With Hindsight

Hello!! So good to see you all, and I'm happy to be back here in my space after not quite feeling up to it in recent weeks. Today I've been pondering on my "re-entry" into Blogland, more specifically how to explain my absence or even whether there is any need to explain at all? There isn't a whole lot that I can tell you to be honest - I'm not sure exactly what has been happening inside my crazy brain, but something hasn't been quite right.  I hadn't actually made a conscious decision to take a break, I simply didn't feel like I had the mental and emotional energy to sit and create a decent blog post. Suffice to say, with hindsight perhaps I should have left you a little note here to let you know all this, rather than just disappearing. I am sorry that I didn't think to do that.

A dear lady commented on my blog yesterday asking "Is this blog dead?" - crikey, I was hit full force with a massive dose of guilt reading that, feeling like maybe I was unintentionally killing off my precious blog. No, no no! No deaths here in the Attic I promise you, just a necessary deep snooze period. It's needed every once in a while, a step back, a gentle decompression after a low or busy time. 

It's been three and a half weeks since my last post so not a huge amount of time in the overall scheme of things, especially not considering the eleven and a half years that I've been sharing my life here.

We had our half term week right at the every end of October and into early November. It was a wonderful, simple time I have to say, lots of easy days spent cosy at home with kids and pets snuggling up all over the place. I even found time to sit and read my magazines, the November issues which arrived shortly after Yarndale when I was in no way ready to think November-ish thoughts. I save my magazines to open when the appropriate month rolls around these days, and I find I enjoy them so much more.

Halloween and Bonfire night came and went, the usual child-orientated stuff taking place here. Little B and I carved a pumpkin each, and we had hoards of trick or treat children ringing our bell for a solid two hours. We had sparklers and a modest box of supermarket family fireworks for November the 5th - the Teens were both out with friends so it was just me, J and Little B oooohing and aaaahing over the sparkly, smoky pops and bangs. 

I finished a pair of socks which had been on my needles since the spring and I'm so happy with them! The yarn is West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4 ply and the colour is called "Seascape" which floats some major colour boats for me. Seascape is one of four colourways designed by my friend Christine the Sock Queen and this one is by far my favourite. It was inspired by the colours of seaglass, so of course I simply had to have my feet in those coastal stripes. I adore them and find myself craving a cold, breezy beach walk whilst wearing them. It's on my list.

We've been walking when the weather has allowed, taking Little B and sometimes Little Lady to wander our favourite countryside pathways. The woodland at Bolton Abbey was looking especially beautiful at the end of October, all glowing and golden and uplifting. 

Closer to home and I've been appreciating the colours of the season in the trees and hedgerows as I've walked to and from school and town. 

Our clocks went back an hour at the end of October and our days are rapidly shortening now (it's just under 5 weeks until the Winter Solstice). I've been struggling with the low light levels and long hours of darkness, my mood is definitely affected by it and I've noticed it more and more as I've gotten older. I light candles and use a daylight lamp (when I remember) but I find myself fantasizing about trips abroad where the sun is still shining and there is light and warmth to be found at this time of year. I hope one day.

Getting outdoors and walking is one of the best tonics, and I've loved it so so much when the sun has shone for us.

The combination of fresh, crisp cold walking with warm, cosy café refreshments is hard to beat in November, such pleasure to be found in our local area on days like this.

Last year I recall that November was mild, but not so this year. We've had many frosty mornings with below zero temperatures for the school run.

Mostly I walk at speed during the mornings, delivering Little B to school in time for the bell, whizzing around the supermarket  then power walking home in the chilly air ready to unpack the shopping and get on with chores and work. Every so often I come out of the supermarket not feeling quite ready to go home, and so I walk the long way back along the canal and through the park.

It's an opportunity to take in the very familiar sweep of grass and woodland that sits just a five minute walk from my door. It's a window into the seasons too, the trees telling the story of where we are in the year. Right now in mid November we still have some leaves hanging on in there, although another week and I reackon most branches will be bare. Winter will be creeping in soon enough.

I walked home from school today at 4pm, stopping to catch my breath at the top of the street (it's a heck of a climb up at the end of the day). The setting sun was casting a beautiful ruby glow over the hilltops and it made me glad (just a weeny bit) for our shortened days.

