January Bright Moments

Do you know something, I do really rather like January for it's sheer newness and optimistic feel. As is the norm, I have been rather late sorting out my new calendars (I have four throughout the house) and still have my main family writing-on calendar to update with birthdays, school holidays etc. But the sight of that clear January calendar page is making me feel all cleansed and delighted and positive about the year ahead, possibly because the page is currently blank so it looks as if it's all free time and nothing pressing to remember at all, no appointments, no Birthdays, nothing doing AT ALL. That isn't the case of course, there has already been one Birthday (Little B turned nine on the 5th), there is another family birthday next week I think, and I've had my first Yarndale meeting of the year this morning. It was only by sheer chance that I actually remembered the meeting at all, I really must get my act together. 

I ordered a new Erin Condren Life Planner last week, again with the lateness I know. I cannot wait for it to arrive as I do feel like I need it - I've a head full of lists and plans and dates, and I'm so going to enjoy those blank pages and sticker therapy. Bring it on...I'll show you when it comes as I've gone for the hardbound version this year for the first time, it was cheaper than the ring bound and had 20% off at the time I snagged it, so that swayed it for me.

So I thought I'd bob in to the Attic and chat about this and that, no New Year's resolutions or magic Word of The Year, just a deep desire to live every day with a joyful heart and positive outlook. I feel very good for January actually (I often don't feel at all well at this time of year), I'm not exactly bursting with energy but something calmer and more sedate, a kind of low hum of energy perhaps? It feels good I have to say.

The above photos were taken on New Year's day, a short family walk through the woods in the pale morning sunshine. It was busy amongst the trees, and despite the above pathway being clear of other folk at the time I snapped the photo, we met and greeted so many other families out walking. It was a lovely way to mark the first day of the year.

During the past week in the lull after New Year, we all kind of slumped here in the Attic. Well, that's not true exactly as it was mainly the rest of the family taking it easy while I worked my socks off creating the Sweet Pea Cal post and full pattern tutorial. And I've spent an incredible number of hours on social media too, which is all part of the CAL experience for me. But look, see, there were still moments where I wore pyjamas and woolly socks and settled down to crochet a few quiet rows, so it all balances out in the end.

I have really, really, really, really enjoyed seeing how the Sweet Pea blanket has taken off with you all, it's giving me the most incredible feeling of deep down happiness. It's very hard to put into words that feeling, it's so emotional for me, and feels quite raw at times. I often feel very moved and tearful when I read about your experiences of the colours and the joy of those rows growing, it never gets old. I love sharing my blankets with a true passion.

There's a glimpse of Big Blanket on my bed too, still making me very happy and keeping us cosy in the cold weather. Can't believe this blanket is almost ten years old now.

I lit my Sweet Pea candle over the weekend, it's lovely! Truthfully it doesn't smell an awful lot like Sweet Peas, but the scent is lightly floral and unmistakably summery so I'm good with that. It tickles me that the text on the side of the tin says "The One I Truly Love" as it makes me think of my blanket every time, awwww, I'm a bit in love with my Sweet Pea blanket!!!

I packed away Christmas at the weekend, gosh what a mammoth event that turned out to be. I had to pull out the sofa to retrieve all the bells and baubles that the kitty had hidden under there, and that resulted in a huge bout of manic guilt-cleaning. Oh, the fluff and miscellaneous detritus to be found behind the sofa was quite shocking, but it's all ship-shape now and I'm trying to erase the memory of how bad it had gotten.

Removing Christmas from the mantels gave me a reason to dust, polish and faff, and set up a little bit of a Winter theme. Do you remember my simple crochet garland from last year? It was so lovely to unpack it from it's "winter decoration" bag and enjoy those soft seasonal colours again.

I've got some hyacinth bulbs just starting out - these ones were labelled as being Red (not pink) so I'm really looking forward to seeing what they turn out like when they bloom. I'm also LOVING my new painting by one of my favourite artists Annabel Burton. I commissioned this canvas from Annabel after seeing something similar on her website, isn't it delightful? I love the wintry trees, but also the feeling of soft light and seasonal change which makes me look forward to the months to come. She is such a lovely lady and I adore her style and colour sense - you can keep up to date with all her latest works on Facebook, tell her I sent you!

Yesterday morning the sky was beautiful over the rooftops and I couldn't wait to get out there and breathe in the cold wintry air.

