Last week was the second half of our stay-at-home Easter holiday and honestly it's been the nicest time. I can't get over the difference in the general ambience of the house when the Little People are home and on holiday as opposed to home but home schooling. The reality is that they're spending the vast majority of the time in their bedrooms absorbed in their own pursuits whether it's school work or leisure time, but somehow the air feels lighter around here when it's the latter. I am definitely waaaaaaay more relaxed when we are officially in holiday mode that's for sure.
The week was lazy and we did very little of note other than our usual local pottering. We had a cold, breezy walk at Bolton Abbey one morning, ending with hot take-out drinks slurped in the car because it was just too chilly to actually sit outside. We had a trip to a nearby retail park to visit a DIY chain store for the first time in over a year, and my goodness it felt strange. I had almost forgotten what real out-and-about shopping feels like. The purpose of the trip was to purchase a tin of paint so that Little Lady could create one sage green wall in her all-white bedroom. She had a very clear idea about what she wanted and picked a particular shade of green from the two thousand shades that you can get specially mixed up by the magic paint-mixer machine. She was so sure about it we didn't bother with a tester or anything sensible like that, and fortunately it was a resounding success. She is now on a mission to amass a collection of houseplants for her bedroom, and I must say I'm really enjoying watching her find her own style and recognising so, so much of my younger self in her.
One of the things I managed to do last week was to pop into Coopers Café (where I have my studio) to collect my mail. I've not been there since October, and I'd been meaning to go and collect a couple of packages that I knew were waiting for me as well as the monthly crochet magazines that get sent there. Of course the café is closed because of this never ending lockdown situation so it was a bit strange being there when it was so quiet and calm. I've not been able to use my studio since the first lockdown in March 2020, and I've really, really missed my precious space.
Anyhow, one of the packages was from a lovely lady who lives fairly local to me and reads my blog. As well as some beautiful and very thoughtful gifts, she had packaged me up a stack of old magazines to read and I was so happy to receive them. As you know I adore magazines and even better when they are passed on once they've been read so that the pleasure can be spread a little further. Do you know this magazine, "the simple things"? I've come across if before but it's not one that I've ever bought myself - oh, I've clearly been missing out! What an absolute delight this magazine is! You can take a little peek inside some previous issues online to get a feel for the content ((here)) - the photography and styling is stunning, and I really love the overall message which promotes slow living and celebrating life's simple pleasures.
I spent some blissful hours across a few afternoons snuggled up with the kitty, drinking in the articles, recipes, musings, photographs and seasonal feel good in these pages and I can tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed myself. If you are reading this Rosie, thank you SO MUCH for this gift which really did make me very happy. And....I've still got three magazines left to read, which I'm saving for this coming weekend, I can't wait (they are summer issues, my fave). Magazine heaven.
We continued to walk in the woods pretty much every day, and I was happy to see that the willow Huntress was wearing a new skirt. She's been looking a little unkempt over the winter with most of her bottom half missing, so Anna must've been called in to restore her dignity. Actually, as I was looking up Anna's website just now, I decided to write her a quick email telling her how much happiness her willow sculptures bring to my daily woodland walking experience. I think it's a wonderful thing to practice gratitude, but even better to express that gratitude to the people that contribute to the goodness of our days.
The woodland is very slowly beginning to wake after it's winter sleep and every day I search for signs of green things happening.
The wild garlic carpet continues to grow, and I continue to observe it and love it just a bit more every day. That vibrant green is really uplifting when everything else around it is still so brown. I finally managed to collect some to bring home and cook with this week and made some pesto and also some soup which were both really good. I'll share my recipes here on my blog in the next day or so as I like to have a record of these things for future me, I know I'll be glad of it next year when wild garlic season comes round again.
It's been a cold start to April here in Atticland with temperatures remaining firmly in the single digits and falling to below freezing at night. On the positive side we've been treated to many bright clear days and I've really appreciated the undiluted amount of sunlight that has filtered through to my brain. I've spent quite a bit of time outdoors either walking, sitting and chatting with friends or pottering in my front gardening and I feel so good for it - I'm definitely happier outdoors than in at the moment.
