Here we are, two weeks into Lockdown 2.0, with two weeks still to go. Predictably my life is running in very small, samey circles of repetitive routine, but I find myself embracing it and feeling content for the most part. I am happy with my small life right now, because I am blessed with good health, my family are all safe at home (when 2/5th of them aren't at school) and we really have very little to worry about in our immediate day to day life. I appreciate how fortunate I am, I really do.
I am enjoying my walks to school in the morning with Little B, relishing our back and forth conversations as we make the half mile journey along the waters edge together.
Coming back into the warmth of the house after a very chilly school run this morning, I felt a rush of affection for the comfort of home. Blankets strewn across the sofa after Little B spent ten minutes snuggled up after eating his breakfast. Our house is never, ever tidy, in fact it's a downright mess most of the time, but there is always cheery colour and cosy comfort within these four walls.
This morning I folded and stacked some handknit socks which had been drying on the radiator, two pairs of J's and two of mine. I am so happy that I learnt to knit socks (five years ago), they bring a lot of pleasure into my life. I love the creative knitting part and I really love the fabulous wearing part, but also there is the extreme pleasure of the visuals they give me on the daily. I keep my socks in a small pile on a shelf next to my bed so that I can fully appreciate the sight of all those glorious woolly stripes. Eye candy, without a doubt.
I thought you might be missing pictures of my daily coffee, so here is today's offering.....a take away skinny latté from my wonderful little local indie coffee shop - needless to say I am a loyal customer and I couldn't appreciate them more. Luckily for me, I live within a very short walk of this wonderous place, so I get to enjoy my daily cup in the comfort of home.
J and are are still walking our daily walk each morning in all weathers. Sometimes I just enjoy it without taking photos but it's rare. I nearly always experience an overwhelming need to capture images, to preserve the memories.
I feel compelled to remember the day, the time, the weather, the colours, the wide vistas, the tiny details, and the feelings....
.....always the feelings. Walking gives me all the feels, it's an avalanche of emotions.
We had the most beautiful weather today, crisp, clear and oh-so-cold. It was glorious looking up above into the sunny, wide blue yonder!
More hours of work on my Meadow blanket design today, I'm currently on attempt number five and I think I might finally be there with my meadow meander. I want to get it just right, capturing that joyful feeling of being surrounded by so many beautiful flowers and tall grasses, but also the tranquillity that I experienced during my many walks in the meadow earlier this year. This colour story is very special I think, it has a calming, healing quality which feels really, really good. I can't wait to show you more next week.
More sameyness as I take off on my afternoon jaunt to collect Little B, pausing briefly to admire my hill view glowing in the low sun. No time to stop though, we only have minutes to get to the school gates, hurry down the hill and don't be late! It's the same every day.
The hyacinth scent has finally arrived and it is wonderful. It's not yet at the stage where it overpowers the room - you have to actively engage your face with the blooms to get a whiff, so all is peaceful on the home front. I just love love love having these flowers in the house at this time of year, they never fail to make November feel special.
Aside from the school runs and our daily woodland walk, I'm spending all day in our main living/dining room at the moment, sharing it with J as he works from home too. I move between the dining table, the sofa, the Big Chair and the fireside floor cushion, depending on what I'm doing and what time of day it is. It feels Ok I guess, we don't have much space and there is zero alone time but I am making the best of it because that's just the way it is.
Fairylights and flowers, snuggly socks and cosy blankets, favourite drinks and creative projects, gentle strolls and peaceful views. I hope you're doing OK in your own little circle, enjoying the small things that bring you pleasure.
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I so enjoy reading about your life and the pictures are just truly wonderful. I live in the middle of the US and I long for your village and daily walks. Such beautiful scenery. I’m planning on learning how to knit socks next year, the yarn is bought. Right now I’m busy fixing up a house we can move into someday. I’m actually waiting until my flower garden blooms and I can transport the beautiful flowers to my new garden. And yes, I have purple hyacinth. Love their smell. I’m going to start crocheting one of your blankets soon from the yarn I bought last year, I can’t remember which pattern but I remember loving it. Cold weather is a good time to knit or crochet here.
