tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85875785437029072252024-03-05T03:33:15.110-08:00The Mucky RootSelina Goughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099874441156494492noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8587578543702907225.post-82149634972020450192014-03-26T00:06:00.001-07:002014-03-26T00:06:24.379-07:00The Ground Beneath our Feet<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkgXb_RtGk97WDO59sXBC6xbk7vA_T8tEsyPKJ9Qw8vcwWhHl0VOyrVJGC4VLMZIvIDg90Fip9YBfrXy8FNbozeJeTwyk-kjAgkSP7FfD0aMI-c-MA8tLw927l6AqhUIpf1wjbnM6NY4/s1600/DSC_0087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkgXb_RtGk97WDO59sXBC6xbk7vA_T8tEsyPKJ9Qw8vcwWhHl0VOyrVJGC4VLMZIvIDg90Fip9YBfrXy8FNbozeJeTwyk-kjAgkSP7FfD0aMI-c-MA8tLw927l6AqhUIpf1wjbnM6NY4/s1600/DSC_0087.jpg" height="564" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The site of the exploratory drilling at Barton Moss is typical greenbelt landscape. Flat and somewhat characterless with small aircraft regularly droning overhead, taking off and leaving from the nearby air strip. I had gone along with the boys and some friends to offer moral support to the protesters living there and to object, physically, to the practice of fracking.<br />
<br />
Being here had felt important - I'd been following the protest on Facebook and in the news shared between friends - but I hadn't been there, in the flesh, to try to do something about it. Before children, I'd marched, chanted and sang alongside other activist sorts at Faslane and anti-war rallies and I'd shouted and banged my fists in pubs up and down the land. But recently, I've been a little quiet. When I was little, my mum had taken us along to South Africa house to sing for the release of Nelson Mandela; I didn't really understand what was happening, but there was something about the passion of the gathered crowd that stirred something in me. I wanted my boys to feel what it was like to be among people that really care and want to make a difference, no matter the hardships or the seeming futility of it all.<br />
<br />
Fracking is an issue that could potentially affect huge pockets of the population. Despite the claims of the energy companies, there are plenty of reasons for us to be very fearful of allowing such a violent practice to go ahead. In the US, where fracking has gone ahead, there are reports of contaminated water making people unwell; disruption and harm to livestock and wildlife; and increased incidence of seismic activity due to the fracturing of the very land itself. Added to this the risk of methane leaks and other highly undesirable outcomes and it's hard to believe there aren't more of us shouting our objections and demanding a halt to the drilling.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqK8mtd7-KQzi8Dk_esZMQo8fqXlSSioPUGc95sr_yQVxHcpNerf6FeD3eLJtsurP5xgk1U5H9xtVHme5QdN7NQnGwOv3Q3XNA9ZZdSiFyX-17bYVw6qTmz0T-MFAJOAduXrR33aQErpU/s1600/DSC_0039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqK8mtd7-KQzi8Dk_esZMQo8fqXlSSioPUGc95sr_yQVxHcpNerf6FeD3eLJtsurP5xgk1U5H9xtVHme5QdN7NQnGwOv3Q3XNA9ZZdSiFyX-17bYVw6qTmz0T-MFAJOAduXrR33aQErpU/s1600/DSC_0039.jpg" height="418" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Signs and posters litter the Barton Moss site </em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrVnYVW_JzbdqEtCMSib7xVee7VZzZxokfTOj3TbILrwW5scMVo3q3WOve-gxO99DMqGCYWfI8lXmJhIbX3WToHa5uri9o0peOTE7P4imI4MXBKyA-0n9UxCRoN0kp877ZSEdG633Flo/s1600/DSC_0068-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrVnYVW_JzbdqEtCMSib7xVee7VZzZxokfTOj3TbILrwW5scMVo3q3WOve-gxO99DMqGCYWfI8lXmJhIbX3WToHa5uri9o0peOTE7P4imI4MXBKyA-0n9UxCRoN0kp877ZSEdG633Flo/s1600/DSC_0068-3.jpg" height="448" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Monty was quickly at home </em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
As we wandered up the small lane (and public footpath!) that has been the focus of months of clashes between police and protesters, we gawped like voyeurs at the sagging tents pitched on the muddy verge, finding it hard to believe that people were managing to live here and continue their opposition to fracking with such conviction. This is the Barton Moss Community Protection camp; a shanty town of crooked tents and communal buildings built from pallets and goodwill. A new community building was erected in the few hours that we were there. A group of men determinedly worked together in what seemed like complete quiet understanding. I got the sense that it gave them something to do in the dead time between walk-downs, something that felt solid and useful. When it was almost finished, an eagerly welcomed local couple rolled up in their car with a canvas to throw over it and make it weatherproof; they are representative of many local residents who appear to be hugely grateful that the campers are here.</div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0ydqj7XuDxe1PlMk7dJk01X_x0b5FM9M8M9arE42tA8pQd2bhpyvtY9QcUGvYxL_-fijiujCtpLL3pmuokVhF7IQMhY8gtgp5INA9ueUC1pw39YwOwT-FFbNJHwlHUWwVVWVEAAw-5Y/s1600/DSC_0107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0ydqj7XuDxe1PlMk7dJk01X_x0b5FM9M8M9arE42tA8pQd2bhpyvtY9QcUGvYxL_-fijiujCtpLL3pmuokVhF7IQMhY8gtgp5INA9ueUC1pw39YwOwT-FFbNJHwlHUWwVVWVEAAw-5Y/s1600/DSC_0107.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Local woman Pat, proudly supports the camp and the efforts of the protectors - bringing with her on this occasion a huge waxed canvas for the new tea room</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9btvCJSf4nFYQ7eSCV95VGFAd6vRaV73YLzQivoakIlDDE7-HKSrr6s2HwfBcvXdu5Arl_EZ5egN3s2DdCFdC2zcZG89dxumo3eLnuBbYS-PJB_CWzLNZBW-BofidK3cRVKiaOWdECUs/s1600/DSC_0066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9btvCJSf4nFYQ7eSCV95VGFAd6vRaV73YLzQivoakIlDDE7-HKSrr6s2HwfBcvXdu5Arl_EZ5egN3s2DdCFdC2zcZG89dxumo3eLnuBbYS-PJB_CWzLNZBW-BofidK3cRVKiaOWdECUs/s1600/DSC_0066.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>The new tea room being built - it seemed to go up in a matter of hours!</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-hlUCrilwtreRW6p_Uy_LJhA6dTCwBu_W2d6-5mDlan9wrRWYVcBys9VWYiHGT0cvNkputZjSxxC2dkpoBMDmiKL0z_Q3oESWW-OSufugY4cByORDoScff-CUyuYUq_dw3ZOe0qVC044/s1600/DSC_0057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-hlUCrilwtreRW6p_Uy_LJhA6dTCwBu_W2d6-5mDlan9wrRWYVcBys9VWYiHGT0cvNkputZjSxxC2dkpoBMDmiKL0z_Q3oESWW-OSufugY4cByORDoScff-CUyuYUq_dw3ZOe0qVC044/s1600/DSC_0057.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Carmen is a protector and regular visitor to the site, she helped us to feel welcomed- thanks Carmen! </em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The tenacity and resourcefulness of the campers is remarkable and touching. Some of those on site have been there since November - through the harshness of winter with only banks of straw bales to keep out the worst of the weather. Each morning they gather with visitors, locals and day protestors to try to slow access to the huge trucks carrying out exploratory drilling at the site and each afternoon they delay their leaving. During these daily 'walk-downs' the police - initially the Greater Manchester Police but more regularly now, the Tactical Aid Unit - try to speed up the process by herding the crowd at greater speed down the lane. Many people have been arrested and many people are angry with the seemingly over-enthusiastic policing of the protectors.<br />
<br />
There is a sign that declares that this camp is the frontline against fracking - and that is exactly what it feels like. I couldn't help but admire the commitment and resilience of this core group of protesters, who prefer to be called 'protectors'. I wanted to know more of who they are and what their stories were but I got a sense that for them, right now, this was the only story that mattered. We joined them on their afternoon walk-down, the boys and I, holding hands as campers and other protectors emerged from the depths of the dark communal tents and from the edges of the lane. Scattered bodies becoming one mass in front of the line of police and the slowly advancing trucks. There was no unruliness from this crowd - a little weariness, some stubbornness and a good helping of frustration but mostly just peaceful people, trying to register their objection, to resist big business and its continually callous agenda and to fight, in the only way they know how, for the very ground beneath our feet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-hlUCrilwtreRW6p_Uy_LJhA6dTCwBu_W2d6-5mDlan9wrRWYVcBys9VWYiHGT0cvNkputZjSxxC2dkpoBMDmiKL0z_Q3oESWW-OSufugY4cByORDoScff-CUyuYUq_dw3ZOe0qVC044/s1600/DSC_0057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4teBzcFVN-uWN990fHnJPbdOnzwaync-9TVg1APqKYoy8qiBQ7epouqijQXLEONnVLXzqThRcjG9mN6bCrRLBtEGT73IiFelFWNtWT2xxH7omUcut7w6FqhGKnhN0fIH45rOfWAHD6rQ/s1600/DSC_0058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4teBzcFVN-uWN990fHnJPbdOnzwaync-9TVg1APqKYoy8qiBQ7epouqijQXLEONnVLXzqThRcjG9mN6bCrRLBtEGT73IiFelFWNtWT2xxH7omUcut7w6FqhGKnhN0fIH45rOfWAHD6rQ/s1600/DSC_0058.jpg" height="486" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_be9MHNHO2ps1WkrpDKMl2jcOH9A2eiDxTfSAOxLJ-OPKJOi1RHAQ0Oz3tDfa6S4NbxZ-vnXhmSKbj7YMI_fz-oSZ1rJmZ0I1GPsoQ4TnKKbGIwaJck9U3hNJ1-LlB9sHUdovbw7Blg/s1600/DSC_0144-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_be9MHNHO2ps1WkrpDKMl2jcOH9A2eiDxTfSAOxLJ-OPKJOi1RHAQ0Oz3tDfa6S4NbxZ-vnXhmSKbj7YMI_fz-oSZ1rJmZ0I1GPsoQ4TnKKbGIwaJck9U3hNJ1-LlB9sHUdovbw7Blg/s1600/DSC_0144-2.jpg" height="462" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSXQiE9OBvXP6QHuMGdXBlR5ID6sQocKIbXG3D-R6Jw6DDOmC2B1hz5b1EBl00D97Eoo296AjSxwUHwBV_uILLa-eQsvMWKli47c3wpl90VMr2WjkJG0TL-skELkfDFmbKgdDOdRTe7g/s1600/DSC_0146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSXQiE9OBvXP6QHuMGdXBlR5ID6sQocKIbXG3D-R6Jw6DDOmC2B1hz5b1EBl00D97Eoo296AjSxwUHwBV_uILLa-eQsvMWKli47c3wpl90VMr2WjkJG0TL-skELkfDFmbKgdDOdRTe7g/s1600/DSC_0146.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij60fdOQRhBYtcs0MSUOBKRc9gokDtUoEPdF14AqCzdTRROpJIfRlHqAb6E9bDNi8F5Fxtl9T82j5YzHUcRccT-jEXFMxRvtke6CGf6w4kXWDRfqB-z_Sgmuh4Z9TFb30QwRGH_lI_I6s/s1600/DSC_0153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij60fdOQRhBYtcs0MSUOBKRc9gokDtUoEPdF14AqCzdTRROpJIfRlHqAb6E9bDNi8F5Fxtl9T82j5YzHUcRccT-jEXFMxRvtke6CGf6w4kXWDRfqB-z_Sgmuh4Z9TFb30QwRGH_lI_I6s/s1600/DSC_0153.jpg" height="640" width="626" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRn8ehHy9F-cYg7mpUkl4zaMxlQ1uXwWwBVapUI3K7nDKLiuJ52Wm5LlKoXTUVaqCmS6FkZTdt1QJcnm0zbUdeeILUWR7lrLWmV8Sdd8Z24WSreRZp8sgvqkyg4jp6zHMkOsn1EKr_s4/s1600/DSC_0156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRn8ehHy9F-cYg7mpUkl4zaMxlQ1uXwWwBVapUI3K7nDKLiuJ52Wm5LlKoXTUVaqCmS6FkZTdt1QJcnm0zbUdeeILUWR7lrLWmV8Sdd8Z24WSreRZp8sgvqkyg4jp6zHMkOsn1EKr_s4/s1600/DSC_0156.jpg" height="418" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPnRpBX-d0FGJRzGhHJSgdcCzBnwaIsmEKjDw2lyrUFPeg03Ulz63khbb642QKhMpv6RHPXjPke9jtwFJwzwZKjow7YC1TWuaTrLmAmxlE9VMLS9KGtGmXD8uJuC5erUOUzahmjYPp7M/s1600/DSC_0157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPnRpBX-d0FGJRzGhHJSgdcCzBnwaIsmEKjDw2lyrUFPeg03Ulz63khbb642QKhMpv6RHPXjPke9jtwFJwzwZKjow7YC1TWuaTrLmAmxlE9VMLS9KGtGmXD8uJuC5erUOUzahmjYPp7M/s1600/DSC_0157.jpg" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7z7dEPIEa2_DNEt22amz2qQU_UIHYjSUH7l2-EFc6dbvKYFRkCOyUkwFSvdFkBUaXjWfjx1NxucScyNX_AGlolX8n-tcaGlUZYpIzU5ED-8CbEKWzSdbN9GFK0dKmB5pisba_7u2DIiY/s1600/DSC_0162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7z7dEPIEa2_DNEt22amz2qQU_UIHYjSUH7l2-EFc6dbvKYFRkCOyUkwFSvdFkBUaXjWfjx1NxucScyNX_AGlolX8n-tcaGlUZYpIzU5ED-8CbEKWzSdbN9GFK0dKmB5pisba_7u2DIiY/s1600/DSC_0162.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Selina Goughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099874441156494492noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8587578543702907225.post-12924007703560347092014-01-16T01:50:00.002-08:002014-08-26T01:37:50.053-07:00Birthday Gratitude<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIw5xgO2RSKhI-IdBfnbzvCUtVKZGFhX-7BF5UR50YPD26h85Oy592E8JuiQTtLcKjktloaPBuRDbmaQPML5PzT3QBlnpUibqD4cq9Dus-Fb6tY0bcSV2MY7lEsF6dVN-Wr1nzAF5cXKI/s1600/DSC_0105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIw5xgO2RSKhI-IdBfnbzvCUtVKZGFhX-7BF5UR50YPD26h85Oy592E8JuiQTtLcKjktloaPBuRDbmaQPML5PzT3QBlnpUibqD4cq9Dus-Fb6tY0bcSV2MY7lEsF6dVN-Wr1nzAF5cXKI/s1600/DSC_0105.jpg" height="390" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Today is my 38th birthday. Outside, the sun is shining on the tops of the hills and cloud is hanging in the valley It is a perfect morning for taking photographs, for gazing out of the window, for smiling at birthday messages. It is a day for being grateful.<br />
<br />
<br />
Happy getting older everyone xx<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfX_r0o6l1nWuIOEqK1-U2wg6AEUIvoM2-zVttJnezvd5LmmkWB3Yw1GWwRx7oy1m5xaNogRwnG_ZcXeRD_GO8Yb4qffwazlvWNvoAqWqtYp6BoadxDjTh_jMhB5VSjs6jEMMs6du-cpE/s1600/DSC_0051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfX_r0o6l1nWuIOEqK1-U2wg6AEUIvoM2-zVttJnezvd5LmmkWB3Yw1GWwRx7oy1m5xaNogRwnG_ZcXeRD_GO8Yb4qffwazlvWNvoAqWqtYp6BoadxDjTh_jMhB5VSjs6jEMMs6du-cpE/s1600/DSC_0051.jpg" height="398" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Selina Goughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099874441156494492noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8587578543702907225.post-36198526285594440332013-09-23T10:52:00.003-07:002013-09-23T10:54:47.928-07:00Growing - Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0mK7o3Fw0_6aJiiM6JCi3V8BLUGloiJXLZxOxCTHoVctx_SoMzcmPEbSUqkDEtIvZB_67cdn8wvizebqH3udbvpQIRBf7ouTsenmqGVE9JaJoDsFY3-DuEF-uvvZEPy0QEfoiakOjiI/s1600/DSC_0563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0mK7o3Fw0_6aJiiM6JCi3V8BLUGloiJXLZxOxCTHoVctx_SoMzcmPEbSUqkDEtIvZB_67cdn8wvizebqH3udbvpQIRBf7ouTsenmqGVE9JaJoDsFY3-DuEF-uvvZEPy0QEfoiakOjiI/s640/DSC_0563.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
This year's spring and summer have been so very full that when I started to look through my photographs I was a little overwhelmed at the prospect of narrowing them down to a select few to post here. This summer's weather has perhaps been the best that I can remember for a long time which has been a true blessing for the family that spends a good deal of its time outdoors. Browsing through these pictures I see that we have certainly made the very most of those long, largely sun-filled days. We have walked, played in and explored more corners of this special place than ever before - particularly enjoying the good number of swimming and paddling spots in these valleys. Lumb falls, Blake Dene, Jack Bridge - we've done them all, complete with neon-orange arm bands which seemed to glow in the dark of those shady brown pools. We even found the almost mythical Gadding's Dam - a reservoir high up on the moors with its own little sandy beach.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0LdcIoDGspYeEinGuhVBF1VdxnckUG10z8w0Epk_VnUfl53WEfC2LvlKqyOFAux00GXwEw66UbtVL4PFDI8oR784b5PiEPaquf2ojBfTFHpusZezzpQybWUhLUJV3gEN1iLquurwCLrs/s1600/2013-06-24+14.29.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0LdcIoDGspYeEinGuhVBF1VdxnckUG10z8w0Epk_VnUfl53WEfC2LvlKqyOFAux00GXwEw66UbtVL4PFDI8oR784b5PiEPaquf2ojBfTFHpusZezzpQybWUhLUJV3gEN1iLquurwCLrs/s320/2013-06-24+14.29.18.jpg" width="305" /></a> </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMwwaR0c-2U4bsosrdvbglQunbqeEYoS8btFOHBLeWUgFeUaKHH8jfzW5rPxonLqj5NTGjNwauNOWc8VRnwYIOGA4FBMKRD94kxj_jABMtQzz4QwvVWVBhNy3n4HZxPa6dLnikbG05hY/s1600/DSC_0020+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMwwaR0c-2U4bsosrdvbglQunbqeEYoS8btFOHBLeWUgFeUaKHH8jfzW5rPxonLqj5NTGjNwauNOWc8VRnwYIOGA4FBMKRD94kxj_jABMtQzz4QwvVWVBhNy3n4HZxPa6dLnikbG05hY/s640/DSC_0020+-+Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdkXL7B94dzmHp4kVJP02EU8Iavy7hKpUcCKtTqzcs40OIkQnuDn8cxJbXiyMXZIHP5e4MBk-I0eEPQRb78AZMWjKf781k8-AR_yX7CFFwDnL2EWEsT7_STdCIx43mYj3qfMMl2gKO8ao/s1600/Spring+days+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdkXL7B94dzmHp4kVJP02EU8Iavy7hKpUcCKtTqzcs40OIkQnuDn8cxJbXiyMXZIHP5e4MBk-I0eEPQRb78AZMWjKf781k8-AR_yX7CFFwDnL2EWEsT7_STdCIx43mYj3qfMMl2gKO8ao/s400/Spring+days+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhITXiGLJAy63jrqO8ZlSG7MqnF2IC4ipQq-jxpc-oiVD1Qi5C28ndQO6fH_i8QqvRY6po77zb-DaVza73fk1Y3XGZcj2Kzw8WVDZjzm580uQutrVYZA9qESRn-q-YY3Cp0a3XEFJdEHLE/s1600/2013-08-15+12.20.42-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhITXiGLJAy63jrqO8ZlSG7MqnF2IC4ipQq-jxpc-oiVD1Qi5C28ndQO6fH_i8QqvRY6po77zb-DaVza73fk1Y3XGZcj2Kzw8WVDZjzm580uQutrVYZA9qESRn-q-YY3Cp0a3XEFJdEHLE/s640/2013-08-15+12.20.42-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipH0o-gzSVkXvnLNfOSwXUdKG8_m1pdk3C1K456aEE6avW4M3VQSLLNXR_fiIjw5vQeNeyJgCdSSLh72UGNdEh_Y6w2y_BV8QM2vNwO9EqKz6inz_cKbXkl_HlF3UGnKUzyui4UVAHQRc/s1600/DSC_0028+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipH0o-gzSVkXvnLNfOSwXUdKG8_m1pdk3C1K456aEE6avW4M3VQSLLNXR_fiIjw5vQeNeyJgCdSSLh72UGNdEh_Y6w2y_BV8QM2vNwO9EqKz6inz_cKbXkl_HlF3UGnKUzyui4UVAHQRc/s640/DSC_0028+-+Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGbZALRmBH1swymAeW8yXeIuu9ar3San2voODZIZ6M2FfnxKhRRRNWgkYDDqoRAPYXMFMwjb5dn-FwPb_5-OjSOzyDqnfQjtKDPwkBOUFrQU_hq1wNQqPAkLYbHY6H5qmi9u-KD3458SI/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGbZALRmBH1swymAeW8yXeIuu9ar3San2voODZIZ6M2FfnxKhRRRNWgkYDDqoRAPYXMFMwjb5dn-FwPb_5-OjSOzyDqnfQjtKDPwkBOUFrQU_hq1wNQqPAkLYbHY6H5qmi9u-KD3458SI/s400/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As well as the paddling, there's been horse riding and bike riding, running and climbing, building and gathering, and watching our allotment grow and produce. The more we've been outside, the more at ease I have watched my children become, hair increasingly tangled and streaked with blonde; skin darkening and gathering scrapes and scratches, each telling a tale of an act of bravery or folly. They have grown alongside the vegetation they crawl through, becoming more sure-footed, more confident in their bodies with each passing adventure. They have discovered more by observing more - spotting bugs, birds and berries with the excitement of growing familiarity and knowledge. My own looking and understanding has been stretched with their help, their constant questioning and enthusiasm pushing us all to discover more, love more deeply.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOorCCkkDmTIhy7D-tMZkrw9OOE-Ta6CWDzPnOgD3OiyXTHi2LtHh4jmR0aEYnwGKClskW_wi02t-eeiT-ZXOP6IT-tT6Jy-_9_jLjH8vcYN-lX8WZFzlaN7la6ajE3-l-UQ1ndEtb-c/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOorCCkkDmTIhy7D-tMZkrw9OOE-Ta6CWDzPnOgD3OiyXTHi2LtHh4jmR0aEYnwGKClskW_wi02t-eeiT-ZXOP6IT-tT6Jy-_9_jLjH8vcYN-lX8WZFzlaN7la6ajE3-l-UQ1ndEtb-c/s640/DSC_0011.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6FC6gZqnyoP7CbQVZDLvnRd_g4hm1RfuPBfiJNJ8ucDJbK8CtsWZPeeWTvLAeUKmwtyE3eVAKp3WtqJEnJ9F__2cQlZ09KVi1zvdX_mEzmDZI_uInE1M5k9DQWW1Y4i8n_0IRQgqNVvY/s1600/spring+days2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6FC6gZqnyoP7CbQVZDLvnRd_g4hm1RfuPBfiJNJ8ucDJbK8CtsWZPeeWTvLAeUKmwtyE3eVAKp3WtqJEnJ9F__2cQlZ09KVi1zvdX_mEzmDZI_uInE1M5k9DQWW1Y4i8n_0IRQgqNVvY/s320/spring+days2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDcGbdHTCvBxkYStUbpHUlDsl72oNor-dyHY2Uf2szo6KJgJo4VUjQYW_FmIZQzIPeTKiW2NFX1dwkGyIt81Zd6_ArXQQtJeinPlMWiqsrDnkFBUpVWtpGTN-dm2aax4-05fLBDOZQLPs/s1600/DSC_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDcGbdHTCvBxkYStUbpHUlDsl72oNor-dyHY2Uf2szo6KJgJo4VUjQYW_FmIZQzIPeTKiW2NFX1dwkGyIt81Zd6_ArXQQtJeinPlMWiqsrDnkFBUpVWtpGTN-dm2aax4-05fLBDOZQLPs/s640/DSC_0046.