On Sunday we woke up to an unexpected winter white out, and the shock was real. It's not unheard of for us to have a final snowy surprise around Easter time (my very first Easter here was spent making a snowman instead of the easter egg hunt I'd planned) but it was still a shock to the system. Every year I tell myself that the Spring Equinox does not actually mean spring weather for us here in the north of England so that I don't expect anything warm and springlike until May rolls around.
At around 8.30 I took myself off for a morning stroll through the park, just to experience the uniqueness of April Snow.
It really was beautiful out there.
The sky was an incredible, intense shade of blue, and the treetops looked gorgeous with their dusting of powdery snow.
The poor flowers though, oh my goodness, they looked so forlorn. The blackthorn blossom that I've been admiring in the meadow was literally encapsulated in ice.
Every time I walk in the winter meadow I think of my blanket and try and remember what the colours of summer look like. Some days, the meadow is so far from summery that I have trouble believing that the flowers will ever return. The buttercups should start to bloom golden at the end of May which is only six weeks away from now......nature honestly blows my mind sometimes.
Monday was the last day of the holidays for us here, and on Tuesday the two Littlest Peeps were finally back to school.
Yaaaayyyyy-hahahaaaahhhhhaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Trying not to cheer too loudly when they are in ear shot, but you know it feels like so bloomin' long since we had any sort of normal school routine around here (Little B has only been in school for two weeks since the start of the year). For the first time in an age I set my alarm for a 6am wake-up on Tuesday, my goodness, that was a shock to the system. But it felt good, like a bit of a reset and I felt ready to embrace this new season of routine.
After a leisurely coffee and some quiet time to slowly come around to the day, I was out the door and into the park by 7:04 for my brisk wake-up walk. I recently listened to a podcast called "just one thing" with Michael Mosley which sets out to explore ways in which you can easily improve your health and wellbeing by adopting small daily habits. Episode two was all about the benefits of taking an early morning walk (I'm waaay ahead of the game there Michael), with the idea that getting out into the daylight within 2 hours of waking can have a very positive effect on our bodies. It strengthens our natural circadian rhythm (or something like that), and helps us to sleep well at night as well as boosting our mood.
Well I can certainly say that this routine of taking a brisk 10-15 minute walk at around 7am feels marvellous and I am all for it. Having said that, I'm not one hundred percent sure if I would feel the same doing it in the rain....hmmm, most likely not. As I mentioned earlier, although the weather recently has mainly been blinkin' freezing, the crisp dry air and bright sunshine has made it feel very energising.
My walk takes me up the hill, down through the park, then a short stretch along the canal before the steep hill climb back to home. I deliberately walk at a fast pace to get my circulation going and warm my muscles up because I do a short 20 minute workout as soon as I get back home. I really do love the way it makes me feel to do this and can highly recommend it.
Longer daylight hours have opened up the possibility for evening walks again, and last week I took a few evening strolls with Little Lady.
We mainly like to head through the woods then a slog up to the top of the huge grassy hill where we can catch the very last rays of sunshine. The above photo was taken at 7:46pm, such beautiful, golden glowy light at that time of day which really lifts the spirits.
Two other things of note last week - number one, I had my first covid vaccination on Friday which was something of a relief. I faired pretty well afterwards with just a bit of a headache and the overwhelming desire to lay down and sleep at a moments notice but other than that (and a very, very sore arm) I was fine. I know I'm really looking forward to the time when all this is behind us and life begins to return to some sort of normal again. I'm so tired of covid-19 taking up valuable brain space.
Number two, I started my new blanket, oh, happy day! I will definitely be sharing it with you once it's well under way, but in the meantime, I figured you might enjoy a little bit of a teaser re the inspiration behind the colours.
Greenery and pinecones, bright berries, orange slices and spices, also mulled wine and gingerbread cookies (why didn't I have those to hand when I needed them?) Winter solstice vibes and festive flavours - a celebration of the Yuletide season. Can't wait to show you more!
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Dear Lucy, it's always a breath of springtime when you blog. Thank you for continuing to do so despite the challenges.
We had 6 inches (more than 15cm) of snow this morning here in Northeastern Ohio (USA) and it was a real shock to the system, having been 80 degrees F (27 C) last week!
Congratulations on receiving your first vaccine! My first hurt going in and left a very sore arm, but on the second I was told by the doctor that *spreading* the muscle before injection is much less painful for the recipient, and it was true. I didn't feel it going in at all, and my arm was only slightly sore afterwards. Sharing in the hope that will help you or someone else.