Posted by: Hedy | November 20, 2020 at 09:42 AM
Hi Lucy thank you for sharing about your socks again.When you were making your Hubby's socks,I said how I wished I could knit some socks. I had purchased 3 balls of sock wool (that wasn't cheap). I tried to follow a Tunisian crochet pattern but they ended in the naughty corner!😂.I'm going to check out Christine s blog for new sock beginners.👍In hoping tomorrow (Saturday)that the weather is going to be kind so I can go for a walk and start my journey of losing some lock down belly!As you said small steps. Stay safe.💖
Posted by: Tracy Bache | November 20, 2020 at 09:25 AM
I would love to see a picture of your sock shelf .... mine are all jammed in a draw and I would love inspiration for how to enjoy them more! Many thanks Jane
Posted by: Jane Winter | November 20, 2020 at 07:28 AM
Which blanket is on the seat of the sofa please..?
Posted by: Susan | November 20, 2020 at 07:10 AM
You truly have a wonderful,ll lifestyle. All your values are the right place. Lovely to read your blogs...they relax me. 🥰🌈
Posted by: Susan | November 20, 2020 at 07:06 AM
Thanks again for a lovely post. It might seem all "samey" to you but from my point of view it's comforting and like walking with a friend! Thanks for being you & sharing you world, photos, yarn inspiration and well, yourself. You have such a gift. Thank you for sharing!
Bless you!
Sue
Posted by: Sue Floyd | November 20, 2020 at 03:12 AM
Hi Lucy, thank you for another wonderful post. I’m really looking forward to the Meadow blanket too and keep thinking I’d like to try and have a go at knitting my first pair of socks, maybe in time for Christmas! I have a couple of pairs that were given to me and like you love the cosy feeling I get when I wear them. Take care and keep safe, love and hugs, Becki xx
Posted by: Becki | November 20, 2020 at 01:06 AM
Thank you Lucy, for another lovely blog! I always feel so relaxed and contented after reading your blogs. I hope that doesn't sound weird. Thank you! xxxxx
Posted by: Angela Glae | November 19, 2020 at 11:30 PM
Your posts are lovely but I get a bit homesick for my younger life in Scotland when I see your cozy home. My life is now near Melbourne, with wide open spaces, blue skies & golden beaches. But when the weather heats up to 30 degrees & higher, then I crave cool, cloudy and occasionally snowy days. 😊
Posted by: Norma | November 19, 2020 at 10:19 PM
It's not untidy, you have a beautiful, colourful, comfortable, lived-in home; which it is always a pleasure to 'visit'! The hyacinths would have to go in the garden, though!
Posted by: Charlotte Pountney | November 19, 2020 at 10:18 PM
Sounds like a perfect circle of cosyness. Your sock journey and sharing on your blog got my sock journey started too. I’ve been busy knitting socks since you wrote your first sock post. My life is sock dominated these days and my whole family love knitted socks. The way you encourage others is a wonder talent. Thank you. B x
Posted by: Coastal Ripples | November 19, 2020 at 09:58 PM
Loving the meadow meandering. The colors are beautiful. Can’t wait. It was SO cold here this morning.....22 degrees F. Not ready for this. Our Thanksgiving is next week. Officials don’t want people traveling; keep dinner to immediate family. All joy taken away. Sigh........... 2020 continues..........
Posted by: Linda from Boston | November 19, 2020 at 09:42 PM
Hi Lucy. I’m a newbie hooker and only recently found your blog. I appreciate your honesty about your life and the way you don’t put a gloss on it. Unfortunately the smell of hyacinths makes me ill so I can’t have them indoors. Did you know there is a National Collection of hyacinths at Ripley Castle near Harrogate? They’re usually out in mis to late April so it might make a pleasant outing for you.
I’m currently doing your Moorland blanket and loving it. Hoping to finish in time to do the Meadow in January - what a beautiful colour palette.
Posted by: Pat Lilly | November 19, 2020 at 09:42 PM
I love reading your posts. They are just a lovely read at the end of the day x
Posted by: Carol | November 19, 2020 at 09:30 PM
When you mentioned fairy lights, I remembered this project I saw on another blog. She put reindeer in mason jars with little lights! I thought you might like it for your own mantel!
http://www.kristenrettig.com/2020/11/winter-scene-night-lights-christmas.html
Posted by: Wendy | November 19, 2020 at 09:10 PM
Dear Lucy.
How I enjoyed reading your blog.
Your home seem so cosy and full of love and who needs to worry about a little bit of mass when we can feel I life with colour and crochet.
Posted by: Teresa | November 19, 2020 at 09:05 PM
Oh Lucy, the first time I have disagreed with you. I absolutely hate the smell of hyacinths !! It really makes me nauseous! Cannot stand those flowers but I still love your crochet and your super blogs. It has been a lovely day here in Yorkshire and I really appreciate the sun. Cannot wait for Meadow. X
Posted by: Josehine | November 19, 2020 at 08:45 PM