Hello my lovelies, it's me, the one who's been ruminating in her little Attic nook of late, keeping quiet because there has been a lot to think about and some changes afoot. I find that when I have these very introverted, overly-thinky kind of times, there is always a point when I know for sure that I need to snap myself out of it. And the best way I know to do that is to come here, open my Attic window and reconnect with the world (that means you).
So....here I am. Helloooooooo!!!!!!!!!!
Truthfully, the past few weeks have been really good for me, if a bit on the ordinary side. I've not got a huge amount to share with you, but as always I've continued to take photographs every day and practice gratitude for life's small pleasures and simple daily routines.
I'm really enjoying my morning routine at the moment and absolutely loving the return of the school run. My gosh, I sure did miss it for the three and a half months at the start of this year when it was removed from my life.
I think I mentioned in a post recently that I listened to a podcast about the benefits of getting outside as soon as possible after first waking in order to set our circadian rhythm and help us sleep better. Ideally within the first hour of waking, we would all benefit from allowing some daylight to enter our brains, and I am all for this idea. I've been trying it out for about a month now and absolutely LOVE the way it makes me feel. My alarm wakes me at 6am, and after a ten minute sleepy drift I am usually pretty awake and ready to get up at 6.10. I head downstairs, do a few jobs (feed the kitty, empty the dishwasher, straighten up the downstairs living room if it needs it) and then make myself a small mug of coffee to bring back to bed. After about half an hour of gentle wake up with my coffee I get up for a second time, pull on my workout clothes and get myself out of the door and into the fresh air at 7am.
It's a truly wonderful time of day to be out and about, especially at this time of year. The sun has already risen above the hill and those first slants of soft sunlight and shadow are really beautiful.
Can you see me standing there, in the frosty cold early start of the day? April has been dry, bright and devilishly cold, and many mornings I've been walking over crisp, still-frozen grass as the temperatures sit just around zero degrees.
It's been breathtakingly beautiful at times, literally stopping me in my tracks and stealing my breath clean away. The stillness in the air is so acute at this time in the morning, it's like the very day is holding it's breath and waiting to begin.
In the chill of the morning there is a mist that swirls over the surface of the canal, and I find it absolutely mesmerising to watch. I literally crouch down and just stare at it, drinking in my fill, delighting in the extraordinary ordinariness of it all.
A couple mornings a week I turn the other way out of my door and take my walk down the street and along the canal to the bakery to pick up a loaf of fresh bread. It's a five minute brisk walk each way, and I feel incredibly lucky that I get to do this. It's one of the many, many things I enjoy about living in a small rural market town.
The bakery sourdough isn't quite as good as the artisan bread we buy from the market on a Saturday, but it's not half bad. And now I'm just showing off with all the bread purchasing options at my disposal, so I shall stop with the bread bragging.
I'm aware that this post is not showing you anything new or exciting, as we are still living a very restrictive locked down life and daily routines are extremely repetitive after more than a year in place. J and I continue to take our daily mid morning walk together, mostly around the woods but every so often we do stride out a bit further afield.
We walked out to a neighbouring village last week, strolling the narrow lanes until we eventually reached the canal. The walk home is along the tow path and takes about an hour or so - I sometimes find this walk a bit of a drag if I'm perfectly honest, is it ok to admit that to you? I prefer footpaths and field tracks, or winding woodland pathways, although I do get a kick out of the endless possibilities for gazing at reflections which I think might be a hobby of mine.
One of the most exciting things to happen last week was the reopening of one of our favourite little local cafes. Its doors have been closed since December so it was absolutely lovely to walk past one morning and see the little wooden tables and chairs outside on the pavement and the coffee garden all spruced up and open for business. If you followed along with my Blogtober posts, this is the café that I often talked about, the one that serves the "outrageously good coffee". Oh, it was SO GOOD to be back with that cup of deliciousness in my hands and the sun on my face, chatting to J about how happy I was to be there.
We have another couple weeks until we'll be able to sit inside again - it's outdoor seating only at the moment at cafés, pubs and restaurants, which of course is extremely weather dependent. And as I mentioned earlier, it's been very cold this past week or two with a return to very wintry temperatures, which isn't ideal for al fresco dining. Soon though....hopefully soon we'll have some true Spring warmth and all will feel right and good again.
When the sun shone last week, I took myself out into the sheltered warmth of my little back yard and enjoyed some quiet afternoon crochet time. Hooking al fresco is one of my all time favourite pleasures and it's been lovely to have that back in my life again. It reminded me of last year when we were first in this lockdown crisis and I was working on my Aria blanket then. What a blessing it is to have yarn and colour running through my hands and quieting my emotions. I honestly don't know what I would do without the therapeutic benefits of blanket making, I love it to the moon and back.
By the way, thank you so much for all the delightful comments you wrote for me on my last post where I introduced you to the ideas behind my Yuletide blanket. Thank you, thank you! I appreciate your enthusiasm and support more than I can put into words, it really is something special.
