Category: Flowers

Flowers · Inspiration · Nature

Balancing Life

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thumb_IMG_8729_1024Have you ever had the experience where all of a sudden your attention is drawn to something more than once over a short period of time?

When this happens it makes me sit up and take notice.

Recently while attending the Flourish workshops with Elaine Reid, I was introduced to the Five Ways to Better Wellbeing by the New Economics Forum then, flicking through a magazine for teachers I saw this:thumb_IMG_8739_1024

 

I think I’ve found another explanation for why this blog is ‘a little about a lot’, it’s because that’s life. It isn’t just one thing, it’s a balancing act of a whole lot of little actions.

While I think about this I am going to go for a walk with a friend, I’ll ask them how they are and try to take notice of the world around me!

Today, tomorrow, this week – how will you Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Learn or Give?

 

Happy Easter!

 

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Flowers · Inspiration · swimming

Inspiration

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Another dull, dark, dreich day. It’s winter, after Christmas. I should be bouncing with New Year’s resolutions, fired up and ready to go.

Hmm. Well, easier said than done.

There is one resolution I make every year, to become fitter.

I know from past experience if I get into a routine of going swimming then I’ll be happier and fitter.

I have my bag packed at all times ready to go. The only thing stopping me? The thought of going out into the cold.

Recently I watched this very inspiring clip and now I think to myself, if this lady can go and swim in the sea (THE SEA!) then I can go and swim in a nice, warm pool.

I heard someone say they ‘never regret going for a run’. Well true enough, I never regret going for a swim.

As Dory says, ‘Just keep swimming’.

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Books · Flowers · Garden

The Hare and the Tortoise

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My favourite tale from our copy of Aesop’s Fables is The Hare and The Tortoise. 

I’ve always thought I identified with the tortoise, plodding along one step at a time.

So, this year I’ve decided to embrace the tortoise in me and hope to advance with new habits slowly.

Thinking about this I know not everything will be perfect.

I planted hyacinth bulbs back in September.thumb_IMG_7456_1024 to my delight they flowered, the single one producing the beautiful flower that I’m now using for my main photo.

 

The three in the pot were a bit leggy really but the scent was lovely. Definitely a win win!

 

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So  I’ll continue to plod on but I have realised recently that there is something of the hare in me – and no, it’s not the habit of having a nap! I can be speedy when needed, it’s just that I’ve learnt, like the tortoise, slow and steady helps me win my own race in my own way.

 

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Flowers · Knitting · Nature

The Gift of Giving

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It’s the little things in life. Sometimes the small things are the ones that matter. 

Did I say thank you? Did I smile? Did I say hello? Did I help? Was I kind?

So today is a very small post. Just a reminder to myself really. Gifts come in all forms.

 

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Books · Flowers · Inspiration

‘Cup of Tea Books’

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Returning to the theme of books, I wanted to mention ‘Cup of Tea Books’.

I’m sure you know the ones I mean, the books you return to time and time again. For many people it is the classics such as Jane Eyre, for others it may be a favourite series.

Maeve Binchy will always be one of my favourites, I would also count Elizabeth Jane Howard and her Cazelet Chronicles. Perhaps there is a theme, they are all stories of families through the years. The characters develop over time to become like old friends.

When I need a book to chill out with then I’ll turn to one of these.

Sometimes I think these are ‘easy’ books to read as they often deal with everyday life but I am sure they were not easy to write! If I could write one story with characters you would like to ‘meet’ again then I’d be very happy!

 

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Flowers · Garden · Inspiration

Sunflowers

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Okay, this sunflower photo had to have pride of place here, right at the top, hopefully bright and cheery!

I wondered if anything would come of the seeds since I planted them a bit late but my imperfect timing doesn’t seem to have really mattered.

Flowers have now appeared: majestic crowns on top of their giant bodies. (I’m thinking of Jack and the Beanstalk here!).

As far as I remember I’ve loved sunflowers since I first saw an exhibition of Van Gogh paintings at The Burrell Collection in Glasgow, I think it was in 1990. A while ago I was lucky enough to go to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, where I unashamedly enjoyed filling in the worksheet provided for the children!

On a practical note I think I can chop off the head (!) and leave it out for the birds in the winter for feed, surely a win-win all round?

Maybe next year I’ll plant the seeds late again or maybe early, who knows?