>> back to the bailiwick

€9.99 flights to England

too cheap to pass

over the Thames and back to Essex

brisk morning walks with my best friend

and her dogs

catching up with family and friends

lots of tea and cake

a tiny bit of culture

plenty of gin

and foggy mornings

I was thoroughly spoilt and loved every moment

even the initial sensory overload of being able

to understand every conversation

the insane amounts of traffic

and the flatness of dear old Essex

see you in Spring

x

☼ best days

 before the children broke up for their

Summer holidays

I visited my good friend Suzie

and her family in the 

South of France

a highlight in my year has been going to the

caves of Niaux with her

an other worldly experience

magical, breathtaking 

eating the biggest platter of vegetarian 

deliciousness at the Jardin en Ville 

bathing in beautiful light

this is the first Summer I have spent alone

and I admit 

it's very lonely

and the light doesn't always shine 

☯ time for change

last month

we dropped my girl off at University

tears with fear of the unknown

anticipation at adventures to come

our home is different without her

my role as Mama has a new meaning

we had never been apart for more than 7 days

my life revolving around her needs

she has flown and settled into a new chapter

and so must I

and I will in my own time

just busy yourself doing what you most want, 

among the choices now before you, 

and before long your life's purpose will find you

I took at trip to my friend Suzie's

her family always make me so so welcome

and who can resist an invitation to absorb

the beautiful light of Southern France?

olive groves

cameras

 picnics by the lake

 layers of light and colour

rickety roofs

 doorways

and washing lines to gladden my heart