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHZTHq78A67SJOuY5ho1eK3i4NKSNiBm46s36mVH8ZUk37cjEi1pQKLx9gZ2g4z0gzk0gnTLfklBZB76va5FrUBP9wvvimf88N8eO201KvC9h-sjTC-k0dIrHxqUQm9DsBlu0hxH2Xsc/s1600/DSC_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHZTHq78A67SJOuY5ho1eK3i4NKSNiBm46s36mVH8ZUk37cjEi1pQKLx9gZ2g4z0gzk0gnTLfklBZB76va5FrUBP9wvvimf88N8eO201KvC9h-sjTC-k0dIrHxqUQm9DsBlu0hxH2Xsc/s640/DSC_0042.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I have realised too that we are shifting out of the little years; I am gratefully aware that I can now shower whilst the boys are awake - something I feared may never happen - and there are short fleetingly precious moments when I'm not immediately required and am able to daydream a little; creating tiny bubbles of sweet space for my weary brain. They are growing up I notice, and I am caught between wonder at the independent boys they are becoming and sadness for the babies they no longer are. I try hard to keep in mind that they grow lean but no less loving, they talk with more knowingness but make me laugh more and, perhaps the most beautiful thing for a mother, they grow better friends with each passing season. Of course they still bicker and fight (a lot!) but they've also become co-conspirators, accomplices, comrades. They pore over books together: imagine worlds and hilarious far-fetched scenarios; help each other when they're hurt and come running for me when one or the other gets stuck up a tree. Like peas in a pod, where you find one you'll invariably find the other: my little adventurers - curious, kind and always together.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQoT0bdz3M4bCkuR2S-Vxc48nDdH68xYMc6DF6o_wZubDBuoI49HmqVJJmaLXx9ax94PfHxmjoQr87eIMhEDVKCR0cOdoN9-BIGEOYynSU6Q3Q5fSdG4gII5OaD_H-5sH1t4ukdoEj7do/s1600/DSC_0013+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQoT0bdz3M4bCkuR2S-Vxc48nDdH68xYMc6DF6o_wZubDBuoI49HmqVJJmaLXx9ax94PfHxmjoQr87eIMhEDVKCR0cOdoN9-BIGEOYynSU6Q3Q5fSdG4gII5OaD_H-5sH1t4ukdoEj7do/s640/DSC_0013+-+Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGNC5zQW9RV9CQ6lA7Qfz-5WrhpPlKy_e9I-u8w3eKQfT3wbopHAXVXNHo3St0rvTry4PwdxQBXzGSeA6S6eXz58kJmEmNHHx3m6Yj6BnevgBOfrpAK9C8CJG-4fJj0OZide3ZQmld9g/s1600/DSC_0411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGNC5zQW9RV9CQ6lA7Qfz-5WrhpPlKy_e9I-u8w3eKQfT3wbopHAXVXNHo3St0rvTry4PwdxQBXzGSeA6S6eXz58kJmEmNHHx3m6Yj6BnevgBOfrpAK9C8CJG-4fJj0OZide3ZQmld9g/s640/DSC_0411.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Selina Goughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099874441156494492noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8587578543702907225.post-14619895190547538212013-07-24T23:39:00.002-07:002013-07-28T01:26:01.759-07:00Malham Cove - spring.For miles as we approach, we can see Malham Cove rising out of the green rolling landscape like a stony dam. Its mineral brightness jars with the mellow Dale's landscape and I feel a thrill at being able to see our destination before we arrive, like a first glimpse of the sea when headed for the coast. The weather is kind, as it has been for days - the sun mostly winning through the cloud.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQOT7CMltU1FUQ1kZJVnudFW1x-2DRu-ErGjRq3brG3r2AvnVCa3cm0L_x8CtajTfO2ejppuejSY5vBZP6plPtup_0XXY-Zh0SLNEv82N3qKJcSzAUiP0WzcAibPpgd-WAiuMpyCxjfM/s1600/DSC_0099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQOT7CMltU1FUQ1kZJVnudFW1x-2DRu-ErGjRq3brG3r2AvnVCa3cm0L_x8CtajTfO2ejppuejSY5vBZP6plPtup_0XXY-Zh0SLNEv82N3qKJcSzAUiP0WzcAibPpgd-WAiuMpyCxjfM/s640/DSC_0099.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWv9amLkNOe3p9BzxfwXP7oY3VyZrxviytUTNuuKVs8vmzBUXx_-adD9Irjxhw_71P2-kvU5X_ty6_Zbb0y1FBrHp8pnxRbfSobTMsjENqs4hJYUgrRLPGHIDY2JrxIHUn2Joyg3wBpo/s1600/DSC_0103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWv9amLkNOe3p9BzxfwXP7oY3VyZrxviytUTNuuKVs8vmzBUXx_-adD9Irjxhw_71P2-kvU5X_ty6_Zbb0y1FBrHp8pnxRbfSobTMsjENqs4hJYUgrRLPGHIDY2JrxIHUn2Joyg3wBpo/s640/DSC_0103.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Our picnic is finished swiftly in the boot of the car and we set off slowly, the children dreamy and playful. There are gloomy predictions from the man of the family about ever reaching the top of the cove 'at this rate'. But I know these boys of mine - we are daily adventurers together and I can see that they are just limbering up and getting into their stride. We pass perfectly polite blue-grey Dale's cottages clothed in wisteria and delphiniums, surrounded by genteel green fields and leafy oaks. Like pictures from another time they stir in me a strange familiarity, perhaps in childhood I dreamed of standing at similar doors in similar gardens; belonging in this gently rural place.<br />
<br />
The main footpath up to the cove is busy with folk as we join it. Monty skips and jumps, full to the brim with child-simple joy - shouting to all who'll listen, 'I like dogs!'. I'm not sure if he's trying to get people to let him pet their dog or whether he's just enjoying the game - but it's interesting to observe some people smiling with him, whilst others look away. Eli seems out of sorts so I point out to him the wobbly silver lines of dry stone walls snaking across the hills, some now no more than fallen and heaped rubble, bleached by centuries of exposure. He looks and nods but he can't seem to shake his subdued mood until he sees some water. The stream that burbles at the bottom of the flat approach to the cove is shallow and inviting and the boys wade and paddle their way upstream towards the sheer face of the cove, little legs pink with stinging cold. Jackdaws sit in gnarled, still-bare ash trees at the water's edge.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2gT4mfwgWXFHZUqqgCgV0T72zblyz0ZBW0zU_JgpFhR7y_Jfx8DYwVMhvX_j0-yuqjUT4PQvgTln7eTL6_oISro2G3BY-t72KmmjGS-wbOjq_N67AHy1Srjwx3MyCU5flMGVN8sTpZc/s1600/DSC_0125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2gT4mfwgWXFHZUqqgCgV0T72zblyz0ZBW0zU_JgpFhR7y_Jfx8DYwVMhvX_j0-yuqjUT4PQvgTln7eTL6_oISro2G3BY-t72KmmjGS-wbOjq_N67AHy1Srjwx3MyCU5flMGVN8sTpZc/s640/DSC_0125.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbgDe2yl1FnGtgdDQWexzh5nxRmxShwNgxhqRYqIqv-CXTsF-f8pSBR2WwQaGv8JE_3Q9bJPTGY90uLHPQVBf0Npr0FrzFNY6SChMQWQNkID89AJ6gWh8_udU_wQd187xvltI-AooBUM/s1600/DSC_0130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbgDe2yl1FnGtgdDQWexzh5nxRmxShwNgxhqRYqIqv-CXTsF-f8pSBR2WwQaGv8JE_3Q9bJPTGY90uLHPQVBf0Npr0FrzFNY6SChMQWQNkID89AJ6gWh8_udU_wQd187xvltI-AooBUM/s640/DSC_0130.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We stop to chat with a couple whose teenage children are chasing their dog through the water; the parents look wistfully at Monty and talk of how quickly time passes. I can see watching him play they miss little voices and limbs; my thoughts fall forward to a time too soon approaching and I can't help but wish that just sometimes we could all slow the bitter-sweetness of growing children.<br />
<br />
Walking on, we find that just before the cove the RSPB have set up a viewing station for spotting peregrine falcons high up on a treacherous ledge. The man tells us they are being shy today but when I step to the telescope I see a bright eye, a beak and a turning wing, 'I see him!' I shout, and turn excitedly to see doubtful faces; perhaps they think I am mistaken or lying. They come to look but he is gone - I keep looking for a while longer, fruitlessly hoping to catch another glimpse of the elusive raptor.<br />
<br />
We start to ascend the long stone staircase to the top of the cove; the rocks are slippy and worn and I worry for the boys who are racing each other up and up. I worry too for my sprained and swollen ankle, still tender and delicate - making me move slowly, like someone older, forced into frailty. I wonder whether you can measure sprightliness by the staircases you can climb? These giant steps are impressive, made of hefty rocks and slabs. It must have taken so much strength, time and commitment from people who had probably been volunteers - lending their limbs and spirits to lift and perfectly place one stone after another to make the high limestone pavement accessible instead of muddy and dangerous. As I climb higher, able to see further and further, I silently thank these willing strangers.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KeIVinpGfNlvcE-k5EpV0y8uIPITawgfRU9tRNoDE_X-pAOMrYk7xvWqGOJDmFwNo0ysg1wOuhrEkVeHi3E5D-UGj0N8QdglUOmaA0bhveGmxAeARdPHXOUy3IJrzPz9r83BfNmaIes/s1600/DSC_0146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KeIVinpGfNlvcE-k5EpV0y8uIPITawgfRU9tRNoDE_X-pAOMrYk7xvWqGOJDmFwNo0ysg1wOuhrEkVeHi3E5D-UGj0N8QdglUOmaA0bhveGmxAeARdPHXOUy3IJrzPz9r83BfNmaIes/s640/DSC_0146.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCujfQl-C9AYR6f2xNIq_9iXkgHkGu_Iblt9bS6sDbwysIgrH8Jzt56xGp5cX-05FsOwScMcw2lNT_BC5HhCJh0Rp5xtOkvtJUttRfHJ24LA3FQQr3II1crPs5s_wHmhmVEtZ8HzKAwE/s1600/DSC_0153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCujfQl-C9AYR6f2xNIq_9iXkgHkGu_Iblt9bS6sDbwysIgrH8Jzt56xGp5cX-05FsOwScMcw2lNT_BC5HhCJh0Rp5xtOkvtJUttRfHJ24LA3FQQr3II1crPs5s_wHmhmVEtZ8HzKAwE/s640/DSC_0153.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwP_Mc0AsFRynpN1FLmjClCc9kJkZHtVX1XDPxfoxkD_Zv3vk72MHYxCchwM779I1MKKTLdy2fy2fG58znxuxwboOJcfe9iGYU5q9gzjMXNA2UOGPrlgxmFDwRLhTW_BPdlPBVwlto0g/s1600/DSC_0167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwP_Mc0AsFRynpN1FLmjClCc9kJkZHtVX1XDPxfoxkD_Zv3vk72MHYxCchwM779I1MKKTLdy2fy2fG58znxuxwboOJcfe9iGYU5q9gzjMXNA2UOGPrlgxmFDwRLhTW_BPdlPBVwlto0g/s640/DSC_0167.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywoK4njtUCrPNPDlIyezXM4WrPtx7tKQOfvRmCrJwIPPgl7tZu3SnbqL67180NWTm_Fos02V7GFP3iPNGN_OYexLoZRyUjLyzjfJVm42Nu8zCjObUD0YCcfyfS_0LoQvMao8gyuNWIek/s1600/DSC_0196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywoK4njtUCrPNPDlIyezXM4WrPtx7tKQOfvRmCrJwIPPgl7tZu3SnbqL67180NWTm_Fos02V7GFP3iPNGN_OYexLoZRyUjLyzjfJVm42Nu8zCjObUD0YCcfyfS_0LoQvMao8gyuNWIek/s640/DSC_0196.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50tE-wFFrXTpJ4CCWocfWQ62hLR6A7x4cn05et218M2_d6wGdwzXQq1XfXqXT-J6oL3JA6hCLez2ejhVqfUihDuMB_X-xib68Pj6tF6lenNl_LgzWL0jGw2StipZlfJHI1mf1wmnVLP8/s1600/DSC_0203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50tE-wFFrXTpJ4CCWocfWQ62hLR6A7x4cn05et218M2_d6wGdwzXQq1XfXqXT-J6oL3JA6hCLez2ejhVqfUihDuMB_X-xib68Pj6tF6lenNl_LgzWL0jGw2StipZlfJHI1mf1wmnVLP8/s640/DSC_0203.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
At the top, we can't see how to proceed. It takes a moment or two to adjust to this strange landscape, I hobble over the treacherous surface, scared again for my ankle and for the little legs clambering beside mine. But children are mostly sure-footed, having not yet learned to mistrust their bodies, their confidence often keeps them safe. I look into the gullies, searching the grikes between the slabs for plant life - remembering in The Wild Places, Robert McFarlane and Roger Deakin on their bellies in Ireland - peering into the fertile life of the gully, finding wild worlds in miniature. I'm not sure it's quite like that here, perhaps the crisp packets and plastic bottles distract me from the plant life, although I do spot some wood sorrel, herb Robert and stunted ash saplings amongst the ferns. It's hard not to compare these rocks with bones - long spines of ridged rock, each knobbly clint a vertebra or a knuckle. Teeth too point up from the surface - a true dinosaur graveyard for little minds ready to make stories and see monsters. There is a kind of magic in the contrast between the green tufts pushing between the bony platelets of the stone, all suspended on this high platform beneath the clouds, above the valley.<br />
<br />
Monty treads carefully beside me, holding my hand. A family passes anxiously with a dog, his paws clattering and slipping on the rippling stone. I point them to safer ground and notice the parents looking wistfully at Monty, they gesture towards their own children and joke about big boys and big smelly feet. They miss cute, they say; and I understand...I am to treasure these moments, remember this day.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rrJackm1IBGvRj1WWSsfC5SVT4G8ZF951AYzdYmNWY0jKYsMgLn2AGimogsCGpiCIyBVm7bgSUeB9BEEkbptp_eaoW2qBhbha6lZK0aWVWnAggBsQ7yAv5MscstDmOqZM076fGqgLCw/s1600/DSC_0233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rrJackm1IBGvRj1WWSsfC5SVT4G8ZF951AYzdYmNWY0jKYsMgLn2AGimogsCGpiCIyBVm7bgSUeB9BEEkbptp_eaoW2qBhbha6lZK0aWVWnAggBsQ7yAv5MscstDmOqZM076fGqgLCw/s640/DSC_0233.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Selina Goughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099874441156494492noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8587578543702907225.post-22712407430877552142013-07-13T01:35:00.002-07:002013-07-16T22:58:39.380-07:00A quick explanationIt's been a while since I last blogged - something to do with real life being full to bursting and doing some things a little differently.<br />
<br />
My little slices of time squeezed in around home educating and all the other stuff have changed a little of late. Whereas I would pull myself up at some time dictated by the lark and spend it tapping away at this blog; I now peer bleary eyed at real paper and scribble with a real pen - writing just for me. It's been good - possibly essential - and I need to continue to do it, but I also miss the company of a blog; the visitors, the critics, the wider community of millions and I miss a place to put my photographs. So I'll try and be here more regularly again, for a while.<br />
<br />
I will attempt to go back to the beginning and re-find the stories of our spring into summer. The weather has been mostly kind, the days long and fun-filled; it has been a season of goodness and growing - both boys and green things and it delights me to say that there is yet more to come for all of us.<br />
<br />
In the Autumn I will be starting a new module of study with the OU - a creative writing module. It will take nine months to complete and if I do well enough, it will hopefully see me finish a degree I started sixteen years ago. When that course starts, I fear I might disappear again for a while, but we'll see. In the meantime I'll try and pop in even if it's just for a quickie because habit is good - it can get things done.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98EXQJu4eySVrsWUnOdKcBMgSgMqnloQMqTwjIXGOm568OX8tnT5r3bwJNmDILuIHwhVpVjuWydKKOPduV9zA-2nM7lDDz9xHvl6f0pOloQsUZ2fihisUXKQ3EnKosXF74nrPDLcuYoI/s1600/cover.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98EXQJu4eySVrsWUnOdKcBMgSgMqnloQMqTwjIXGOm568OX8tnT5r3bwJNmDILuIHwhVpVjuWydKKOPduV9zA-2nM7lDDz9xHvl6f0pOloQsUZ2fihisUXKQ3EnKosXF74nrPDLcuYoI/s640/cover.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Selina Goughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099874441156494492noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8587578543702907225.post-1908364333030400822013-05-19T22:20:00.000-07:002013-05-19T22:20:42.039-07:00Shades<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These pictures are a couple of weeks old now - taken around Beltane, they captured for me the moment when spring finally happened. I had been watching desperately for it, through cold bare days of baited breath and suffocated growth, at times wondering if it would ever come; wondering if perhaps our apocalypse would sneak up on us in the guise of everlasting winter. But come it did, and for a few sparkling days the earth glowed and sang.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I honestly know of no greater joy than to witness things growing. I am eagle-eyed at this time of year, watching earth and branch almost hourly - seeing birch buds, starting as no more than pin pricks, gradually uncurling like tiny scrolls giving the woods a greeny sheen. Beech leaves too, opening like folded paper fans, translucent with newness. Palmy fronds of rowan emerging, waving in the sun</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabV1wmH29gmeCb0ggbjD3wo316FPSmOt7iRdqystk_Dnop80yQVasthvgF98gSBoCjjeILQNWa6jv9TPnPJmnMBPL7oDt29zYjen8euMHI2s6wh9K-JvIC-yae7qaRT9SAHbJXCGvRs4/s1600/spring1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabV1wmH29gmeCb0ggbjD3wo316FPSmOt7iRdqystk_Dnop80yQVasthvgF98gSBoCjjeILQNWa6jv9TPnPJmnMBPL7oDt29zYjen8euMHI2s6wh9K-JvIC-yae7qaRT9SAHbJXCGvRs4/s640/spring1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05B8tuaNgongKX-x4IsOEGpTtNl9wQSXUArnzJlI8uWVs66-zTvFMgfgVPz99iQH3ltGV8Y33UThdUMJB2zP1O_qSmQqQ_fw3jNRlrAxGnoGfXssHsQ6Nq7EMEwPOj_oDTpKo9RdEAww/s1600/spring10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05B8tuaNgongKX-x4IsOEGpTtNl9wQSXUArnzJlI8uWVs66-zTvFMgfgVPz99iQH3ltGV8Y33UThdUMJB2zP1O_qSmQqQ_fw3jNRlrAxGnoGfXssHsQ6Nq7EMEwPOj_oDTpKo9RdEAww/s640/spring10.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3EjtW0t7TOj7oYxCFMLpNjiV9TDIq8Ym8bCURa_nW33GUsGSZOb8vXJrjKX3z_2Z7KwfXPYQOR5rZww2RA2ENLLcA_QwZnhFrngozu9WEshIQp2XGd8VU8T6i-mmSFJTB_KtWtgimGM/s1600/spring4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3EjtW0t7TOj7oYxCFMLpNjiV9TDIq8Ym8bCURa_nW33GUsGSZOb8vXJrjKX3z_2Z7KwfXPYQOR5rZww2RA2ENLLcA_QwZnhFrngozu9WEshIQp2XGd8VU8T6i-mmSFJTB_KtWtgimGM/s640/spring4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0uqgBj5dwB3yFvf-PQUo5q6BsDULq_e_SQuCx3P_6i4PQdoH_SEdDl1C9omYqvCD6Lvv82GX2UY3_nrJjDbeL9UAXYQXToL1fjouemqvieqgIa4i6zdIXWRA9JhNyYWxmC9Xdx9YpiOk/s1600/spring5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0uqgBj5dwB3yFvf-PQUo5q6BsDULq_e_SQuCx3P_6i4PQdoH_SEdDl1C9omYqvCD6Lvv82GX2UY3_nrJjDbeL9UAXYQXToL1fjouemqvieqgIa4i6zdIXWRA9JhNyYWxmC9Xdx9YpiOk/s640/spring5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZ1ljYB_z1gSzEkQl_GX6XgPgYhEdiIaDhPgaCp9jSo9KR2kvU8KDnr9ZINXszgeFrWRBh4tnsAMWeoYsIkE8PDAQwgOy79WHunIiJAElpucmmdi07olFvV1AdxcF3jJb0nQffgyfE8s/s1600/spring6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZ1ljYB_z1gSzEkQl_GX6XgPgYhEdiIaDhPgaCp9jSo9KR2kvU8KDnr9ZINXszgeFrWRBh4tnsAMWeoYsIkE8PDAQwgOy79WHunIiJAElpucmmdi07olFvV1AdxcF3jJb0nQffgyfE8s/s640/spring6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The empty ground starts to sprout a spreading carpet of wild greens and seeded weeds; nettles and dandelions familiar amongst the delicate scatterings of wind-sown unknowns. In my slow, haphazard way I have been cultivating the land about me - some begged, some borrowed - planting bits and pieces here and there. I watch my small efforts eagerly for signs of life, rejoicing when the perennials appear as if by magic - bare earth giving birth to shoots forgotten since autumn; astilbe, astrantia, aquilegia - I hover like a nervous mother over their slug injuries and frost bites.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9Rh0nxjGxargkgLHc9PHqw7a9ywGjCyOuAJ1DQ2mbnWDR6dnef2gJECMWYC8OoxGg0iH1jYV1bMfTfQVO3Yaduj29RmxuqXJUoTdNrJ2VoPAs7eMhgecVE73ydQMVgQpMqlSTA1awSA/s1600/spring7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9Rh0nxjGxargkgLHc9PHqw7a9ywGjCyOuAJ1DQ2mbnWDR6dnef2gJECMWYC8OoxGg0iH1jYV1bMfTfQVO3Yaduj29RmxuqXJUoTdNrJ2VoPAs7eMhgecVE73ydQMVgQpMqlSTA1awSA/s640/spring7.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-oVqP4cLFZ27QsxHpUgfT7Kk0FfY2ilzAP1dFbg305GkZzwU9NcnPcUMEGTmG8CIFSn3psMxNzeuA_MeE0yzeTxyylReUYqhyYepYrVqTah65JAMnDggHYd-d_p0twmpjUUL4UVU6cSw/s1600/spring8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-oVqP4cLFZ27QsxHpUgfT7Kk0FfY2ilzAP1dFbg305GkZzwU9NcnPcUMEGTmG8CIFSn3psMxNzeuA_MeE0yzeTxyylReUYqhyYepYrVqTah65JAMnDggHYd-d_p0twmpjUUL4UVU6cSw/s640/spring8.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfw8BvvfH_d8BvObiArHJmy1YVRslAIkYCvSRy04twd4muLfLRbKf5mhc64npdBntQhJaKEV1BiJFQJU8sAp7yispcfxttA-A47Xn-VYlfKNVw_nOMRzRjPWMlDx0vmUSuru15yN16oOI/s1600/spring9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfw8BvvfH_d8BvObiArHJmy1YVRslAIkYCvSRy04twd4muLfLRbKf5mhc64npdBntQhJaKEV1BiJFQJU8sAp7yispcfxttA-A47Xn-VYlfKNVw_nOMRzRjPWMlDx0vmUSuru15yN16oOI/s640/spring9.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And those sycamores, their swollen buds bursting at the seams, releasing leaves too long confined, so glad to be free, shaking the sun along their veins and spreading a canopy of golden green glory...<br />
