Quietly Spring

Before I begin my witterings, can I just please say a humongous ((t h a n k   y o u)) to everyone who has left such kind and heartfelt comments on my last post, and across my social media channels as well. I am hugely grateful for your understanding, empathy and encouragement after a time of such uncertainty and wobbliness for me. I really do appreciate our communications back and forth, and I cannot imagine what kind of outlook my life would have without this window I have created and without you stopping by to check in on me. We are good for each other I think, mutual benefit and all that.

I wanted to tell you about the yarn basket in the above photo - this is actually a laundry basket which sits on the floor in my studio and takes care of the considerable amount of Stylecraft Special DK over-spill which doesn't fit on my shelves. I happened to be looking in the basket for a particular colour the other day, and noticed a really lovely accidental yarn palette that had made itself on the top of the pile.....

....what do you think? I pulled them out onto the floor and thought to myself how beautifully spring-like they look, like a sudden burst of warm sunlight and fresh air combined. Isn't colour so brilliant at evoking emotions and memories, I absolutely LOVE (love love love) playing with colour for this reason. I thought you might like to know the shades, something to ponder on if you're in the mood for a pretty, airy colour palette for a project..

Cloud Blue : Storm Blue : Sage : Pistachio : Mustard

Pomegranate : Blush : Pale Rose : Clematis : Stone (I think? That last one could possibly be Camel)

Life here in the Attic at the moment is really pretty good, considering the huge amount of ever shifting changes and adjustments that are taking place due to the coronavirus pandemic. Last week threw the Little People for a loop, in particular my two Teens who were both due to sit exams in a few months time (GCSEs for little Lady and A Levels for the boy Teen). Being told that exams will be cancelled created such a sudden rift in their lives, but more than that they were both left reeling from the abrupt end to their schooling.

My 17 year old walked in the door on Thursday afternoon, stood there in the kitchen in his school uniform, shrugged his shoulders and said "well, that's it......!" It suddenly hit home that there will be no more school for him now. That really is it - he has now left school behind. Of course, he is still doing some school work from home, completing final bits of course work and preparing for an interview this week, which is now taking place via Skype. But it all feels very unreal.

Little Lady took it all quite hard, realising very quickly that no exams also meant no end of year prom, no leavers celebrations, no get togethers with friends, no summer music festivals. She was so sad about it all, mourning the loss of this rite of passage, but she rallied around with her friends and they made their last day together full of photos and good memories.

As for Little B, well he is taking it all in stride. He was sent home from school on Friday with a work pack - lots of things to keep him busy across all subjects, as well as some enticing new work books (all those crisp empty pages!) and some freshly sharpened pencils. It is proving quite hard to get him to sit down and apply himself to the empty pages, but we are taking it gently, treating this week as an easing in period and not trying to enforce rules or timetables or anything.

Me, well I'm doing just fine being at home with my brood, it feels like one great big glorious long weekend at the moment (we are only on day 2 mind you). I've got the most beautiful orange tulips on my table this week and I feel so grateful that we are all together and safe, and that home time for us as a family is a bit chaotic but mostly very easy going. 

This is the tag that Little B made at school to tie around a pair of daffodil stems - a very thoughtful gift for Mothers Day which was much appreciated. In these times of worry and uncertainty, it's lovely to keep a hold of the little rituals and traditions which remind us where we are in the year. I only realised at the weekend that we are now officially in Spring (yaaayyyyyyy) as it was the Spring Equinox on Friday which completely passed me by. But the weather has certainly behaved itself and the past few days have been utterly glorious and perfectly springlike, I've been very impressed.

This morning  I made myself a coffee and took a blanket to sit on the steps which is a first for this year. Even the kitty ventured outdoors to sit with me, which was unexpected but rather comforting. Although normal life has been somewhat put on hold, it's still possible to sit a while and soak up the warmth and sunshine and be glad for the day to gently unfold.

Although I am really missing my sociable café times spent with friends, I am quite used to spending lengths of time in my own company. I am finding it harder to adjust to the sudden loss of freedom and it feels very strange not being able to head out to the shops or my studio. But I am taking comfort in the little things that bring me pleasure, and a quiet coffee in the sunshine is right up there on my pleasure list. 

My next door neighbour has this beautiful little cherry tree growing in his front garden and it's making me very happy to see it every day. The larger cherry trees in our neighbourhood won't be flowering for at least another month, so this is like a little sneak preview of what's to come. I absolutely love love love blossom season, it's such a joyful time of year and never fails to lift my spirits.

I managed a little bit of al fresco crochet this morning too, and it was utter bliss I have to say. Nothing relaxes me more than the soothing rhythm of hook and yarn, and the way it can gently calm a busy mind is nothing short of magic.Creativity is usually at the heart of my days, but never have I been more grateful for it. I am so so excited for spring to unfold too, and I am hopeful for many more days of outdoor hooky as we move through March and into April. Bring it on, I am beyond ready...come on, come on!!!! Springtime sunshine, I need you!!!!