Hyacinth bulbs are in the house this week - yipppeeee for small (but perfectly wonderful) seasonal pleasures! I adore this seasonal ritual, and love that in the eleven years since I've lived in this house that hyacinths have become A November Thing. Gosh, it makes me so happy, right down to the ends of my toes. They are in a metal Christmas pot as that's how the supermarket is selling them this year - I have pondered taking them out and putting them into a stripy Cornishware bowl, but with only 37 days till Christmas it seems I may as well embrace the Festive theme. I'll have bulbs on my mantel right through till April, so plenty of time ahead to have springtime bulbs instead of festive ones.

It's been so cold here the past few weeks that we've had our central heating on during the daytime when J and I have both been home. Our sofa sits in front of the living room radiator and it's become Tilly's favourite place to sleep. Often she is sprawled full length along the sofa back, with legs draping and head lolling. The combination of rising heat and cosy crochet keeps her content and in a sleepy kitty stupor for hours on end. There is something so heart warming about seeing a cat cosied up on top of colourful crochet, don't you think?

Talking of colourful crochet, during the weeks when I've not been sat at my desk, I've been sat on the sofa crocheting. A real lot of crochet has been happening in recent months as I've been obsessing (to the point of weirdness) about this colour palette of gorgeously warm and uplifting colours. This is my new Dahlia colour palette, inspired by one of my favourite flowers and I can tell you that the colour therapy it delivers is second to none. The dull Autumn days have been brightened considerably by these bright summer shades and I honestly can't get enough of them.

There will be a new Dahlia yarn pack coming very very soon, along with a beautiful new blanket pattern which I'll be sharing here on my blog for my annual Crochet-A-long (CAL).

I'm using a new stitch pattern which is loads of fun to crochet - super easy and relaxing to do, with minimal counting and a very easy intuitive construction. It's a great pattern for beginners, or for those of you like me who need some low-brain-matter therapeutic rows to amble along with during the evenings.

I'll be sharing a lot more about the Dahlia blanket here on my blog on Wednesday 20th November (oooo, yes, it's very soon indeed!). I've got so many inspiring photos to show you - when I say I've been obsessing, I really do mean it haha!! 

I've been making two different versions of the Dahlia blanket (hence the huge amount of crochet time needed) - all will be revealed on Wednesday. 

And on that bright and breezy note, I shall love you and leave you as I head back to my hook and yarn. See you in a few days time for some floral feasting!

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Comments

[janet]

Hi Lucy i would love to subscribe to your web page when i click the subscribe button on the top just a load of letters and numbers come up i don't want to miss any of your amazing crochet blankets.

[اجاره خانه و آپارتمان]

I like it

[Mahek]

Hi
Lucy
I have been a subscriber since you started Attic 24..what I loved about it is the pleasure you find in the common day to day living and your positivity .
I waited eagerly for your posts and your photos. I don’t crochet so of late your posts are mainly about that and very less about daily life,cooking, cleaning etc and so I don’t wait for those posts ..so try to add such homely posts once in a while
I love the way you write

[April Winn Vaughn]

I have been a funk myself. I have been having a hard time leaving the house and just want to hunker down and make stuff. I appreciate that you take breaks when feel the need.

[Sherry in MT]

...and with a bang you are back. No guilt for taking a break - all bloggers have that and sometimes those that only read but don't blog don't understand the work it takes to post. I am just now getting back to READING and writing. Looking forward to catching up on everything.

[Allison S.]

Hi, well I am glad that you are still into your blog. I was curious if you had the name of your pattern underneath your socks I would Love to make it! Thanks Allison

[Susan]

I always love your posts but totally understand the need to switch off from time to time. The colours in your latest blanket are to die for. Your work is wonderful and it is such a privilege to share your life via your blog. Take it as easy as you can. Xxx

[Cathy Dutnall]

please stop worrying about keeping other people happy. if you feel like blogging great. if not that's OK too. we all need to learn to put ourselves first sometimes. you are doing well. one day at a time. one stitch at a time xx

[Cindy Huxtable]

Lucy,
I could tell by your Yarndale post that you were worn out. No worries about needing a break. This should be fun for you and us!! Your designs is the ONLY reason I taught myself to crochet.

Thank you

[Karen Bond]

Crikey Lucy! No way on earth should you feel guilty about NOT blogging! any one who has read even one of your blog posts should know that: you have bouts of the black dog, you have children who live at home (and who therefore will have just had half term, you do YARNDALE!!!! with all it entails, and that Christmas is coming. Give yourself a break my lovely xx

[Maria Louka]

Hello Lucy, you clever clever lady - you have noooo idea how much I look forward to your blogs - to say you are a breath of fresh air is an undestatement. I cannot wait to start on this blanket even with my soon to be 18 month old man in tow lol. Thank you for inspiring all of us to just loose ourselves in yarn once in a while.