<br />
The transformation is almost complete, I type to a window of fully clothed hillsides. It is raining, and cloud hovers in the valley, the greening is settling down from limes and acids, to emeralds and olives, maturing and solidifying with the aging season. I miss the sun, the way it dances between the branches with the newly minted leaves, casting shimmering shadows on the floors where I walk.Selina Goughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099874441156494492noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8587578543702907225.post-9678389189033085432013-04-30T22:01:00.002-07:002013-04-30T22:01:46.577-07:00Green Beltane soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Although the weather here in the Pennines is still a bit stuck in winter, the year moves on all the same and now here we are at Beltane! As I've looked out at bare trees and grey skies these past couple of weeks, it's been hard to really drop into spring. Those hope-filled warm days, that make me feel like running about the countryside barefoot, have been hard to come by. It's difficult to imagine that our ancestors would have cavorted about the countryside around this time, making merry in the fields and hedgerows. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Beltane was the great fire festival of growth and fertility, the most potent and active time of the year. In warmer springs it's easy to feel the strong green push of the earth - as the ground becomes carpeted with tiny opportunistic wild seedlings and the tight fat buds of the trees burst at the seams. But in this cold grey half-season it's harder to sense the throb of a land on the cusp of summer. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And so, I offer you, nettle soup...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETvXczKjV4IQVOT6FzQ0j6bopwg1p4oTBWV50NNUZnxGC8Uc671dh4JWQaG83SXoeMwTWZBeJd3a2O9zjaBXVxGBZEIuy6vKS5iRA8rYYdd61dIN-mZ1enLIyvWTDAu2rqc6dBJMVu9s/s1600/Nettles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETvXczKjV4IQVOT6FzQ0j6bopwg1p4oTBWV50NNUZnxGC8Uc671dh4JWQaG83SXoeMwTWZBeJd3a2O9zjaBXVxGBZEIuy6vKS5iRA8rYYdd61dIN-mZ1enLIyvWTDAu2rqc6dBJMVu9s/s640/Nettles.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMc4gujcokYIkUTydo8BXHqniJuqXAxhEs3L03waCzi8FxCdERMkq5z6GStGx_trcNJ7mz7s6R_4L3lZ74S_AId44bNScXchQYxM7xfzY7PI34Ie6jqRlVjgM_g0zlQ-_kvEOcodkqf3Q/s1600/nettles2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMc4gujcokYIkUTydo8BXHqniJuqXAxhEs3L03waCzi8FxCdERMkq5z6GStGx_trcNJ7mz7s6R_4L3lZ74S_AId44bNScXchQYxM7xfzY7PI34Ie6jqRlVjgM_g0zlQ-_kvEOcodkqf3Q/s640/nettles2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It's a simple affair, but full of the rich green goodness that we are so in need of just now. I've only been aware of the food potential of stinging nettles for a year or so, I'm still exploring its many possibilities but it seems to me that soup is a good simple way to enjoy them. And as long as you're using only the freshest tenderest growth, delicious too.<br />
<br />
So...take some scissors and a pair of gloves and chop off the young growth at the tops of the plant. For a decent amount you need about half a sink full of nettle tops. Then wash them really well as they are beloved of many wee beasties. Whilst they're having a bath, chop up a big onion or a few small ones with some garlic, and peel and chop a handful of potatoes. Then melt a hefty chunk of butter in a very big pot and fry the onion and garlic.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDv1rrF3MXVmOA_1ZkGucDOkDtmldrYq4wkonEeTqjOuIxObipRkQkdPrsNX8peP75OfxKhwowU631onZz8SrriOTO2vNV7dxSOluHQCD__hphyGANhaQ8RXQc3QcC_senJNsx9b1aqn0/s1600/nettles3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDv1rrF3MXVmOA_1ZkGucDOkDtmldrYq4wkonEeTqjOuIxObipRkQkdPrsNX8peP75OfxKhwowU631onZz8SrriOTO2vNV7dxSOluHQCD__hphyGANhaQ8RXQc3QcC_senJNsx9b1aqn0/s640/nettles3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYU-dDonUlxi6Eoe2SiKLOYHJIJyNxAGF5a_HuCg1Bh8S0Br4mfphHLpveqaQoaHghPpkOmNArNGTLP_Fsd449hRt9AgnxjiYCIjBMLK-lvvPwvLeddzsGMUfZRgKA0T6GMxVQ1zDZgE4/s1600/nettles4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYU-dDonUlxi6Eoe2SiKLOYHJIJyNxAGF5a_HuCg1Bh8S0Br4mfphHLpveqaQoaHghPpkOmNArNGTLP_Fsd449hRt9AgnxjiYCIjBMLK-lvvPwvLeddzsGMUfZRgKA0T6GMxVQ1zDZgE4/s640/nettles4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
When the onions are soft, add the potatoes and a couple of pints of good stock. Cook until the potatoes are almost done then add the nettles and cook for a further five to ten minutes. Blend. You could add some cream or creme fraiche at this point but it will somewhat dilute the deep grassy hues of the finished soup.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWXQHuUYHU7koJrWZfSaLUB7KaZ6avHHwMi8JrLR3ZAUY3YR0k7ZOnTVjCQ4z_1gD2RQmDbX0VzvNgiT3VcR8VG5wDLlNcKfa3iV9psxIUxfUohQ_v9SUtH-Ryhy01Z1RWyFXJLpEXdM/s1600/nettles5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWXQHuUYHU7koJrWZfSaLUB7KaZ6avHHwMi8JrLR3ZAUY3YR0k7ZOnTVjCQ4z_1gD2RQmDbX0VzvNgiT3VcR8VG5wDLlNcKfa3iV9psxIUxfUohQ_v9SUtH-Ryhy01Z1RWyFXJLpEXdM/s640/nettles5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0C4_FOASKuW1ErCjT_QgBO2YAILzZTFkb_xmLCiSNWbwyn1HPDig0oASfyBPKbV-BgxWzC_JNUyMJPaY6nuE2q_EzaWDaLQ0tERkOCEjOUYynOXsd-gH-A_UTw6mQOHid0nGC6LLa28/s1600/nettles6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0C4_FOASKuW1ErCjT_QgBO2YAILzZTFkb_xmLCiSNWbwyn1HPDig0oASfyBPKbV-BgxWzC_JNUyMJPaY6nuE2q_EzaWDaLQ0tERkOCEjOUYynOXsd-gH-A_UTw6mQOHid0nGC6LLa28/s640/nettles6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And that's it. The simplest way to eat your weeds. Obviously this verdant broth is bursting with all kinds of greenly goodness as nettles contain iron, calcium, magnesium, B vitamins, vitamin K and chlorophyll . Nettle has a long and full history as a medicine plant with herbalists prescribing it for all kinds of bodily complaints from kidney problems to asthma. It puts a spring in your step and a twinkle in your eye, so I'm told, making it the perfect Beltane tonic. Maybe it will finally enable us to to launch fully into this season of growth and light. Let the frolicking commence!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
(With thanks to <a href="http://www.holistic-community.co.uk/therapist/HC6382-samantha-lowi.html"><span style="color: #e06666;">Sam Lowi</span> </a>and <span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://www.jesperlaunder.com/"><span style="color: #e06666;">Jesper Launder</span></a> </span>for the nettle wisdom and my ever-growing wild food cupboard)<br />
<br />
<br />Selina Goughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099874441156494492noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8587578543702907225.post-1442611386066123642013-04-21T22:59:00.001-07:002013-04-21T22:59:19.327-07:00A Sky Above<br />
As most parents of small children can testify, time together without children is a rare thing at this moment in our lives. For us most evenings we're too tired to go much beyond the most basic communication and weekends are a series of desperate negotiations to try and ensure everyone gets a little of what they need, which for the adults of the house mostly means some quiet time alone. Sometimes it's hard to know whether you still even enjoy each other's company. It takes planning, thought and willing grandparents to really get some time together, all of which we luckily managed to achieve whilst staying in Wales recently.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibefcvZC7aWAf2duPIT8ZoC7aBxE_aV8zWN6yXbiuC5FQ6EYzTacdkHsMdCpBemTjWmm7_qQh53-nfhBp-sFlXQtwu8FCogJAazaiDcc2-1r1v3rjiZXYCOx7tFCxrkw71AbMMXBhSodI/s1600/hills2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibefcvZC7aWAf2duPIT8ZoC7aBxE_aV8zWN6yXbiuC5FQ6EYzTacdkHsMdCpBemTjWmm7_qQh53-nfhBp-sFlXQtwu8FCogJAazaiDcc2-1r1v3rjiZXYCOx7tFCxrkw71AbMMXBhSodI/s640/hills2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmiZ4-UZtU-Y-d9wHiN3LnYy-Y6k7S5Wl5QPyfzT09BD-A51LetIcgUme7EYsaYfkesm2pdD0RqpOsfT7z1B7EfaASm1ZiXQD0qiZL_zHcbA7oapaKa5pmaSA9tkYnlESRaN4LVoHeGps/s1600/hills6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmiZ4-UZtU-Y-d9wHiN3LnYy-Y6k7S5Wl5QPyfzT09BD-A51LetIcgUme7EYsaYfkesm2pdD0RqpOsfT7z1B7EfaASm1ZiXQD0qiZL_zHcbA7oapaKa5pmaSA9tkYnlESRaN4LVoHeGps/s640/hills6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Generally I find that when in Wales, it's good to walk up big hills when presented with the opportunity, so having gratefully arranged for a whole day of childcare we seized upon the rare chance for an adult-paced stomp. We opted for a straightforward seven-miler which the walking guide reassured us was nothing that a reasonably fit seventy year old couldn't manage. Our intention was to find one of Wales' oldest churches,<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Llangelynnin"> Llangelynnin,</a> which looked suitably remote and romantic as well as boasting a sacred well in the grounds. We'd also read that the lands about it were home to some prehistoric standing stones and burial chambers and being a bit nerdy about that sort of thing - we set off.<br />
<br />
Although down on the valley floor the snow of recent weeks had melted and vanished, up high it still lay deep enough to cause me some concern - it was wet and colder than I'd realised. These days my old walking boots are leaky and stiff and I'd forgotten my hat. As we set out a group of walkers with sensibly thorough attire passed us, giving me a few moments in which to worry about my own lack of preparedness and envisage a shamefaced call to Mountain Rescue. I was reminded briefly of a cringe-worthy moment of my girlhood, when on a school trip to climb Moel Famau wearing only a pink jumpsuit and canvas pumps, I'd had to be carried back down the hill in the early stages of hypothermia by an irate teacher. During the half hour I spent thawing out under a toilet hand-dryer, I vowed not to repeat this harsh lesson in the importance of appropriate clothing, and yet here i was some years later risking humiliation again.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJO-4O6oQEjzGc-j5wFFTkeYyHGpeKngeJyfRTZktDeK_jRFxsUZfNy7_PjUEGt7vZEZm2Ka73Fh2Jkeuce8WEMKRweLIWhs9AKvt9bhTXkA4lq0VzfijYwM374leMjEKlK_gbcNYVvv8/s1600/hills3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJO-4O6oQEjzGc-j5wFFTkeYyHGpeKngeJyfRTZktDeK_jRFxsUZfNy7_PjUEGt7vZEZm2Ka73Fh2Jkeuce8WEMKRweLIWhs9AKvt9bhTXkA4lq0VzfijYwM374leMjEKlK_gbcNYVvv8/s640/hills3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2oir4N2F_03nCTTqLK6xTeZckre1NoMBR02gJmq84vmqj7JymchYqpLxTCrnzitxE5uvemg4vC1mDevICA2m-xBwt8DF7RWcm46qdKl9-Wwf33d8IdTQwG2zvhZ01fOBhZAAE-kKtpo/s1600/hills10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2oir4N2F_03nCTTqLK6xTeZckre1NoMBR02gJmq84vmqj7JymchYqpLxTCrnzitxE5uvemg4vC1mDevICA2m-xBwt8DF7RWcm46qdKl9-Wwf33d8IdTQwG2zvhZ01fOBhZAAE-kKtpo/s640/hills10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcI8RzvQp5U1GHVVcJP2FHPdPzfB72kNQTAoTJHo6BnRSIhOnTFQufprhIvg3dwTpEFVlsD6XcoEIW5bHYTzb3mXSioadztcA-Sp_3WRgQG9x6cZ4izw6PJ6_J21kVWbK_2d9YYBbssg/s1600/hills11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcI8RzvQp5U1GHVVcJP2FHPdPzfB72kNQTAoTJHo6BnRSIhOnTFQufprhIvg3dwTpEFVlsD6XcoEIW5bHYTzb3mXSioadztcA-Sp_3WRgQG9x6cZ4izw6PJ6_J21kVWbK_2d9YYBbssg/s640/hills11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Before children, this was the sort of expedition we undertook often - map in hand, flask in bag, we'd walk the wilds together. There were many days spent trudging moorland, grassland and coastline, many nights spent huddled in our little mountain tent, listening to rains, gales and the eerie calls of unseen beasts. We camped near a lonely beach in Mull one September, where the rocks were pink and the sea a perfect clear turquoise. We watched giant crabs crawling under our floating bodies, swam to sun-baked rocky islands and wobbled home to our tent in thick treacly darkness with golden whisky in our veins.<br />
<br />
At Kilmartin Glen we pitched our tent on the village green at the end of a formidable valley where the wind and rain were funnelled to a fine point ending precisely at the door to our tent. Through the worst weather Scotland had to offer we faithfully trudged from stone circle to burial chamber to cup and ring marked rock. The land there is littered with ancient monuments, giving a sense of being in a place that belongs to another race, ancient and unfathomable. There, as we traced the maddening marks of the cup and ring carvings we felt the deep booming fusion of person, place and time.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq81kF7qHZ6fWWyGsuFw_0b1fFNvqLoEgp-ckQGQJjMKsaqOdWMXfzxf-bXi8OCxvlL060TuUXNjGhNzw54imvNixQfxgEFfju7_RTbluqdDeA-Bhz2mMBzpBJYRqXqaRX4JeMW_Ysxy4/s1600/hills7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq81kF7qHZ6fWWyGsuFw_0b1fFNvqLoEgp-ckQGQJjMKsaqOdWMXfzxf-bXi8OCxvlL060TuUXNjGhNzw54imvNixQfxgEFfju7_RTbluqdDeA-Bhz2mMBzpBJYRqXqaRX4JeMW_Ysxy4/s640/hills7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1gbkUTupmvKbKJySbR_Xxoer8w2_D7pLAwm8brSJC0LG48Ot_wMth5Kg7RKmeYZdsA_hOhjJH7UHvuAkkgIGjO_0weCYENjw7oR6clWNum_X9MJIX0iax0VEH__MlKkjIpS566M5QFts/s1600/hills8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1gbkUTupmvKbKJySbR_Xxoer8w2_D7pLAwm8brSJC0LG48Ot_wMth5Kg7RKmeYZdsA_hOhjJH7UHvuAkkgIGjO_0weCYENjw7oR6clWNum_X9MJIX0iax0VEH__MlKkjIpS566M5QFts/s640/hills8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
New and tender love seems to need exposure to the elements to help it grow - storms to strengthen and sun filled skies to make those early days glow in the memory. Many of us seem to know instinctively that there is something about journeying in the unknown, preferably in wildish conditions that helps bind two souls together. Perhaps, when it's just us and the land, it's easier to see each other. I know of many couples who spent a good part of their early relationships walking, travelling and wild camping, making memories to see them through the tougher times ahead.<br />
<br />
I thought on these things as I slipped and stumbled my way through the Welsh hills, my knees twinging and ankles growing ever more wobbly. We had our moments of dischord - our usual grumbles standing over the map showing that our ongoing mistrust of each other's sense of direction is still strong; I sought the comfort of the trail of footprints in the snow and was accused of losing my nerve. But mostly we relished the freedom - the simple joy of striding out. Along the way we got childishly excited at the sight of wild mountain ponies, marvelled at the huge white shining hills about us, were quiet and awed by the time-worn wood of the rafters of the ancient church and sighed in pleasure like grandparents at the sniff of flask coffee. And we discovered, reassuringly, that not a whole lot has changed in the six years since we last journeyed out together - sky above, a photogenic burial mound and the prospect of a decent pint of ale still makes us happy.<br />
<br />
And there was something else, something revealed in the slight loss of springiness of limb and the teary tiredness that dropped about me towards the end of our walk. A little reminder of a girlhood gone; a reminder of children, responsibilities and of middle-age approaching. A reminder also that we've grown up together from feckless twenty-somethings to slightly-less-feckless approaching-forties, that our adventures may be different but are no less exciting now that we have two small people to shared them with. And a hope that maybe one day I'll even grow up enough to be properly attired for climbing mountains.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYBqFxmWqLxCsbtHkiORn0KFmJaXE_iv7aVMRZFKW-e-h5q7fwJYdwpdQe2erMel5OSK_baRB5WlILZsEbDl78Q6F59rngVW4eIWSTZqHLcKz_Co3HaQHGX2FlGJelZqYVXXgmnQnX6c/s1600/hills4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYBqFxmWqLxCsbtHkiORn0KFmJaXE_iv7aVMRZFKW-e-h5q7fwJYdwpdQe2erMel5OSK_baRB5WlILZsEbDl78Q6F59rngVW4eIWSTZqHLcKz_Co3HaQHGX2FlGJelZqYVXXgmnQnX6c/s640/hills4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_cPOzOESmeiQRqZClzdBLl0154qc9nwLENympKvnXzme6oL21EmwuMeceHvFg2OVWU9XsVC3FABV8KNLtHBsQ_dkw2bcHF6LLTOhNmQxAZMWWrhELV60oEZYEck8fC7wVGVCUlExpZc/s1600/hills13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_cPOzOESmeiQRqZClzdBLl0154qc9nwLENympKvnXzme6oL21EmwuMeceHvFg2OVWU9XsVC3FABV8KNLtHBsQ_dkw2bcHF6LLTOhNmQxAZMWWrhELV60oEZYEck8fC7wVGVCUlExpZc/s640/hills13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHmGh4NgHPcbxQ2fd3CcKSKHO1KGVGDxsJCq2gBOT_J5VBiqPHqqBFNAyUanVmfTmqu7EvSW3uAYVVxX3kzkqlyd1TRAn8npBBqKjTFghzaiCkrU1n4Pl1raJfa3G7uWri0e9W-KKmKY/s1600/hills14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHmGh4NgHPcbxQ2fd3CcKSKHO1KGVGDxsJCq2gBOT_J5VBiqPHqqBFNAyUanVmfTmqu7EvSW3uAYVVxX3kzkqlyd1TRAn8npBBqKjTFghzaiCkrU1n4Pl1raJfa3G7uWri0e9W-KKmKY/s640/hills14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Selina Goughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099874441156494492noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8587578543702907225.post-11624089065156479342013-03-20T00:10:00.001-07:002013-03-20T00:10:12.230-07:00Memory mapping<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkrMA_J3MV8hZBsd_Hq7Yp8inX54sAB-rLz9k1HfJ1fXUJJ6j2TeVXNns0QCyPhQ80DAI1F_FSbxRQo67MXTk9mTCrcyCDdu7x3XTP9_sH9JgFG_sNhejRghGlQaO-2rrs1coMWoXhIw/s1600/icyspring2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkrMA_J3MV8hZBsd_Hq7Yp8inX54sAB-rLz9k1HfJ1fXUJJ6j2TeVXNns0QCyPhQ80DAI1F_FSbxRQo67MXTk9mTCrcyCDdu7x3XTP9_sH9JgFG_sNhejRghGlQaO-2rrs1coMWoXhIw/s640/icyspring2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
