My Week

It's been a mixed bag this week weather wise. We had some stormy days/nights with whipping winds and persistent rain, and then it all blew away for a while and left everything feeling clean and crisp and still. Do you see that one solitary last leaf hanging from the branch? It made me smile.

I love it when there is a stillness in the air because I am quite besotted by water reflections. There are many things in daily life that make my heart squeeze, and still water with perfect reflections is one of them.

I just love this photograph, taken as a quick snap on the way to school one morning.  I walk along the canal tow path multiple times a day on my way to and from school, nursery, the studio and town. I love that this sort of scene is part of my daily routine and I try hard not to take it for granted.

Some days this week have been incredibly dark and gloomy, and I have to admit I do struggle with the low light levels. But when the sun has been shining, it has been absolutely glorious.

Little B was unwell for a few days at the start of the week, so I was at home a lot more than usual looking after him. Even though I was dealing with that sort of nagging, low grade stress that arrives when a littl'n' is poorly, it was still rather lovely to spend time pottering about at home. And of course, this week has seen a lot of wreath-induced excitement on the home front. Oh I've had a wonderful time dancing about inside my own little creative bubble!

Because Little B was unwell, I was forced to bake a huge cake. I always bake when there are germs in the house, it is my reliable (and pleasurable) stress-buster. I was inspired by Jacquie and made a rather scrumdiddlyumptious banana and carrot cake. Oh my. It was wonderful. Moist and sweet, the perfect indulgent mid afternoon pick-me-up.

If you discount the slabs of cake (and the chocolate coins), I'm trying to keep my family healthy this Autumn by feeding them fresh, colourful foods. Lots of vitamin-rich fruit and veggies to strengthen our immune systems. I combined these blueberries with mango, kiwi and clementines to make a colourful and healthy fruit salad. The Little People wolfed it down, then promptly asked for carrot cake. Of course I obliged, well carrots are healthy, aren't they?

One of the highlights of my week has been the return of the cheapo pots of hyacinth bulbs in the supermarket. Happy day!! I've been keeping my eyes open for them lately, looking every day and hoping they would come soon. I've come to look forward to these winter months of indoor bulbs very much since living here in Atticland (and shopping at Morrisons), they bring me such a lot of pleasure for very little money.

As always, I bring them home in their brown plastic pot and replant them directly into an old Cornishware bowl. It's such a delight to have hyacinths growing in the house and I really, really love watching those shoots grow and waiting for the flowers to bloom.

Over on the other side of the room at the other fireplace, I took the cherry tree leaves that were strewn on the table and poked them into my heart garland for an impromptu Autumnal touch. They've gone a little bit shrively now, but I still like to see them.

When Little B was feeling better and went back to nursery, I was able to spend some time in the studio. It really is a very wonderful little room you know, especially lovely on sunny days when the light pours in through the windows. I took a lot of photos in the studio this week which I'll show you soon. Tracy and I are both preparing for our two open studio days next month (we're going to have a decorated Christmas tree!!) and I hope very much that some of you will be able to come and say hello. Sunday 8th and 15th December, 12-4.

Some days, I confess that I do find the constant to-ing and fro-ing across town a little draining. Some afternoons as the clock approaches 3pm, I really resent having to put hat, coat, gloves and  boots on to go out into the cold afternoon. I long to stay home. But the three treks across town each day to school and nursery are a part of my life right now, and there is no getting out of it. So best to try and enjoy the experience of walking (running, balancing, jumping, climbing) and talking my way through it all with Little B. The days are so short now that at 3pm the sun is already very low in the sky, lighting up the landscape and making it glow.

And there is always the bonus of being near to the water and drinking in those still reflections.

I can feel Winter is on it's way. The temperatures are dropping and Autumn has almost come to a close. I actually feel ready for it this year, and am looking forward to the change of seasons and the onset of the all things Christmassy.

This afternoon we drove up into the Yorkshire Dales to the beautiful campsite where we've spent the summer with Connievan. This is the view at the back of our pitch, looking out over the dry stone wall that runs along the boundary of the campsite. Beautiful, isn't it? There wasn't much time for scenery gazing though as we were there to tidy Connie up and prepare her for her winter sleep. After a bit of trauma (we got stuck in the mud and had to be towed out by a tractor), we made the journey down from the Dale and settled Connie back into her town plot for the winter. We're going to be touring with her again next year and are already planning some seaside jaunts. I remain a devoted caravanee.

Before I head off to sit by the fireside with a little glass of something, I want to mention two things...

Firstly, I do have a little bit of Special News to share, something rather toe-curlingly exciting, but I need to get a few things done before I can tell you all about it. Hoping early next week I can do my happy dance and all will be revealed.

Secondly, on Monday 25th I have a rather delicious Christmas Giveaway Competition to share with you here in the Attic. I'm very excited about the rather scrummy haul of Rice DK goodies I have been asked to give away, you're gonna love it. Serious eye candy, as you can see from the above picture. Monday afternoon then, come and see what's what!

See you then xx

 

♥.....more snippets from the Attic.....♥

This Week's Highlights

Comfort Seeking

Comments

[Bev R]

Gorgeous views as always...I miss my hills livving somewhere relatively flat at the minute!!
Ooh...you're going to be doing something really exciting aren't you...and I bet I know what it is but won't say as I don't want to spoil your big announcement!! But I have to say I shall look forward to it if it's what I think it is :) And big congrats x

[berry lane]

Thank you for another lovely post. Beautiful pictures & inspiring as always. Hope Little B is fully recovered now. Banana & carrot cake looks amazing!! Looking forward to hearing your exciting news too! Will pop back tomorrow. :) Claire xx

[Jacqueline]

I really enjoyed reading your post and loved your photos. We too have had some very dreary and dark days this past week, so your post was a tonic of cheerfulness and brightness!

