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Stravaiging

Stravaiging graphic

How you live your days...

...is how you live your life.

I don't know when I first heard/read this, but it has always stuck. 

petals of a dying lilac tulip on a cream ground

Mellowing?

I've been musing on my age. Not in a mournful way but choosing to embrace some of the changes the passing years bring.

changing leaves

In the last few weeks I've noted the early signs of the forthcoming season in the hedgerows and verges, and been drawing parallels. If I consider the cycle of life to equate to the four seasons then I am firmly in my autumn.

Tart Retreat in 2024

This post is solely about the retreat I am planning for May next year. It is only open to newsletter subscribers so if you are a blog subscriber only then pop over to the website home page and sign up for newsletters to be eligible.

I am repeating here the content sent as a recent newsletter, and there is a copy of the application form below (retreat-may-2024.docx) to download and complete, if you would like to participate.  It sets out the cost per attendee and the payment schedule. 

I may not be able to respond to individual enquiries between now and 20th September when applications close. I don't want it to be based on a 'first come first served' basis as not everyone has the access or inclination to be online every day. So all applications will be considered together, regardless of date received. 

If you are unable to save and complete the application form online, please print it off, fill it in and send me a photograph or scan of it. I cannot consider applications in any other style.

In the event that you need to cancel, fees will not be refundable unless I am able to find a suitable new participant to take your place.

OK, that's the serious stuff out of the way. I hope you love the idea of a few days' gentle stitching in lovely surroundings in early May and would like to join me at the farmhouse! 

click on the ‘Read More’ button to see the whole post!

Blooming?

Summer takes me by surprise. Every day recently I have woken to the suggestion of, or actual, sunshine. It seems such a long time since the northern UK had this long a spell of warm weather. The many light hours are enriching and full of promise with early mornings and late evenings the loveliest.

Back to Lewis

The week before last was spent in the Outer Hebrides. We drove up to Ullapool, building in dog walking stops and a late picnic lunch at the edge of a forest. The crossing takes two and half hours across the stretch of water known as the Minch. It can be challenging around each equinox with high seas running but we travelled in reasonable comfort, thankfully.

Bruce considers the view

bordertart

🐾🌷
Enjoying a gentle afternoon in front of the fire with a book in my hand and a dog at my feet. 
This is what I have been waiting for….🙏🏻
Also loving the architectural elegance of my gift-to-self £5 bunch of Lidl tulips on the windowsill.
✨✨✨✨✨
Sending you comfort and joy from our tiny corner of the world ❤️🐾
Happy post day!
My new @thosejoestoes slippers kit in jolly festive red has just arrived
Not too taxing - may be able to stitch them and drink a cheeky port at the same time…what could possibly go wrong?🤔
🌞🐾
A gentle morning walk with Bruce as the sun rose on the second shortest day of the year. Blissful!
❤️🖤🤍
Just ordered quilt wadding and bendy safety pins…
The assembling/binding of this small ‘quilt of many winters’ is imminent -ish

#soslowstitching
#winterproject
#khadicottons
#blockprintedinrajasthan
🌺
I first posted pics of my pretty gifted flowers on 5th November. 
Yesterday was shed-all-the-petals day - such beauty in decay.
.
#wednesdaywindowsill
#wabisabibeauty
🔥🐕‍🦺🐾🧶🧵
Looking forward to spending many contented hours here this winter.
Books, knitting, stitching, too much coffee, a big black dog frequently blocking the heat.

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#homeandhearth
#arealfireplace🔥 
#simplewinterpleasures
🐾
Heading home from our mini break today. 
We dodged most of the rain yesterday and rest assured, Bruce fitted in another cafe visit. 
This time to @brew_and_chew_perth - a very dog friendly cafe which happens to do excellent toasties. And alcohol-free mulled wine which I had to boost the seasonal spirit🍷🤗
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#minibreakuk 
#adventureswithbruce

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