Life Lately
You may have noticed something of a radio silence here in recent weeks.
This was partly for some really nice reasons, and also there is the silence where I withdraw myself when unwell. It’s not something I really like to talk about on here. This is my happy, inspiring space – and dwelling on long-term illness doesn’t inspire much happiness. Plus, it’s also really boring and not at all what I enjoy writing about.
But May is almost over, and April disappeared before that, and now I’m focussing on the positives from the past couple of months.
May began with a relaxing, chilled holiday in Spain at Hotel Aigua Blava, just an hour’s easy drive from Girona airport.
This classy hotel overlooks the beautiful bay of Aiguablava, one of the most stunning locations on the Costa Brava. It may have been a four star, but its old world charm, superb restaurant, friendly staff and spectacular views are unquestionably five bright stars. I’ll share more about it with you soon.
And May ended with a long weekend in Wales at Bodysgallen Hall.
This warm-stone 600-year-old manor house hotel and spa is reached by a track, which passes through sheep and prancing lambs in the meadows. There is a pretty garden and woodland walks right on the doorstep.
The highlight of the weekend was a visit to the National Trust Bodnant Garden, and its laburnum arch walkway.
And my new garden ‘must have’ - a candelabra primula.
The weekend was topped off with a visit to Llandudno, a Victorian seaside resort a couple of miles down the road.
This year I am determined to make good use of my National Trust membership, and share the delights of Yorkshire!
Beningborough Hall is not quite on my door step but so worth a half hour drive, and this month I just caught the magnolia and spring blossoms.
There is currently an exhibition in the main house, the title ‘Yorkshire!’. Our largest county has produced champions of achievement, grit and controversy included in this exhibition of sculpture, painting, photography and printmaking. My favs were a painting of Michael Parkinson and the sculpture Icon by Barbara Hepworth. I suggest a visit before the exhibition ends on 3rd November.
I managed some easy reading and listening during the last few weeks.
Top easy read was Irish best seller “When All is Said’ by Anne Griffin.
I had heard the author talk about the concept of the book - an old man in a bar having a drink and raising a toast to 5 of the most important people in his life and along the way telling the story of his life, his regrets, revealing the depth of his character. It’s a charming, witty, sad, joyful tale of life as lived by a colourful character. I thoroughly enjoyed this poignant well written charming tale. I do think someone was slicing onions nearby too!
Top easy listen was “Have You Heard George’s Podcast” by George The Poet, winner of five golds at the recent British Podcast Awards. Through his poetry and his podcast this charming young man addresses his own London community and those outside of it as he shows the many ways society has failed black people. Makes you see the world with fresh eyes and smashes your heart to pieces.
Finally, goodbye May, and now I am looking forward to lots of happy memory making in June, full of little moments that sparkle and glow.
∼♥∼