[Jentoo]

Love your blog, Lucy ... have learned so many crochet skills from it recently. Brilliant photos ... What a beautiful record of your week. Have just started blog of my own having become obsessed with crocheted stones. Think I have a long, long way to go in photography alone ... not to mention all other aspects!

[heidi]

Hi Lucy, here over in Holland we even take our kids to home at lunchbreak, so the walk (or bycicleride for me) had to be made four times a day! But now the kids are all older they go by themselves and I can wait for them to come home besides a big cup of tea with cookies, waiting for them coming home with stories. But I do miss the walk/drive through the neighbourhood and being outside, so I take a little walk outside almost every day if I don't have to go to work. Keep on lovin' the times as they are right now, because it isn't coming back!

[Hazel]

A lovely, inspiring post! Can't wait to see the giveaway. I have recently purchased my first Rice cup from a sweet trip to the Lake District. Love the stuff. X

[justpootling.blogspot.co.uk]

Hi Lucy
Love the one little leaf all on its own - we have one apple left on our tree that looks just the same, a little bit lonely, but hanging on for dear life !
That is such a stunning picture of the duck swimming over a mosaic of beautiful coloured leaves, your pictures are always perfect.
I have a sudden urge to now go straight out to buy the new copy of Simply Crochet magazine having seen your picture of it - love that magazine.
Have another lovely week this week.
Kate x

[Heather]

I've just popped 'hyacinths' at the top of my shopping list!

I too still have the joy of the school run - my children are a little older but, living three miles away, they still rely on me to ferry them. I'd rather have your pretty stroll than my boring car journey though! Doesn't that duck look a bit nonplussed about all the leaves?!

Your wreath is a total and utter joy! You have magic in your fingers.

Heather x

[Wendy]

What a lovely blog , I enjoy the season change to , cold crisp sunny days are amazing . Reflection s on the water photos are such great colours . Thank you xx

[sesga]

Love your Blog its so colorful, I cant crotchet but all the wool and loveliness has inspired me to start knitting xxx

[Lavanya]

OOOH your blog posts make me smile!!!! It's always cheery and bright and the perfect antidote to a gloomy autumn day! Can I have a guess at your news? Why do I have a feeling you will be taking over Sara Sinuguglias column in Inside crochet? Much love if you are xx

[jane at the flight platform]

just gorgeous as always! I love the shot of your workspace so much and yes water is always a wonderful place to be! i also wanted to let you know your beautiful work again features in my ART-STOPPING SUNDAY post this week. Much love from another UK textile artist coming your way, your work is beautiful! Here is a link to the post! have a beautiful Sunday http://textgeorge.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/art-stopping-sunday_24.html

[Marcela]

Preciosas fotos, me encantan tus trabajos. Un saludo y un abrazo desde Barcelona.

[Dorothy Griffiths]

What a lovely post Lucy, always so enjoyable to read what is happening in your life, thank you so much for sharing. Have a fabulous Sunday, warm hugs to you and your family
Dorothy
:-)xxxxxxxxxxxx

[Lizzy]

I remember the school run. Up and down the road endlessly! But suddenly it stops and you miss it. I missed that little bit of contact with the other mums each day. On other days I see them all standing out side the school on the pouring rain or frezing cold and think haha I don't have to do that any more!

[Sarah Whelan]

I'm so excited for these mysterious photos next week!

[Andrina T]

Waiting to have my toes curled by your news! Although I must say the magazine has me wondering if something is afoot there... Your corner of the world is still so much more colorful than mine. Everything here has turned brown and drab, even the evergreens look gloomy! Glad to hear the little B is on the mend. After that fruit salad and gorgeous cake, who wouldn't feel utterly settled! :)

[Jen]

You live in the most glorious part of the world...what scenery....

[Piggywhistles]

How I would LOVE to attend one of your open days at your studio. But since I am on the other side of the world in Australia that is unlikely to happen. But thanks to you I can share your inspiring life over the miles.

[Carolyn Jackson]

I cant wait for the toe curlingly exciting news, wonder what it can be. I loved the photo of the Last leaf, I have always loved the O'Henry story of the Last Leaf, perhaps you know it too. Love your blogs and look every day, you studio looks great. You never know we may travel again so I can get to see it.
Caro NZ.

[Jac]

I got my hyacinths (and amaryllis too!) from the supermarket this week as well but up north here we've already had thick frosts outside. Hoping to get out for some winter caravanning in Aimee the Avondale to enjoy the countryside.

[Carole]

Gorgeous photos in this blog post Lucy, especially the ones with the reflections. Can't wait till Monday. Thanks again Lucy x
Love Carole from Rossendale xxxx

[Clare]

I love these everyday post looks like you've had a wonderful week, here in the south east we've had a week of grey plipping rain, so dull and soul distroying so you've brightened up my day.
Clare x

[Barb Benshop]

Thank you for your lovely BLOG! I call it my "happy place". It is always warm and cozy! Makes me happy! Guess I need another trip across the pond,

[Annie]

That scenery is so beautiful . . . The reflections on the water . . . Breathtaking. Longing to hear your exciting news.