Farewell Dear Friend…

It was with a heavy heart that my family and I attended the funeral of a close friend yesterday. I was pleased for her sake that she didn’t face a long, drawn out illness. She was vibrant and active and would have hated that.

Selfishly though, I wasn’t ready to let go.

On September 14, 2013 as removalists were hauling furniture into my new home, a diminutive woman rapped on the door and invited me over for a cuppa, thoughtfully knowing that my kettle was in a box marked ‘kitchen’.

And so began a ten year friendship during which time Pam volunteered to edit my novels. For those who read the acknowledgements, you will have noted her name there several times. When it came to grammar and expression, we argued, we laughed but in the end I like to think we produced a good product.

Pam, you were fiery and courageous with an irreverent sense of humour. And whilst your coffee was strong enough to stand a spoon, I will miss our morning tea catch ups.

They say all dogs go to heaven and I like to think of you seated on a giant couch, surrounded by all those you cherished.

I saw a joke this morning related to the Oxford comma. You would have loved it. I thought to send it to you, then I remembered. It brought a smile and a tear. I hope I smile each time I encounter something that would have brought a smile to your face.

You will be missed and remembered with much love.

L. xx

Time to Flourish!

The weather here is always unpredictable at the change of seasons. It warms up, then it cools down again. Then we get a temporary heatwave and the winter sheets and blankets come off the bed before another late cold snap comes through.

Everybody ends up confused, including the wildlife and the plants. They crack on with things, only to be hit by what seems to be another round of winter. I notoriously choose the wrong clothing each day and am left sweating or shivering.

Around the middle of October things start to even out and it’s full steam ahead. The bees have been super busy. The lizards are all out basking on the warm stones. I start to make my way warily around the garden. I love our blue tongue lizard, or possibly lizards, but they’re large and quite confronting to happen upon if you’re not expecting them.

Frogs are breeding in the pond. The birds are fluttering after each other like mad things. I can’t wait for the hares. Last year our hares brought their young with them and I can’t wait to see their offspring for this year.

October is the month where everything seems to flourish. Hopefully that will apply to my writing as well. I’ve started to ramp it up, so hopefully I’ll have some news on the Addy front, and possible regarding Ellie as well.

Stay safe and for those embracing Halloween at the end of October, enjoy!

Take care.

L. x

Spring!!

I love this time of your. The bees come out of their winter slow down, animals are lively and creating young, plants are budding. The days are starting to grow longer. There’s so much life, activity and potential being thrust into the world.

We have a lot of lavender in the yard and I’ve noticed the bee activity has started to increase. They love the pink lavender so much that the plant looks like it’s alive with their movement. The roses have started, the stone fruit trees have burst into flower. The Australian natives started flowering in winter and have moved into the deeper colours that arrive with spring.

I’m eagerly awaiting the bluebells. They’re possibly my favourite plant in the garden. They appear for such a short time every year, but absolutely adore them.

It’s sowing time for lots of vegetables. Lots of things to be done, or needing attention outside.

Fingers crossed the spring fever infuses me and I can get Addy finished soon!!

Take care.

L. x

We’re into the final month of winter, and this is the month when the cold, westerly winds start. Definitely a time to bundle up, grab a book with a hot drink and snuggle in.

As much as I love winter, towards the end, the vitality of spring takes hold and I want to be out creating things and enjoying the sunshine. Whatever energises plants seems to take hold of me as well at the end of August, with an initial burst of energy to get things done.

The tussle between rest and create can be challenging at the end of winter if the weather doesn’t allow outside activity. But for now, it’s snuggle up and enjoy the last of the slowdown period.

If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere and your summer is coming to an end, I hope you enjoy the final moments as the wind down into autumn begins.

Take care.

L. x

Winter Wonderland!

I love winter. It’s my favourite season of the year. I love the rest time, the pause before everything kicks off with gusto in spring.

I love the crunch underfoot of the frost on the grass and icy stillness of the mornings. It’s so quiet and the air seems to appear each time you breathe.

There’s nothing nicer than wrapping your hands around a warm cup of coffee, or hot chocolate. Warm cakes from the oven are a delight. As is snuggling under a blanket on the couch.

Winter brings enjoyment to the simple things and a chance to slow down for a small period.

For those of you with a love of mythology, the winter solstice which has just passed here, marks the point where the Oak King, the giver of light, wins the battle against the Holly King, the bringer of darkness. We’ve passed the point of the darkest day of the year, where the Holly King was defeated, and the Oak King will now increase the light until they again do battle at the summer solstice.

We’re slowly coming out of the slow down period, but I intend to enjoy it while I can.

Until next time.

Take care,

L x