View from a Straw Bale

I never know which time of year I prefer more: when the woods are full of bluebells, or now, when the stubble fields are scattered with straw bales. The two times of year frame the summer, my favourite season, although spring isn't far behind.

Mournful and poignant though this time of year can be, as summer turns to autumn, and new things are considered, and that back to school feeling settles in everyone's stomachs, nothing beats a good straw bale, especially the large round ones, onto which you have to take a run and a jump to hop. The dog tries to scramble up too, sometimes he's successful, and other times he stalks away, ignoring my calls, refusing to try again, as if he didn't want to be up there in the first place. Oh little dog. He's so silly.


There's something rather wonderful about the scratches on your legs, and just being able to sit atop a bale and view the world.

And of course then there's the fun of trying to get the bale to roll over.

When we were little, we would sit on the top, and wait for the bale to be pushed, with us on top, and this was better than any other game we could have played. My dad would park his pick up so that we could climb straight out the back onto the bales, and he pushed several together, which caused hours of endless fun. Of course, this is something I know not many people will have been lucky enough to do, but oh, it's the best. Nothing beats it.

Nothing like the simple things, hey?

Adventures and Being Brave

I got back from my adventure on Sunday, weary, with aching limbs, a wet tent, blisters and very muddy trainers and jeans, but triumphant. Utterly triumphant. In the four (was that all? It felt much longer, in a very good way. I could stay there forever) days I was away I met numerous challenges and overcame them. This was the biggest thing I'd ever done alone I think and it was amazing. Fowey is my favourite place in the world, and I could spend forever there. Seriously.

So, I camped, alone - and successfully pitched a tent! And packed it up too. Sorted taxis from the station to the camp site.


WENT WINDSURFING!!!!!! Which was amazing. Want to go again now please. And wore a wet suit, went in the sea, which I'm wary of. Proved that I could do it, and only fell in a couple of times!

Went to several du Maurier, or Fowey Festival events, chatted with amazing authors who were so friendly and awesome, wonderful du Maurier fans/experts and other writers, and people who I'd met the last time I was there for the festival and of course the wonderful people I know already in Fowey. I love the atmosphere of the festival, it's wonderful, with people who are all interested in the same thing (Daphne du Maurier!) and books and literature, and it is just so warm and welcoming.

Ate in restaurants alone (the best, and made friends with this adorable little girl) and saw lots of bluebells, which I hadn't managed to do yet this year. Made me very happy!

Basically had the best time, and the sun was shining, which was fantastic. It is such an inspiring place and I found myself constantly scribbling down notes and ideas. I was wonderfully cut off from the world for those few days and it was the perfect break away. I didn't really want to come back! But despite the weariness, definitely felt rested, reinspired, reinvigorated and energised from the whole trip. It was the best. Those are only the things that come to mind right now. But there were a whole load of challenges and things that I never thought I'd do or overcome, and hey I did it, without having to wait around for anyone else, which was amazing. Best feeling ever. And proves to me that I can do it all. Fabulous few days in my favourite place and it was wonderful. Bring on the next trip... I mean, now I know that I can do it....

Return

A return to normal blogging, a return to Exeter, and a return to... Spring! Yes, Spring is seems is finally here, which means summer is around the corner and as these are my favourite two seasons I am in heaven.

 And utterly obsessed with daffodils.

Although, my favourites are the bluebells and I am eagerly anticipating them coming out, and going to find a bluebell wood somewhere in Devon, as I am not at home for them this year (if anyone has any suggestions PLEASE let me know! Cheers!)

I love the longer evenings, now that it doesn't get dark until 8.30 or so.

I love that the sun is shining and it's warm enough to sit outside (when it's not windy) and that we can shed the winter layers (I do feel like I've come out of hibernation!).

I love that I can go outside in BARE FEET.

I love that there are so many summer plans and it is nearly tennis season in the UK and that the French Open and Wimbledon are around the corner.

I could go on, but today I won't.  Am busy at the minute writing and finishing off assignments due for the beginning of May, and then I'm free! Until September! But I am looking forward to starting many more projects over the summer (I have a couple I've been planning on focusing on) and getting them written, and my mind is buzzing with ideas at the minute, which is exciting. One character strolled into my mind this morning, making me want to write her story down, so I scribbled some notes, but now it's back to focusing on this essay!

An Ode to Spring

Spring is round the corner and I couldn't have been more delighted. Spring, closely followed by Summer is my favourite time of year. I hate winter. I hate being cold and ill and the early dark nights and everything looking so dead. The beginning of March definitely hails the beginning of Spring and brighter times (maybe it's always helped that it's my birthday on the 2nd.... ahh, I'm getting old!!).

I just love Spring though. I love that the days begin to get longer, that it's light past five o'clock and light first thing in the morning. I love that it begins to get warmer. I love that new life begins. I love all the spring flowers. Daffodils and primroses and bluebells. They are my favourite flowers ever. Maybe it's something to do with having grown up in the countryside and on a farm, but I love the time of year when they all appear. I love walking through bluebell woods, with a carpet of bluebells.

Here's some lovely pictures for you, from a few years ago (I think.. the album on my computer just says 'Spring at home'): 

See! That's why I love it so much <3 Dreaming of walking through bluebell woods now....

And then spring leads onto wonderful summer, which is full of swimming, and tshirts and bare feet and long long lazy days and sitting outside reading and writing and watching Wimbledon and bbqs and fresh veg and fruit from the garden and STRAWBERRIES and TOMATOES and beautiful days (and we're in England so rainy days but still). SEE. IT'S AMAZING. I really am a country girl at heart aren't I?!

I think this is probably why I set most of my stories in the summer. Because to me it's a happy time, full of lazy lovely days and fun times and its warm and lovely and just splendid. I rarely write anything set in the winter. Weird really.

Bring on the Spring!

Pinch, Punch, First of the month to you all!

Sunshine Award

I apolgise that am I seem to be posting at the minute are challenges and awards and such, life is busy what with a dissertation and everything to do - and such gorgeous spring weather outside! But I did start a long rambly post about YA books, which I will finish and post this week hopefully.

Anyway, the lovely Angeline has awarded me with the lovely sunshine award, which seems so approriate for the lovely weather we are having at the minute. Spring makes me so happy and I love daffidaols and bluebells and being able to be outside, and the warmth!

I have to answer some questions now:

Favourite color?

Purple probably.
Favourite animal?

Definitely cats.
Favourite number?

3
Favourite non-alcoholic drink?
earl grey tea and strong coffee (I can't choose)

Facebook or Twitter?

Twitter. Although FB is good for keeping in touch with people, its annoying.
My passion?

Books and writing.
Getting or giving presents?

Definitely giving.
Favourite pattern?

Pattern? Umm, my mind has gone blank...
Favourite day of the week?

I don't know if I have a favourite. I do like Fridays, because there's the hope of the weekend ahead. Sundays are nice too.
Favourite flower?

Bluebells.

I'm meant to tag some other bloggers now... so....

1. Jenna
2. Akoss
3. Elodie
4. Sarah

I know it's not many, but I didn't want to give it to people who already had it, and so I'm sorry! Anyway, I may add some, but I want to post!

In case you didn't guess, I love Spring!

Anyway, back to the dissertation for now.