Last week we resurrected our weekly walk to kindergarten. With great breaths of gladness we strode out into a familiar but too long neglected habit. As we walked we were full of wonder at the great battle that is being waged out of doors. The sun is up before six in the morning and not sinking again until after dinner - the birds are singing of spring but nature is still very much in the grip of winter. Along the river the cold had made ice sculptures of roots, and chandeliers from hanging branches; water captured and petrified. The rocks and boulders of the river were coated in glittering frozen gems and the steep river banks were hung with shimmering icicles. We had seen ice forming around the river before but never quite like this.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXvMxi7rfZcGb1bcBuAMBcfBK-Ba1zTxeprII1OvpjVqKA8OgVEUTIeb26T-MfA8mwsxpC9pU-AGmP0CPPhLRJstnq2zOHG2XiMrMOHMppI1SxZAtGYplcV9z-DCo62pBzPJOPM8LVHA/s1600/Icyspring1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXvMxi7rfZcGb1bcBuAMBcfBK-Ba1zTxeprII1OvpjVqKA8OgVEUTIeb26T-MfA8mwsxpC9pU-AGmP0CPPhLRJstnq2zOHG2XiMrMOHMppI1SxZAtGYplcV9z-DCo62pBzPJOPM8LVHA/s640/Icyspring1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmv_oK3n44dL-HZjoeIkIoq5DvdODcf-zuCkzosLbYtYy5_QZV7pK6hEuOKy5Ccx4xh7UhnalAul_DzB8w79PAXfT-Chfr9l8xfYNJ-1-p503L3W619annczLLtK9JJ5ALtpN0UlQKfI/s1600/icyspring3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmv_oK3n44dL-HZjoeIkIoq5DvdODcf-zuCkzosLbYtYy5_QZV7pK6hEuOKy5Ccx4xh7UhnalAul_DzB8w79PAXfT-Chfr9l8xfYNJ-1-p503L3W619annczLLtK9JJ5ALtpN0UlQKfI/s640/icyspring3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvGN4MDR0vYH31_gDfaYxuyIKz2HZm8mYnmCVDJx3FbMFuwe8BxIJEEYTEdPMORmDJq10iETE8ezjNb4_fRBHV8z_9MvatquEocHnXSrmFcqi89QQnvF-GgGlFj_8YCmguRCmLBFtaeo/s1600/icyspring6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvGN4MDR0vYH31_gDfaYxuyIKz2HZm8mYnmCVDJx3FbMFuwe8BxIJEEYTEdPMORmDJq10iETE8ezjNb4_fRBHV8z_9MvatquEocHnXSrmFcqi89QQnvF-GgGlFj_8YCmguRCmLBFtaeo/s640/icyspring6.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YZg7ujMecArU35Z06i3VmEXN9RaPXdNOfVfGr6FyrI8Qafzetb0SzlIONaJYazNDXbmCK5jA0cSCycXR5y3ZQfq5vuHdRaMWZcRgTJIsK87H5smtQ98FKRybDxDzcQQhvrG29t0dlRQ/s1600/icyspring5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YZg7ujMecArU35Z06i3VmEXN9RaPXdNOfVfGr6FyrI8Qafzetb0SzlIONaJYazNDXbmCK5jA0cSCycXR5y3ZQfq5vuHdRaMWZcRgTJIsK87H5smtQ98FKRybDxDzcQQhvrG29t0dlRQ/s640/icyspring5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQuz2FyNJ7EMupfL30icljFW97AdVKW6NTwU8IiZcCj66ZjuD48chRPjNR8odJkh1eeHqmnm6EzJB8yxZlwgcr9VOkk8Z93MVNoqsuqw-Kw-wEXBP25unKm48-zCdoWTRS3pBG3I9FsY/s1600/icyspring4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQuz2FyNJ7EMupfL30icljFW97AdVKW6NTwU8IiZcCj66ZjuD48chRPjNR8odJkh1eeHqmnm6EzJB8yxZlwgcr9VOkk8Z93MVNoqsuqw-Kw-wEXBP25unKm48-zCdoWTRS3pBG3I9FsY/s640/icyspring4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I have many pictures of this walk in the annals; pictures with two tiny boys knee deep in swaying grass, of explorations of woodland and river edge. The longer I live in these valleys the more I value the familiarity of a well walked route. These well-known walks particularly seem to give children the chance to really know a place, and it seems to me that knowing then slowly becomes loving as the seasons unfold year on year. Each time we walk this way we are laying the pathways of memory, memories of carefree childhood for them - sweet and fleeting moments of motherhood for me.<br />
<br />
We will remember the seasons by the horse chestnut that litters the ground in shiny conkers in the Autumn; the patch of Himalayan balsam where, in late summer we pop the ripe seed heads and nibble a few; the field, fuzzy with summer wildflowers, where the sky opens out; passing the house where alpine strawberries sprout from the paving stones, waiting painfully for them to ripen. And the watched elder where we measure the year in leaves, flowers and berries.<br />
<br />
We will feel this place in our bones by the small repeated acts that become our habit over time. The boys will continue to walk the low wall that tests their balance and my nerve, we'll stop at the same place to drop ploppy stones into the gurgling river, we'll keep measuring rainfall by the ferocity of the waterfall, I will always feel uneasy when there are cows in the field and they will always reassure me that we're fine. The high path beneath the cathedral of beech trees will always slow us, while I naturally look up and they look down to build fairy houses in the roots of those towering trees.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVJCxdfOKz7HAf_MMd49q2_uHCeyD62CmU772BAxDPlqJ6tN9Z4eB99D_RDdfi0GGvZq72l4K5Up_6ymIoHtw_alRgYLQnXALjh29z-5nK5strz5rzbRv_esYJD6al3FBu9Rxz-0SSts/s1600/icyspring8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVJCxdfOKz7HAf_MMd49q2_uHCeyD62CmU772BAxDPlqJ6tN9Z4eB99D_RDdfi0GGvZq72l4K5Up_6ymIoHtw_alRgYLQnXALjh29z-5nK5strz5rzbRv_esYJD6al3FBu9Rxz-0SSts/s640/icyspring8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEsax493-5gk3CWt71NEZ9hhWiSFkPPLOunTqS0D2JtVY8Tj8nnBlLvFhZU7PXTpIFiis6nn9q7GQ66Z_i0ObFOen0_JCksAJJdhXI2JwagFhXLoDx2pAZQox83PeXeNiD57jVp6e124/s1600/icyspring7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEsax493-5gk3CWt71NEZ9hhWiSFkPPLOunTqS0D2JtVY8Tj8nnBlLvFhZU7PXTpIFiis6nn9q7GQ66Z_i0ObFOen0_JCksAJJdhXI2JwagFhXLoDx2pAZQox83PeXeNiD57jVp6e124/s640/icyspring7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvvEP9Rnxa1gRNt1jGnZn4GXSqRlrehO7W32BFUS0llr-0T53qhRCmW_E0phIKE37jBkLJ3TikKrr-qBDivZVvCC4CYqxg9YeNEy02-z2LD5m9VwTUmaFQcQ_IPmirhC-8LSOOGQwZJQ/s1600/icyspring9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvvEP9Rnxa1gRNt1jGnZn4GXSqRlrehO7W32BFUS0llr-0T53qhRCmW_E0phIKE37jBkLJ3TikKrr-qBDivZVvCC4CYqxg9YeNEy02-z2LD5m9VwTUmaFQcQ_IPmirhC-8LSOOGQwZJQ/s640/icyspring9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After this walk, each winter we'll look for the place where the pipe comes out of the hill to see if we can discover the thick column of ice standing between it and the ground and we'll know where to look for the biggest and shiniest icicle swords. We may feel sadness when things change, like discovering that the trees had been cleared around the old tennis courts and that they're 'modernising' the facilities but there will be new things to notice and find each time we walk this was. And the newness of each season, delayed though it may be, will always stir in us a love for this place - our home.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmg90HJpAfCQym76bSKs54TXyZOSiE2RHFUYEpCrZwFz5zK4ZD17AnRllwdfNtE-lVotF9MUuywSrHNgbhhWkXzpKdBd7BpzYGv2J6QNhfAxifusZsw_hPHBql0bjCjUz01gV5GPMe6Y/s1600/icyspring10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmg90HJpAfCQym76bSKs54TXyZOSiE2RHFUYEpCrZwFz5zK4ZD17AnRllwdfNtE-lVotF9MUuywSrHNgbhhWkXzpKdBd7BpzYGv2J6QNhfAxifusZsw_hPHBql0bjCjUz01gV5GPMe6Y/s640/icyspring10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Selina Goughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099874441156494492noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8587578543702907225.post-2578445177130206172013-03-05T01:05:00.001-08:002013-03-05T01:15:47.737-08:00Staying put<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMK-W_l1jouoAOPQ_iRWD7VJKQMmN-8-crjhY0TVlG6fUZqRod5fTzy9Kj1glNnN2299H9DNSDzpi4puyOw8-GPTX7WpCjEJ3_Ub5scV7Hqo9Wblv-TAUZQpyu2N5sG4CJIPUVQz_GoI/s1600/DSC_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMK-W_l1jouoAOPQ_iRWD7VJKQMmN-8-crjhY0TVlG6fUZqRod5fTzy9Kj1glNnN2299H9DNSDzpi4puyOw8-GPTX7WpCjEJ3_Ub5scV7Hqo9Wblv-TAUZQpyu2N5sG4CJIPUVQz_GoI/s640/DSC_0037.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
The world of the house and home is occupying much of my thought at the moment. For a couple of years now the drama of trying to sell our house has rolled on and on. First we dreamed of a old servant's quarters that had caught our eye further up the valley, but our little cottage languished on the market for a year with no takers. The house we'd been coveting was eventually bought by another family and we took ours off the market. Then out of the blue someone asked if they could buy our home; we looked about but couldn't find another that suited us better. We vowed to stay put and invest in our old weaver's cottage with her rattly windows and woodland at the door but, towards the the end of last year, someone whispered in our ear about a house that might be right for us. Modest and modern, lacking the romance of weather-whipped stone and old floorboards but with a garden brimming with flowers and fruit and some extra room for a growing family. It sits a few doors away, on either side, from beloved friends and would provide gangs of wild and roving children for our boys to join. It is not the little small-holding I hoped that we would one day have but a chance to tend a garden again would certainly have been a gift.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEhIqRW3fr-OMDfywTgJfx4MLk258Kwp_DpDHdxZT_zD5DDSCzhRla5gRcsHnu3EA0K4jtEbRIFrN_2tf-ovP2TVEGrzBiB7PnuZg_b6ACro-s0o_XWmllFdoLZyjs3M6mIaWRmwIVLq0/s1600/DSC_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEhIqRW3fr-OMDfywTgJfx4MLk258Kwp_DpDHdxZT_zD5DDSCzhRla5gRcsHnu3EA0K4jtEbRIFrN_2tf-ovP2TVEGrzBiB7PnuZg_b6ACro-s0o_XWmllFdoLZyjs3M6mIaWRmwIVLq0/s640/DSC_0093.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLidrYZrBuDREqGH1xp6aOES35V3a2nEJuakN7sm2-2t-OEz1pYElpy7fYhDr4mIjXzOOaOT3Av7dWuJN0DokDf6WZkgGR1CBqvbAcqJIe-j5RaYK1YbI_Sdt0ErElfaQ8fbUBL-K2nM/s1600/DSC_0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLidrYZrBuDREqGH1xp6aOES35V3a2nEJuakN7sm2-2t-OEz1pYElpy7fYhDr4mIjXzOOaOT3Av7dWuJN0DokDf6WZkgGR1CBqvbAcqJIe-j5RaYK1YbI_Sdt0ErElfaQ8fbUBL-K2nM/s640/DSC_0098.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWcDk3H7gXByQqb5hebCQFfsGrlo8jQxvp1_7qQH0HicAgxgdQhPQ2iVinBiWRl59O_n2ZnXrUReNkg1NMgwZSPyh4Nbs7yDeepoD2y-BB4z58eP8ljaHOXmj5YI8F5kff5JF6AebcHs/s1600/DSC_0049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWcDk3H7gXByQqb5hebCQFfsGrlo8jQxvp1_7qQH0HicAgxgdQhPQ2iVinBiWRl59O_n2ZnXrUReNkg1NMgwZSPyh4Nbs7yDeepoD2y-BB4z58eP8ljaHOXmj5YI8F5kff5JF6AebcHs/s640/DSC_0049.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Unfortunately this little house of ours is not ready to release us from our obligations. Although there have been people willing to fall in love with it and its handsome views - problems have been discovered by a string of searching surveys. Men have come into our home with their clipboards and tape measures; she has been probed and prodded , her petticoats lifted and her secrets exposed. Our buyers have drifted away, too daunted by her many needs.<br />
<br />
It seems we must stay where we are; the choice has been taken away from us. This feels an odd position to be in; we're told in our modern capitalist world that choice is almost a birthright so when our options are taken away it's hard not to feel frustrated and a little trapped. In working through this situation we find ourselves in, I've been trying to remind myself that choice is a privilege granted only to a small percentage of the globe, that many of the world's families live in one or two meagre rooms. Rather than regretting what cannot be I need to try and embrace what is; cultivate contentment and practice gratefulness.<br />
<br />
Eli and Monty do this instinctively, the consumerist mentality having not yet tainted their young lives. They look at us and ask 'why would we live anywhere else? This is our home' And as with so many things, these children of ours show us the way...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRkSW7eJfPlTtNuwl63BpJZoqYK_PoQeRG2S_j_RKMQrZIbAw7swxoP-eKdfH0QR7heVuKlgaOpBndoAPceGfmn0GKKUhTQ0p2wH-HbQ6XfIQGg41wPmQIfZN0hNuaTsgip6Kr-hjbVM/s1600/Flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRkSW7eJfPlTtNuwl63BpJZoqYK_PoQeRG2S_j_RKMQrZIbAw7swxoP-eKdfH0QR7heVuKlgaOpBndoAPceGfmn0GKKUhTQ0p2wH-HbQ6XfIQGg41wPmQIfZN0hNuaTsgip6Kr-hjbVM/s640/Flowers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Selina Goughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099874441156494492noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8587578543702907225.post-4457380541065704482013-02-17T02:27:00.001-08:002013-02-17T02:27:12.730-08:00Of dark skies and sadness<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAoan3S-9I0szdTdtBsrPHqR4s9lezjOn-OCk06eFSozFxW2yDqD-sNaE5Cfa6robpOQQPMcTcsd2D-ctrSCNLms4RTIO3eSe8V2arYKrhzxDlh_3bForYbLiINsbPzFLnmc438Gfvb_M/s1600/sadness3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAoan3S-9I0szdTdtBsrPHqR4s9lezjOn-OCk06eFSozFxW2yDqD-sNaE5Cfa6robpOQQPMcTcsd2D-ctrSCNLms4RTIO3eSe8V2arYKrhzxDlh_3bForYbLiINsbPzFLnmc438Gfvb_M/s640/sadness3.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86YibS0Gl7-UMcweBh-hjfv89UF7z7Kqs77Xkuz7kYY3Pv59SmytHqHfpolWHWrvkw2iR0cvv-JWLi627CvUbaaeucpXOfn123aYIXFw24-y-dUBx9yF61pg0hI_vYD9qAYxFZN6F1dI/s1600/sadness1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86YibS0Gl7-UMcweBh-hjfv89UF7z7Kqs77Xkuz7kYY3Pv59SmytHqHfpolWHWrvkw2iR0cvv-JWLi627CvUbaaeucpXOfn123aYIXFw24-y-dUBx9yF61pg0hI_vYD9qAYxFZN6F1dI/s640/sadness1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmORb1y-tTQ9rzZfVUWza3IT5gcFOZnZFmsZWsGs3gp2ftlOtqhj11abQJ-tBPrqxIEpx9xUKQdjaYR2Lk0x-Dh09k0Ao4Dk9LiDnVHlhedk2LuJLhqSZa6Oq_Of20773dtK7slJ76pRc/s1600/sadness4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmORb1y-tTQ9rzZfVUWza3IT5gcFOZnZFmsZWsGs3gp2ftlOtqhj11abQJ-tBPrqxIEpx9xUKQdjaYR2Lk0x-Dh09k0Ao4Dk9LiDnVHlhedk2LuJLhqSZa6Oq_Of20773dtK7slJ76pRc/s640/sadness4.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
As I write, the hillside opposite is lit with early spring sunshine, birdsong calls across the valley and I can feel that in the last couple of spring-tinged days my spirit has lifted in ways I forget are possible in those last dark days of winter.<br />
<br />
Since becoming a mother I have struggled with the dark days of winter. This is not unusual or novel I know; listening to Richard Mabey's <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01qdzsn"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">essay on weather and 'The Black Dog'</span></a>, I found much comfort from hearing him talk of his own seasonal moodiness and recurring difficulties with 'the dinge' of dark weather. He wonders at how others escape this atmospherically induced heaviness as we are after all "a landscape of tissue at the total mercy of the elements" and goes on to list the many ways our bodies respond to sun, wind and cold. He muses that our inside our bodies are "labyrinths of gaseous cavities and bags of fluid" obviously sensitive to "dramatic weather fronts". Joints and respiratory conditions are aggravated by damp and cold whilst low light levels deprive our systems of feel-good hormones, the weather outside becoming the weather inside.<br />
<br />
All this is reassuring in light of my recent low mood. I prefer to liken my occasional blues to a flock of mangy pigeons than a black dog, sitting awkwardly upon my head and shoulders for a time before flying away to roost more appropriately in the murky shade of a bridge's underside. They do not feel malignant, only unpleasant and cumbersome.<br />
<br />
I do not remember particularly suffering these swoops of sadness before having children, but perhaps in those days it was easier to brush them off or otherwise ignore them. These days, as an 'at home' mother and home educator I am forced to face myself a little more than I was. I cannot just strike out across the hills on a whim, immerse myself in a project or head to the nearest drinking house - tempting as that sometimes is... I am forced to be present with the frustrations of my children and myself, obliged to constantly engage and be engaged, to referee, to comfort and entertain. At times, when the rain whips past the windows and the greyness seems eternal, these responsibilities weigh a little heavier and I succumb to sadness.<br />
<br />
I would not change the choices I have made for our lives and nor perhaps would I seek to always avoid melancholia. There is always a flip side; no light without dark, no creation without destruction, no understanding without experience. Our world is full of fear as well as hope, and we do an injustice to one if we do not acknowledge the other. The lightness and relief I am taking from these earliest of spring days would surely not be as sweet had they not been preceded by a desperate longing for them. <br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA76Y-B5dly48Z0uOLhL3436sbjP_Y1fBmSzmPcFdoTPvH1kihqaD1wTX2P7c32yb9Cu5u-UF3hNpqsVaC303KjoC0T3mlzB8QyD45_0MAAm7L1XhhAdoOt5auJBienVLBeNCfCtBkCCw/s1600/sadness2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA76Y-B5dly48Z0uOLhL3436sbjP_Y1fBmSzmPcFdoTPvH1kihqaD1wTX2P7c32yb9Cu5u-UF3hNpqsVaC303KjoC0T3mlzB8QyD45_0MAAm7L1XhhAdoOt5auJBienVLBeNCfCtBkCCw/s640/sadness2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCa-0oVtr9E3dGXIEdsPHv1k_oOiEUslfANdNpWkYsL0uemK8Xj8SnztvT-FIMUK05jgd0Fg5pzF2T3hpPRCQIWrGV_onXPWtG-6LI4qixm_Ft03hGSsU3m8cdTVjn5B-z6fIHLpLde8/s1600/sadness5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCa-0oVtr9E3dGXIEdsPHv1k_oOiEUslfANdNpWkYsL0uemK8Xj8SnztvT-FIMUK05jgd0Fg5pzF2T3hpPRCQIWrGV_onXPWtG-6LI4qixm_Ft03hGSsU3m8cdTVjn5B-z6fIHLpLde8/s640/sadness5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHae7VJLjmDmxEqE_bKjGPf8DvNuNnWQpKRwxHJ98nZntsJug5aIuT_7PvAOAW1WuMfOvtlkSU6Pcre8aXbjA0oWgCJm6fO0z0Sf4S62ERXiwZoJ8Jd7HdTr2jTiVEaHbSKSFFiTvAPI/s1600/sadness6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHae7VJLjmDmxEqE_bKjGPf8DvNuNnWQpKRwxHJ98nZntsJug5aIuT_7PvAOAW1WuMfOvtlkSU6Pcre8aXbjA0oWgCJm6fO0z0Sf4S62ERXiwZoJ8Jd7HdTr2jTiVEaHbSKSFFiTvAPI/s640/sadness6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I hope that I am beginning to understand that sadness is not my enemy, that I will learn to nurse my blues and give them permission to stay while they will. I will let good friends gently help me carry them and I will gently help carry theirs.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And I will treat them with trips to the garden centre to let them rest among growing things and dream of the warmer winds to come. </div>
Selina Goughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099874441156494492noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8587578543702907225.post-5542806873050184162013-02-11T05:29:00.002-08:002013-02-11T05:29:52.567-08:00In the land of snowy hills<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHd7oXts8L6B1Y6SMg2pHdo7eQ2w2z-Ejedpu7vL2HiSw9MViJCoxLadfxlVWIhijLw8C8SWLtXmsUYHONyUXlbdYt0aN1eKwamfwOF6OK0b1UGReVEPj-o6A01PPq5b1g5OC6BOQ7Jo0/s1600/DSC_0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHd7oXts8L6B1Y6SMg2pHdo7eQ2w2z-Ejedpu7vL2HiSw9MViJCoxLadfxlVWIhijLw8C8SWLtXmsUYHONyUXlbdYt0aN1eKwamfwOF6OK0b1UGReVEPj-o6A01PPq5b1g5OC6BOQ7Jo0/s640/DSC_0039.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXjwf81I2oyp7IlxcxINFM-12mvMwUN-Ffa3tNqUgYj1VD3-O0-vi6k1425gu_epFvXzSZLSQJZufo4RMs6FsAlrieG9Wi1RayKfzS1y8TV99Jsopk7GQYgGJVgVUEWyZcFqIDCRvkPw/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXjwf81I2oyp7IlxcxINFM-12mvMwUN-Ffa3tNqUgYj1VD3-O0-vi6k1425gu_epFvXzSZLSQJZufo4RMs6FsAlrieG9Wi1RayKfzS1y8TV99Jsopk7GQYgGJVgVUEWyZcFqIDCRvkPw/s640/DSC_0007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQj9zidGLZKoFl0_i1X8EYR142BmJ4uee8uxha3iteEAs6Q_A3EiKzqHUuQPYjUM110ZT-dZgIeiH5farGql5zPZTS4rQqO3HwavHJV1eZ5FjnN62mdUcDGXkoJ1EV4z0VF5tXXQc8PI/s1600/DSC_0065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQj9zidGLZKoFl0_i1X8EYR142BmJ4uee8uxha3iteEAs6Q_A3EiKzqHUuQPYjUM110ZT-dZgIeiH5farGql5zPZTS4rQqO3HwavHJV1eZ5FjnN62mdUcDGXkoJ1EV4z0VF5tXXQc8PI/s640/DSC_0065.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqlMBI7TQIN4JU1k07s3FIWiTRNOjEaTn9d9-4I990IUoPuY2zNwYokpWaoPMakqTIMM_tWmqgooLuRg_QBVYQ5EXid1iMI9pv37dgd9O-JZ8LCXuMVSvQrvAY8Wo4ET7MD1vXpLcb1M/s1600/DSC_0083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqlMBI7TQIN4JU1k07s3FIWiTRNOjEaTn9d9-4I990IUoPuY2zNwYokpWaoPMakqTIMM_tWmqgooLuRg_QBVYQ5EXid1iMI9pv37dgd9O-JZ8LCXuMVSvQrvAY8Wo4ET7MD1vXpLcb1M/s640/DSC_0083.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Is there anything more likely to make us forget our adult condition than a good snowfall? In January, as I watched the snow first falling, then sticking, I was as giddy as my children and memories knocked of winters past. <br />