The Little People went back to school yesterday so Little B and I set out on our morning commute along the canal. It was lovely to embrace the return of our routine, I do enjoy the structure of the school day very much. It grants me six hours to do what I need to do, which yesterday consisted of my accounts, coffee and a good chat with a friend, lots of Facebook and Instagram stuff, emails, and then this......

.....an afternoon at Coopers cafe with my fabulous yarny ladies, jaunting up and down my Trellis Stripe rows. And look - what do you make of my Drink That Isn't Coffee???? That's a rare sight indeed, to see me at Coopers without a mug of frothy coffee in hand!! I decided on a whim to try out the Very Berry smoothie and my goodness, it was utterly delicious and extremely fruity and berry-y. I could positively feel it doing my insides good.

Do you remember me telling you that I'd ordered myself a Eucalyptus tree? Well it arrived in the post last week, all snug inside a cardboard box, and oh oh oh, I do love it so!!!!!! I think it's amazing that you can order a tree through the post - I ordered from Amazon and it just pleased me so much to unpack it and examine it and think to myself "it's my very own tree!" Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever bought a tree before, not ever in my life. Ha! No wonder it was so bloomin' exciting!

For those who have asked, I'm intending to keep my eucalyptus tree in the back yard, growing it on into a large pot and keeping it pruned/trimmed to keep it under control.

I've already snipped a few stems to have on my table, it's the most wonderful thing to be able to inhale that distinctive eucalyptus fragrance whenever the mood takes me. Ok, I'll stop going on about it now.

In other news, I purchased my first bunch of annual daffodils yesterday when I spotted them for £1 in the supermarket. I always wait until January to do this, even though I saw buckets of daffs as early as November. It's become one of my New Year traditions, and makes me very very happy. Can you imagine....fresh eucalyptus AND daffodils in the house????? I might have been a little bit giddy.

Yesterday the daffies were in bud.......

.....and today they bloomed in glorious fashion. So joyful, and such a lovely bolt of bright colour when you come into the room.

A rare photo of the kitty - she detests having the camera pointing at her, but I like to do it anyway. Actually, this is a really bad photo, the sofa is sloping and my cushions are slumped and my blankets are untidy.....but it's home in all it's perfect imperfectness. The cushion on the right (the fabric one) is one I made years ago for Connievan. It has huge sentimental value because it has the original caravan cushion inside it, and when you open the zip and sniff the cushion it still smells of the caravan. Sounds a bit weird, but that smell is so nostalgic and sweet, gosh I do so treasure the precious memories we made with Connievan.

And so that's where I'm at as we gently step into 2019, rejoicing in this quiet life that is uniquely mine. I hope the year is treating you kindly so far, and that you feel optimistic and and positive about where you're heading. I'm wishing you lots of brightness in your days!

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Comments

[Nancy Swank]

Hi Lucy,
I thought you might see a neat ripple blanket I've been working on using the colors from your crochet garland that's pictured in this post. It's my first ripple, and I absolutely love it!
Nancy from Indiana, USA

https://images4-e.ravelrycache.com/uploads/IndianaNancy/599051494/9BB1454D-D0A0-4EB7-9007-0588BD09BE64.jpeg

[Lori]

Is there way to sub to your blog? I clicked on the sidebar but it just brought up a page with a bunch of gobbly word/numbers. Would love to receive it in my email. Love it!

[NORA McGRANN]

Thank you Lucy for everything you share with us throughout the year..

With your gorgeous blankets, the captivating photos and how you involve us all within your family life....

Your generous spirit shines through..

Wishing you and yours every happiness and good fortune for this year of 2019!!

lots of hugs from N Ireland.....Nora x

[Annabel Burton]

lovely post Lucy - great to see the daffs and a spotty jug ( i love mine). Also cannot believe little B is growing so big - remember when you were expecting! And of course, BIG thanks for the mention of my little picture looking at home and happy xx

[Kate]

Can't believe Little B is nine years old. I remember, like it was yesterday, you showing us your very pregnant tummy on one of your posts and shocked us all! Happy New Year to you and your family. I don't crochet, but I enjoy your blog immensely. So colorful and full of joy.

[Charlotte.]

I am going to see if I could grow a eucalyptus tree in Florida. The price of your flowers is an unbelievable bargain. Enjoy ! I never buy them because they are so expensive. Maybe should purchase bulbs as they are longer lasting. Love the pictures. Trying to decide if I want to try Sweet Pea in cotton. Have ordered one skein to try it. Happy New Year.