In the UK we are now in lockdown, although at the moment we are permitted to head out once a day for some exercise. Here in my patch this will mainly involve strolling around the woodland close to home, and I am certainly not complaining. We went out this afternoon, all five of us. YES!! For the first time in years we had the boy Teen with us, and even though I managed to remain nonchalant and cool about it, my inner Mummy voice was screaming with delight. It was just so bloomin' lovely, all of it. The light and the warmth, the chatter and the peace. We passed maybe four or five other people out walking, and as you can see from the above photo, it's pretty easy to keep a safe distance from folks on these pathways.

Most of the trees are still bare and leafless, but there are plenty of buds showing if you stop and look for them. It thrills me to be on the cusp of the changing seasons, there is so much colour just waiting to burst forth. 

I am very thankful that we are still allowed to venture out as a family, at least for the time being. An hour out of the day to walk and breathe in the air and scenery feels like a life essential to me, and my heart goes out to all those who are in complete lockdown/isolation right now. 

I have to say, it's so lovely to be here, writing and sharing snippets of my days as we navigate this strange time in history. I hope that you are keeping safe and well, and I shall see you again very soon, I'm rather enjoying chattering to you!

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Comments

[Penny]

I find it sad that your daughter bemoans the fact that she's missing celebrations, proms and music festivals. Not sad that she's missing them but sad that she obviously doesn't understand just why she's having to miss them.
When proms and music festivals are more important in a child's life than the utter crisis that's happening in the world then that says a lot about how that child has been brought up. Your child needs lessons on empathy.

[Annette]

HI Lucy
It's the small things that matter. I see spring is coming on quickly in the U.K. Enjoy! And oh my how I can identify with the kids and their struggles to digest the fact that school is over and socializing too. We've had ups and downs for a good two weeks over here. Not easy... But we're finding our way. We are all in this together, right?

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Annette

[Liesel Short]

Oh I feel so sad for your children. There are so many things in education that are a right of passage and for many they will not get to do these things. I said goodbye to my wee class last week and have to admit to having a wee cry on the way home in the car. Especially for my P3's who would normally have a big celebration at the end of next term before moving to another school for P3-7. It is a strange time but I'm loving the joy that your wonderful colourful blog always brings xx

[Elise]

My 18 year old son took the stay-at-home order quite hard. He will be leaving for college in the fall and he was looking forward to all the things seniors do. I've tried to put myself in his shoes and give him the space he needs to grieve and feel that disappointment. It's hard to be a teenager right now and feel so isolated. Thank goodness for technology so they can keep in touch. But as an introvert, I'm loving being forced to be at home, nothing I like better! Plus I don't have to fix my hair or put on any makeup! Woohoo!! Thanks again for the beautiful peak into your world.

[Emily]

Hi Lucy,
I love reading your blog and enjoy all the colourful things you make. The nature around you is so beautiful, I would really like to see more of England one day.
Take care and be safe.
Have a lovely sunny day.

Sweet greetings,
Emily
(casacreaemilia.blogspot.nl)

[julie king]

i love your blog, it's always so colourful, like a continuous rainbow to cheer us up, thankyou x

[Nora McGrann]

Another beautiful blog Lucy..Wonderful to see the first signs of Springtime..
Glad you and your family are all safe and sound..

Take good care
Nora xx

[Angelica]

Thank you for your tutorials! I’ve been struggling for days to make a flower, and I followed your tutorial and did it first time round! Made a couple of leaves too now. Thank you! Loving your blog! Angelica x

[Francesca]

Dear Lucy

I have just received the Hyacinth blanket pack from Wool Warehouse. It will be so soothing to have this project on the go during the lockdown. I love reading your blog and wish you and your family all the best. Thank you for your inspiration and excellent tutorials.

Best wishes
Francesca

[Jill]

So so lovely to have you back. Your pictures take me away from it all for a few precious moments,I can almost feel the warmth of the sun on me. l feel like we're old friends even though we've never met and can't thank you enough for the colour and creativity you bring to my life and I hope you have the strength to continue bringing sunshine to our hearts. Heartfelt thanks to you.x

[Sherin]

💖💕💖💕

[April Winn Vaughn]

I'm sitting here cozy under my Hydrenga blanket with a mug of tea! I'm in Colorado and we just got the lockdown order too! Crazy times. I do feel for all the kids missing out on the end of year fun and especially those who are done this year! Hugs to your family. Oh and I love your accidental color palette! It works!