<br />
My own dad has been always ready for adventure whatever the weather, but he particularly relished a good deep snowfall as a special opportunity for fun. We had a sledge that had been made by my granddad, solid and strong with room enough for two. Ox-like, my dad would drag us through the snow with no discernible effort; my brother and I hushed by the stillness of the muffled world we moved through. I have no recollections of feeling cold on these play days, only laughing faces bathed in pinkish ice-light. We'd always head to the same spot, a hole in the ground we called the quarry, with sides so steep only my dad would sledge them. Of the three of us it was my dad, I'm sure, who had the most fun.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately for my boys I am not so sturdy; no tireless pulling of sledges up hills for them, poor things. But even so, we made the most of the wintry lands. Much sledging was done, with friends and by ourselves, on hills of all lengths and gradients. Each day we ventured out until our noses and fingers tingled and little boy's tears ran down frozen rosy cheeks. Returning home to mountains of steaming boots, socks and gloves sitting about radiators and freely flowing hot chocolate was almost as pleasurable as the outings themselves.<br />
<br />
There is a special magic, I think, in snowy days for us parents - the snow's transience encouraging us to put our adult anxieties on hold for a few days and unite with our children in pure joyful excitement. I'm fairly sure my dad understands this, he has always been an expert at embracing playful moments<br />
<br />
The snow has come again, but this time only a thin and threadbare sheet lies upon the ground. February winds on, still wrapped in winter's colours. This month often tests the spirit, offering hopeful glimpses of shining days of sun then snatching them away to replace them with the very worst of the season's offerings. But I have heard the birds at the opening and closing of the days, limbering up their voices. I have seen the citrus green of opening hawthorn buds and I have sniffed the air and caught a freshness upon the wind. Winter's days are surely numbered; may their snowy gifts of fun and child-like wonder take us through these last weeks with hope and good humour. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbiMRF7qNACHMh2a2pRpnp3aFgUyIdVRGZ2OcP8AvAe74_3ksGmgmVceKVCRVnLYrD9zCeVlcTOunBKGMlrQfs5TMx7a2kypfoQz0HM1jvjwW3y0gmjv1mo6E431B4h82K7iJwhVCCBw/s1600/DSC_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbiMRF7qNACHMh2a2pRpnp3aFgUyIdVRGZ2OcP8AvAe74_3ksGmgmVceKVCRVnLYrD9zCeVlcTOunBKGMlrQfs5TMx7a2kypfoQz0HM1jvjwW3y0gmjv1mo6E431B4h82K7iJwhVCCBw/s640/DSC_0076.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhxUlk0D4a1AvF4Wbm1jkN9hByrK7vgCGUa2I_SqtnnnzYvaZoIY3MkD7qHHuFp1WL-dkpzxxiDEleHyF1EuDfFUsMKaR4ExksXNWgKnvXKoyrOBCLap7UQsr5ChlppxBn2pMTDIRNRA/s1600/DSC_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhxUlk0D4a1AvF4Wbm1jkN9hByrK7vgCGUa2I_SqtnnnzYvaZoIY3MkD7qHHuFp1WL-dkpzxxiDEleHyF1EuDfFUsMKaR4ExksXNWgKnvXKoyrOBCLap7UQsr5ChlppxBn2pMTDIRNRA/s640/DSC_0040.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2BaWz8L7ZC16VA7yTgJcCkzaUuDy73NCAWRfWKeDqboRwP5wwdxe5KB9ZCHFMvCaDS9FjLaZ09HdF-Tskt8ZKwGLSNrR1USwMNB66v0TDYmq1qEedkduZnzPsDD4eTu_aKmjS8zXLT4/s1600/DSC_0109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2BaWz8L7ZC16VA7yTgJcCkzaUuDy73NCAWRfWKeDqboRwP5wwdxe5KB9ZCHFMvCaDS9FjLaZ09HdF-Tskt8ZKwGLSNrR1USwMNB66v0TDYmq1qEedkduZnzPsDD4eTu_aKmjS8zXLT4/s640/DSC_0109.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Selina Goughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099874441156494492noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8587578543702907225.post-67551316773456293642013-01-23T22:52:00.000-08:002013-01-23T22:52:19.362-08:00Adventures in Winter Foraging<br />
If you had asked me whether there was much decent foraging to be had in the midst of January before last Sunday, I in my ignorance would have probably guessed at not much. I certainly wouldn't have predicted a basket full almost to the brim with edible mushrooms. But that, apparently, is just what you'll get if you know where to look and have a knowledgeable guide to point you in the right direction.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzLIeUT2TrHluYMLrATUIStHSFPSojoHs2fsg_XsJ2y9T1yy0FJuGRx6IeJvFZE0xYDfjl8pvhwVEcAzendxD5F27GGpJIMAQ8W-ZdG0KentJLbTa4vgYB1OsjJ_o1O9KOTKv5kISs0I/s1600/DSC_0184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzLIeUT2TrHluYMLrATUIStHSFPSojoHs2fsg_XsJ2y9T1yy0FJuGRx6IeJvFZE0xYDfjl8pvhwVEcAzendxD5F27GGpJIMAQ8W-ZdG0KentJLbTa4vgYB1OsjJ_o1O9KOTKv5kISs0I/s640/DSC_0184.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Rob, the boys and I were invited along on a walk lead by our friend <a href="http://www.jesperlaunder.com/"><span style="color: #e06666;">Jesper Launder</span></a> for the Manchester-based <a href="http://www.crackinggoodfood.org/"><span style="color: #e06666;">Cracking Good Food</span></a> group who offer courses for passionate foodies as well as working with local community groups. As soon as we arrived at Fletcher Moss Park in Didsbury the children frantically started searching under fallen trees and logs, with Jesper and Sam's daughter Leonie leading the pack. Fortunately, the crowd on the walk were very tolerant of being pushed aside by enthusiastic little people looking for wild treasure.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8qTVh5PlGuxhqmztq5IM3NyPX0uHizelyUQf7B31zssBajOTQ5dic8pUXu-3NfXe25o2rEZHC9ZFU8Ten-nuLeydTrYzDQVjM5x1jf25IseUcYIPZYrBF8oCSzlHtzTKHQvNCTWkFaU/s1600/DSC_0179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8qTVh5PlGuxhqmztq5IM3NyPX0uHizelyUQf7B31zssBajOTQ5dic8pUXu-3NfXe25o2rEZHC9ZFU8Ten-nuLeydTrYzDQVjM5x1jf25IseUcYIPZYrBF8oCSzlHtzTKHQvNCTWkFaU/s640/DSC_0179.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64hwnxhTX5Tept7BAUNUSmrzV8Z5gcAT1H5J_rtEaxjWbuCgLgyewNmzDGStv3LD1iPSjinWoz3qoJVkrw_iMHNL6ItSAlZXhNT-g-zDT495iC_dDkN_tHCG-RTo-NiR5EKvtQ-RHs70/s1600/DSC_0148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64hwnxhTX5Tept7BAUNUSmrzV8Z5gcAT1H5J_rtEaxjWbuCgLgyewNmzDGStv3LD1iPSjinWoz3qoJVkrw_iMHNL6ItSAlZXhNT-g-zDT495iC_dDkN_tHCG-RTo-NiR5EKvtQ-RHs70/s640/DSC_0148.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Many logs were inspected and children ran about in no particular direction whilst shouting loudly but eventually, after some crazed thrashing about in boggy terrain, Jesper confidently led us to the gold. The treasure in this case was a log covered in Velvet Shanks, yellowy brown mushrooms with velvety stems. Eager hands plucked excitedly and the basket quickly filled.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIgTOmn90vSyOZrxqmEk-DvBUTuj3qq1zTmXVURv7jVog1U2cA_hbgGztGhv9QLghinhD-1y-KWaqXl0YaWsBBtPgiq3ziFDEOUVXDnX_Ri_MH8syLCKf6ISQF4RHqd5FPE6Fh7oSgP4/s1600/DSC_0152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIgTOmn90vSyOZrxqmEk-DvBUTuj3qq1zTmXVURv7jVog1U2cA_hbgGztGhv9QLghinhD-1y-KWaqXl0YaWsBBtPgiq3ziFDEOUVXDnX_Ri_MH8syLCKf6ISQF4RHqd5FPE6Fh7oSgP4/s640/DSC_0152.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdEg-e-ikdx9RcDtWze_sQhtbhX23Ulo9PyQd08Q1N5K5gnnj4JH_WoOFWFKtId-X8JojqzDsuVoAuv4kZFAReOi7kRMvQahmNfFiOmbQGcWyVB2JG9WZ6yPY-ywKNRhMu2q2P7xKRIY/s1600/DSC_0161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdEg-e-ikdx9RcDtWze_sQhtbhX23Ulo9PyQd08Q1N5K5gnnj4JH_WoOFWFKtId-X8JojqzDsuVoAuv4kZFAReOi7kRMvQahmNfFiOmbQGcWyVB2JG9WZ6yPY-ywKNRhMu2q2P7xKRIY/s640/DSC_0161.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSjoyGrQnZSqnVm4R9J4U9EWltSt2UDhT-itxdhXLxUj4MhlUNPG_ei-iNsHEkLE3y475r2P2U0u7EpmamUg8lJpsDeuBrOllJXi8qzlEhnGDHtXtnf8F_Tk1wb_C4W6K7mMkFp9NhKo/s1600/DSC_0158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSjoyGrQnZSqnVm4R9J4U9EWltSt2UDhT-itxdhXLxUj4MhlUNPG_ei-iNsHEkLE3y475r2P2U0u7EpmamUg8lJpsDeuBrOllJXi8qzlEhnGDHtXtnf8F_Tk1wb_C4W6K7mMkFp9NhKo/s640/DSC_0158.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GJS5sWTP0PpYecvkcAeQDzOFN7h3S1Po9D8izSIfncy5b3k1kAhfXaQfxiBRbSCNmKhv9PQeEmCoOd7ZX3ITbm54Ga2_zrI-Btp-01mqvzT0Um9g3yixu7ExmDTuEca0I0Q5yWaZayg/s1600/DSC_0168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GJS5sWTP0PpYecvkcAeQDzOFN7h3S1Po9D8izSIfncy5b3k1kAhfXaQfxiBRbSCNmKhv9PQeEmCoOd7ZX3ITbm54Ga2_zrI-Btp-01mqvzT0Um9g3yixu7ExmDTuEca0I0Q5yWaZayg/s640/DSC_0168.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Velvet shank</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We went on to discover mushrooms I had never seen nor heard of before - striking Scarlet Elf Cups, Glistening Inkcaps and the medicinally useful Turkey Tail mushroom. The basket also held a lovely big Oyster mushroom discovered earlier by one of the group. There were herbs too to provide contrasting colour and flavour - three cornered leeks for an allium tang, peppery hot large bittercress, and pretty young cow parsley leaves. It seemed so strange to me that these fungi and herbs should be growing in such abundance in a city park. Largely overlooked by its regular visitors, here was good food and delicate beauty growing in almost complete secrecy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJP_IauiA27GBHQByIh0AEDSv5qhq8ETvH8hlRRw4O8jIVwY9EenC5ukdEMHzQaC6moKj7YzeOL1Sq_jpBWHPkgpHNE1RybfgqRl32hB1lXf9iR1mlxVw_jNOgF1WznAMKDvLAmGPW-uA/s1600/DSC_0173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJP_IauiA27GBHQByIh0AEDSv5qhq8ETvH8hlRRw4O8jIVwY9EenC5ukdEMHzQaC6moKj7YzeOL1Sq_jpBWHPkgpHNE1RybfgqRl32hB1lXf9iR1mlxVw_jNOgF1WznAMKDvLAmGPW-uA/s640/DSC_0173.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Scarlet elf cup</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofQXTYTSoYm4HwfkmoZ4o5YRElyh2ibCQ7tDNRw9qpFFtnjXDjWrpAQj56XzCcFEc8k_OWDJQL2EQQDVG252iIFilzvKI3zHYJFCRjoRe0zHyrQCaO19d78iHVb8Nfi7QCaUrearhfiw/s1600/DSC_0181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofQXTYTSoYm4HwfkmoZ4o5YRElyh2ibCQ7tDNRw9qpFFtnjXDjWrpAQj56XzCcFEc8k_OWDJQL2EQQDVG252iIFilzvKI3zHYJFCRjoRe0zHyrQCaO19d78iHVb8Nfi7QCaUrearhfiw/s640/DSC_0181.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Glistening inkcap</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIoLGJLC5R2MzUG5HLkEQ683h8QrkpnvF91zoL4vUAQ8c1ghRxLAahkKMFm4gfhUBwUGd4QzES9VR3QV-Mkld9srRc3Qowu6TGpDTyQgwpZttpMmpFZmXbEZSphzsq46brdMTlqScTy88/s1600/DSC_0190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIoLGJLC5R2MzUG5HLkEQ683h8QrkpnvF91zoL4vUAQ8c1ghRxLAahkKMFm4gfhUBwUGd4QzES9VR3QV-Mkld9srRc3Qowu6TGpDTyQgwpZttpMmpFZmXbEZSphzsq46brdMTlqScTy88/s640/DSC_0190.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Turkey Tail</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7KOZvGSHuEwC-y-GLKQDUsUuBwG57tKtY9UDF7eYS7R_1P6-eM0WQxRmK2SJw8c0FxhbNip4YM_SSW6dM5AoBX9S8mGnz7b3q1ULbaCCJrNO4quxiKxTIs8jC7D8PsG1qyhXdKHAkdg/s1600/DSC_0214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7KOZvGSHuEwC-y-GLKQDUsUuBwG57tKtY9UDF7eYS7R_1P6-eM0WQxRmK2SJw8c0FxhbNip4YM_SSW6dM5AoBX9S8mGnz7b3q1ULbaCCJrNO4quxiKxTIs8jC7D8PsG1qyhXdKHAkdg/s640/DSC_0214.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A box of Oyster and Wood Blewit mushrooms that Jesper had 'collected earlier'!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT5SGik4ZSPR-OVhfZXxinGd2N9ws1pHIc5HAE2EfXWmAwHnArNYaLN-J9j0PTTkXESOgbT9exoPYouQxxk3PDrSydq4Y5WjqEatFQXENTVH3n_cWc27UYN_wWA5gMH-Rac0_3kQTvgAk/s1600/DSC_0220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT5SGik4ZSPR-OVhfZXxinGd2N9ws1pHIc5HAE2EfXWmAwHnArNYaLN-J9j0PTTkXESOgbT9exoPYouQxxk3PDrSydq4Y5WjqEatFQXENTVH3n_cWc27UYN_wWA5gMH-Rac0_3kQTvgAk/s640/DSC_0220.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW67FCXjFOQFk2hHj4iDNGmsv0n_EVxWsmUlAER4KI1vQtb0-FX8CzPe4ct5Jpqjs69hCiwaYUoc4XjHB38f9RJ1LcNEEZjOBPkSLMvnpg-b0fQtQFnjRhpt54meoVBVuGnijnKXc2eQw/s1600/DSC_0230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW67FCXjFOQFk2hHj4iDNGmsv0n_EVxWsmUlAER4KI1vQtb0-FX8CzPe4ct5Jpqjs69hCiwaYUoc4XjHB38f9RJ1LcNEEZjOBPkSLMvnpg-b0fQtQFnjRhpt54meoVBVuGnijnKXc2eQw/s640/DSC_0230.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It was a bitterly cold day and as we came to the end of the walk people sensibly hurried into the warmth of a nearby pub to thaw out a little before the finale. The gathered mushrooms were cleaned, chopped and cooked in a pond of butter together with some of the greens. Next to a main road while we stamped the cold out of our feet and blew into our hands, a rather special sort of omelette was created and shared. The portions may have not have been kingly, but it satisfied in every way possible. As fresh, ethical and local as you could wish for, gathered by our own frozen hands; wild and truly wonderful food.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFZVh8yqiSR8sYpsMjJomeInVpJItMgV_9bl65dFxYLmOgLnHHLk7CLeMA5Lpa4cLe0-gqYGB5mgBqLroaggqp4fUcn4LXxnPHHOjRzCF0Uc22QHrUcJvBpDbBPs1NcJmkDzR8lyxd6I/s1600/DSC_0290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFZVh8yqiSR8sYpsMjJomeInVpJItMgV_9bl65dFxYLmOgLnHHLk7CLeMA5Lpa4cLe0-gqYGB5mgBqLroaggqp4fUcn4LXxnPHHOjRzCF0Uc22QHrUcJvBpDbBPs1NcJmkDzR8lyxd6I/s640/DSC_0290.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Selina Goughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099874441156494492noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8587578543702907225.post-43624997802159368992013-01-17T23:10:00.000-08:002013-01-17T23:10:05.174-08:00Down to the water<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;">Whilst walking in </span><a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hardcastle-crags/" style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Hardcastle Crags</span></a><span style="text-align: start;"> and the vale of Callis Water last weekend, I came to a somewhat obvious realisation that water is a constant presence in these valleys. Any Calder Valley dwellers reading this may well immediately think of the rain and general wetness at this point, but I'm also talking about watercourses. Tumbling and trickling from high ground to low or rumbling along valley floors, the streams and rivers of this place are never far from sight or earshot.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCNYNtzwLIRKpJI0E1c11hjZOQQnGey9N3AROzZZCuk2K2xNMT0RxfxnnS5VYwjsCiOM4eFyJe5zuyoZ8p8WBRNkv8Ze8KcL4tgEHP6T_8AElOZdKhK6bAR14L9e2EfZKFMYLR5RNpVI/s1600/Crags,river1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCNYNtzwLIRKpJI0E1c11hjZOQQnGey9N3AROzZZCuk2K2xNMT0RxfxnnS5VYwjsCiOM4eFyJe5zuyoZ8p8WBRNkv8Ze8KcL4tgEHP6T_8AElOZdKhK6bAR14L9e2EfZKFMYLR5RNpVI/s640/Crags,river1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGxPXbWHBdRmaoX85SyvXFkl5B0p_zB6VlYbftogRBc6VgqJzmJxCTTg6wyUqyCaJ2hmVGG4QdfoamVB-FyykNg86qw4wurilFWpmBzxb4V8wbAwrKtRg_NurmShvYl6EMTlhGDSzGkY/s1600/Crags,river2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGxPXbWHBdRmaoX85SyvXFkl5B0p_zB6VlYbftogRBc6VgqJzmJxCTTg6wyUqyCaJ2hmVGG4QdfoamVB-FyykNg86qw4wurilFWpmBzxb4V8wbAwrKtRg_NurmShvYl6EMTlhGDSzGkY/s640/Crags,river2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWeUeIHcAJrh-oDVrVzXtMfXqA53XpsfHyR2MgpvYxe8WCvJT-UtBDc2mxJZ_uCHcyh7Ohaf8hNIFmKkYRExVxE_VOSo_gkn3jQmUP5TOJMKVbq7xEARb-1NvG_6tuOUHU9aChxcSZLzA/s1600/Crags,river3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWeUeIHcAJrh-oDVrVzXtMfXqA53XpsfHyR2MgpvYxe8WCvJT-UtBDc2mxJZ_uCHcyh7Ohaf8hNIFmKkYRExVxE_VOSo_gkn3jQmUP5TOJMKVbq7xEARb-1NvG_6tuOUHU9aChxcSZLzA/s640/Crags,river3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I mused that most long walks here will, sooner or later, bring you within sight or sound of moving water. These waterways are the veins and arteries of the map and being beside them stirs our own blood in kinship; the pounding of water on rock quickening the pulse. In the Crags and I'm guessing elsewhere, many of these walks have changed of late; heavy rainfall has made stream beds of the paths, some of which are now no more than deep stony scars, treacherous for little legs and tired ankles. The destructive power of water is clearly evident across this landscape.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fDKrF_OBO-i0hEoxrKVbxb9ekrOHQ1soXzQNKFZPEmrX7TACxHP2p_qZNjOtzRfP_b5qtCJOaE-ay0zJoNjmZ38egXOjeSc3jX2KfNuwM6xaY4Qe-wCGOlQuciOmcCh0vT6Z0nr3abg/s1600/Crags,river6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fDKrF_OBO-i0hEoxrKVbxb9ekrOHQ1soXzQNKFZPEmrX7TACxHP2p_qZNjOtzRfP_b5qtCJOaE-ay0zJoNjmZ38egXOjeSc3jX2KfNuwM6xaY4Qe-wCGOlQuciOmcCh0vT6Z0nr3abg/s640/Crags,river6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Lrj-B44G4m5sQeHov8GDoqMtTRvasNDK8rZGDhSxPk43Mc3JuFZ63K4zLgfmU7Gn3sbkfeIZpn9Mnvx25vMl4eNOPAW9q2e7RZ3nhQh33Qbf-yZi8xAmW5WzCQORofhm3EDmmhVN_7U/s1600/crags,river4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Lrj-B44G4m5sQeHov8GDoqMtTRvasNDK8rZGDhSxPk43Mc3JuFZ63K4zLgfmU7Gn3sbkfeIZpn9Mnvx25vMl4eNOPAW9q2e7RZ3nhQh33Qbf-yZi8xAmW5WzCQORofhm3EDmmhVN_7U/s640/crags,river4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Throughout our beloved valleys, fragile walls have slipped and fallen in great hunks of earth and root, leaving brutally sheared ground and gritty stalagmites. Seemingly immovable trees have toppled like skittles and lie across the land like vanquished nobility, unsettling in their revealed vulnerability. I heard one of these great capitulations in the night at the start of winter, the sound was like the cracking of rock followed by the breaking of a thousand branches. Listening in the dark I felt more than just fear and shock, there was foreboding too - a sense of the natural world shifting in unnatural ways.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkm1ncCkgiAG8qt1YCAOqNyfhYuOXPQJ5SZxl3vg6Mk0ZaClvdyVZIppJEvMiVghQeZrKEoXTF9kW80IgIEw95zT8ElCdaTVG_qpdptp82gasUMM7GoehmquFtsxkob5u6g4jGI291Tw/s1600/crags,river5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkm1ncCkgiAG8qt1YCAOqNyfhYuOXPQJ5SZxl3vg6Mk0ZaClvdyVZIppJEvMiVghQeZrKEoXTF9kW80IgIEw95zT8ElCdaTVG_qpdptp82gasUMM7GoehmquFtsxkob5u6g4jGI291Tw/s640/crags,river5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
All this serves to remind us that water ever was and is an unstoppable agent of change. Heavy rainfall, dramatic floods and tidal waves or simply the constant call of 'onwards'. Rivers and streams pulsing ever on and out, dragging with them all that comes too close to their edges; particles pulled on an involuntary journey of transformation.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIk74P_glREPWhFDhCi7MRRr4XbTq6ZN6PGYLl2Hgy3GpiJhyJTyWXWt7wsidXC0B0vUk8J5E8rLBt64LOat-emzshYV5FOel3dEZSVsoTSsom4pYQTWNUkQkQIBHPPn5h5PvvqHdqVaU/s1600/crags,river7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIk74P_glREPWhFDhCi7MRRr4XbTq6ZN6PGYLl2Hgy3GpiJhyJTyWXWt7wsidXC0B0vUk8J5E8rLBt64LOat-emzshYV5FOel3dEZSVsoTSsom4pYQTWNUkQkQIBHPPn5h5PvvqHdqVaU/s640/crags,river7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I wonder what this means for those of us surrounded by constant moving water. It seems that we too are pulled to and along it; awed and comforted in equal measure by our watery companions. I know that I have sought solace and peace by the side of the river, casting troubles and wishes onto its indifference, but I've also found strength and renewed energy from its tireless journeying.<br />