[CJ]

What fantastic photos, all that glorious winter light. And there's winter sunshine shining out from your words as well, a lovely post Lucy. Annabel Burton's art is so pretty, I particularly like the birds in the tree and the colour of the sky in your picture, beautifully captured. I'm wishing you a happy and productive 2019. CJ xx

[Autumn]

I'm happy to hear your New Year started off well! I feel like this year is going to be full of peace and creativity! I'm loving following the Sweet Pea CAL. I can't wait until I can crochet this blanket for myself!

[Agnes Du-feu]

Hi Lucy I have just finished part 1. I am doing a double blanket. Question do i need to be adding extra rows as i go?

[Jo Howes]

I'm going to make a little balls garland, it's so pretty. I can do it alongside the CAL because I haven't had to do even a single bit of frogging - first time ever!! Big Love x

[Winwick Mum]

And she's back :) xx

[Fiona M]

My eucalyptus tree, grown from a seed brought back from holiday, is thriving here in my West Yorkshire garden. It's about 70ft tall though, so be warned!

[Heather Cawte]

NINE???

OK, now I feel old....

I am quite jealous of your eucalyptus tree. What a wonderful thing to have! I love seeing the photos around the house almost as much as I love your patterns 😄😄

[Elizabeth Denny]

Dear Lucy check out this lovely 7 minute Australian animation "Lost & Found". Crochet beasties in a hauntingly sweet story. Still available online as Youtube. Something to cuddle up by the fire and watch - just long enough to drink a cup of hot chocolate with.

[Teresa Kasner]

Hi Lucy, I'm glad you've embraced winter and are enjoying it more. I have to say, working on the Sweet Pea blanket is helping me stay positive during these dark and cold months. I am doing a series of blog posts about my progress on the Sweet Pea!! You've now inspired me to find a bunch of daffodil buds to bring home!! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

[Denise Fordyce]

Here in Victoria, Australia, we are so lucky to live right in a eucalyptus forest which smells SO GOOD whenever it rains (which is sometimes a bit rare!). The temperature forecast for the next week are all in the 40s C, somewhere between 105 and 110 F, so I will be inside working on my Sweet Pea as much as I can. Time to hibernate from the heat, not cold!

[Ilona Bergen]

Happy New Year to you and the family
This year a bit of a rocky start but it can only get better. I have Vertigo at the moment. Not fun at all but this too shall pass. The MRI on my cervical spine caused it. Live and learn.
Beleesing to all.

[Jenny M]

gorgeous photos of the rooftops & canal, I enjoy seeing the landscape and buildings surrounding you.
Wishing you a fabulous year ahead with all your creativity!

[Paula]

We have so many eucalypts in our back yard in WA Aus., but they are over 30 mts tall.So you it would be a good idea to keep trimming little bits to bring in the house.
Love reading your blog,keep up the good work.

[Jacquie]

Wishing you the same Lucy. I always feel better when I have read your posts. Here's to January days with sunshine and a bit of frost. Perfect.
Jacquie xxx

[Jackie Farrow]

Love that you can have a eucalyptus tree in your UK gardens. As you can image they are everywhere here in Australia. Of course you will have to keep an eye on it that it doesn't get too big.

I just love seeing your photos, seeing Skipton again. Please can you at some stage take a photo of the farm shop when you go next. I forgot to take a photo when we were there for Yarndale. Talking of Yarndale, next week there are a group of us Sweetpea Western Australians getting together and one of them was at Yarndale last year like me. We have lots to talk about 😀. Bye for now till your next blog.

[Sandy Johnson]

We have a large eucalyptus tree in the garden and I love the smell of it. I might cut some and put on the table tomorrow.
I am busy using up all my stash making lapgans for our local hospice. I have promised myself a new start with yarn. I showed you a photo of the king size patchwork blanket I had made for my son and daughter in law when we came to Yarndale.
Love reading your blogs. Happy New Year Lucy.

[Heather Coady]

Just love your posts ! Makes me feel really calm and positive as this week holds a very sad memory and be good when it’s over. Then on with sweet pea blanket!

[Jacqui]

Awwwwww. Enjoying sweetpea colourwash lovely post again

[Elsie]

Another great post full of home-y news and other bits of your life! I have tulips growing a glass pot in my kitchen. A gift from a friend. Wonder when they will bloom?? Your daffodils are beautiful. And I didn't know you could buy a eucalyptus tree!! Now I have to look into doing that...