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

[Veronica argus]

As you are preparing for the cold, we are getting ready for the heat, here in Australia. Your blog is a joy to read. Thank you for sharing , inspiring , and intriguing.

[Susanne]

Hi Luce, thank you so much for these fantastic pictures. I can't wait to go to bed now and quickly fall asleep, hoping to see my dreamland...sigh...

[Sara Jenkins]

Looks like a good week. I hope moving Connievan wasn't too stressful!
Looking forward to the reveal next week.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend. X

[Linda Jones]

I really enjoy reading about your week and seeing the lovely pictures.....curious about whats coming up :-) will po by on Monday.....have a lovely weekend xx

[Cherie Chudyk]

Thank you, thank you for sharing your week with us, a blessing to read your blog xx

[Karen]

Beautiful photos. Love the duck , all by himself among the many coloured leaves.

[Winwick Mum]

Glad you've had a lovely week, hope you have a fab cosy weekend too! xx

[Anne Marie]

Love the reflections in the water too Lucy. Don't you think that trees without their leaves are so honest, and rather like skeletons without all their skins. You can see the true shape of the tree by its winter guise.

Can't wait to hear your exciting news.

[Jacquie]

Gorgeous photos of your week Lucy. I'm feeling the same about winter this year. I think it's because we have got to a month from the shortest day with some glorious sunshine and still a few flowers. When the grey days hit i'll be O.K.
So glad little B is better and you liked the cake...an inspired combination I thought.
Your giveaway looks exciting.
Jacquie x

[Tracy Lucas]

Love your sofa with all the gorgeous crochet blankets so colourfu!!

[Leila]

No Brasil estamos comecando o verao, e muito quente aqui, natal passado estava na Europa com minhas irmas que moram na Espanha, quando vejo as fotos sinto muitas saudades deles, parabens pelas suas fotos, quero fazer um estudio de trabalho e gostei muito do seu, bjs

[Jacky Russell]

Can't wait to hear your news! Anything to do with that Magazine I wonder? Have a lovely weekend :)

[Natalie Howlett]

Lovely Photos as usual Lucy, they sum up this time of year perfectly x

[Joy]

you have had a lovely week and shared it with us all .... thank you .... I have rice goodies cos you inspired me to buy some earlier in the year .... you can park Connie on our drive any time you fancy a trip here, so pop the Isle of Wight on your schedule for next Summer and come and share our lovely beaches, hills and valleys which you would adore, a very slow and tranquil pace of life!! :-) xx lots of love Joy xx

[Stephanie Haworth]

What a wonderful Autumn post:)))) living in th US it's so fun to see your side of the world..... I think you are giving us a BIG hint with the crochet magazine!!! Maybe you are featured in it!!!!! Looking forward to the giveaway!!!! Yippppeeee... Have a fun, hooky, cozy weekend:))))
Stephanie:)

[amanda]

Wow what fab pictures and autumn sunshine. I'll pop back Monday x

[WandaFish]

What a colourful and inspiring week, thank you!

[Angela-Southern USA]

A lovely Autumny post. Very similar here, and I too love the reflections in still water. The photo of the duck surrounded with leaves is pretty enough to frame. Carrot cake...yum... one of my all time faves!I recently spotted a 'connievan' wind chime and instantly thought of you. :)Could your new be...you've been published?! Hope your weekend is cozy and full of hooky goodness.

[Janet Ward]

Once again you have brightened up this spot of the California desert! Loved your wreath, and enjoyed comparisons to the autumn wreath I made earlier inspired by your salute to spring. Our wreaths are different and interestingly different being inspired by such completely diverse geographic regions. Some days I prefer your spot. Thank you for sharing your gift of bright light and color.

[Charlotte]

As always a lovely blog post Lucy. I also can relate to the school runs, I have on some days 5 runs .... different schools, different activities, for each child, and my poor little R gets to tag along with me... it can be exhausting, but I am taking your attitude, its my life at the moment...I am excited to see what your special news is.

[Sonja]

Thanks for sharing your lovely pictures, Lucy! I love hyacinths too and will look out for the bulbs. Looking forward to your special piece of news. Cheers, Sonja

[CJ]

Lucy, your blog is always such utter delight. I know what you mean about the 3 o'clock school run. But I do miss my littlest boy now that he is at school. It's my favourite time of the day when they are all back at home again. And I know that if I ever couldn't do the school run every day I would miss it so much. Glad your Little B is feeling better now. Hope you have a nice time curled up in front of the fire with your magazine. I'll pass this way again on Monday, hope your Sunday is all good.

[Pammyjo]

You bring such lovely photos and cheer. I love visiting your world. :)

[Inge]

What a lovely pictures of your week!
I'm curious of your special news!

[Louise Bishop]

I love following your posts about your week. They make me in turn homesick, inspired, smile, awed.... Looking forward to next week