<br />
On the day pictured here I was drawn to the light that was reflected on the surface of the water; down at the very bottom of this dark valley was the sky, with some new silvery quality that I had missed. The tops of the trees were there too, proudly framed like photographs. This is what has stayed with me, this was the river's parting gift - the reminder to look up and look out but do remember to watch where you're going.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYxqp7G1YhEipiBRYpJh5t-ZJsVaa0SzVZsKrv1u59uS8bsVmNAaqE_9PhaZSnMig2ThGylPHYB9n57L0DPYCW5DwOMegzVkvocsyEhNC0dwcDm4vx63HgG4CWzp1Djm5qRR6seZxmJ0/s1600/crags,river8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYxqp7G1YhEipiBRYpJh5t-ZJsVaa0SzVZsKrv1u59uS8bsVmNAaqE_9PhaZSnMig2ThGylPHYB9n57L0DPYCW5DwOMegzVkvocsyEhNC0dwcDm4vx63HgG4CWzp1Djm5qRR6seZxmJ0/s640/crags,river8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Selina Goughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099874441156494492noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8587578543702907225.post-40105371378291187202013-01-08T22:58:00.000-08:002013-01-08T23:00:07.048-08:00Ruminating on educatingAs it's the beginning of a new academic term, my thoughts have naturally turned to our own educational arrangements. A couple of friends are facing those big decisions about whether to go mainstream or seek alternatives and our conversations have touched on the home education option. It seems like a good moment to look back at our first term and share some thoughts and observations about the business.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlFDtd6wNktBzM9Fv6wD6whgloaj9DNVnbVtaikReqDZCWrh_b7HDtr9zycktzOIi6PEOd_dkTqAeHEPwKYwp_yqyq1vO4VnCqnsZhSUrzWA-8a7VfNdd9NLok2YLpJcanF23l6T8Gi-Y/s1600/230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlFDtd6wNktBzM9Fv6wD6whgloaj9DNVnbVtaikReqDZCWrh_b7HDtr9zycktzOIi6PEOd_dkTqAeHEPwKYwp_yqyq1vO4VnCqnsZhSUrzWA-8a7VfNdd9NLok2YLpJcanF23l6T8Gi-Y/s640/230.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It's probably too much waffling for one post, so I imagine I'll spin it out a bit - by which time I'll hopefully have got back into the swing of blogging a bit more regularly.<br />
<br />
The decision to home educate is not made lightly. Even I, who had decided almost from Eli's first month that he would not be entrusted to the state for his upbringing, felt some self-doubt creep in when it came to the end of his short time at the local Steiner kindergarten. I hadn't ever properly taken on board the very obvious fact that almost everyone sends their children to school. It is not only expected, it is largely unquestioned.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXpITLhFRkeOVcDva3MP3n9FN5xp_auiBj_UkGbmHe6tDXfER0NS76c34oKxpxea1d-xdhy5XEMsHJ3BbhnGnykuhSYbFmui96VCjJZZ8805edktprulZmc2k07P3T4Iu6SX1JV3QPS4/s1600/012+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXpITLhFRkeOVcDva3MP3n9FN5xp_auiBj_UkGbmHe6tDXfER0NS76c34oKxpxea1d-xdhy5XEMsHJ3BbhnGnykuhSYbFmui96VCjJZZ8805edktprulZmc2k07P3T4Iu6SX1JV3QPS4/s640/012+(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It seems that the general consensus is that school, whilst not necessarily the ideal option, is the safest. The practical considerations alone give rise to enough consternation to prevent treading another path - bringing in enough money whilst having children at home; not feeling that one has enough resources of energy to be around ones offspring constantly; not having the requisite support network and so on and so on. I am familiar with these anxieties, it can seem logistically impossible before you even get to the education bit.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwVVIBrlr7WgO0rgkqJB3kyWYOecTWU0sbMPZV9m6SuXU3CI1wsUaSp-zTLNSmXQvgJg3zMVd6LaTNRo0laJ3emjS-Zz1NO6YzIKJOmu7hHAQ1nKyN69zuTyEG6_5rjww9a3T4JWwpjM/s1600/DSC_0288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwVVIBrlr7WgO0rgkqJB3kyWYOecTWU0sbMPZV9m6SuXU3CI1wsUaSp-zTLNSmXQvgJg3zMVd6LaTNRo0laJ3emjS-Zz1NO6YzIKJOmu7hHAQ1nKyN69zuTyEG6_5rjww9a3T4JWwpjM/s640/DSC_0288.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I think our real fears kick in when we get to our children's well-being and future prospects. Will our children learn all they need to know from primarily being with one person, perhaps two at the most? Will they need more social contact than we can provide for them? How will they learn to read????<br />
<br />
These questions and worries are valid and real. A certain amount of self-confidence and a sizeable rebellious streak are useful when contemplating them. I cannot speak for others or offer any sureties but I can share our experience and add to the growing numbers of people who say that school doesn't have to be the only way.<br />
<br />
<br />Selina Goughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099874441156494492noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8587578543702907225.post-19894692334552191382013-01-06T22:12:00.003-08:002013-01-06T22:12:39.343-08:00Up in flames<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZ_A7hK9kPvlZFZ6nIJKqcfm4Lff4i2D8jQu1i3AFfiPnk8Bc7KpjTpxHrXJjB4FvhSJ7Fa2TjNB_75I7TwkkB3iFQ73uGE0z0hdnbHsi7lvJuxPelsq_yGZGQ96Mwyv68Hs9KbCHHQE/s1600/Burning+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZ_A7hK9kPvlZFZ6nIJKqcfm4Lff4i2D8jQu1i3AFfiPnk8Bc7KpjTpxHrXJjB4FvhSJ7Fa2TjNB_75I7TwkkB3iFQ73uGE0z0hdnbHsi7lvJuxPelsq_yGZGQ96Mwyv68Hs9KbCHHQE/s640/Burning+tree.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Yesterday evening, with good friends on hand, I felt like I finally bid goodbye to the old year and welcomed in the new. Rob returns to work today and so I must shake off my festive sleepiness and sharpen my wits for the adventures and challenges to come.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnAVMzY_FAKzr0BzYzgooQvx_JVQuwBt-ryQNJT0nNhyfdPkHHjVOy47Ve_HGVTWk7Hp3kRVsx2PH61ijJ9cIZGgQGvOj4KKJ_RQ7K1tZdD2r1JxZlqNbsWlrlx6Cuxt1aHN6lD1WQdg/s1600/DSC_0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnAVMzY_FAKzr0BzYzgooQvx_JVQuwBt-ryQNJT0nNhyfdPkHHjVOy47Ve_HGVTWk7Hp3kRVsx2PH61ijJ9cIZGgQGvOj4KKJ_RQ7K1tZdD2r1JxZlqNbsWlrlx6Cuxt1aHN6lD1WQdg/s640/DSC_0088.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1DMAb20ImOn4MBATf6o5qRVRaRt3BcoIrMnsQ3fHRjSmPBPgetAmjkV9i_d5FaG-HaNWbnS_iZ8aPRNh7K1dp7ruDP2Ed1QwFxftTM7ksRE81fUGp6tvaA_U1GrwatJbblraO02Io-8/s1600/DSC_0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1DMAb20ImOn4MBATf6o5qRVRaRt3BcoIrMnsQ3fHRjSmPBPgetAmjkV9i_d5FaG-HaNWbnS_iZ8aPRNh7K1dp7ruDP2Ed1QwFxftTM7ksRE81fUGp6tvaA_U1GrwatJbblraO02Io-8/s640/DSC_0084.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There are exciting projects in the pipeline; a home to be packed up and moved; a blog to be kept up to date *ahem* and through it all, two children to love and nurture.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXgwZGQjgAn_bqCUY8cPqDI6D5NqzTK2dyj9dDkZnvzMTme_3QrmsggAQSIXMhZ8_4V5FccgUjN_SD2onYk8iACsCJQHCrtBpmb5Rc6D3wPfpQ503dpfYO-DFQr5IxR90dh8oejCsLbQ/s1600/DSC_0094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXgwZGQjgAn_bqCUY8cPqDI6D5NqzTK2dyj9dDkZnvzMTme_3QrmsggAQSIXMhZ8_4V5FccgUjN_SD2onYk8iACsCJQHCrtBpmb5Rc6D3wPfpQ503dpfYO-DFQr5IxR90dh8oejCsLbQ/s640/DSC_0094.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Although I'm busy making plans for the new year, I'm trying to remember to honour the season that is still upon us. Winter is not the time for great acts, we must be kind to ourselves and each other; take our time and go gently. Keep dreaming and rest while we can, soon enough we'll be called from hibernation and nudged into action by the waking world.<br />
<br />
What have you said goodbye to with the old year? What projects and schemes are you planning for the new year?Selina Goughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099874441156494492noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8587578543702907225.post-86153251886503338492012-12-04T22:49:00.001-08:002012-12-30T05:33:44.103-08:00Knowing the territory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBbwNYE0Isj9eXy7wVcn5sIVlGiYFlM5CPFZhd0AQQKBitXCEeJf0XxJl83OE4HPoLwrlrsteHJBok7BIZLW16766Ch_1iX4zlFHnXwTkSD7WqdSSUSBSk0HKf84JFiuJUH_ZejmuAFw/s1600/learning1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBbwNYE0Isj9eXy7wVcn5sIVlGiYFlM5CPFZhd0AQQKBitXCEeJf0XxJl83OE4HPoLwrlrsteHJBok7BIZLW16766Ch_1iX4zlFHnXwTkSD7WqdSSUSBSk0HKf84JFiuJUH_ZejmuAFw/s640/learning1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Ever since I was a girl I've enjoyed being able to name things in the natural world. Walking the woods and waste grounds of my childhood I would feel a flush of recognition and pride if I came across a tree or a wild flower that I knew. I don't know that there were a huge number that I recognised - wild garlic in the spring, the oak tree and the bluebell were perhaps the only names that came easily to mind - but even this basic knowledge helped me feel part of that landscape. I felt I knew my neighbours.<br />
<br />
There were all the usual special places and secret spots - up in the trees or in tangled dens beneath them - long summers were lived in these semi-wilds. I loved them without thinking and when one little patch of woodland was threatened by someone extending their garden, I was angry and grieved for the lost trees when they were gone.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlv-XatMmV7viyiDWaAD_eUoQgRSM24PlnLYF5AEOfvLbuvkWw5Yz2l2WG53zOZryScObSXzxhS6oW4ybdiyKkq0uiueC-iaj8lS-xV97PxojVzI2DSBTOitauHNDItdu3-F0CflkQL8/s1600/learning2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlv-XatMmV7viyiDWaAD_eUoQgRSM24PlnLYF5AEOfvLbuvkWw5Yz2l2WG53zOZryScObSXzxhS6oW4ybdiyKkq0uiueC-iaj8lS-xV97PxojVzI2DSBTOitauHNDItdu3-F0CflkQL8/s640/learning2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIxKKoAgxJK8bZvK7mxXv1tf12tf5dDE2lYw_PGTfOhaB26mUOgSa3RExn_R47UsElwBQ7edPEdssdXq9FYm0vqPC9zg8Uba4H6WYJ9RI2eoiequNXhL4HYlM-PoCR2iSutzZHjSzlbs/s1600/learning3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIxKKoAgxJK8bZvK7mxXv1tf12tf5dDE2lYw_PGTfOhaB26mUOgSa3RExn_R47UsElwBQ7edPEdssdXq9FYm0vqPC9zg8Uba4H6WYJ9RI2eoiequNXhL4HYlM-PoCR2iSutzZHjSzlbs/s640/learning3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In his book Last Child in the Woods, Richard Louv talks about the need for children to be familiar with their own natural neighbourhood and the occupants of it before they can be expected to care about the earth on a grander, more abstract scale. Faced with the entire planet to worry about, we can be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed. When so much of our natural world faces extinction it makes sense to start with what we know and can name; learning to care about 'the environment' comes as a result of learning to care about our own backyard.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtl7vTqF9e7IdUMPPotQDpdwWxjilIDrxeEU1Pg67jFpoO9QgFboRliUiSySa7PQVPs7kxG3mBZho2QXmsY_6yOJqy09Z6pTyIV_cKFtg042qCoS-_As2oHeMIDfKV38hAB7luwvyq5gI/s1600/learning6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtl7vTqF9e7IdUMPPotQDpdwWxjilIDrxeEU1Pg67jFpoO9QgFboRliUiSySa7PQVPs7kxG3mBZho2QXmsY_6yOJqy09Z6pTyIV_cKFtg042qCoS-_As2oHeMIDfKV38hAB7luwvyq5gI/s640/learning6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jIglfwcEVxShBUMYzC36tqM7pG4ftwlTWyekS_JqN4IgJGL8mOMsBtFIMlnfTVxnCG7flmPXOqWte5-JqPn5_CnNNlkTwHapsYQeRZdaTGNsUh9C06sfjeWgl9lFuawVhmRYCJTSLM8/s1600/learning7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jIglfwcEVxShBUMYzC36tqM7pG4ftwlTWyekS_JqN4IgJGL8mOMsBtFIMlnfTVxnCG7flmPXOqWte5-JqPn5_CnNNlkTwHapsYQeRZdaTGNsUh9C06sfjeWgl9lFuawVhmRYCJTSLM8/s640/learning7.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfIhV0xkWd4mGX-UUuuB6WPcl8SjfnQtyagAPEN2UZ-Z1kNnJkadOjZ30soyILyLDqOKsEL8P1VagAW7fzyT56Q70Ecc2M85JJXJJDUJve4v_7ua4zNieKR07j9iywBTcEozRROOPRS0/s1600/learning8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfIhV0xkWd4mGX-UUuuB6WPcl8SjfnQtyagAPEN2UZ-Z1kNnJkadOjZ30soyILyLDqOKsEL8P1VagAW7fzyT56Q70Ecc2M85JJXJJDUJve4v_7ua4zNieKR07j9iywBTcEozRROOPRS0/s640/learning8.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
All this feels particularly pertinent in the light of the threat to ash trees. Having read <span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://mel-talesofthecity.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/ashes-to-ashes.html"><span style="color: #e06666;">this heartbreaking piece</span></a> </span>about ash die back, in which the writer gives the bleak view that most people are oblivious to the tragedy happening in our woodlands, this seems more true than ever. If it is the case that 'many people couldn't identify an ash' then what hope is there that they would feel any sadness for its loss? If the general feeling is that one tree is after all much like another, how can we hope to truly be of use to our ailing planet? Diversity is what makes this world go round. The exquisite uniqueness of literally every living thing on or under the surface of this spinning rock is what provides the wonder and magic of our existence.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1FZqIhWV4HJrgXHPTXxlCjn5gu4eZXNIf_kdqIg7cq5ECOuBB74-Jq9ixLPhJc7xDaQwoxeTxjtltmCajcILUSYSGDTCXOUxZQg6VW1Yd4vhlOvKIg78ZvT_6-54EE7eCdz_n9XmImc/s1600/learning9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1FZqIhWV4HJrgXHPTXxlCjn5gu4eZXNIf_kdqIg7cq5ECOuBB74-Jq9ixLPhJc7xDaQwoxeTxjtltmCajcILUSYSGDTCXOUxZQg6VW1Yd4vhlOvKIg78ZvT_6-54EE7eCdz_n9XmImc/s640/learning9.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfuuvPgUxNx14Z5CSidhH5GAH-oFbdC8E0Gb1EmGnDzNVMNaOmWBqJX8n7J1bioOVMXkHS5TRh3hP9n0zchfMO2CcoyUSs_5ZJC8sqTani2JZAU-O9bIcTLDr2Gy9X1rOrabdV0Wvbk7U/s1600/learning10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfuuvPgUxNx14Z5CSidhH5GAH-oFbdC8E0Gb1EmGnDzNVMNaOmWBqJX8n7J1bioOVMXkHS5TRh3hP9n0zchfMO2CcoyUSs_5ZJC8sqTani2JZAU-O9bIcTLDr2Gy9X1rOrabdV0Wvbk7U/s640/learning10.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFuKZ1xVkmPwxMtqWMWJR7cGkh62X-cAsHGwHEDZArUv565723IDdlmRbb24qqnAhV0d7LwarJaDe7RMPeo45m_OWoHrp-DK-AGlLOc99Ehvm5UQtMPVDSiFJl_aJn9S8u-KA1ZBbUId4/s1600/learning11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFuKZ1xVkmPwxMtqWMWJR7cGkh62X-cAsHGwHEDZArUv565723IDdlmRbb24qqnAhV0d7LwarJaDe7RMPeo45m_OWoHrp-DK-AGlLOc99Ehvm5UQtMPVDSiFJl_aJn9S8u-KA1ZBbUId4/s640/learning11.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My naturalist knowledge hasn't improved a massive amount since my early days scrabbling through tatty woods, but I continue to be an earnest learner and I'm trying to encourage a similar curiosity in my children.<br />
<br />
This year, as Monty's legs have grown a little longer, we have spent more time walking, looking and gathering than ever before. Eli has become a keen spotter of wild foods and ash saplings and Monty has fully immersed himself in any berry-picking activities he's been involved in. They have become connoisseurs of dramatic skies and Eli often urges me to 'take a picture!' of a lovely view or a striking flower.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjYudhzXBrr2Kt7aliNnFqPQ0iNzHxlqTypz9MMFLchmJsCq1d-zBsYkCsPo6VhSUBcMlu6bWqkEDN3rOseswp5l1ItufHuM6IY8uXch-Y7_9jNsqQevTlPca5yApVMLpTvJvN-9d65s/s1600/learning12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjYudhzXBrr2Kt7aliNnFqPQ0iNzHxlqTypz9MMFLchmJsCq1d-zBsYkCsPo6VhSUBcMlu6bWqkEDN3rOseswp5l1ItufHuM6IY8uXch-Y7_9jNsqQevTlPca5yApVMLpTvJvN-9d65s/s640/learning12.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj490rNdeGGZuWP0RYGwkQrGB18nOXKS963DIW8ADfg6nWDSMZaP5l298UwM53O4gpb3xpSe69mVuploMNNCn91s1arGcvP3_yx3_HE6Etg_RjzHUsH93gfiCEBtu8XfN_jSxzY8qiJRA/s1600/learning13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj490rNdeGGZuWP0RYGwkQrGB18nOXKS963DIW8ADfg6nWDSMZaP5l298UwM53O4gpb3xpSe69mVuploMNNCn91s1arGcvP3_yx3_HE6Etg_RjzHUsH93gfiCEBtu8XfN_jSxzY8qiJRA/s640/learning13.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6RmKNiGIA_lx-5uLqCETpcAmmOwhPAVSSucHSeJAD-TJ-DFMCVRBcFwsEkckau9Fw4gba4uHb-oEpNPBK8C48o7NAjN5vSPCZat98r5XIzW8k-rELlBs5S_sSB7I7XiQAZIofXGVrtlw/s1600/learning14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6RmKNiGIA_lx-5uLqCETpcAmmOwhPAVSSucHSeJAD-TJ-DFMCVRBcFwsEkckau9Fw4gba4uHb-oEpNPBK8C48o7NAjN5vSPCZat98r5XIzW8k-rELlBs5S_sSB7I7XiQAZIofXGVrtlw/s640/learning14.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Helping them to know and love the play of light in the woodland, the eerie silence and bleak beauty of the moor, the brooding Pennine skies and the capricious moods of our Northern weather is a constant pleasure. Forging a connection with this place is the key to connection with all natural places, helping us to understand that 'the environment' is something immediate and necessary. No need for worksheets, a pair of sturdy shoes is all that's required. Together we map the seasons of our own backyard,Selina Goughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099874441156494492noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8587578543702907225.post-2697261298740267172012-11-21T22:53:00.000-08:002012-11-21T22:53:49.364-08:00Nurture Photography Finale<br />
<br />
This autumn has been a season of many photographs. Taking part in the Nurture Photography Challenge has prompted me to take my camera with me whenever I leave the house and to really discover beauty in the detail. A a result of all that looking I've got a fairly comprehensive record of this moment in our lives.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCC191fDkUWmSFQ-06VD58WY_v1SBur2by2Vzuaf28aB40aZXTpPivdj2_3BQvfJ-aOjkgs6GJEZ9Nc1NZ3AAlzR_QaHu9tH_87t6uMwULRaSHt4CrUxPIlNEySxISEfcFQMuuwj8kiw/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCC191fDkUWmSFQ-06VD58WY_v1SBur2by2Vzuaf28aB40aZXTpPivdj2_3BQvfJ-aOjkgs6GJEZ9Nc1NZ3AAlzR_QaHu9tH_87t6uMwULRaSHt4CrUxPIlNEySxISEfcFQMuuwj8kiw/s640/014.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtbF2RKmWacwpc6MR4Qjn0-JFVzSzAJF7D1Mcoz63btKgAoRhZfz7YJNehATimdMntw1yePEN1iSW_wAe_NUDwk9sP-VFjp-ETL45sYawlvn9T7KLGuhKKZ_X5k3aapyy08C5LuPSGLU/s1600/finaleblog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtbF2RKmWacwpc6MR4Qjn0-JFVzSzAJF7D1Mcoz63btKgAoRhZfz7YJNehATimdMntw1yePEN1iSW_wAe_NUDwk9sP-VFjp-ETL45sYawlvn9T7KLGuhKKZ_X5k3aapyy08C5LuPSGLU/s640/finaleblog1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