[Lynne Stankard]

Lucy please don't stress about your blog - it's such a treat when I see your post. You have been missed - I've been checking daily for the last week and this morning yippee.....there you are with the lovely photos and lovly colours. Bless you. Please take care of yourself and cuddle up whenever the need strikes, take notice of the wise and wonderful methods of Tilly. (((Hugs))) Lynne. xx

[Heather]

Lucy never apologise for taking a break and looking out for yourself! You were so busy with Yarndale and all the stress and strain of it , it’s really not surprising! Always lovely to see you when you can! X

[Gardenia]

💕 Lucy, Rock on ...Be yourself and post at your OWN pace and leisurely mood days...looking forward to Dahlia mania days...All the best to you and your family..

[Sandra CARLING]

Hello Lucy I too look forward to checking what's new on your blog always a highlight however when you need to take care of you that must be your priority and the rest of us will just have to cope until your next post and if they are further apart well so be it rather once a month than none. Keep up the great work (at your pace) you are a marvel so many hats you wear well!!💕

[Ella Winifred]

No need for guilt at all Lucy. I fine November is a depressing month I never feel like doing much at all. Once we get to December I feel better so it's worth waiting until you feel like writing. Glad you're feeling up to it now, this post was a lovely one with such gorgeous photographs.
Your dahlia colours look so summery, look forward to seeing your new ideas. Take care.

[Ida]

No need to feel guilt. It is your Blog and you decide when you have the time and the need to write.We will patiently wait. :-) I look in every day because you are on my list of Blogs that I want to visit. Inspiring photos and always a good story even when you have gloomy days. November does that to me also and the darkness and gray days seem to bother me more the older I get too. Looking forward to see your Dahlia blanket tomorrow.Take care
Ida

[Claire]

I don't think you should feel guilty.. it definitely wasn't a tactful or even very polite comment..

But I think it's fair to say that we've missed you.

I started reading your blog posts around January when you were doing the sweet pea CAL and sort of fell in love with you.. you come across as the nicest person - and reading your blog make a us feel like we are your best friends (I realise it's very one sided!)

I have actually been back the early days of your blog and reading though those posts. I wish I had been with you from the beginning..
But by reading them now I can sort of feel like I was.

Without hugely over sharing reading your blog has also helped me hugely when I've been struggling.. your way of looking at things.. finding joy.. as well as your way of writing..
So thank you

Sorry this is rambly... what I mean to say is I'm just glad you're here.. whenever you are able to pop up.
You more than deserve time to yourself- though I don't imagine you get much.

*hugs* from across the miles.. xx

[julie]

Lucy, you should not apologise for the break , true friends can pick up where they laid off with the same measure of friendship irrespective of the time away . I have been so busy myself I hadnt even noticed - love the photos you should do a calendar of the lovely scenery you have around you. You area a very talented lady x

[geovanna conejo]

Hola Lucy, que bueno saber de ti y que todo este bien.

[Tamara]

Your blog makes me happy! It’s such a treat to look at your beautiful photos and read about what’s going on in your life. It’s obvious you put much time and effort into your blog, it’s so well done. Thank you!

[Barbara West]

I am so glad to read that you're feeling better, Lucy! I'll say happy belated birthday, too.

Your sea glass socks, Tilly, your beautiful blankets, and your nature photographs and all just spectacular.

I'm behind on blankets but I am looking forward to the Dahlia blanket. It sounds right up my alley.

[kathleen price]

Brilliant to hear you're voice again. You cheer up our rather dull days! I'm sure I'm not alone looking forward to the new CAL. The colours look amazing.
Take care of yourself. Xx

[Mary W]

I LOVE when you post pictures of the countryside but today they were second to that POW in my face basket of color. I knew you were busy with a blanket but this is the most exciting one yet. I can't believe it could be mine. Now I can't wait for tomorrow and to order that happy pile of color. Thanks!

[Sue Floyd]

Good morning Lucy!
Your blog was worth the wait!...it always is!
Don't know why some folk fuss about your absence. Everyone needs to stop & smell the flowers, fall leave,pinecones or whatever is in season. So glad you take time for yourself & family. You always inspire us to appreciate our surroundings and I am so glad you are who you are & well, just wonderful! Grateful for you, Lucy! Happy Thanksgiving!
Sue in Akron,Ohio,US