Routine Days

I was reading back through my very early blog posts the other day, the ones that I wrote in March 2008, fourteen years ago. I went back to find the first Easter I ever wrote about, and once I was re-living my memories I carried on reading through a whole chunk of the first spring and summer that I shared in Blogland. It was fascinating, honestly, to see how my writing style has changed over time - in my head I haven't changed the way I write at all, but reading back I see that my written voice has definitely altered with age and experience.

One thing that really struck me was how massively my word count has increased as the years have passed. In the early years of my blog I pretty much posted daily Monday-Friday but my posts were often super short with just a couple of photos and a few paragraphs of blurb. It made me ponder on which style makes for better reading - longer, chatty posts published less frequently, or short blog entries posted four or five times a week? Which do you prefer? I think I really like a mixture of the two, and that's because I like to keep my posts spontaneous and true to how I'm feeling at the time. 

Anyhow, that's what's been on my mind of late, in case you were wondering. And in other news, I've got fresh flowers on my table again and they are giving me all the happy, joyous feels, I absolutely adore tulips.

On Monday the Little Peeps returned to school and that meant that my 5.30 alarm clock was back in action. I was weirdly excited to get back into my morning routine which included my first workout since having covid over a month ago (boy, that was a killer ten minutes), followed by a 45 minute walk with J. 

I've missed these early morning adventures, the light is really beautiful at this time of year and for the past three mornings I've been drinking it in with gratitude.

These photos were taken this morning as we walked through the park around 7 o'clock, and as you can see it was bloomin' cold with frost still clinging to the grass in the shady areas.

Oh, but just look at the trees, the blossom is finally blossoming and it is absolutely glorious. What a beautiful way to start the day.

Always enjoying my morning coffee (yeah!) but then you know that by now :)

I'm back to healthy eating this week, a reset of sorts which I feel is much needed. I indulged quite a bit over the Easter holidays eating and drinking a lot of things that I very much enjoyed in the moment (hello gin and tonic, also hellooo cake and hot cross buns and chocolate) but which made me feel sluggish and disrupted my sleep patterns. So I'm cutting right back on refined sugar and I'll stay alcohol free for a little while now too. It feels good to be nourishing myself with healthy food choices again, I do genuinely love eating this way so I'm happy creating meals that make me feel energised.

I'm trying to drink more water too, because coffee is fabulous for the emotional feel-good but our bodies really need to be properly hydrated throughout the day. I've started adding cucumber slices to my water bottle and oh-my-gosh this has been such a game changer for me. I don't usually find plain water especially appealing, but cucumber-water, well, that's on a whole new level - so refreshing!

Getting back into routine also means getting back to my hooky life. I'm currently crocheting a new bag made from pure wool in a lovely squishy aran weight and I'm really, really enjoying the yarn therapy. The squish factor is delicious, it really is xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Lily]

So envy by all the nice scenery in your country and thanks for sharing all lovely pictures, it's really beautiful 😘🥰

[Ness]

I'm trying so hard to up my water intake, but find water so bland and I really struggle to drink it. I now fill up a water bottle with cucumber, fresh mint, a lime wedge and some strawberries and take it to work with me. Oh my word, it's a complete game changer. I just keep topping up the bottle with water throughout the day and find it's no problem now to get more hydrated. The flavour is gorgeous, I wish I had done this years ago!!!! xxx

[Laura]

Thanks for writing! Love your blog!!!

[My creative life]

Lovely photos Lucy, I look forward to seeing your bag. I try to keep up with your blog. Thank you for all you do. Cathy x

[Clare]

Thank you for sharing & bringing joy. Sending love.
p.s. ...Is kitty sitting on your new project or have you made some nice things for her especially? :-)

[Kerridwen Niner]

I love your photos, particularly no3, do you take them on your phone? Occasionally i go into work with my hubby, he works in Milton Keynes. The journey in usually means us leaving around 6.30 and driving up the a5. The early mornings sometimes have me oohhing and ahhing over the mist, sunrise, frost etc but if i'm the passenger it's tricky taking photos while we're moving lol.

[Sarah]

Your post do what works for you. I really enjoy reading your blog so write whenever you the mood takes.

[Miss Daisy]

Love the pictures. Would you please send me one of your energizing recipes? I don't have any energy!!! Looking forward to seeing your purse.

[charlotte m.]

I have read my old blog posts occasionally and I find that they have change as well. Perhaps it happens to all of us. I love all your posts. I love to hear about your days and imagine what life in the UK looks like. I too love the colors of spring and the longer days. The early morning sunrises are gorgeous here in the southeastern US. Your new project has some very lovely colors.