Posted by: Lee | April 21, 2021 at 07:43 PM
I absolutely adore your blog and photos. We're heading into Winter here in Australia but looking at your photos I feel like we are all finally one and the same (hehe). I'm in southern Australia so much colder. We spent Easter in the North of Australia on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef and it was so hot and humid. I loved our holiday and feel ever so grateful, I always try to look at the positive side and the change in weather where we live is a good thing. I don't think I could stand it being that hot all year round.
I can imagine your 'reflief' with the kids returning to school. Ours have only just had their break with two weeks off and I was more than happy to wave them goodbye this morning. Take care.
Posted by: susie | April 19, 2021 at 12:27 AM
I don't mind waking in the rain, as long as I'm dressed for it (wellies, raincoat, etc) & I can get dried & warmed as needed when I get in. I really minded walking to work in the rain in the distant days before children - I had to walk along a road that is always windy, whatever the weather, so rain would just hurl itself against the pedestrians! I soon learnt to keep spare clothes in my desk...!
Your hills look so beautiful in the snow!
Posted by: Lyanne | April 18, 2021 at 08:31 PM
So lovely!! I love a good magazine too!! I've now subscribed to 3 crochet magazines!! I think I have a problem 😅 your posts was relaxing and uplifting as always and I cant wait to see your new design!!
Posted by: Alice Le Mero | April 18, 2021 at 09:21 AM
You have influenced my life in so many ways. I found the monthly cross stitch kits from Cotton and Twine from seeing your work. The paintings of Annabella are my new favs and have received one and am waiting on my second. She should design fabric! Love when she uses water colours as her medium. And of course your beautiful blankets in their lovely palettes. Colour helps me smile and feel happy. Thank you Lucy!!
Posted by: Ariadne Desarro | April 17, 2021 at 04:16 AM
Lucy - I always love your posts, but this is one of the best, and the photos are beautiful! I love the color palettes of your projects - if only I could crochet! I am an avid knitter, though, and dream of someday creating something similar to your projects with my knitting needles. Right now I'm happily knitting little animals from patterns that are also from the U.K. They are such fun to make, even though they're a bit "fussy." Glad you have your first shot. Here in the U.S., we've had ours for a couple of months now, and it's a good feeling, even though we still mask and stay very careful. Looking forward to seeing the next project with those lovely Christmas colors!
Posted by: Chris | April 16, 2021 at 08:43 PM
Oh yes - The Simple Things is one of my favourite "me time" treats & I've been a subscriber for several years. A seasonal magazine that is actually published just before the month it relates to rather than like every other magazine I've seen which has you reading about Christmas in October, Spring in January and summer beaches in April! Love, love,love it! I always keep mine until the 1st of the month (May's arrived today) before I start reading. Enjoy your copies.
Can't wait to see your new blanket- I need a festive one and haven't seen a colour scheme I like yet. Your teaser looks perfect. 😊
Thanks for sharing more of your everyday. I enjoyed spending part of your Easter holidays with you - our eldest 2 are the same age so everything resonates so clearly!
xx
Posted by: Corinna Mazzotta | April 16, 2021 at 07:55 PM
Hello Lucy,
Wonderful pictures again. Sunshine and o… suddenly winter. That happened here as well. I wanted to plant the leek and lettuce outside, but then it started freezing again, so the kitchen has temporarily turned into a vegetable garden.
At long last I started to crochet a blanket. Looking for inspiration on the internet, I finished – of course 😉 – at the Attic. Now I’m producing colourful granny squares which will end up into a lovely and cosy blanket.
But staying bit longer on the internet, I came across the website of HanJanCrochet and saw: https://www.hanjancrochet.com/the-coffee-shop-wrap-free-crochet-pattern/. I immediately thought of you. The way you show us your delicious coffees and the way you write about them, I could imagine you very well in this Coffee-Shop-Wrap 😊.
Warm greetings,
Carine
Posted by: Carine | April 16, 2021 at 04:42 PM
Can’t wait to see more of your new blanket. I sprained my right wrist a couple of days ago and I’m SO sad that my crocheting is on hold for a bit. Hard to do everything left handed!!! On top of that, it’s currently snowing!!! Snowing on hummingbird feeders and budding lilac bushes! They’re not happy. What a topsy turvy time.
