Here we are at the end of week four of our summer holiday, and I am loving these long, slow Summer days. They are so beautiful and kind of full and precious I think. We haven't been up to much here to be honest, the days are sort of bumbling and rambling into each other in a deliciously relaxed sort of a blur. I wake up early every morning not knowing (or caring) what day of the week it is and don't even think to question it as the hours roll by. It's a luxury to have this kind of freedom and I appreciate it more than I am able to put into words.
Our Monday to Friday's have been a whole lot of nothing-much but we have made effort at the weekends to get out and about with the Little People. We've been walking in shady green woodland, picnicking and rambling about the countryside with visiting friends and family. A barbecue lunch by the riverside, a lazy pub beer garden in the warm afternoon sunshine. It's been gentle and enjoyable.
At home I have been day dreaming about so many beautiful projects and exciting new yarny possibilities, feeling buzzy and inspired and more than a little frustrated at the lack of actual available time to sit and crochet right now. It's just typical for me at this time of year when I am flat out with so many time-sensitive projects that I immediately want to kick the deadlines to the curb and dive into something new and pleasurable. Ah well, all in good time I guess.
Days here during the holidays are a constant juggling act, as I'm sure it is for most parents of school age children. I'm attempting to parent the kidletts whilst also working from home against some tight time deadlines and it's not always easy - the guilt sits constantly on my shoulder and whispers naughty things in my ear if I let it. I am doing my best to balance it all out, and so far so good. I tend to adopt the rather lazy approach to holiday parenting and allow the days to meander naturally. We don't plan, we just kind of free flow and hope for the best. The Little People are pretty good at amusing themselves for the most part, although Little B still needs Mummy imput of course, being that he is still only six. We've been baking together quite a bit, Little B and I - we took some over ripe bananas.....
.....and made some delicious banana bread (recipe here, with added sultanas). Warm from the oven and slathered in butter, it was oh-so-good.
Little B loves to sit and do a spot of colouring too, he can be close by me as I sit and work and I can secretly watch him out of the corner of my eye (he gets very self conscious if he knows I am staring). I love to watch his face move as he works with his pens, he truly delights me with his intensity for this simple activity.
We've stayed close to home for the most part during the past few weeks, but there have been quite a few outings to the local shops to buy food or some such thing that we've run out of and desperately need. It feels odd to walk along the canal with the Little Peeps and not be doing the school run, it's a strange sensation of being out of kilter somehow. We noticed this week how the leaves are already beginning to change on some of the trees, my heart sinks ever so slightly at the realisation that Summer is on the wane already. Not yet, it can't possibly be yet. September is Still Summer!!
We've had many afternoons at the park this past week as it's been warm and humid and perfect for being idle and horizontal on a blanket with a green view.
I've settled us at the very top of the slope in the dappled shade of the trees and encouraged Little B to run-run-run his little legs off as much as possible. We've had balls and a frisbee to encourage the activity levels, but really that kiddlet just loves to run for the joy of it. He would think nothing of running all the way down to the play park there in the distance, throwing himself down the slide a few times, then running all the way back up the hill again, panting and collapsing in a heap on the blanket. It's marvellous actually, all part of my Lazy Parenting technique as I am required to do absolutely nothing physical, just using my eyes to watch. The occasional wave and swell of the heart, and that's the extent of it for me.
The reward for all that activity has been in the form of a daily ice cream treat, which I think is only fair. There is an ice cream van which parks just outside the park entrance, and we've made good use of it this week. Happy Little Peeps, happy Me.
It's not all been horizontal idling mind you, I have actually been doing some crazy stuff at the park myself whilst the Little Peeps loll about eating ice cream. I took a whole bag of woolly sheep with me and spent a happy time arranging them on the grassy slope for a little photo shoot - don't they look adorable? Yes, I did get some rather odd looks, not that I mind too much of course. What amazes me is how OK the Little People are with me doing these things, they pitch in and help and never question the wierdness that is my life.
I have to say I'm so thrilled by this creative project and love love love the way the flock is growing, thank you so much to everyone who has contributed so far. Each and every sheep is a delight, they all have such unique and beautiful little characters! There is still time to make and send a little sheep if you fancy joining in. Details here.