From the early stirrings of the season at Equinox to the bare trees and bleak skies that are the accompanying features of our current wanderings, each mood is captured. The light and landscape have changed, low winter sun now slants louchely through almost naked branches, illuminating surviving vegetation in a random and magical manner. Temperatures have dropped, there's a sniff of Christmas in the air.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQdKF-2LVrFkucqwSsF1c7Zt1PEThTVnlldD-wBzbA80iQstpxw5PjyNn41wKgfojiyROQTXYyJOsjnNepT9_WzE7Q4ayaJJLkLWpHwY0HvZKr_V14Z5tjwt5NisPi8WYGG6RhdJf2RU/s1600/100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQdKF-2LVrFkucqwSsF1c7Zt1PEThTVnlldD-wBzbA80iQstpxw5PjyNn41wKgfojiyROQTXYyJOsjnNepT9_WzE7Q4ayaJJLkLWpHwY0HvZKr_V14Z5tjwt5NisPi8WYGG6RhdJf2RU/s640/100.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The boys and I have walked widely during our autumn adventures and re-visited many favourite spots. If I'm honest, it will be harder for us to find the enthusiasm to get ourselves out there when the world looks barren and wet from our window, but I know we'll find a rhythm and joy with our winter explorations eventually. Promises of hot chocolate upon returning to the house will help to encourage us to pull on our boots and brave the elements. No doubt I will take my camera and continue my lessons in looking.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybG6Y-wBW4m8quEDTBY8diJPSctblQ0HF8GqlDGPUiU6pzTwTkoXwUFJu5l1pOZvFZKzUUUqSER-MV-66S_8_5kpVvbdZDd4v53tJC5faNcM9J-tGmpG9Bgk8cTkF-kxwBhY5rLHPiDs/s1600/finaleblog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybG6Y-wBW4m8quEDTBY8diJPSctblQ0HF8GqlDGPUiU6pzTwTkoXwUFJu5l1pOZvFZKzUUUqSER-MV-66S_8_5kpVvbdZDd4v53tJC5faNcM9J-tGmpG9Bgk8cTkF-kxwBhY5rLHPiDs/s640/finaleblog2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEVU56XUYbECj5FAWxssBckOL88XTKnarwIdZQ-rjEFr7_4x5T02R2u1Hh-uP4nAeUeCVQIRSvxYwk4U2qT94lsHl9c8mjIdAXO01BOYCVVy3M1JZ-5tU9tGYkiutekBWqDL7nt9-CcI/s1600/061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEVU56XUYbECj5FAWxssBckOL88XTKnarwIdZQ-rjEFr7_4x5T02R2u1Hh-uP4nAeUeCVQIRSvxYwk4U2qT94lsHl9c8mjIdAXO01BOYCVVy3M1JZ-5tU9tGYkiutekBWqDL7nt9-CcI/s640/061.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWze5dbaFctVEQWf0aMI2edOdtWbPR2O4s-IMJJEs9ar8j6URokCBy39tvHtQP8lbLrfHE9RuaYLLWGUfek5RIINLhPJuQ6F3EFbXPJrVGexBfhia6NI91nyuLdyV3UzXbLB8xxOZnXdk/s1600/056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWze5dbaFctVEQWf0aMI2edOdtWbPR2O4s-IMJJEs9ar8j6URokCBy39tvHtQP8lbLrfHE9RuaYLLWGUfek5RIINLhPJuQ6F3EFbXPJrVGexBfhia6NI91nyuLdyV3UzXbLB8xxOZnXdk/s640/056.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4SRcsSzIfX_ave_tk3SCwDSY-AyiQAPumI0W5o0aojdn7YCZOXYG9WLzwcaho_s1vL9UXRwIPsbLeX7h3nCX0H-JQS48nRLwRaO-tMUcnBq-NfUi_RrkyGZL3xsEX-kmW8ZXfFctQZaE/s1600/Finaleblog3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4SRcsSzIfX_ave_tk3SCwDSY-AyiQAPumI0W5o0aojdn7YCZOXYG9WLzwcaho_s1vL9UXRwIPsbLeX7h3nCX0H-JQS48nRLwRaO-tMUcnBq-NfUi_RrkyGZL3xsEX-kmW8ZXfFctQZaE/s640/Finaleblog3.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
I'm incredibly grateful to <a href="http://www.bumblesandlight.com/">Bumbles and Light </a>and <a href="http://liveandloveoutloud.com/">Live and Love out loud</a> for this opportunity to share a season with others and for providing inspiration and focus for my (very amateur!) photography. It's been a real treat to browse through such delicious pictures and see how other bloggers have documented the changing year.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBs_DCQr0BaRsZcAHaYhpvPDZULjwJjz0niAXGaID1LWWsKif1150OmsMOFNuYfpfU8XGLm4TIMgqJK4LVRAu7OZjVHkHtth_Vn1Rq91BuGCUlJJwkumYHJrHvpGalg62huQAHGFmASM/s1600/207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBs_DCQr0BaRsZcAHaYhpvPDZULjwJjz0niAXGaID1LWWsKif1150OmsMOFNuYfpfU8XGLm4TIMgqJK4LVRAu7OZjVHkHtth_Vn1Rq91BuGCUlJJwkumYHJrHvpGalg62huQAHGFmASM/s640/207.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Here's to the next challenge...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.bumblesandlight.com/fall-challenge/" target="_blank"><img alt="Nurture Photography - Autumn 2012 Photo Challenge" border="0" src="http://liveandloveoutloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/button250.jpg" /> </a></div>
Selina Goughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099874441156494492noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8587578543702907225.post-56856861571970590112012-11-14T23:32:00.000-08:002012-11-15T14:56:57.137-08:00And the land waits with us<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
It is fully the season of decay. We've passed through the mellowness of late summer, the splendour of mid-autumn and arrived at the gate of winter. The trees are almost bare, a few fluttering leaves cling to otherwise empty branches. The ground is mud and mulch, waterproof shoes are no longer optional. Smoke spirals upwards from houses where the inhabitants of these valleys shut out the growing darkness and seek comfort in hearth and home.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESxMOV7_k7CzI9Et6eJU_lgpFM0Fmf4QA5ZfMboWQzzVI95vf4GafmQFnzCqNs7NJcL4OniVf6NKKb6wbHoMDkT7K7LWuxn2vrkXIz8kDw5i5oKM5tCSX6Aj9X_JC4oJFk9SZzyKsm-Q/s1600/brown2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESxMOV7_k7CzI9Et6eJU_lgpFM0Fmf4QA5ZfMboWQzzVI95vf4GafmQFnzCqNs7NJcL4OniVf6NKKb6wbHoMDkT7K7LWuxn2vrkXIz8kDw5i5oKM5tCSX6Aj9X_JC4oJFk9SZzyKsm-Q/s640/brown2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinm0wFkPRZqblAqlsc6M1NI6CUUFoC5NFMReUxG5vKMqDO03nLKH_oji0CZlEHBoYZdrntPsKUjv7qa_blk2FsjpAq9IPgAqkVJb7kvdeRwFxDhBqdvvMpCTuGmPIOuxLPm28FdjqEvHo/s1600/brown4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinm0wFkPRZqblAqlsc6M1NI6CUUFoC5NFMReUxG5vKMqDO03nLKH_oji0CZlEHBoYZdrntPsKUjv7qa_blk2FsjpAq9IPgAqkVJb7kvdeRwFxDhBqdvvMpCTuGmPIOuxLPm28FdjqEvHo/s640/brown4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mYnKdewkbxr7YejdSc-pEiLmOkiQ_6EcJ74PLIRHhj6ABHsKgXNrsePyrPb2V5hqP0YzTrBoaBjA9-OUOrTirbJBNsok3nZUCNb7aoSksszJ0yC7FIbcVB7ePHeJyiNnZ8Zg6rRZP_g/s1600/brown5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mYnKdewkbxr7YejdSc-pEiLmOkiQ_6EcJ74PLIRHhj6ABHsKgXNrsePyrPb2V5hqP0YzTrBoaBjA9-OUOrTirbJBNsok3nZUCNb7aoSksszJ0yC7FIbcVB7ePHeJyiNnZ8Zg6rRZP_g/s640/brown5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvaHUdrL7lLGoahxjOz2jorxajkxNkSaIdHStszuAtZbz9TRPZh1isqn7D7VcVajtiUSAQMxNHbKtuF_sycrnek6EPqIF7XxmtbYY9mRv4f9Jo7e6DgA0i6GxRkAs0EckvF325Vsi_GmU/s1600/brown7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvaHUdrL7lLGoahxjOz2jorxajkxNkSaIdHStszuAtZbz9TRPZh1isqn7D7VcVajtiUSAQMxNHbKtuF_sycrnek6EPqIF7XxmtbYY9mRv4f9Jo7e6DgA0i6GxRkAs0EckvF325Vsi_GmU/s640/brown7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQnkM3f5OYAXnWA7KyqEA8AuMu7uWF3d_11UGfunPin2q2tyhycwY5hC6-rn6O3c-dnuI4ZvsMoVTKRj7T3J6Qsbl3-Swz8zpPdWWHfPv16gkpzTAWlv5l5WleuF9TU2VFdJw5tBMoJo/s1600/brown8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQnkM3f5OYAXnWA7KyqEA8AuMu7uWF3d_11UGfunPin2q2tyhycwY5hC6-rn6O3c-dnuI4ZvsMoVTKRj7T3J6Qsbl3-Swz8zpPdWWHfPv16gkpzTAWlv5l5WleuF9TU2VFdJw5tBMoJo/s640/brown8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Evenings are long and daylight scarce. The night-time frolics of Hallowe'en and Bonfire Night have been and gone. We make our peace with the months ahead. In these dark days we plan for the return of the light. We sow our seeds and nurture them, turning them over in our minds, watching them grow in our dreams, ready for the first licks of a clean spring wind.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckuz19QyRnORPyuo_e4NHbWAJKmar31ejnD8buSm5oAwzZMnpMUykciSMjEgluwLkvk-E_9Ie43BSW7gByP9WllDonJAT7adBpkEBdAqawIyH1rwXNQ75EVjfihZXwlU576DmtgkuBBQ/s1600/brown10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckuz19QyRnORPyuo_e4NHbWAJKmar31ejnD8buSm5oAwzZMnpMUykciSMjEgluwLkvk-E_9Ie43BSW7gByP9WllDonJAT7adBpkEBdAqawIyH1rwXNQ75EVjfihZXwlU576DmtgkuBBQ/s640/brown10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fKeZqE9hP3puY2ZCW3xamzDzSVKf8PGuhZWGoDmIGzUYyKGBqXG42jL9HhzAb2ufS3h46sqh6CY3PC56rwrLeLrnM7t6sRQbkxw4J4osQ7x5rphFZqFhaDMS5SY4zEh6UOHqFSpUd58/s1600/brown11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fKeZqE9hP3puY2ZCW3xamzDzSVKf8PGuhZWGoDmIGzUYyKGBqXG42jL9HhzAb2ufS3h46sqh6CY3PC56rwrLeLrnM7t6sRQbkxw4J4osQ7x5rphFZqFhaDMS5SY4zEh6UOHqFSpUd58/s640/brown11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5n1lV3lsR9NMtHcsmnOUFDER9oN9_KO0kqEVW5XL9_k5VAJmmN4Tz940eQDX4AvyJ2ZIs3A5RwNn-SjlDHKioWLID8Z1pky7bEMoI43tVhXIKVLYdDGEUmvU9k8izD-qWFo-MVdM6qO8/s1600/brown12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5n1lV3lsR9NMtHcsmnOUFDER9oN9_KO0kqEVW5XL9_k5VAJmmN4Tz940eQDX4AvyJ2ZIs3A5RwNn-SjlDHKioWLID8Z1pky7bEMoI43tVhXIKVLYdDGEUmvU9k8izD-qWFo-MVdM6qO8/s640/brown12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIlwwj1fyOP2Bgwvr9okdvoGPBLlLbRjijx63a6jmquVtQOV92e29drM75izjGerKA8oV4DAeO6jRd0NfByqcmW3yPZX-dq7-VfkAxO-UtfheJuuL50JOVEP7JerGhkQo75BN7O90rKY/s1600/brown13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIlwwj1fyOP2Bgwvr9okdvoGPBLlLbRjijx63a6jmquVtQOV92e29drM75izjGerKA8oV4DAeO6jRd0NfByqcmW3yPZX-dq7-VfkAxO-UtfheJuuL50JOVEP7JerGhkQo75BN7O90rKY/s640/brown13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We walk. To remind us that the land waits with us, to smell the rot and taste the damp. To feel the solidity beneath the soil, the great vastness of the earth under our feet. In this dark womb roots gather goodness to feed the growth of the future. We are supported, we are nourished.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.bumblesandlight.com/fall-challenge/" target="_blank"><img alt="Nurture Photography - Autumn 2012 Photo Challenge" border="0" src="http://liveandloveoutloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/button250.jpg" /> </a></div>
Selina Goughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099874441156494492noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8587578543702907225.post-48021545168210613792012-11-13T22:33:00.000-08:002012-11-13T22:33:35.449-08:00The Big Smoke<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There's something about the idea of so many people living in one place, closely packed together but largely unconnected, that makes me feel overwhelmed. Just the logistics of how all of those people move around the city every day without large amounts of disaster and trauma baffles me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I can get quite anxious when I start to think about the consumption that happens here. I don't just mean the unrelenting temptation to spend money, but the simple things like a carton of milk...how on earth are dairy farmers managing to produce enough milk for all those millions of people? What is happening to all that plastic? Is it even possible to feed this many people ethically? My ideas and beliefs about how we need to live smaller, closer to the land and to each other seem somewhat naive in the face of such complexity and scale.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIO-9AKcLIsCs5-AFnbew7alHy4GfwYJJ86rF8bMRgwdsB_uimH-gcUBblxU_-0VckmQp7VWfTjgz_H-tutoCqLfaRy1oZqAuuNjuvjzjPBudQap4FwHN6G8Og8uiXX9UjvikVxKKael0/s1600/London4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIO-9AKcLIsCs5-AFnbew7alHy4GfwYJJ86rF8bMRgwdsB_uimH-gcUBblxU_-0VckmQp7VWfTjgz_H-tutoCqLfaRy1oZqAuuNjuvjzjPBudQap4FwHN6G8Og8uiXX9UjvikVxKKael0/s640/London4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
Because of this, I generally approach visits to London with some trepidation. One of my oldest friends lives here with her family and seeing them is reason enough to brave the journey but since having children I have found little pleasure in the city's other offerings. It always seems to take an age to get anywhere, a long walk at best, an assortment of buses and undergrounds at worst. The boys are usually exhausted and emotional before lunchtime, and by the end of the day I've joined them in a chorus of despair.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7g2GhuO0N0fFhL0EQMbZGSjIJbK5CsmiVNaaD4SJRoBmwVdo_3S5iwQCypcJnrsRZ9vVkutU0sQv0SiDUMZWDx7g9vSqGUmvV99cJxKOgbJhvRV6w5GA8Zw3CdgOSy67HcfvPuJGESks/s1600/London5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7g2GhuO0N0fFhL0EQMbZGSjIJbK5CsmiVNaaD4SJRoBmwVdo_3S5iwQCypcJnrsRZ9vVkutU0sQv0SiDUMZWDx7g9vSqGUmvV99cJxKOgbJhvRV6w5GA8Zw3CdgOSy67HcfvPuJGESks/s640/London5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqhfGNJzVcnuxyah33pFQfMgPY-Q2eSYENYBzGDWHmrnjeqgqKm-Fcbhbr4rIkNM5iIbxzN4LUUmxshVyKlguK1Nz9jZ1O-nZwW9RK_OyBKH37k1AfhquVme_g3Qge1J-gkFaQGQAoFA/s1600/London6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqhfGNJzVcnuxyah33pFQfMgPY-Q2eSYENYBzGDWHmrnjeqgqKm-Fcbhbr4rIkNM5iIbxzN4LUUmxshVyKlguK1Nz9jZ1O-nZwW9RK_OyBKH37k1AfhquVme_g3Qge1J-gkFaQGQAoFA/s640/London6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
But this time, something different happened. Something surprising and affirming. Maybe it was because the boys were a little older; maybe it was because they had their scooters so that long walks became fast and fun; maybe it was managing a significant trip across town with the boys on my own with no tears; maybe it was the sunshine; or perhaps it was just a growing sense of familiarity...but I genuinely enjoyed my stay.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrtC0jWiRA6fkYfa0NIYnmsY2yEH8eBmYJY2mk00bD_C21bcaaes889gb5H_cK3arjkbUdOT_Wnz2EY9jW8twne8xMl5mkrlLjq35rwx_D-gOuQLfkDCiM8lWbV6Xn13uckvlogamI_s/s1600/London7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrtC0jWiRA6fkYfa0NIYnmsY2yEH8eBmYJY2mk00bD_C21bcaaes889gb5H_cK3arjkbUdOT_Wnz2EY9jW8twne8xMl5mkrlLjq35rwx_D-gOuQLfkDCiM8lWbV6Xn13uckvlogamI_s/s640/London7.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZioUeWVOMv1q0JsIjVi6g0Vs2Y9gi6Z5zggt6nvJ8mBi7gNDi-Ug1e0UJ89CK6joOuHd31DJ5MtU8d5-rQikpr4sk7SCiXWtrKlFHjUKxSuC-PPY5Cmazqm-7wbybOqjMjXI77upCdSw/s1600/London2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZioUeWVOMv1q0JsIjVi6g0Vs2Y9gi6Z5zggt6nvJ8mBi7gNDi-Ug1e0UJ89CK6joOuHd31DJ5MtU8d5-rQikpr4sk7SCiXWtrKlFHjUKxSuC-PPY5Cmazqm-7wbybOqjMjXI77upCdSw/s640/London2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3Nm9FX63OImGln62PLsEP3yejGbuhcC65dEtrDCDzYDaNGZ3kCkKG8FLkweMEyS5sgiFtIzVvM5FyUCs1rDv6wCvxSBTkfB4Rh6OTN0tgBcP72X6KnU9eHSR3stf2tWJjoTqPMN7jIk/s1600/London1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3Nm9FX63OImGln62PLsEP3yejGbuhcC65dEtrDCDzYDaNGZ3kCkKG8FLkweMEyS5sgiFtIzVvM5FyUCs1rDv6wCvxSBTkfB4Rh6OTN0tgBcP72X6KnU9eHSR3stf2tWJjoTqPMN7jIk/s640/London1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3xtemxJ7FFe9ysmJ0Pub3UN1cTAADsfR9K-WCzAeJOkczPtt1UrvK9Xfd_PVfEP_MfgsOI55UNn3sWQtLta52dng0z6iCm1sa7pgvOJUca1a-x36clql6nXAb4KMOoEXi710LV0XTao/s1600/London3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3xtemxJ7FFe9ysmJ0Pub3UN1cTAADsfR9K-WCzAeJOkczPtt1UrvK9Xfd_PVfEP_MfgsOI55UNn3sWQtLta52dng0z6iCm1sa7pgvOJUca1a-x36clql6nXAb4KMOoEXi710LV0XTao/s640/London3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm starting to understand that without big cities, there's no big architecture, big mass gatherings of people, or really big ambitious, seemingly impossible, ideas. It's been said before but London really is the universe in a nutshell; pavements full of the pounding feet of people from all nationalities, ages and social backgrounds, buildings that beggar belief, movement and action, history and knowledge. I am so grateful that my children will be familiar with this place, confident with the mayhem and the scale<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHb0V14SwD2hV83g1p2uMgSGROIeiJCipptJz-Qr0vZ4TTjl-Pyw-AVaWYhNf4oTjJA9inWs1dIJa8nNb0nDO-eYq9Mu-uVmojJVWDbs0A64krzdtQ6voS-GhBfQktcGD5CLD3yK1rOFc/s1600/London8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHb0V14SwD2hV83g1p2uMgSGROIeiJCipptJz-Qr0vZ4TTjl-Pyw-AVaWYhNf4oTjJA9inWs1dIJa8nNb0nDO-eYq9Mu-uVmojJVWDbs0A64krzdtQ6voS-GhBfQktcGD5CLD3yK1rOFc/s640/London8.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DdkoVqJFn4iWoNH0LD5MPrhlHkzYQT5bWHP1RvWdleHUpWxFbWSUG6feLEKpMFGki26IhXs4KOweX6XsZE3nDMkFPXBPRz4HzqkqLCfA4CBew-CUmtGnpNh1HvFWJI0XpH0q244Vesk/s1600/London10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DdkoVqJFn4iWoNH0LD5MPrhlHkzYQT5bWHP1RvWdleHUpWxFbWSUG6feLEKpMFGki26IhXs4KOweX6XsZE3nDMkFPXBPRz4HzqkqLCfA4CBew-CUmtGnpNh1HvFWJI0XpH0q244Vesk/s640/London10.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVqa6Bl0zhkejRcpE-d3mw761uu5DRdgrPT8U07K7N8iacwiVpcmdB-32W0FMMIdWpryueiPWj9pLP_rZZLxDFuPnQWNJjmPsH0XMSxvWKLlaQ4HQZnYdlkS6D05Rz883BzfaNxTzFKM/s1600/London11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVqa6Bl0zhkejRcpE-d3mw761uu5DRdgrPT8U07K7N8iacwiVpcmdB-32W0FMMIdWpryueiPWj9pLP_rZZLxDFuPnQWNJjmPsH0XMSxvWKLlaQ4HQZnYdlkS6D05Rz883BzfaNxTzFKM/s640/London11.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaR9DYNs8JxIEIuJdC3aNCoY07jdBFCGLjd8uTTVe4mmHySZEux5DyP005ZgwvClVEbaWfBoFonLQ_wDJSoK_MRBw3vmpnRP_rRh_VrCSLas6k6U97YMHW0AP3NcmEsYcq-pr8ngoYlbc/s1600/London12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaR9DYNs8JxIEIuJdC3aNCoY07jdBFCGLjd8uTTVe4mmHySZEux5DyP005ZgwvClVEbaWfBoFonLQ_wDJSoK_MRBw3vmpnRP_rRh_VrCSLas6k6U97YMHW0AP3NcmEsYcq-pr8ngoYlbc/s640/London12.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZ65d7D5vjFYOjNNs6RqFVVlZkGjEO8V90zm3VzfbRD2ACJvYnnVLGZtjduPnWaKvbdBQBXbaB6_rBLAMC8f27oyOSii_z80F1w0Oaedk5PjsyyfB34BW4FzfwDLg94yJcWWWsMiM7M4/s1600/London13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZ65d7D5vjFYOjNNs6RqFVVlZkGjEO8V90zm3VzfbRD2ACJvYnnVLGZtjduPnWaKvbdBQBXbaB6_rBLAMC8f27oyOSii_z80F1w0Oaedk5PjsyyfB34BW4FzfwDLg94yJcWWWsMiM7M4/s640/London13.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
And this time, on the way to Highbury play park - I realised that London's parks are everywhere. From the wide sweeping vistas of Hyde Park to the little greens hidden at the hearts of the various villages that make up this city. These parks are full of incredibly old and noble trees; their branches filling the sky whilst their relinquished leaves fill up the pavements. Places to stop and breath, to rest the eyes and restore the spirit.<br />
<br />
As my two very energetic children will also attest, London's parks surely contain the very best play equipment in the land.<br />
<br />
I have a feeling this could be the start of a beautiful friendship.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Selina Goughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099874441156494492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8587578543702907225.post-10104365439922370432012-11-08T02:34:00.002-08:002012-11-08T02:34:58.806-08:00Purple city<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">I've missed a couple weeks of the <a href="http://www.bumblesandlight.com/fall-challenge/"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Nurture Photography Challenge.</span></a> My 'red' themed post was too late to submit and 'orange' just passed me by completely. I was feeling slightly worried then by this week's theme 'Halloween/purple'.I got too caught up in the fun to take any decent Halloween pictures and was perplexed as to where I might discover purple things at this time of the year, particularly as we were heading to London for five days.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjezqwc2549thmsjqGjIDd4kYmKkzFxKwRUByQaohKq5u8ewb2LTr-s-KB3z_bkCZCkRIXhdRCD3vFzpt3FuXVjyu3W1XUZ8EVFV3N4H6ihJHAyqX9faBjGM-RZEWrr5MqpMCZml7j_VOQ/s1600/purple1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjezqwc2549thmsjqGjIDd4kYmKkzFxKwRUByQaohKq5u8ewb2LTr-s-KB3z_bkCZCkRIXhdRCD3vFzpt3FuXVjyu3W1XUZ8EVFV3N4H6ihJHAyqX9faBjGM-RZEWrr5MqpMCZml7j_VOQ/s640/purple1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkIoWuWkdmdgBFCj6vQtVv03Gy4cjnb5JjZbz10qYDSlhqJVwiMonU4fwPLLwyxfB0nrZmXK3YHE7FpMufL4NhfVbMWaaxqcebZOC27uBI8NKKliAtEjaxNBaFUrODQH4YQE8U8od2Csw/s1600/purple2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkIoWuWkdmdgBFCj6vQtVv03Gy4cjnb5JjZbz10qYDSlhqJVwiMonU4fwPLLwyxfB0nrZmXK3YHE7FpMufL4NhfVbMWaaxqcebZOC27uBI8NKKliAtEjaxNBaFUrODQH4YQE8U8od2Csw/s640/purple2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Being a bit of a nature girl, I'm hard on London. I think of it unfairly as a barren metropolis, whose inhabitants are starved of the stuff I find so essential. I was very happy to be proved wrong however, and it turned out that London was 'the' place to find just what I was after. These berries on Newington Green were an incredible perfect purple, such an unusual berry - I snapped some shots quickly in case it was the only chance I got.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwe9FAUvNpE7bFeXMKz-83I4kRQYgcL7cCaMD8IUpiotI9-TmF72g9i6CWmQIjwQQt_l8ut9Me5XILYbxsMccJgoe2Yzf01Q5K-vKgMQre3RMgOcajEvgny3C33EllLRdGemSHqUzjkvo/s1600/purple3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwe9FAUvNpE7bFeXMKz-83I4kRQYgcL7cCaMD8IUpiotI9-TmF72g9i6CWmQIjwQQt_l8ut9Me5XILYbxsMccJgoe2Yzf01Q5K-vKgMQre3RMgOcajEvgny3C33EllLRdGemSHqUzjkvo/s640/purple3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLvwKnbhtFRGeg0Eyw-LqHIZ8JYZYd4ce0pwNdInPPL6qdKPthSzCPkHOzYRgIEzBp3roaXJ0qRbqyFPRKSXBx8fBrvV5l39UWdoRjSy3MIXBfJ8WA3RFyc_TCcl4XwIxeeSU1ZOLiLM/s1600/purple4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLvwKnbhtFRGeg0Eyw-LqHIZ8JYZYd4ce0pwNdInPPL6qdKPthSzCPkHOzYRgIEzBp3roaXJ0qRbqyFPRKSXBx8fBrvV5l39UWdoRjSy3MIXBfJ8WA3RFyc_TCcl4XwIxeeSU1ZOLiLM/s640/purple4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
