I was struck by this (although I can't remember where I saw it). Mlodern luxury is the ability to think clearly, sleep soundly, move slowly and live quietly.

These simple things are beyond the reach of many many people, aren't they.  It's not about spa weekends and designer handbags. It's simpler and more profound.

think clearly

sleep soundly

move slowly

live quietly

I was struck by this  (though I can't remember where I saw it). Modern luxury is being able to think clearly, sleep soundly, move slowly and live quietly.

These simple things are beyond the reach of many many peple, aren't they.  It is not really about spa weekends and designer handbags.  It's simpler and more profound.



think clearly

sleep soundly

move slowly 

live quietly

..seems to be a bit of a buzzword at the moment. Trying  to live simply in what feels like an increasingly complex world certainly requires a lot of it. Constant questioning, evaluating, editing, avoiding trends..which means being aware of trends I suppose. Do you think it is a useful concept - or just another word for decision making?

This is where I like to sit and think.  :-)

..are nesting. He feeds from my hand briefly, then takes off to feed his mate somewhere in the hedge. The only way you can tell the sex of robins is when you see the male feed the female. The female doesn't cpme now -she  never came close but kept her distaance - so I think she must be sitting on the nest. In 12 to 14 days there should be some baby robins about.

..to live surrounded by peace and beauty.

..hope; a hint of spring and the 7.50 bus trundles by.

My favourite bus in all the world.

Microsoft tell me I must have a new phone.They cannot (will not) allow me to upload photographs to the blog, so yu will have to imagine the shot I took of the dawn light this morning at 7.27am.

Fascinated as I still am by the insanely complex geopolitical situation I am trying to counteract the stress by focussing more every day on  the natural world and the changing season.  I thought the dawn  - the miracle -of each new day would  be a lovely start.

Dawn first enters the house at the bottom left hand corner of the bedroom window and in a little chink where the curtains don't quite meet at the top. . It glows through the red gingham bathroom curtains. It shines through the glass door of the studio into the kitchen.

Where does the sun first enter your house?

Tomorrow it will be at 7.25.  :-)

..what to do with February.

Spent a pleasant hour

making plans.

What will you do with February?

I plan to doo many tiny things.

Lying flat on the hard floor with my head on a cushion is the least painful position for me (as the sciatica slowly eases).

Back soon!

The secret of winter courage is to keep spring in your heart.

I can't credit the above as I can't remember where I heard it, but it makes me think of all of you who are finding winter challenging - stay warm and safe and strong!

Excuse me  while I take a little blog break.. :-)

..a word for your year? To choose one you have to give a bit of thought  to how you want 2026 to be for you which is surely a wise thing to do anyway.

My word is going to be cherish.

I looked up some definition of cherish - to protect and care for lovingly, to hold dear, to deeply love and value, to care for tenderly, to keep or cultivate with care and affection.

I have not yet quite put my finger on why this word feels right...am still pondering..

Taken at 15.46. Facing west, sunset on the shortest day.

Maybe just a hint of pink in the western sky.

the colours of the leaves are glorious.

Enjoying quiet, ordinary days. Do you find there are times when ordinary is enough?

I could not resist the colours of these flowers, reduced from £8 to £2.

The pumpkins had soup written all over them, but I did resist - on day  five of a horrid cold I just didn't have the energy!

and I am having a very lazy day.

..to rake up ad compost. Good exercise.

Hundreds of new tiny toadstools.

The eating outside season is coming to a close. Comfort food and a glass of wine in the autumn sunshine is a special treat.

With my special guest. I hope you are enjoying the season too.

The smell of quince fills the room in the mornings .I do love it.

Figs with a drizzle of honey and balsamic vinegar and a scattering of chopped nuts. Delicious.

and a vintage moment at breakfast.

I am taking a short blog break and wishing you simple joys for all your senses and a lovely weekend.

A bit odd to illustrate Choosing the Human with a photograph of a bird, I know. My little breakfast  companions and I have been thinking about the idea of technology taking over from humans and  we think we will start a campaign
 for Choosing the Human option where there is one - at the supermarket chackout for example. Eye contact, a few friendly words - nice for me, and he or she may really like and need that job.. 

What do you think?

..is the ultimate result of all ambition said Dr Johnson. If you are a bit unwell there is no better place to be. I've had a very quiet and reflective time, enjoying my own space, having long hot baths, doing only the basics, resting a lot, healing. Waiting. Accepting.

Merely a cold and a cough, I feel for people with more serious illnesses and count my blessings  and the many comforts of home.


Feeling much much better I am happy to say, and hoping you are all well!

I spent the morning worrying about the state of the world, but at noon I got out the card that shows a clock face at 12 o'clock and the words 'Today is just getting started!' and I reset and did some gardening, took some photographs and cooked meatballs and potatoes in a garlic and lemon sauce.  (The world carried on in it's mad way ...)

So beautiful.

After the city buzz of Edinburgh, my lovely Tai Chi class helped me to slow down and accept the slower country pace.

I was tempted by the gorgeous bouquets of  colourful flowers  in the city, but a bit put off at the idea of carrying them on and off three buses and a ferry, so instead when I got home and before I took my coat off I went out and picked some branches of birch to fill two big jars. They are so very pretty at this early stage and the quiet and calm in the late afternoon light were soothingly beautiful.

I am so lucky to bee able to experience both the city and the coutry.


What pace will you be going at today?

..are still looking fabulous.