The past few weeks I've been working with my friend Lovely C to create the 2017 Yarndale* calendar. It's been a fun thing to do - we've combined some studio images with some amateur on-location images which has required us to dance about arranging stuff, snapping photos and pretending we are fancy pants stylists hahaha! The above image was a joint project, the flower post was crocheted by C using a rustic carpet yarn, and I made the flowers and leaves using Drops Karisma wool DK.
This is one of our styling type images, arranged in Lovely C's garden one overcast day in early August. We wanted to create a picture which felt Autumnal and cosy, and honestly we got such a kick setting this up and getting it just so perfectly Novemberish. The funny thing is that I realised after a few hours that I happen to hold my breath when I am taking photographs, so the whole day left me hyperventilating and gasping with exhaustion, but ridiculously happy at the same time. I took over 200 photos in the end (to arrive at a select 12) and am really looking forward to sharing them with you soon. The calendars will go on sale at Yarndale* in September, then will be available to buy online after that. I'll keep you posted.
I've been out and about in the evenings a bit this past week and have been struck by just how beautiful this time of year is. I feel so blessed to live in this place where I can walk to meet friends, strolling along the canal side on my way home at 7pm and just loving the warmth and light.
Summer is my very best favourite time of year, these light-filled days make me so happy.
I'm hoping that whatever your days are filled with, that you are enjoying the magic and finding joy in the Little Things. Life is good!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
*in the interest of honesty and clarity and disclosure and all that stuff, I need to just mention that *yarndale is a for-profit organisation and I am one of the five organisers. Details can be found here.
ps we're off to the seaside now for a week of coastal pootling - see you when I get back xx
Dear Lucy, I follow you since the beginning of your Attic24 adventure and you have always been a great inspiration to me. I'm very glad to visit this year Yarndale and would like to know if we could meet there just to say hello. I am a journalist, a crocheter and contributor to "Labores del Hogar", the main crochet and knitting magazine published in Spain since 1926. I'm visiting Yarndale on Saturday in order to write and publish an article about it and would appreciate a lot if we could meet and talk just a few minutes. Do you think it would be possible?
Posted by: Inge Serrano | September 13, 2016 at 12:00 PM
The outdoor calendar photo of the woolens on the chair is just beautiful. I may have to buy the calendar just for that shot.
Posted by: Cate | September 04, 2016 at 08:18 AM
The holiday photos are lovely!
The sheep are abundant and beautiful!
I hope you have sunshine for the last days of summer.
Posted by: Pom Pom | September 03, 2016 at 10:28 PM
What an absolutely delicious blog post to read & view!! Thank you so much, Lucy, for providing one of the bright spots in my day!!
xoxo
Posted by: Andrea | September 03, 2016 at 06:40 PM
LOVE the crochet pot of flowers! The calendar sounds gorgeous!!! The November picture looks perfect!!!!
Posted by: ReadingScotland | September 02, 2016 at 12:53 PM
I tried your banana bread ! Silly me forgot to put the milk in lol ,and despite me being inept as a baker,it turned out rather well ! So thank you Lucy. I just love your blog . It has inspired me to try more of your recipes -as well as the crochet of course xx
Posted by: Jude Pearson | September 02, 2016 at 12:24 PM
Thanks for your posts! Your photos are wonderful and I love how you describe your happy life. You live in a beautiful part of the world! I am working on three of your gorgeous blankets--cozy stripe, cottage ripple, and the original granny stripe. I just wanted to thank you for sharing your talent! They are bringing me so much joy! I love it every time I get to tie in a new color. The colors are so beautiful together and I love working on three at a time as I move from palette to palette, loving each one. You have such a gift! I find myself wanting to make each blanket you design--to bring that beautiful combination of color into my home. Crochet has become my calming happy time--so therapeutic! I thank you so very much for bringing this joy into my life!
Posted by: Donna | September 01, 2016 at 06:12 PM
I'm so pleased you're managing to relax over summer after your health was poor during winter. You seem to have a good balance with the kids. Im still learning mine!
My little sheep is in her way to you so she'll be pleased to join the flock soon.
