Twenty two years ago, on the other side of the world, I bought a small, but lovely, arm chair with the intention of re-upholstering it. This week the project has begun, I have been peeling back the layers with great pleasure.
Category Archives: Documentary
~ documentation of events and activities from daily life ~
Soft Grey Day
Every year there comes a time when one really notices the days drawing in. Soft grey days, when being cosy and baking are back on the agenda. Today it was apple crumble and an afternoon meandering in the loft studio.
Sussex Apples
A weekend apple fair in Sussex, a celebration of history, locale and abundance. Shown above, top left first, Mareda, Wadhurst Pippin, Mannington’s Pearmain, Sussex Mother, Edmund Jupp and Bossom. Also featured on the day [but not pictured] were Alfriston, Duck’s Bill, Golden Pippin, Knobbly Russet, Crawley Reinette and Tinsley Quince. My grandfather was an apple man, such a sight would have made him glad.
Collection
PVC pockets filled with gathered mementos and reminders. Images, places, people and events, recorded unofficially in a changeable studio display.
New Rule
We have a new rule in our house this summer. Never go camping without your wellies.
Waiting
Yesterday my friend said to me, “you can’t live your life like you are in a waiting room”. It was a welcome reminder. Today I made my own yoghurt raspberry pudding, bought a new fish for the pond, planted zinnia’s, weeded the vegetable patch, spoke with my sister, sprouted alfalfa, received an email from an old friend, drank home-made elderflower cordial, watched football, enjoyed sunshine, spread compost, planted beetroots, hugged my husband, felt generally very lucky and decided I must make better documentation. It has been a good day.
Swimming
I have just returned home from the most glorious weekend camping and swimming in Dorset. The sky was blue, the sun was shinning, the air was warm and the sea was clear, cold and beautiful. I am sun-drenched and lovely this evening. This is how I remember summer should feel. So good.
Home
After four delightful weeks of traveling around the great lands of Australia and New Zealand, Richard and I are returned home. I am very happy to be back in my own bed and seeing my garden in its spring glory, but sad to be away from so many of the people I love on the other side of the world. Heart and place combine to make home. It has been a joy to spend time in both of mine (the drawing above is courtesy of the Boltmans’ of East St Kilda, what a lovely welcome we received).
Lanterns
Last night Richard and I went and lit lanterns in the field and watched them drift down the valley until we couldn’t see them any more. It was beautiful, a clear cold evening with very little breeze. A welcoming for the new season and a letting go of all that needed letting go of. We felt lucky and grateful to be there.
Hibernation
There are times in the northern hemisphere’s winter, when I can absolutely understand the grumpiness of bears as they wake up, having survived another round of grey coldness. Sometimes it looks so lovely but it doesn’t always feel so good.