Cornish Autumnal Inspiration

I really love autumn. It is without doubt my favourite time of the year. I love the colours, the weather, the smells and sounds. It is often sunny with a crispness to the air and every time I go out my door I enjoy the smell of woodsmoke as people begin to light their woodburners for the colder days and nights. I was married and had both my children in the autumn and it is always one of my most inspirational times. Yesterday I had the opportunity to go out with my, 'almost four year old,' daughter, Hollie, for a walk at Respryn, on the edge of the Lanhydrock Estate. (Featured on Antiques Roadshow last night I noticed). Daddy and big brother had gone to watch the banger car racing at St Eval, so we decided to go out exploring and taking photos.

Respryn is a beautiful place to enjoy a walk. There are lots of woodland areas with pathways running through the woods and alongside the River Fowey. There are hundreds of different trees and wild plants as well as lots of old logs, housing various bugs and fungi. There are little copses with fallen logs and a number of wooden bridges to cross little streams that feed into the river. Hollie decided she wanted to make an 'autumn collection,' which involved filling a plastic basket with autumnal artefacts including various shapes and colours of leaves, acorns, wild flowers, tree moss and even the odd small blackberry. We also agreed that Hollie could take pictures with my digital camera of our walk to show the boys later. I demonstrated how to use it and all the pictures that are on display in this post are taken by her, with little or no help from me. I have to say I was impressed!

We had a lovely walk, making up stories about the old gnarly oak tree we found; discussing the animals that might live in the woods and stopping occasionally to describe the different sounds the river made. It seems I am so busy nowadays that time like this is far too rare, so to take a couple of hours to slow down and enjoy this time was not only enjoyable but absolutely necessary for me. The sun was shining, it was not cold, it was a truly idyllic autumnal Sunday afternoon. The treasures of nature and joy of spending time with a bright and enthusiastic little lady have inspired me and encouraged me, and so I have included some of Hollie's pictures in this post so that they may inspire you too.

Birthdays, beaches and Blimey I'm writing again!!

Wow its been nearly a month since I posted anything, time has passed me by and lots has been going on. Connor had his seventh birthday last weekend, which involved bowling, McDonalds and a birthday tea. Hollie's birthday is in ten days time so we are preparing for my little lady to turn four. The picture above is of the two of them as The Doctor and his assistant at a fancy dress party they went to recently. Connor generally does not do dressing up, but he made a cool timelord so we may see this outfit again for the Light party on the 31st (Don't do Halloween!). We have made the most of the better weather and Andy has been teaching Connor to body board in the surf at Polzeath. It was good to finally spend some time on the beach as a family this year.

Had real highs and lows for the past few weeks. have been having some really down times and not really knowing the actual why and wherefore of it all. Think it is an accumulation of many things but don't like feeling blue too often.

On the positive side I have been reading and writing much more. I am reading a children's book called The Summerhouse at present which is great, although I am pressing on to finish it as I have INGO by Helen Dunmore to read next and I am anticiapting it being really good.

Writing has been much better this week. After a gentle kickstart by my dear friend last week, I have managed to make some progress on my novel. It is very raw and will need lots of editing, but I am resisting editing too much as I write. I finished the prologue and have completed chapters one and two, making a word count to date of over 5000. I read it to my little timelord tonight, at his request, (although the book is aimed at an older market) and he lifted my heart more than anything or anyone else could when he said, "That was the best story ever Mummy and I am not just saying that because I am your boy!! Can you write the next chapter tonight?" It was a moment to shelve in my heart for any more down times to come. He is writing a story about his chickens at the moment and has asked to read the update to me tomorrow, I wait in anticipation and with great pleasure. I may have influenced my son a bit, but to have a seven year old boy choosing to read and write for pleasure is a joy to my heart.

The picture below is a cornish copper mine and the inspiration for the setting of the two chapters I have written this week. Hope to post more regularly again now.