm until they sense a predator. There is so much to see in your local area if you look closely.

Bluebells adorned the back of our garden and enhanced the character of the tiny shed

All the best for 2021!

Have you discovered hidden treasure in your local area during lockdown?

 

New 2020 Vision

I can see clearly now the blurring has gone.

It is almost 2020 and I have discovered I do not have twenty twenty vision.  I can see clearly now the blurring has gone. It turns out that my Kindle companion was a way of coping with my less than perfect sight, and I have astigmatism.  Joy of reading a physical book has been revived for me.  To look at the front cover, blurb and mark my favourite pages is a luxury I had forgotten.

I will take a step at a time and negotiate the paths no matter how difficult they are.

I am currently drinking in the stories of the books but without picking up my review notebook.  Maybe this is because I can see the words now and don’t need to break from the strain of reading.  It is wonderful not to suffer the terrible migraines that previously impacted on my day.  And I know why I was constantly complaining about the way the light reflected on my book or keyboard.

Now I have clearer vision, I intend to reread a printed version of my work in progress. I will read it without a review pen in hand and think about weaving in some secrets.  I am attempting to consume my work in progress as a reader viewing the novel for the first time. Whilst on handbag leave ideas have been popping and bubbling, and I hope they come into focus.

For the time being, I am abandoning the kindle for the book so will need a considerably bigger bag.

I must admit I also rather like my glasses as a new accessory.  Books in Handbag with Glasses could be a new direction for me.  I’ve also spied an opportunity to shop for snazzy glasses cases.  For the time being, I am abandoning the kindle for the book so will need a considerably bigger bag.  However, I must confess I am not getting along very well with the varifocals as they make me a little dizzy.  I need to focus on one thing at a time.

I will take a step at a time and look forward to the destination.

My vision for 2020 is to write, write, write and to look ahead.   I have no specific resolutions. Adventures will come into focus as the year unfolds.  I will take a step at a time and negotiate the paths no matter how difficult they are.  I look forward to you all joining me on my adventures and feel privileged to have your company.

“The horizon leans forward,
Offering you space to place new steps of change.” -Maya Angelou

Wishing you all a Happy New Year, and the strength to let your dreams unfold and surprise you.  I will leave you with Maya Angelou’s advice:

“The horizon leans forward,
Offering you space to place new steps of change.”

 

 

Moments of Joy

The Tryo must have spent a lifetime perfecting their art and teasing out every single note.

Enchanted by a musical trio, we joined a crowd as they danced, swayed and tapped their feet to the beat.  The international language of joy spread across everyone’s face.

Situated next to the Roman Forum, musical notes suspended us in a moment.  The entertainers beamed at their audience’s response.  As I tapped my feet, I realised how few people placed money in the guitar case, and no one would part with ten euros to buy the compilation.   Many people expected the impromptu entertainment to be free.

The Trio must have spent a lifetime perfecting their art and teasing out every single note.  I tried to imagine their stories.  Who were the loves of their lives?  How did they manage perform the music with such soul? As a gesture of kindness from a writer to musicians, I decided to pay the ten euros for the CD. The trio smiled again but looked a little surprised.  My action prompted a few others to buy the music.

I believe people had forgotten that we can’t always expect to be entertained for free.  Alas, other people continued to record the music on their phones and never looked up.  However, I did hear the happy clang of coins hitting the guitar as I walked away.