August 2011

Hello!!! It's really good to be back here at my desk catching up with a few things and being still and thoughtful for a while. We came back from our week down in Dorset late on Sunday and my feet don't feel as if they've touched the ground since. We had a lovely time away, a whole mixed bag of weather and activities, mixed emotions too if I'm honest...it wasn't the most relaxing or harmonious family holiday we've ever had!! But yes it was mostly good and I'll be sharing the story with you in a few days.

It suddenly occurred to me this morning that we've all of a sudden reached the last day of August and that tomorrow I'll be turning my calendar pages. I've soooooooooooo enjoyed August and feel like I want to stamp my flip-flopped feet and protest that it simply didn't last for long enough. I want it to be August for at least another three weeks!! Woooooaaaaaaaaaahhhh!! I'm not ready for September, for the onset of Autumn, I really am not ready!

I've LOVED this month. My time spent with the Little People at home this summer has been a true delight, as has time spent hanging about with friends and neighbours. It's been relaxed, easy going and fun. Lots of fun. It's hard to take photos to represent these times spent with friends, I must give that little challenge some thought for the future. The Little People do not remain still enough for photographs these days, they are so active and physical for so much of the time (which is nothing but Good). I was thinking back to a blog post I wrote three summers ago, documenting our summer holiday activities....ahhh how fabulous that I can now look back across Three Whole Years to recall and remember! Summer this year hasn't been very different really. The chalks and bubbles never came out, but scooters and water fights were still very much in evidence. The scootering is faster and more competitive these days,  the water pistol fights are bigger, louder and more strategic. Yes, I'd say the Little People have enjoyed a terrific summer holiday at home, full of play and laughter and activity and friends.

Thinking about bloggy archives has reminded me about this post written two years ago. One of the things that delights me about blogging is the evidence it throws up of Repeat Patterns in ones life. The rhythms and cycles of nature which become inextricably linked to home and family life. The past few weeks we've noticed that "Sugar Stealers" are dancing on the breeze again, and we in turn have been dancing about after them. Capturing, wishing and releasing. Just as we did last year, and the year before that. So precious.

We celebrated a ninth birthday yesterday. Nine. How??? How does nine years pass in the blink of an eye?? Little Man went with J and three of his best street buddies on a day trip out to do Boy Things. It involved gazing at weapons followed by eating spicy things. They returned home at tea time full of excitement, telling tales of samurai swords and hot chili sauces. I laid out a simple party tea for anyone who wanted to come and eat (it was suddenly very busy at number 24 yesterday!) and we had cake with nine candles to blow, it was lovely. We are blessed with a wonderful neighbourhood here, such lovely families, such friendly, good people.

There've been some quiet moments during August too, contented times that I've spent pottering and pootling about in my own little world. I've had such a huge amount of pleasure from my little back yard this summer, it's made me very happy to be able to pick flowers and bring some of the outside in. Some of my pots are looking decidedly past their best now, but the sweet peas are still flowering their sweet little hearts out. I don't want them to end.

Yes, I know. You do indeed see BROWN yarn on my table. Two new balls of Stylecraft have recently been purchased, and with much trepidation I might add. I find it incredibly hard going into a shop to purchase Brown Yarn. On the left you can see the colour Walnut (ehh??) and on the right is Parchment. Pfffffff. That walnut colour is not just mildly brown, but very incredibly brown I think you'll agree.

Want to know what I'm up to with the brown stuff?

Weeeeeellllllll, I'm making a baby blanket, a gift for a very good friend who's baby is due in less than six weeks. So I can't show you too much of it as I know she does peek in here from time to time. It's a ripple blankie, and as you can see the brown is only a small part of what I'm up to colourwise. It's been very, very interesting working the browns into my colour scheme, I can't wait to ta-dah it with you!

This month's Attic Views have been spectacular in their diversity. I've really been aware of the changing light during the past few weeks as summer slips gently towards Autumn.

We've had our share of bad weather this month.

Rain, mist, drizzle. Torrential downpours.

The temperature has dropped too (we had some thoughts of lighting the fire this week, although it never came to pass), and the days are noticeably shortening. Sadly I can really feel the summer slip-sliding away (waaah).

But there have been glorious days full of warmth and summer sunshine in August too. And I am hoping very much that as we move into September we'll be treated to just a little more of Summer. Here's hoping. If I mange to catch a sugar stealer anytime soon, you can guess what my wish will be.

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Comments

[SueW]

I loved seeing your attic views, so many changes of scene in a month.

[Sonia]

I can't help but boast about about the warming, lengthening days on this side of the world! Loving wearing less layers and hiding the heaters away!

[Jeanne]

I can't wait to see the baby blanket! That is such a rich brown... It will offset the bright colors, nicely!

Thank you for sharing your August memories... We're still hot in my part of The States and I can't wait for autumn to arrive. I prefer the cooler weather. Could do without the darkness, but I enjoy wearing a sweater and snuggling under comfy blankets.

[Katie B]

Hi Luce, that brown comment (ehh?) made me chuckle - I can just see you saying that in a Manchester accent! Keep on stitchin' LOL x x

[Taylor]

Your post made my day! Thank you for the beautiful pictures! Brown really isn't that bad is it? I think it will be great in your baby blankie. Can't wait to see it!