Posted by: Linda from Boston | April 16, 2021 at 03:06 PM
Beautiful color choices for a new blanket! Love the teaser and it stirred all kinds of imaginative ideas.
Posted by: Mary W | April 16, 2021 at 02:45 PM
Snow on the ground here this morning. Springtime in New England can be very tempermental. Azalea bush all in bloom and pretty daffodils with snow on them? It makes my eyes blink twice to believe what I'm seeing!
Posted by: Elizabeth | April 16, 2021 at 10:28 AM
Hi from the Netherlands .looking forward to seeing your new blanket .love the colours already.🌷
Posted by: Karen | April 16, 2021 at 10:21 AM
Love the beautiful countryside and teaser of new blanket colours
Posted by: Abby | April 16, 2021 at 07:49 AM
Molly,
we readers are all so very grateful that you share your unique creativity so generously. Every instalment is a joy. You teach us all how to live well wherever we find ourselves. Big thank you!
Kate
Posted by: Kate | April 16, 2021 at 04:39 AM
Thank you so much for your posts! I enjoy reading about your home and crafty things! Do you have an email where we can contact you?
Posted by: Tammy | April 16, 2021 at 12:23 AM
I'm intrigued by the color board of your new project. I've actually been wanting a blanket that is Christmas colored to put out when the house is decorated for the holidays! Exciting!
((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Posted by: Teresa Kasner | April 15, 2021 at 11:54 PM
Oh, such a lovely post for me to read whilst having my brekky. I admire you for taking a walk first thing in the morning, something I should do, but now that winter is on it's way, it would be a little later I think. We had our first jabs on 27/3 & also had a headache & I got the shakes for a short time, but we are OK now. Enjoyed your photos of where you walk & that you got to the cafe to pick up some goodies. I can still see it all in my minds eye, the cafe, canal & Bolton Abbey. One day again, maybe. Look forward to seeing more of the new project. Take care, stay safe & huggles.
Posted by: Susan | April 15, 2021 at 10:42 PM
Enjoyed your post as usual, thanks for sharing. We are staying in the 'van at Niffany just now and the nights and mornings are very chilly. Sorry to see that Cooper's is still closed, have enjoyed their coffee in previous years. Take care. 😁
Posted by: Mags Wilkinson | April 15, 2021 at 09:40 PM
Our willow artist makes gorgeous things, does she? Love her work. I admire your routine, perhaps, one day, can manage it too. How sweet to bring magazines. I miss our library because of that. Me, getting books and reading some newspapers and magazines. It really was a shock to see all white again. My tender plants are still under blankets at night, minus 5 last night, brrr. Oh, a new blanket <3 Hope to see it in the near future. Thanks for the lovely post.
Posted by: Tineke | April 15, 2021 at 09:38 PM
Another fabulous posts. Has the weather been unbelievable. Seeing your photos brightens my day I live in a busy built-up city. I was very excited about your new blanket I have a feeling it's going to be very christmassy but also quite autumny. Still curious to know what happened to josefina bag have you finished her yet have you used her have a good week
Posted by: Teresa | April 15, 2021 at 09:21 PM
Another great blog Lucy....
Always look forward to reading your day to day happenings..
Thank you as always...
Nora 🌷❤
Posted by: Nora McGrann | April 15, 2021 at 09:20 PM
I love that you're emailing the willow sculptor, no doubt that will make her day. Also that you have the lovely magazines from someone who knew you would appreciate them. I can highly recommend walking in the rain. It makes home feel very lovely indeed afterwards and it's really invigorating. In fact, I enjoy it more than the dog does - he sometimes tries to get me to give it a miss when it's tipping down. CJ xx
Posted by: CJ | April 15, 2021 at 09:15 PM
Thank you for your blog posts. Your musings from across the pond are welcome here in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Posted by: Birgit Rosenberg | April 15, 2021 at 09:14 PM
I love reading your posts and am excited about the new blanket and the teaser you provided - imagining the colors.
Posted by: Patti | April 15, 2021 at 08:40 PM
Super excited by the glimpse of the wintery project but also really pleased we've got the joy of spring, summer and autumn to enjoy in the meantime x
Posted by: H | April 15, 2021 at 07:54 PM