But no! There were lilac hebes against a sunny wall, and in<a href="http://www.freightlinersfarm.org.uk/"><span style="color: #674ea7;"> Islington's Freightliners farm</span></a> airy verbena bonariensis, surrounded by fennel against a purple bench backdrop, and even a few fragile flowers managing to hang on into mid autumn though looking increasingly doomed. I was surrounded, it seemed, by a colour I had assumed to be difficult to locate.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQdDKv_2g5P7CxBa1Yosyv_GcDX7tqOWdvBsl47I00N84p8eCS3lDUbfwUB7-DB0nDZtH0v_x1Ts4UEe5GwIGRoHnkJ0DVuHmEhA-yLdC4piaVZ0TO3pbJ0dG2zXVhpz2mTKummjosXE/s1600/purple5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQdDKv_2g5P7CxBa1Yosyv_GcDX7tqOWdvBsl47I00N84p8eCS3lDUbfwUB7-DB0nDZtH0v_x1Ts4UEe5GwIGRoHnkJ0DVuHmEhA-yLdC4piaVZ0TO3pbJ0dG2zXVhpz2mTKummjosXE/s640/purple5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnWK9e1eVe5I5d-9LV6YRRHATSIgBqnKtHKNfhly8gKz_R68V3X_TgH0NxjDAPdELPSWwMWdAH_JPQWIfCgqIE9GKHLoF4Vd4oyYjb6L1_amHU1Gn0o70B1vlZo4jvmRIwNvwM4K9vBc/s1600/purple6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnWK9e1eVe5I5d-9LV6YRRHATSIgBqnKtHKNfhly8gKz_R68V3X_TgH0NxjDAPdELPSWwMWdAH_JPQWIfCgqIE9GKHLoF4Vd4oyYjb6L1_amHU1Gn0o70B1vlZo4jvmRIwNvwM4K9vBc/s640/purple6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7E3Bq9wpzfjbgOqVPFACTw_3JmGUL3jCqz1md2P-OFM70HLBeky-UNNr5kls_1DaqsiNAmgLh8KmcfoKOkFBgPHuCNNZzI1NmBwpI9JwSpfefC0CQICEfXpriKxu7Kospt7k4D1nWCc/s1600/purple7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7E3Bq9wpzfjbgOqVPFACTw_3JmGUL3jCqz1md2P-OFM70HLBeky-UNNr5kls_1DaqsiNAmgLh8KmcfoKOkFBgPHuCNNZzI1NmBwpI9JwSpfefC0CQICEfXpriKxu7Kospt7k4D1nWCc/s640/purple7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgBqH0WtaoGYXYfEJifCTaNBS0wXr_YudaT8kFcbKKdPkaj-3dhFP66CGYGLDX9FAr3dt0lp0hOFeUU08KsNzeciZbN70st8OI5Jz0Px4CZSmufBWZdqMOhhtsnyQvIwr48UMIaaWk_w/s1600/purple8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgBqH0WtaoGYXYfEJifCTaNBS0wXr_YudaT8kFcbKKdPkaj-3dhFP66CGYGLDX9FAr3dt0lp0hOFeUU08KsNzeciZbN70st8OI5Jz0Px4CZSmufBWZdqMOhhtsnyQvIwr48UMIaaWk_w/s640/purple8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZseJ-3ZpvYYyI_v0TM7Nrq0ZuII_AMkfWVYurMaGghiXXYovat7llnVIuGx9G9MdfQ-o2Ygju7q4CeqXx1kC4_jT5AHvZaGDltdC0l-yjiY6KgJ503aHlrLOkYOQ_qYKdgEnSPQf7go/s1600/purple9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZseJ-3ZpvYYyI_v0TM7Nrq0ZuII_AMkfWVYurMaGghiXXYovat7llnVIuGx9G9MdfQ-o2Ygju7q4CeqXx1kC4_jT5AHvZaGDltdC0l-yjiY6KgJ503aHlrLOkYOQ_qYKdgEnSPQf7go/s640/purple9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I thought my job was done. Then just as we were leaving - about to catch a bus to the train station - I saw those same berries I'd spotted on the first day of our visit, but lit up this time with the sun of the late year. My family was already at the bus stop but I had to try and catch some of that sun. So with seconds to spare I unpacked the camera...I didn't quite miss the bus, but it was close.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusKv8WSFLdE4LrOlAjlS_iHrqHNrGCQFwNfl9UcMxSgWIf0f5RMQn80AIszVAN_u7o2abOPfhdizzEEgmSnf3q-CZkXobMmOM2ubvDmIk09cGV1LvPHQTo0zKlmpl0aakHyV3OIH1Ncg/s1600/purple10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusKv8WSFLdE4LrOlAjlS_iHrqHNrGCQFwNfl9UcMxSgWIf0f5RMQn80AIszVAN_u7o2abOPfhdizzEEgmSnf3q-CZkXobMmOM2ubvDmIk09cGV1LvPHQTo0zKlmpl0aakHyV3OIH1Ncg/s640/purple10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQNh7MBMWSzOgt9HUAOK3suOiO7V-4qJMwCDkNlAvYXvwc4WoGxplbxa-wT8jLq4gcrTn8P65Q86ZTBlP0fVK2wjPv4kq427iiU-H7Q0ibIQ-RZGF36SV0naWorZCTtrO6PLN-F4-0FI/s1600/purple11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQNh7MBMWSzOgt9HUAOK3suOiO7V-4qJMwCDkNlAvYXvwc4WoGxplbxa-wT8jLq4gcrTn8P65Q86ZTBlP0fVK2wjPv4kq427iiU-H7Q0ibIQ-RZGF36SV0naWorZCTtrO6PLN-F4-0FI/s640/purple11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Thank you London, for reminding me that beauty truly is everywhere if only we know how to look.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.bumblesandlight.com/fall-challenge/" target="_blank"><img src="http://liveandloveoutloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/button250.jpg" /></a></div>
Selina Goughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099874441156494492noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8587578543702907225.post-75809616128777765372012-11-02T14:47:00.003-07:002012-11-02T14:47:39.518-07:00Red is the colour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXRD7dBAUB7RydngZtZ-2ZB_BDWaBlU793wmLWWVNDbf-KGirTtrbMPA84HdlnLaCn2wJD-9iV87ehh0UlTbkULA9-vH-4oWt7BW9cel__52sE9aU6jbpASVdlWSowBrpAN9uT0kiZFw/s1600/red1(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXRD7dBAUB7RydngZtZ-2ZB_BDWaBlU793wmLWWVNDbf-KGirTtrbMPA84HdlnLaCn2wJD-9iV87ehh0UlTbkULA9-vH-4oWt7BW9cel__52sE9aU6jbpASVdlWSowBrpAN9uT0kiZFw/s640/red1(2).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Red. Lips, blood and rage.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Juicy fruits and warning lights, alluring and alarming. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
All the worst and best women wear red,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
preferably shoes with narrow heels or a dress to arrest</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
the attention. Scarlet painted nails drumming</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
hotly on a tabletop. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Red skies at night to delight </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
passing shepherds.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Crimson love hearts painted onto Valentine's day cards.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtM9U-5v5ZAQEcHozmXOZAKeUFVXEQctrpOqT-TstMQuZoQIoSZmyAXWqNeWXHOZcY_xZUyocYi6Oq5jCATauUsTGRNWugsPoHsQuSdU-KLay9q5k19hTfDIcX_ARxUBCLKkCUP0m4cQ/s1600/red2(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtM9U-5v5ZAQEcHozmXOZAKeUFVXEQctrpOqT-TstMQuZoQIoSZmyAXWqNeWXHOZcY_xZUyocYi6Oq5jCATauUsTGRNWugsPoHsQuSdU-KLay9q5k19hTfDIcX_ARxUBCLKkCUP0m4cQ/s640/red2(2).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjT_XCvR4qSlwZd7f0DCrWoPNci-yfChjgZSSmgTdL3crB0PvhQZaOQ2ksFVYK36XXIwF0TsZN0T29A-msojdCLfktUFERs-aC5rIa5KPdFfrP3f2wbFWiBiwyLawvKlXhu90j9kXgqk/s1600/red3(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjT_XCvR4qSlwZd7f0DCrWoPNci-yfChjgZSSmgTdL3crB0PvhQZaOQ2ksFVYK36XXIwF0TsZN0T29A-msojdCLfktUFERs-aC5rIa5KPdFfrP3f2wbFWiBiwyLawvKlXhu90j9kXgqk/s640/red3(2).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6DYh1MARIVgHoNf1s1p7SeBF_SmKmRHVJK1yCGY9ecFsOVbxkWTUaqUargH_0riw6_kHOPBL-P3pDkZwzggappXbSFHDxoBxh3ajRRFHftEr7ZKTg5ip7_1SGREN2ZJIP5QilNtvSI4/s1600/red4(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6DYh1MARIVgHoNf1s1p7SeBF_SmKmRHVJK1yCGY9ecFsOVbxkWTUaqUargH_0riw6_kHOPBL-P3pDkZwzggappXbSFHDxoBxh3ajRRFHftEr7ZKTg5ip7_1SGREN2ZJIP5QilNtvSI4/s640/red4(2).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<br />
Sorry for the dodgy poetry folks!<br />
<br /></div>
Selina Goughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099874441156494492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8587578543702907225.post-48664577553811190702012-10-28T22:56:00.000-07:002012-10-28T22:56:03.298-07:00Our placeOur house is old. It's walls are made of stone and around the windows this stone is visible like a Henge, the bones of this home. The floor is also stone and there is a groove worn where generations of people have shuffled through the doorway.<br />
<br />
I do not keep it neat and tidy although it's the sort of cottage that should be. There are vagrant clothes on the stairs, in the kitchen and on the back of the sofa.This sofa is battered and stained but covered with a crocheted blanket to protect its modesty. Dust heaps often gather in the corners of the stairs.<br />
<br />
In a high wind the windows rattle and the house sprouts draughts from every tiny crack. These same cracks let in our little winter visitors, the mice, looking for crumbs and warmth. An old aerial creaks on the chimney.<br />
<br />
There isn't a lot of room, it's a bit of a squash if people come to visit. We eat in our living room at a small pine table covered in scratches, pen marks and tiny divets where Monty has banged the tines of his fork into the table with force. Some say it is an impractical house for a family with two growing boys.<br />
<br />
And yet...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Morning light comes into the back of the house through a filter of tree canopy.Out of the kitchen window I watch it dance with the woods, blinking and glinting, switching on and off with the movement of leaves. This is the same sunlight I see touching the tip of the opposite hill and moving down through the landscape as the day progresses. In the afternoon it fills the front rooms, sometimes dazzling but always welcome.<br />
<br />
Our view is perhaps the hardest thing to imagine giving up. It's a pastoral cliche - all fields, farmhouses and wooded hills. This house stands on the opposite side of the valley, we look down upon the tops of trees and the flights of birds; we can watch the river rumbling by. There is a big open field which the deer particularly love to visit. Each time I see them, I am moved by their wildness. This year I watched them with their young, springing and sprinting, mad with freedom.<br />
<br />
I'm finding it hard to imagine giving up these familiar scenes for somewhere more practical, but I think that the time may have come. We could do with a little more space and I hanker after a garden, a bit of earth to call my own. I had hoped that we might be able to move into another old stone house near some woods with a breathtaking view, but unsurprisingly there aren't many of those about that remain affordable. We have found a house that has been loved, with garden enough for growing and fruit trees in the hedges. In a few days we will hopefully hear from another who seems to love our little cottage, then we'll just need to let go and try and discover the romance in a different sort of house, in a different sort of neighbourhood. And so we wait...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCdTRP_ug6pPHZOGwV0JzmMO-vFfk7i2QX9xB2aah_Rw8XdxYKhmnkDzqw2zs5e9lZSPF0KhItaj4Oi706dvvtaJASJ6t3qycficrV746bGp6i0cXE6zX7NOmAQMV7E7EYb1awLS_Gog/s1600/house.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCdTRP_ug6pPHZOGwV0JzmMO-vFfk7i2QX9xB2aah_Rw8XdxYKhmnkDzqw2zs5e9lZSPF0KhItaj4Oi706dvvtaJASJ6t3qycficrV746bGp6i0cXE6zX7NOmAQMV7E7EYb1awLS_Gog/s640/house.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(The woods outside our door)</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Selina Goughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099874441156494492noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8587578543702907225.post-67629586941948112602012-10-16T22:46:00.000-07:002012-10-16T22:46:01.591-07:00Golden boy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHo_ZhmXohqVZn2GY1opEtadLAmpbSym_EeCKmcl69CIkYXn6g2vnvphWA9wd16xC3vQBZFXYFcAUbqyDQjb3sau_t1jiW9pO2PBKPOZF72Oz00rwptpy9cVZ17ujUZgHzgYEY96mpNe4/s1600/yellow7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHo_ZhmXohqVZn2GY1opEtadLAmpbSym_EeCKmcl69CIkYXn6g2vnvphWA9wd16xC3vQBZFXYFcAUbqyDQjb3sau_t1jiW9pO2PBKPOZF72Oz00rwptpy9cVZ17ujUZgHzgYEY96mpNe4/s1600/yellow7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHo_ZhmXohqVZn2GY1opEtadLAmpbSym_EeCKmcl69CIkYXn6g2vnvphWA9wd16xC3vQBZFXYFcAUbqyDQjb3sau_t1jiW9pO2PBKPOZF72Oz00rwptpy9cVZ17ujUZgHzgYEY96mpNe4/s1600/yellow7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHo_ZhmXohqVZn2GY1opEtadLAmpbSym_EeCKmcl69CIkYXn6g2vnvphWA9wd16xC3vQBZFXYFcAUbqyDQjb3sau_t1jiW9pO2PBKPOZF72Oz00rwptpy9cVZ17ujUZgHzgYEY96mpNe4/s640/yellow7.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A grey tarmac road, a track, a field, a gate. My golden haired boy runs and darts, feet barely touching the ground. He is smiling, all teeth and dimples; backwards and forwards he goes, offering arms to lift and hands to hold then pulling away to freedom and the joy of swift movement. There is a gang of us on this expedition but I cannot keep my eyes or my camera away from this little one with the bright halo of hair.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYsCXFGmCYui1_Rdm-A-lFVlPiwd2p9r0VzUB23lm32LJlvimypcTUd6nZgHbOQx8J_PCVdIOg7oGFWSxmit2wplg10ezzL_Oc8nqhj8-plOWtohWLhR0LfI6jKyDD0eHA2uMpXB9G84U/s1600/yellow8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYsCXFGmCYui1_Rdm-A-lFVlPiwd2p9r0VzUB23lm32LJlvimypcTUd6nZgHbOQx8J_PCVdIOg7oGFWSxmit2wplg10ezzL_Oc8nqhj8-plOWtohWLhR0LfI6jKyDD0eHA2uMpXB9G84U/s640/yellow8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVp6ySHwLoB8bfwvUNfoVWd-ROk_P7z4g4UshyphenhyphenqXo7naBviQHlRjbI69eG_KLRiKzBRQWidqQIezpXIKBSoxvB7Oln6AEpIzbdJtEtV8ycHOHnitFJXbmdrNl3LRSr1E4iN8yxpIOKp0/s1600/yellow9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVp6ySHwLoB8bfwvUNfoVWd-ROk_P7z4g4UshyphenhyphenqXo7naBviQHlRjbI69eG_KLRiKzBRQWidqQIezpXIKBSoxvB7Oln6AEpIzbdJtEtV8ycHOHnitFJXbmdrNl3LRSr1E4iN8yxpIOKp0/s640/yellow9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Both of my boys have mounds of hair upon their heads; it's amazing stuff that just gets bigger and fuller as it grows. Eli's has lost its blonde innocence and I think this winter may take the light from Monty's too. This could be the last time I get to capture the glow of those curls; the light scattered like fairy dust along the threads of his mane. The shimmering, shining wonder of it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIP88v6QCTsE9PH53uuVS1s3JowVEZh3y-s8QOm5DGKby64ZkC4qnNCST2GdK1MFfTFrkLOAG5UzDv-t5M5Grh2wSG-lNZ9LNuLKEsMEBvMqd41yvYOpFK1dcjnXruSLjFEotR5i6Anhg/s1600/Yellow2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIP88v6QCTsE9PH53uuVS1s3JowVEZh3y-s8QOm5DGKby64ZkC4qnNCST2GdK1MFfTFrkLOAG5UzDv-t5M5Grh2wSG-lNZ9LNuLKEsMEBvMqd41yvYOpFK1dcjnXruSLjFEotR5i6Anhg/s640/Yellow2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1sn5KIzb4H98WuFtv6KHgzGqPbY7q4gwtOvAEWajo4DsU_-2PfwTrcyPLUpG83y8joupe-ZLrElDevmIkQZWXBnKEQsM-1i5ntKVXj4h3mzN4ixF03iHR4njPzWvh1J7Kwc4qLZtUgc/s1600/yellow10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1sn5KIzb4H98WuFtv6KHgzGqPbY7q4gwtOvAEWajo4DsU_-2PfwTrcyPLUpG83y8joupe-ZLrElDevmIkQZWXBnKEQsM-1i5ntKVXj4h3mzN4ixF03iHR4njPzWvh1J7Kwc4qLZtUgc/s640/yellow10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My brother and my dad had the same thick golden hair when they were children, but sadly they both lost a large amount of it when they hit their twenties. I think it came as a shock to my dad at the tender age of twenty-one to suddenly have his crowning glory coming away in drifts. To this day, he blames the standard issue army beret he was obliged to wear during his National Service. I'm more inclined to blame genetics, when I and others appreciate my boys' locks, it is always edged with a slight sadness that this gift may be lost before they are ready to part with it. So for now, we let it grow long and luxurious, a tangle of tresses to trap the light with.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9oIGEIZ2crx5NSGnLlMPGa4ERYX0CnoEw2vyyu-IrpUpdyRATGGGgUTslZAyTO17AnRn1FvXhZCxpJluJV8ArLh7sesKYB9Kvdc57AJAj1fe4IJe4y7N2lC-_nRw8e7G0-EayZwgVUs/s1600/yellow4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9oIGEIZ2crx5NSGnLlMPGa4ERYX0CnoEw2vyyu-IrpUpdyRATGGGgUTslZAyTO17AnRn1FvXhZCxpJluJV8ArLh7sesKYB9Kvdc57AJAj1fe4IJe4y7N2lC-_nRw8e7G0-EayZwgVUs/s640/yellow4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Can you spot the little sprite in the trees?)</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzT3xV9N7bu_6SO2AZcbTWz7E_THcybrLgBCKeOFsD-d3v8BRbjywdY1hQq9YMIgO5q-Yzl_DDu5RmEw9gfJ5q1cqgv0fIeww5txag0a1oH4tS0Rd4_rSjPOJ0AY7TVyZf3fgGy6rB7E/s1600/yellow3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzT3xV9N7bu_6SO2AZcbTWz7E_THcybrLgBCKeOFsD-d3v8BRbjywdY1hQq9YMIgO5q-Yzl_DDu5RmEw9gfJ5q1cqgv0fIeww5txag0a1oH4tS0Rd4_rSjPOJ0AY7TVyZf3fgGy6rB7E/s640/yellow3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
.......................</div>
<br />
This is my late post for the Nurture Photography Challenge - there are some stunning pictures that people have contributed on the theme of yellow/light this week. I can recommend having a look.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.bumblesandlight.com/fall-challenge/" target="_blank"><img alt="Nurture Photography - Autumn 2012 Photo Challenge" border="0" src="http://liveandloveoutloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/button250.jpg" /> </a></div>
Selina Goughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099874441156494492noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8587578543702907225.post-20912336451177732152012-10-14T22:41:00.001-07:002012-10-14T22:41:51.487-07:00Popping in...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nR5OeJChPACHKHVcgaxpI9BVrJ4BDbaZl0LED5SrVRqIxF64B6Lp4ZwcL_IHW6dXPBG9YlN9aCUObi6BkgqUOES6eCDtiQ9qi74MxMk8j7tpLglFx7wkPFtjOAwlrnedfSDhtz7bfhw/s1600/076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nR5OeJChPACHKHVcgaxpI9BVrJ4BDbaZl0LED5SrVRqIxF64B6Lp4ZwcL_IHW6dXPBG9YlN9aCUObi6BkgqUOES6eCDtiQ9qi74MxMk8j7tpLglFx7wkPFtjOAwlrnedfSDhtz7bfhw/s640/076.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
I've been slightly absent around these parts of late but I'm still around, just busy! We've been having a lot of fun, learning some new things, spending time together and with friends and watching the leaves fall ever more thickly from the trees that are all around us. There have been good amounts of sunshine helping the season along and for that I am grateful.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Selina Goughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099874441156494492noreply@blogger.com0