Today is the first of November and the start of winter here. Yes, there is a chill in the air but the sun glinting through the trees and the stunning reds and yellows of the leaves make me feel we are still in the midst of autumn.

Or perhaps I am not ready to move on?

It’s been a while since I posted on here and looking back today I discovered the post below which I wrote but hadn’t published. As I read it through, it brought back lovely memories of spring and summer and perhaps having now had the chance to look backwards, I feel more ready to move forward and welcome winter.

Added to this was a wonderful visit to Harrogate where I popped in to The Remnant House Ltd – what an Aladdin’s cave! I could have stayed in there all day amidst the fabulous range of fabrics and haberdashery items. I was, much to my amazement, restrained and bought only what I need to make my next sewing project. What a treat! (I may have also popped into Books for All, a second hand bookshop across the street but that is another story …)

So, armed with a new project, I’m ready for winter!

(And I’m taking advice from the Nan in the post below!)

Here’s my unpublished post – I hope it gives you a chance to think back and then move forward too.

A Spring in my Step

Sometimes serendipity sends you up a steep road.

A chance read of a post about a hidden library on the island of Arran on Scotland’s west coast found me walking up a beautiful, if hilly, path on the lookout for a Hidden Library in the woods.

The wooden cabin we discovered held not only shelves of books but a plethora of messages from former visitors too.

I loved it. 

Books, nature, messages filled with positivity and encouragement. Have to say, a favourite was one from a Nan in Glasgow – ‘Just book the trip.’ Fabulous, no messing about, get on with it and, most importantly, don’t overthink it. 

The books in the library are free to take, the only proviso is the wish that once you are finished with them, you gift them on to someone else. It’s also possible to donate books on the theme of nature.

I felt so lucky. We had arrived on the island when the wildflowers were blooming, and the path felt magical. I couldn’t resist taking photos and have loved being able to look back on them all. I’ve shared them here.

The trip brought back wonderful memories of our time in Orkney and visit to Betty’s Reading Room.

The island of Arran is yet another of Scotland’s gems. So much to do, so little time.

(Have you tried Isle of Arran ice-cream? Just saying.)

Of course, there had to be trees in my blogpost, and this one is a stunner. Spotted by my family as they made the climb up to the top of Goatfell, they knew I wouldn’t be able to resist going for a look. What a stunner. A real ‘hug a tree’ moment.

To be in the presence of such greatness, was the true meaning of ‘awesome’. 

As ever, I love it when a book lands in my hands which just hits the nail on the head and as part of my reading for reviews for the My Book Corner website, I recently read Trix’s Tree House by Ewa Jozefkowicz, Illustrated by Gillian Flint and it was all about the importance of wildflowers and bees, particularly solitary ones.

As I may have said before, I do love a recommendation. Recently I’ve updated my book list on the Notes app so now I write down who has recommended the book/film/tv programme to me as well as the title. 

Maybe it’s a memory thing! This way I can thank that person (hopefully!) and at the very least have a discussion with them about their recommendation.

In ‘Diary of a Tuscan Bookshop’ the author, Alba Donati wrote about how she loved a book which had recommendations for others within it. If there was ever a book to inspire you to read more and discover authors, then surely this must be it. 

I’ve decided to keep it on my bookshelf and if I am ever in need of inspiration for a book choice, I will know exactly where to go first.

So what with having a story recently published in The People’s Friend magazine, spending time with family and friends, spotting red squirrels in Arran and in our back garden, bird watching at Fowlsheugh, hugging trees, reviewing books and one or two book purchases at independent bookshops, I’ve been so lucky – I’ve had a ball this spring! Let summer begin!

Recommendations!

BBC Secret life of bees

Trix’s Tree House by Ewa Jozefkowicz, illustrated by Gillian Flint – read my review in www.mybookcorner.co.uk

The Wedding People by Alison Espach

Free by Lea Ypi

It would be lovely if you would like to pop over to www.mybookcorner.co.uk where you can read my reviews of the latest books for children. There is the opportunity to sign up for the newsletter as well providing you with great recommendations sent straight to your inbox!