Let there be light!

Those of you that know me will also know that not only do I have an obsession with water, but also fairy lights...there is something magical that happens whenever and wherever you drape a string and my house has them in abundance..around a metal bed frame, surrounding a vintage mirror, in the garden, up the bannisters and along dado rails; however, I am a purist and I don't do the coloured variety (unless they're all one colour - last year I bought red berry lights for the christmas tree)preferring the quiet sparkle of the white light.  Even the most mundane object or banal room can be transformed by droplets of light.  Here are some of my favourite images...
                        

Al-fresco Fare...

Today has been my first day back since my few days away up north; true to form it was 25 degrees as we drove down the motorway yesterday but this morning I awoke to the heavy patter of rain on my windows that was not altogether unwelcome.  I've spent the day slaving over an application form, gazing out at the rain and remembering some of the summer days just past, especially the food.  Why is it that even the most simple dish tastes SO good, better even, when it's eaten outside?  I've had some truly memorable meals outside this summer - from simple suppers with friends and family to smarter dining here ... I hope you enjoy the pics as much as I enjoyed eating (and drinking!) all they depict!

Crazy Champagne

Vintage silver toast rack. Similar here

Local farmers market

Where the sand meets the sea and the ocean the sky....

Holkham Beach

Apologies for large gaps in posts - largely due to a variety of domestic issues that took up way too much time to sort out, and also because I've been away and wasn't organised enough to do my posts in advance...must do better! However, time away in Norfolk, one of my favourite places to hang out, gave me time to ponder my total and utter absorbtion with water in just about every form - rivers, oceans, streams, baths, glasses of water, grape juice (aka wine!!); if there is water in the vicinity you can be sure that I will track it down and paddle, swim, drink or laze next to it... It's almost a compulsion and whenever I need a 'pick-me-up' I'll try to head for water, even if it's just a lazy soak in a hot bath.  So here are some of my 'watery' pics which I hope you enjoy...

Solitary shell

In need of a Pedicure - the nibbling fish didn't quite do the job!!

Ten Things I wished I'd known ten years ago...

They say with age comes wisdom - borrowed or stolen, gleaned from bitter and not so bitter experience.  I thought I knew it all when I was younger, but here are some things I didn't know but wish I had:

• that loving someone is a decision not a feeling
• that being me is always more than good enough
• that clinging to past hurts is one of the greatest causes of present misery
• to always live for the moment and what it has to offer
• that money does matter
• I should have taken more notice of Pollyanna...she was so wise, and right!
• all things pass
• it's ok to make new year resolutions and renege on them after three weeks
• its ok to be selfish (occasionally!)
• that regrets are usually reserved for the things we don't do

What do you wish you'd known five/ten years ago?

Five Things...

My 'Sarah likes...' list from Tom and Moo

It only takes a few days of unwinding to make me begin to notice and re-appreciate some of the things around me.  Normally the days are so busy that there's no time to pause, enjoy, and take in my surroundings.  So here are a few things making me happy today...

My new stainless steel water feature with LED light!

My fav deckchair in which I'm sitting writing this right now!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Antique writing box/desk

Vintage French shabby-chic tray

You can find similar 'List' frames from here...

Pick-me-ups

When I'm tired and low I go to my failsafe remedies for a pick-me-up. These pretty much always do the trick, either as a solitary experience or together.

• a hot bath with lots of bubbles and my favourite Neom Organics candle in Refresh or Invigorate
• a crunchie and a cup of tea
• listening to the sound of waves (on a cd if I can't get to the real thing!)

What are your pick-me-ups? I'd love to hear what works for you?

Flower Power

So, today, along with some like-minded horticulturalist virgins (except one!) I went along to the Hampton Court Flower Show.  So easy to get to, and a mini-river cruise included, the sun shone for most of the day, saving the real downpour for when we were getting the ferry back (how considerate!) and a good time was had by all - with the possible exception of NB who was nursing a ferocious hangover, which, despite protestations to the contrary, had a noticeable impact on his ability to deal with the crowds and shopping pursuits of his companions!!  Despite this, the show gardens shone in all their glories (see pics) as nature was nurtured to provide us with some glorious displays of its finery.

Life on the ocean wave..

It's a Dog's life!

We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch - we are going back from whence we came.
John F. Kennedy
And so it was that last weekend myself and a few other hardy souls decided to test out our amphibian beginnings - with a difference - we were on the water not in it! Arriving at Port Solent in a decidedly 'moderate' breeze we began preparations to set off sailing.  My only real concern was the frequent 'mayday' requests on the radio, until our Skipper, in his wisdom decided to turn it off. Good move Captain, or you might have been peeling me off the mast of the lovely 'Breezy Moment' (aptly named) that was berthed next to us.  All was good; the winds were brisk; the mood upbeat; even the sandwiches were demolished in quick time; and then. Then. The boat, egged on by its crew, began to pirouette and show off, dancing across the waves, with slightly less grace than a ballet dancer but making up for it with enthusiasm. Pitching, rolling, ducking, my stomach nearly ch*****ng.  "I'm sure we're going the wrong way" I tried to protest as I gazed longingly towards the disappearing coastline.  Anyway, Nab Point was reached and we made for Chichester Harbour where a good night out put paid to dodgy stomachs.  Early the next morning, before anyone was about I sat up on deck.  The mist lay low all about the boats, lending it a ghostly air.  There was the ocassional splosh of a jumping fish and on the bow lines of the next door boat, several Swallows argued and tittered.  It was one of those rare moments of peace and one I will remember in the busyness of the weeks ahead.  It didn't end there either, as on Monday I braved Wimbledon to watch Martha ball-girl - hot and humid, it was nevertheless a great day out - if only to watch Murray romp through his match with ease. I'm not sure I was any use at all on the boat, so thanks to you pro's for doing the lion's share, whilst I lay on deck sunbathing and reading.  When did you say we're going again...?!

'Salty Sea-dogs'

In the Solent

                                                                                                     

Round the Island Yacht Race

Rainy Weekend

It seems to have rained for the last week on and off, and certainly for the past few days almost incessantly.  Today is no different - driving rain and blustery winds - more autumnal than early summer.  So in the light of our inclement weather remembering last weekend seems all the more important.  NB and I went off for a weekend away on the Isle of Wight.  Even the journey there feels like going on holiday - the ferry over, glorious blue skies and emerald green sea, yachts with billowing sails, all engendered that feeling of guilty escape. On arrival we made straight for Osborne House, the country retreat of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.  I've wanted to visit for a long time and it didn't disappoint.  The interior was regal but with enough comfort to imagine it as a family home and the exterior truly did justice to the Italian Palazzos it was designed to emulate.  From there we checked in at the little gloster.  Truly a little gem of a find.  Run by two brothers Ben and Jack Cooke and front of house managed by Holly, it's restaurant cum bar cum boutique bedrooms were all that we could have wished for.  Our room looked straight out into the Solent, complete with private balcony, deck chairs and table and bench, where we sat and drank wine in the evening sun and watched the yachts and liners.  The food was amazing too, aromatic and delicious, yet simple and locally sourced.  So, as the rain continues to beat against the windows, I leave you with some pictures of sunnier days...

Osborne House, Isle of Wight

The Italian Courtyard

View from our room

Watching the sun set from the balcony