I have to confess it is a little strange working with these particular colours in Spring, but despite the oddness of thinking winter thoughts in springtime, I'm enjoying it very much. The pattern, the richness of the colours, the way the rows are now becoming delightfully long and engaging. It's all so joyful I have to say. I've had a few hiccups along the way as I'm learning about how the colours like to work together and the contrasts that are needed to make the pattern work its magic, but a bit of ripping out from time to time never hurts. It's all part of the journey, and like I say, I'm enjoying it massively.
It's a funny thing, but even though I'm madly into my Yueltide blanket, there is still a near constant pull to start something new. I keep looking at my overflowing tubs of scrap yarn and fighting the uprising urge to make another happy scrappy picnic blanket. Just simple granny squares joined in a delicious patchwork of colour that will make my heart sing when I see it slung on a bench, or on the beach later in the summer. Maybe it's because I'm craving a holiday (rather badly) that I'm dreaming about summer picnics and all. Remember the colourwash granny? And the patchwork granny? I do have a history of this sort of thing......what do you think the odds are of me resisting this temptation?? Slim to no chance?!
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Hi From EL Paso,TX :)
N u have a new TV to me getting email address n stuff like that I worked at the Hospital n working delivering stuff from the Pharmacy, groceries and fast food we wore gloves and face masks to stay safe and I crocheted well I was here at home and then we down time at work look at patterns make blankets from yar norf using a sewing machine it seemed like we were never going to get out again I'm so glad we are out again, and back working as a Security Officer, I enjoy reading her blog and I've learned so much love your patterns for crochet.your life is so quite n peaceful no big changes :)
Posted by: Irene H Thomas | May 29, 2021 at 08:50 AM
Lovely blog once again Lucy. You are a lady after my own heart with your love of Spring. I especially love the leaves on the trees before they darken and the Spring flower colours. Our bluebells are almost finished here in South Wales, but you can still find a few clumps here and there. Understand the need for the Spring Clean, but miss your little knitted? Houses that were on the mantle. Hope it warms up soon too, need to thaw out xxx
Posted by: Mavis K Hewitt | May 07, 2021 at 03:58 PM
Hello Lucy,
your blog always manages to lift my spirit. It's such a wonderful source of strength to me. I realized something when I read your sentence "I'm aware that this post is not showing you anything new or exciting,... daily routines are extremely repetitive after more than a year in place." I understand what you say and that it feels like this. However, for me it's still so exciting to look at your lovely photos and learn about everyday life in the UK.
So you got me to think about what in my daily routines that are ever so repetitive (=boring) at the moment would be interesting to others and how I could learn to appreciate my routines and get a new perspective.
Your blog has tought me to look at the details in life before, and with this thought even more. Thank you so much for sharing your world.
Posted by: Doris | May 05, 2021 at 09:16 AM
Loving the sunlight and shadows of your walking pictures and glad your favourite cafe has been able to open al fresco for you to enjoy again.
Posted by: Beverley | May 04, 2021 at 10:01 PM
Oh I love the idea of slowly waking and taking some time out doors to myself first light...I have a tight schedule to keep to in the mornings and I like my sleep too much to get up any earlier than 6.30am! but maybe when I retire. I love your blankets and I really must finish mine that is hidden somewhere in my very untidy workroom. Thank you for sharing your photos and ideas xxx
Posted by: Lynda Robinson | May 03, 2021 at 08:28 PM
Loved your new blog Lucy, have missed your little part of the world. It’s been wonderful to catch up with all you’ve been doing and your beautiful photos and am really loving your Yuletide blanket. It’s looking very intriguing! Take care and thank you for your uplifting blogs, love and hugs Becki xxxx
Posted by: Becki | May 02, 2021 at 10:47 PM
There is really nothing 'ordinary' about your lovely morning walk and special cup of coffee...you are very familiar with it, but to us, it looks like a fantastic escape into a rural idyll!
At least the April temperatures have been fitting for your yuletide blanket!
Posted by: Charlotte Pountney | May 01, 2021 at 08:47 PM
Oh! How funny that you should mention the color work granny today! I've been contemplating a similar blanket, and I'd wanted to reference yours as I put together ideas in my brain, but I simply couldn't remember what you'd called it so I didn't know how to find it. And now here it is! Lucky me!
Posted by: Gwyn | May 01, 2021 at 06:24 PM
Love your chatty blogs... looking forward to more to come❣🤗⚘
Posted by: Kristine S | May 01, 2021 at 12:21 PM
You have reminded me how good it is to get up early and see the world in that low slanting sunlight. The frost and mist certainly add so much to your photos too. I’m a bit of a slugabed these days :). Have a lovely weekend. B x
Posted by: Barbara | May 01, 2021 at 10:41 AM
We are all on the same boat, lockdown routine is something we have to do with and your experience, wise style of life and philosophy are so very helpful. Thank a lot for sharing.
