Summer Days

The days are long and my third children’s novel is almost finished – bar the editing. Mornings begin early in the quiet time before the rest of the world awakes – that is my time to write. I hope this is a good book – I hope children enjoy it, and the parents that may read it to their children too – I just do my best and hope for the best, that is all.

In between, I paint – my haven and peace. I hope you have a good Summer too – these days disappear so quickly and there is so much that is beautiful around us. It is a beautiful world – we need to cherish it.

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Halfway through Winter

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The first snow drops are appearing in the garden, daffodils are forming their buds, and crocuses are soon to arrive – Spring is on its way!  Winter can be a bleak or a beautiful time – I try to focus on the beauty – it helps me through the long dark days, which can seem to last forever – oh, and a SAD lamp helps too!

Writing is coming slowly this winter, but I keep plodding on – I want to tell this story so much, so I just keep on trying.  It will be written but I cannot rush – it will be done in its own time.

I wish all of you writing your books and your blogs too, much success in your efforts – I hope the Winter is kind to you wherever you are – take care, and keep on going!

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Winter is coming

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Winter is almost here –  short days, cold nights, maybe frost and snow.  Time to wrap up warm and brave the elements to make the most of the daylight and sunshine, then cosy up at home to indulge in favourite hobbies and spend time with loved ones.

I enjoy the early mornings, while it’s still dark and quiet – time to get on with writing my new book – I need the peace and quiet of solitude and time alone to think, plan and write.

Later in the day I love to walk in the countryside and catch up with nature – I love how birds can be seen more easily amongst the bare branches now – and I love how the sun catches the beautiful colours of remaining glowing leaves.

Painting and making are two of my most pleasurable occupations at this time of year – combined with listening to music, the dark evenings slip away happily, and I am content.

Finally, reading is a joy – I am a regular visitor to my library and love to find new authors and unread books – my world expands with their words.  I am grateful for all these rich gifts in my life.

Enjoy the winter – a time of reflecting and recharging, getting ready for the New Year and Spring.

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Almost Autumn

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Summer seems to have flown by, and autumn is almost here again – our garden has given us such joy this year – we are constantly learning new things.  We have never had so many bees and butterflies before – now the birds are appearing daily at the feeders and I feel that autumn can’t be far away, but each season brings new joys and surprises.  I wish you all a happy new season too!

March

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It was beautifully sunny but cold a week ago – now The Beast from the East has been with us for a few days, and those sunny days seem far away again.  But Spring WILL be here before too long, thankfully.

In the meantime, I have been hard at work on my new children’s book, the main character, once again, is Carrie, who has ASD (Asperger’s).  In this new story, she is on holiday and has adventures with new friends.  I have been busy editing and am in the middle of drawing some illustrations too.

The snow has kept me inside, but enabled me to work hard on my new book, and for that I am glad – but still, I will be VERY happy when Spring is really here..

February – a cold month

 

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The days are getting lighter day by day – sleet, hail, rain or snow is with us most of the time this month, so bright sunny days are precious.  Primulas are peeping in the garden and daffodils have buds appearing – Spring is not far away – the best time of the year now, I think, when everything is renewed and revealed once more.

I find the early mornings when it’s dark and silent are a great time to write – my new book about Carrie is going well  – I think I will be finishing soon, then will start the long job of editing – then the fun part – the illustrations!

The long dark winter days are not so bad for writers – there is less distraction from sunny windows and birds calling us out to play!

Tomorrow is Valentines Day – wishing everyone a happy day and love.

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National Robin Day and the Shortest Day

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It’s National Robin Day today, and also the shortest day of the year, the Winter Solstice – two cheerful events on a cold, dark, grey day.

The robin has been our country’s national bird for 60 years now – one of my favourite birds, so pretty and uplifting to see one on a cold, grey day, especially when they open up their beaks and sing  their tiny hearts out – wonderful!

And now it is the shortest day, so that the days from now on will just get longer and brighter, and we know that Spring is on the way at last – fantastic!

This time of year

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At this time of year, people find themselves so busy, making, doing, buying, visiting – sometimes it helps to slow down, take a breath, and think – I don’t HAVE to do this, I’m doing this because I CHOOSE to – from that moment, we can feel less like a hamster scurrying endlessly in its wheel, and more in control of the situation.

Take time to slow down, consider, prioritise and take time for yourself – because then you will feel happier and notice the little things again, the things that give you joy – someone taking your hand and holding it, feeling that warmth and closeness – notice details about your loved ones, try hard to understand what they are feeling too – you only have this life for a short time, your time with loved ones is moment by moment and these moments can slip away, unappreciated if we let them.

I say this because I know, as people do, when they have lost loved ones.  In the hurry and bustle of shopping, cooking, preparation – SLOW DOWN – take a breather – do it as a favour to yourself, and your family.  Christmas comes but once a year – but your loved ones are more than Christmas preparations – they give meaning, love and hope to our lives.  And YOU, yourself, are more than the tasks you perform daily – you are important in yourself, and deserve to have a peaceful happy Christmas, and to share that with all those you love.