Love,
J Xxx
Posted by: Josie | August 30, 2016 at 04:34 PM
A lovely site to see, and maybe an idea for Yarndale.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BH9FjyCDYJs/?taken-by=dingodyeworks
Posted by: Angela-Southern USA | August 29, 2016 at 02:13 PM
Yes those lazy days of summer are indeed happy times and ones to cherish. My two are now mid and late teens and for the first time I have been let off the leash! :) The flock of sheep are amazing and I am sure when the small proportion that you had with you were quite a sight to passers by (I wonder if any will take up the crochet bug!). Enjoy the rest of the holidays... and the uniform shopping! xx
Posted by: Chel @ Sweetbriar Dreams | August 29, 2016 at 08:39 AM
Hi Lucy! I'm just posting my sheep now, but because it's travelling all the way from Australia, it might take a while! It should get there by September 9th, but just letting you know in case it's a bit slow! :)
Posted by: Katie | August 28, 2016 at 04:53 PM
Dear Lucy,
One of your best, I just love how your writing flings me over to your part of the world. Just fantastic! I am making it my mission in life to get to Yarndale, perhaps not this year but maybe next. I went to my first Bendigo Sheep and Wool show recently in July (in country Victoria, Australia). It has been going for 120 years and it was brilliant. Learnt a lot about sheep, and yarn of course. Take care Lucy, you are simply a treasure. xx
Posted by: Jenny Casey | August 28, 2016 at 12:26 AM
We have just returned from Denali National Park in Alaska, formerly known as Mt. McKinley. On our tour of the park we spotted high up on a mountain a flock of about 20 Dahl sheep. Their bright whiteness made them easy to find. Clearly, they needed someone to crochet for them!
Posted by: Barbara Seiver | August 27, 2016 at 04:33 PM
Enjoy the short tIme left of summer. I am waiting for my bananas to get, ripe. Love this post about summer. Thanks.
Posted by: Charlotte. | August 26, 2016 at 11:10 PM
Funy ships:) I also try to share useful and interesting information for yarn. I'll visit you again.
Posted by: Crochet | August 26, 2016 at 04:13 PM
I love how you actually use the blankets you make! I truly enjoy seeing a blanket on the grass with little ones being little ones on it. Good for you! Enjoy your holiday!!
Posted by: Lynn | August 24, 2016 at 03:08 AM
Hi Lucy, have fun at the coast. We just got back from 2 weeks at our high alpine lake in Oregon.. our annual family reunion camping trip. I just posted about it if you want to take a gander. I love your post.. I'm glad you're taking it easy and not overdoing things. I got a kick out of envisioning you and the kids arranging your heard of cute little sheep. I printed out the pattern and may just work on one today! Have a super time on your vacay. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Posted by: Teresa Kasner | August 23, 2016 at 08:11 PM
Enjoy your summer and kids as long as you can! I enjoyed this post so much. I just can't get over the lovely crochet sheep....so adorable on the grass at the park. Have a great time at the seaside!
Posted by: Robin W. | August 23, 2016 at 12:40 AM
Great post. It sounds like you're making the best Summer memories for your little peeps :) Love the canal boats and all the colourful pics. Will be making a sheep after finishing poncho....it's taking ages...Glad you mentioned the recyclable packaging. Good idea. Now where's my hook?
Posted by: Catherine | August 22, 2016 at 11:38 PM
Love, love, LOVE this post, Lucy! I feel the same about summer! It encourages lazy lying about in the wonderful warmth that goes away too quickly. But then nothing gets done either! Balance! LOVE the photo of the chair with the sweaters -- the kind of clothing that is so cozy and lovely when the weather turns! I think people in more tropical climates miss out when they don't experience the cold seasons! BTW, I just got a load of Stylecraft Batik yarn in Indigo and Pistachio and I LOVE that, too! So cool that it comes to the U.S. by "Royal Mail"! I feel so global! Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Posted by: Annie C | August 22, 2016 at 06:20 PM
All the adorable sheep! <3
Posted by: Veronica | August 22, 2016 at 05:13 PM
Sounds like a lovely summer. I love your photos - always so bright and colourful!
Posted by: Helen P | August 22, 2016 at 12:52 PM
just remembered haven't sent my sheep he he shes still here wont get in the packet ha ha
lovely pos as always xx
Posted by: Jacqui | August 22, 2016 at 11:14 AM
Lovely photos especially love the sheep!
Posted by: Winifred | August 22, 2016 at 12:36 AM
Lovely post again Lucy....having a really bad day and it picked me up a little...thanks!
My husband always buys me a calendar as part of my Christmas present......I think I will hint at the Yarndale Calendar this year....looks as though it is full of wooly goodness x x x
Posted by: Kathy, FRANCE | August 21, 2016 at 06:28 PM