Posted by: Line | May 01, 2021 at 06:59 AM
Good morning from Wisconsin in the US! We are definitely feeling Spring here, too, but still have chilly nights and some brisk mornings. I am currently working on a Summer Ripple blanket, with the gorgeous cotton yarns from King Cole. Oh MY I love these colors! I think this may be my favorite color palette of all time. Thank you so much for this pattern and yarn selection. I am making one slightly smaller than your pattern, as a toddler-sized blanket for my granddaughter. At almost two, she will be growing out of her crib soon, and I felt she needed a special blanket to celebrate her move to a big bed. :) I have two other blankets in the works that need my attention as well (including the Meadow blanket, which I joined in quite late in the CAL game).
I am glad for you that some of your favorite spaces are reopening! It is the same here. I love the creativity shown by our local coffee shops and restaurants, the embrace of al fresco dining with accompanying fire places, fire pits, and patio heaters. Everyone who gathers seems to be so cheerful and happy to brave the colder weather (and often, come prepared with a lap blanket).
Just wanted to say hello, wish you well, and thank you for all the yarny projects and inspiration! Stay well and enjoy the coming season with your family, in your beautiful spot of the world!
Posted by: Leslie | April 30, 2021 at 02:50 PM
Lovely tranquil post Lucy I love your part of Yorkshire. I was a bit unsure of your yuletide blanket at first (I am not a 'Red" person) but the more you do the more I like it. At the moment I am trying to go through my stash of wool and other materials to make less for my kids to get rid of when the time comes so I look forward to your next scrap blanket! I don't know how you manage to blog so regularly it takes me all my time to do once a month, please accept my admiration. x
Posted by: Gill Compigne-Leaney | April 30, 2021 at 10:07 AM
For me, making something always involves a lot of dreaming about when it will be used, so I can well imagine the lure of a happy scrappy picnic blanket. I know what you mean about canal towpaths, there are lots near here and they're not always the most inspiring walk. The early morning photos are very beautiful though. My eldest is quite into photography and we've looked at some glorious dawn pictures lately. He got up for sunrise when we were in the Lake District in August (so pretty early) to try and capture the light. We were really inspired by this article as well - an English travel photographer who took photos near his home over lockdown: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/05/travel/sussex-bicycle-portraits.html?referringSource=articleShare Hope you have a lovely weekend Lucy. CJ xx
Posted by: CJ | April 30, 2021 at 10:05 AM
Just a thought! but when you don't manage to resist the urge to make another granny blanket you might like to give it another look by putting the squares at an angle. here is one I made https://rainbowjunkiecorner.wordpress.com/2020/11/09/yay-the-final-blanket/ doesn't give the full idea of a multicolour blanket because I was including a pattern. Lots of possibilities though.
Posted by: Rainbow Junkie | April 30, 2021 at 09:33 AM
Lucy I just love your walk along the canal I would love to live in a barge so exciting and off course love all your crochet too x
Posted by: Jacqueline Gorman | April 30, 2021 at 09:20 AM
Lovely to hear about how you rework and redesign blankets before they are finally announced
Posted by: Abby | April 30, 2021 at 07:58 AM
Your bread bragging has my stomach growling! Lol! I really think I could live in a small village in England. It's just so picturesque. I would love to be able to walk to little shops (and bakeries!!!) The Yuletide blanket is drop dead gorgeous!!! Thank you for sharing part of your world with us.
Posted by: Elise | April 30, 2021 at 03:43 AM
Hi Lucy, you always make me so happy when I read your blog, your love of nature and the simple joys of life is so lovely. I really love the Christmas blanket but am also excited about you thinking of another granny square blanket.
I am also trying to exercise on a regular basis with walks and working in the garden, our weather is similar to yours but we are slowly getting past winter and looking forward to nice sunny days.
Thank you for being you and sharing your world with us.
You inspired me to learn crochet and it has added so much to my life💕.
Bonnie from Newfoundland
Posted by: Bonnie Brocklehurst | April 30, 2021 at 01:54 AM
Loved seeing Little B's chubby little hand holding on to the "Patchwork Granny". 8 years do change a few things! Your blog makes me smile and be thankful for the small things which make up a day!
Posted by: Kathleen Menzies | April 30, 2021 at 12:20 AM
I love hearing from you, Lucy! What a lovely life you live in your idyllic little English village. It's so foreign (literally) to us Americans and so captivating and charming.
Posted by: Paula | April 29, 2021 at 11:30 PM
Gorgeous blog post Lucy! 🥰🥰💙
Posted by: Eleonora Coastal Crochet | April 29, 2021 at 11:11 PM
I put blankets aside earlier in the year as I'd become very frustrated with the one I was working on, and started an amigurumi project instead but, I had to stop that as well because I couldn't concentrate on it properly in the living room. Now I'm finding that I'm being pulled back to blankets just to give me something to do!
Loving the blue of your Grape Hyacinths!
Posted by: Simon | April 29, 2021 at 10:52 PM
How I've missed your blog post I look for them everyday but I understand that you need time off. I am over excited I've seen the colours coming together of your yueltide blanket. Love your beautiful photos. Take care of yourself in your Cwell-being
Posted by: Teresa | April 29, 2021 at 09:06 PM