[Lisa]

I love your blog! I also found you through crocheting. I love your color themes. We started school here yesterday and that always signals that summer is over, so bittersweet. I do have a question? Why do you call them sugar stealers? We have always called them wishes, to catch, wish upon and release. When I found out they were the wings to mildweed seeds I was a little disappointed. Who would grant my wish? Thanks for the lovely thoughts and pictures. It helps me to remember to cherise the moments.

[cathleen]

I always enjoy the view from your attic window so much. Every season is breathtakingly beautiful from your sweet perch at the top of the house.

[Allison]

So glad to hear from you again! Sounds like the month has been so lovely and filled with all things special. It's so funny to compare your feelings towards summer's end with what I am experiencing. I live in Texas and this summer has been a scorcher (many many days over 100 degrees) and we are in a drought. I am so looking forward to September and October...cooler days and nights, low humidity, spending lots of time outside...can't wait! Anxious to hear more about your adventures. Thank you so much for sharing so generously with us.

[Liz]

Very happy birthday to your little boy! Many many happy returns!

[Suzanne]

Aaah, what a nice post! I am a bit bumped too that August already came to an end. Well, I wish you the best for September! It too, has its treasures. The colors of autumn leaves, hot coco after a walk through the rain, happy umbrellas...but I agree....August is a bliss haha.

[Verneta]

Hello Lucy, So glad you had a wonderful vacation with your family. What wonderful memories you created! Personally, I like the dark brown. It just makes the bright colors pop out. Thank you for all the bright goodness you bring to the world and to us on Ravelry! Blessings to Attic24!!!

[Kari]

Thank you for another lovely post! You are right that it was a very big surprise to see brown wool in your basket! I haven't grown up enough yet to be brave enough to buy it, but maybe that time will come ... for me it's still just the colours of the rainbow I love and feel drawn to buying. Enjoy the change of the seasons. Here we had a "first day of spring" yesterday which was the most miserable day imaginable! Kari

[Donna]

Brown is my all time favorite color. Can't wait to see the finished baby blanket.

[amelie]

hello Lucy
it's lovely catching up with you and your travels

brown combined with neutrals and brights is very in again (i'm told). i've always loved it with creamy mushroomy tones, blues (esp. turquoise shades) and a varitey of pinks. it also goes well as part of an autumnal colour scheme. but i agree it's not very you.. unless you are keeping up with the times ;o) i'll be back for a peek at the baby blankie.. it is looking very gorgeous so far :o)

warmest hugs xxx

p.s. have i told you that i no longer blog? however i aim to continue reading the blogs i love and will comment now and then to let you know i'm still here and appreciating you.

[Jacquie]

Hi Lucy , loved this post. I'm using brown at the moment too . Trying to get a vintage look with my latest projects....not sure how it's working out but I'm enjoying making a blooming flower cushion sooooo much. Thankyou for the excellent tutorial .
Jacquie x

[Rainy Day Crafter]

Well, the first day of September has been glorious today down here in Somerset, so maybe you've got your wish?! :) Looking forward to seeing your new blanket!

[Adaliza]

I love your calender photo of the Wrestling Fields in Porthleven, Cornwall. I walk the dogs up there every day of our holidays there - it feels like home! I was sorry to turn it over today too!

[Jennie]

Hi Lucy~

Glad August has been so good to you~ I don't want to say good-bye to summer yet either. This is all very odd to me for I am an autumn girl, but this summer just went too quickly!
So amazed to see brown yarn on your blog! You are one brave girl! ;) I have no doubt it will all be fabulous- happy hooking!

[Kepanie]

I love that first pic of the boats on the water. The random colors of the boats is just about inspiring for a project.
How do you usually pick colors for a blanket? Random of light to dark? How do you figure out the order? By mood or planning?

[Kat]

The brown you chose is a very warm delicious color, I daresay. I'm not much on the darker colors myself because they are harder to hook with but sometimes a little bit of dark makes the brights pop even more. :o)

[bethbutcher]

Lol actually used those colours from style craft to knit a baby blanket. Was nicely surprised but the out come. I'm sure yours will be beautiful (I've only just started reading your blog but love your many crochet blankets!)

[Mary Jo]

Lovely photos. Thanks for sharing. Can't wait for the TA DA!

Brown is a terrific color...think of chocolate or lattes,or puppy dog eyes!

Totally agree with you about summer speeding by this year. Cannot believe that September has arrived.

[CecilyMae Handmade]

Hi Lucy, glad you had a fun time down in Dorset! Looks like you took the photo of the harbour on the only sunny day of the week! Good luck on the brown wool blanket - you're very brave. Joey x

[Bonnie]

Hi Lucy, lovely pics, looking forward to you being back..i hope you have a good Autumn...we have just gone into our Spring here..so looking forward to it!

[The Barefoot Crofter]

Hello - mourning the end of Summer here in the Western Isles, but hopefully some golden September days will keep us going until it is time to light the fire again.
Jacqui xx