[Paula]

Feeling a bit glum as our group had to cancel a crafty weekend away.Then your blog popped up, hooray.Made a coffee & read it,feeling the love.
You are a life saver Lucy.x

[Gillian McM]

Thank you for the lovely lovely post, Lucy! It's so good to hear from you, it brightens the day and makes me feel close to the whole Attic24 community which has enriched my life immeasurably. What a gift to have all your children with you, so precious while it lasts, before they fly off. I'm crocheting away, and I have you to thank for my picking up the skill again after so many years, when I came across the Attic. It's keeping me going. All the best to you, may your spirits be lifted, you are loved by all the people you've given so much to!

[curvywitch]

Sadly I've been pronounced a key worker, but drawing solace from magnolia flowers against a blue sky in the evenings, the green of new hawthorn leaves and the scent of spring in the air. It's amazing what gives us comfort and hope in difficult times.

[Annette Ostrowska]

Thank you Lucy for your beautiful post. I love your honesty and openness and the fact that you are willIng to share so much with us. It does me so much good to be able to connect with like minded people at the moment and I am extremely grateful that we have the technology to be able to share in each other’s lives even if it is through our many devices. What a joy your walk with family must have been, I am so glad that you were all together. My family are grown, apart from youngest, and live away and we have just had a grandson who we cannot hold yet. But normality will return at some point and who knows we may all be better for this quiet time. Keep doing what you do Lucy and thank you 🙏

[kate bates]

Hi Lucy. My lad should have been sitting A levels too and, like yours is heartbroken not to get the "goodbye" to his school and mates, plus the uncertainty over Uni. My heart bleeds for them but we are promising a huge multiple-18ths/Prom/Reunion party when we're out of this, even if it has to be at Christmas/this time next year! May regret this....!!
ps. Hope you managed to snaffle some woolie supplies before studio-lockdown!

[One-oh-four]

Lovely pictures Lucy and lovely sentiments too! I really feel for all the year 11s and year 13s who will not get the chance to sit exams, or have those end-of-term rituals that are such an important part of them growing up. Hopefully there will be lots of reunions and postponed events when this all settles down. I have two 19 year olds and a 20 year old home from uni and here for the duration - two of my own and one hanger-on which actually makes for a more harmonious household so I am very grateful for his presence. Today is also my husband’s 50th birthday - we should have been away but obviously that got cancelled, so we are trying to have a fun day here - cake, banners and balloons, party buffet food for lunch, silly songs played loud...! I’ve enjoyed reading several blogs today as people start to post about what they are doing whilst they are in #stayathome mode xx

[Ida]

Thank you for sharing about your every-day-life in thees strange times in history. We are not in lock down but people over 70 should stay at home and no visits are allowed to grandparents or elderly citizens. It becomes clear that we are habitual people who do not like to change our behavior as quickly as required of us. The government in Sweden is not yet as strict as your government, but we do not know what comes up next. Stay safe and don't take any chances. Take care
Ida

[Kimmy]

So glad to hear that you are finding the best things about our unfortunate situation. I'm doing the same. I think my sister is secretly loving having her two "kids" (15 and 20) home from high school and university. The kids are having the roughest time, but they too are trying to look on the bright side. And I'm sure that a LOT of kids are thrilled to have their exams cancelled or postponed. Just goes to show that we never know what life has in store for us. I'm glad that you and I can see all the advantages and cope with the disadvantages. It makes life so much more fun.

[Barbara]

I have just finished my third Positivity mandala hoop.I just love them.Thank you .

[Mary W]

Sure enjoyed this walk today with you, thanks!

[Gaina owen]

Hi Lucy, such a lovely post again! We’re also in lock down up here in the Scottish Western Isles. I’m a little (a lot) pleased that I cannot go out to work at the moment, so many projects to finish at home!! Looking forward to starting a new blanket this evening- I’ve had the yarn for a while waiting for time to enjoy it properly! Lots of finishing off things completely. Sometimes I get a bit excited about a new project and leave ‘ends’ to do later... Keep safe, all your followers too, and let us all enjoy a little more hooky time! 🧶😍💕

[Angela- southern USA]

Hard times for everyone, my heart aches for all the children for the disruptions in their lives. My Dad has a lot of health issues, high risk. I can only visit with him over the phone. Our youngest daughter works in a large city around a lot of people on the front lines with this, I worry for her and we've not been face to face for awhile now. I'm so thankful for the healthcare workers! I'm also glad we have this crafty community to support each other, and my stash. : )) Take care! xxxxxxx

[Muna Nana]

Thank you, Lucy, for all the Colourful Joy you have brought to my life since I first came across your blog years ago when it was in its infancy! Although this is a really tough time for the global community with so many of us under lock-down and some not being able to visit their elderly and some International students stuck far from home due to the pandemic; there is also a strange TOGETHERNESS in the fact that ALL of us, EVERYWHERE in the world, are going through the SAME EXPERIENCE! It's this digital age that allows us to be TOGETHER APART. There is a Camaraderie-Sans-Frontier feel about these days.... oddly comforting in spite of the current Chaos, Stress and Hardship.