Our library; a source of endless delight to my Eldest who loves books like you or I love chocolate.
This is one place I see as a sanctuary - a place of reprieve and rejuvenation for information-thirsty seekers of knowledge. A place of quiet. A place where Mama can sit and watch two people relax, learn and have fun - all under one roof - for free!
Truly, a place to inspire gratitude.
To give you some idea of the scale of my illness recently I will tell you that I had within two feet from me the books Living Retro by Andrew Weaving and Mid-Century Modern by Bradley Quinn constantly for four days, and I did not look at them once. *waits for the audience to understand the enormity of said feat*. Not one time did I think 'ooh I know, I'll flick through this to cheer me up'. Because I was so ill I couldn't. *shakes head* tragic.
THAT'S how ill I was.
Now, however, I am sufficiently recovered for plumped up pillows and eye candy on the knee with tchai steaming seductively beside me, which, I can confirm, knocks whimpering in the foetal position for four days into a cocked hat, that's for damn sure. So if I am to be knobbled by sickness, and am lucky enough for it to be pain-free, I can think of no better way to endure it than to cuddle up to books like these for a few days.
Lickable, isn't it? You may have seen the Sofa of My Dreams in there somewhere...
... from the first flush of spring-like weather yesterday is the subsequent rise in energy levels that I, and I am sure you, get at this time of year. The winter sloth is brushed aside as I greet the day with an attitude of wanting to squeeze every last precious ounce out of the day. If winter is my great challenge in pessimism, then spring surely has to be my reward for wading through that treacle. masha'allah.
Energy = planning in this house. Planning, preparing, gearing up for Outdoors livin' and fun times insha'allah.
Patterns have been rummaged through; fabrics have been ear-marked; ideas that have been slow-brewing over winter have been draughted and I am enjoying the planning of summer clothes, beach bags, new picnic blankets and other odds and ends which add beauty and ease to our lives.
It's an enjoyable past-time - planning for a new season!
Grey is November so sayeth Elsa Beskow, in case we didn't quite get it. And yes, yes it is, let's rub it in shall we?
I love these sweet books by Beskow (and others); I love the sense of seasonal rhythm they bring into our lives as we constantly shift them in tune with the time of year, year in, year out. The books we read in Spring and Summer have given way to Autumn and Winter offerings. At the start of every new month we read 'Around the Year' to centre ourselves on where we are; what came before and what will come after. I think for the little ones this is a soothing repetition for them.
Instilling a sense of season, and reinforcing the seasonal rhythms is important to me. But encouraging imagination is just as important.
I love the gentle nature of these stories, but also the imaginative play they instigate - simple tales of fantastical characters in nature. And the artwork is a feast in itself.
These books are heirloom books; I hope someday my children will pass these on to their babes too.
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Talking of seasonal rhythm, wherever you are have a great Bonfire Night! Stay safe! Wrap up warm! I hope whatever traditions you are making for your children that tonight forms some magical memories for them.
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