[Elizabeth]

Glad to know that you are feeling better. I laughed when you said those 10 minutes were a killer -- aren't they always? But look how far you've come! You have every right to be proud of your progress. Since yours is the first blog I ever really read, for a long time I didn't have anything to compare it to. I found that I loved your "voice" as much as I loved your photos. Your simple stories of everyday life, your considerate protection of your family's privacy, the pace of your small village, the view every day from your attic, and your generous enthusiasm for crochet -- I found it all enchanting, and still do. I have broadened so many of my views because of you (about color, about yarn, about where to buy my yarn), and I thank you for that. Speaking of photos, today's are just gorgeous! Love the ones of the park -- the flowering trees and the way the sun highlights the texture of the grass. Sublime! Yes, I like your voice, your photos, every day or any day, whenever you choose to visit, I will be there to read. You have become an important part of my life, an oasis so to speak. Thank you for that, too.

[Di Smith]

Whatever feels right for you in the moment is fine for me Lucy.

[Maureen]

Go with the flow and remember that we all appreciate everything you share with us.

[Linda]

Your posts are always just right for me. I love the landscape shots of Yorkshire, the colourful photos of your home and projects, and I love your positive outlook on life.
If there is a hiatus in them coming I go and select an old one to read…..!
Since discovering your blog I visit daily…..!
Your wonderful posts have persuaded me that I should make the long trip to Yorkshire for Yarndale this year and I’ve booked the cottage (near Harrogate) and bought my ticket. It’s a long time since we were in Yorkshire for a holiday…….1976 Jubilee Week!….camping at Hawes. It snowed overnight…...and collapsed the tent…..in June!

[kathleenalice]

I love your posts Lucy, be they long or short, they must be so time consuming to produce but make wonderful reading. You have a real gift with words. I suffer occasional bouts of anxiety and insomnia and your mindful posts are very comforting, a real haven in this crazy world of ours.
My eating is suffering somewhat too and boy, can I feel it!
Sending love and best wishes.

[Shani]

I love reading whenever I get a moment, so I highly encourage you to write whenever is convenient for you. Enjoying what and how you do something is what makes us continue to do it. Currently making a Coast baby ripple and am love, love, loving the colours. xx

[Denise]

Post as the moment moves you. I enjoy your blog (and your designs) so much. I feel transported from Illinois in the US to England. Yorkshire, right? Thank you so much. And by the way, your posts back in the day were what encouraged me to take up crochet after a 30+ year hiatus. Much love.

[Linda from Boston]

I agree…… it doesn’t matter if your posts are short or long. I like surprises!! It’s just enjoyable reading your posts. Love your writing style.

[Bronwyn]

Whenever you leave a few words it’s a joy. You believe it your not are a mainstay in my life. It’s been years since before little b’s arrival that l have read, listened ,learnt from your words. But l am sure at times it’s just too much responsibility to so many people. To know your ok is enough at times. Thank you 😊🦘

[Kathy]

Saw you mention using pure wool..have you ever ventured into felting your crochet bags? I much prefer my totes felted..less sagging and firmer structure them.

[Susan]

Enjoy your blog & as long as you keep doing it I'll be reading whether long or short. I also love seeing my beautiful Yorkshire through your eyes as I miss coming across to UK and visit our family. My eating habits got out of kilter too through the pandemic & I'm trying to remedy that bit of life and get some mojo back. Thanks Lucy for being you, take care & hugs from down under.

[Jacqui]

I love it . We all go with the flow loving your blogs. The most important thing is you look after yourself and your family.

[Mary Doukakis]

Lucy dear, you've got to be true to yourself. I love reading your posts no matter how long or how often...and your photos are sublime! Thanks so much for being you! 💕

[HelenLouisie]

I just love to read all your blogs and enjoy your photos, you write from the heart and I resonate with your views on life, family and admire your creativity. I view nature differently and appreciate it more since reading your posts. Tonight I am in pain from arthritis so can’t crochet but scrolling your blogs gives me hooky pleasure instead, thank you for all you do x 😊

[Charlotte (MotherOwl)]

Longer and shorter posts as you feel like it. I know it sound demanding but it's the longer pauses that's hard for me to take. I always fear you just stopped blogging like so many others have done.

[CJ]

I quite like lemon in water, but I haven't tried cucumber, must give it a go. It's beautifully blossomy out there at the moment isn't it. I keep catching myself just staring out the window at it all. Your second photo is stunning, such exquisite light. Well worth getting up for! Well done on the healthy eating. I have been in a bit of slump lately, currently working up to being healthier. CJ xx