Looking forwards

In my mind, there is always something to look forward to. I have started another book and even though this could take some time, I look forward to its publication. Of course, I live in the present but I daydream of better times - I don't think they should tamper with changing the clocks in Britain and look forward to it being how it was before wartime. Let nature take its course. I may write to my MP about that! Of course I reflect on the past. This can be good but when dreadful events have happened, I try not to dwell on them as this makes me too broody. In Britain, plenty to look forward to as my delphiniums have sprouted. These were kept under cover, as the instructions told me to i.e. in the dark, but left in a cold greenhouse. They have taken longer than they were supposed to to germinate but now they are through, I look forward to planting them out. Life is good.

Grandchildren reunion

How lovely when our grandchildren get together. We have three and they are aged, 4, 4 and 6. Two boys and a girl. The cousins get on well together and have loads of fun. But this only happens once or twice a year due to distances. Special times though!

To love and be loved

I heard these words on a television programme last night "Larkrise to Candleford" and they were spoken by a man to a woman. "To love and be loved" is the main philosophy in life. When I feel both, I am happy. For a long time now, I have been in this fortunate position. What is your philosophy?

Giving yourself time

No matter how much you love your family and friends, it is very important to have time to yourself. I try and manage an hour a day in the morning where I can read the paper, write notes or just gaze out of the kitchen window into the garden and watch the funny antics of birds and mammals that come in to feed. I usually feel refreshed after and ready for the main part of the day. Try it and see for yourself - maybe a touch of yoga in your own hour or a meditation or prayer. Just be by yourself for a while.

A wedding poem for Prince William and Kate

A joining of hearts
A joining of minds
A love that endures
A love that binds
The two together for evermore
At the marriage of William
and Kate, his adored.
God be with the happy pair
Give them peace, joy, hope
In the life they share.
We pray for them both this wedding day
And wish them good luck, hip hip, hooray!

Marian Bythell - copyright. Get writing!

decorating is satisfying

Decorating is satisfying when you have a room which needs renovating from top to bottom. The satisfaction is choosing the colour scheme (even though you get it wrong at times) and accessories like curtains, carpets and bed covers. We have finished one bedroom and nearly completed another. Cheaper too when you do it all by yourself!

Chinese new year - year of the rabbit

This is going to be a good year when all will benefit - selfless acts for the good of others. See what you can achieve in the Chinese Year of the Rabbit.

Progress of new book

Plenty of ideas for new book but normal household work gets in the way! However, progress is good and I'm writing something each day. Must contact my publisher to let him know.

A new day, a new dawn and birds

A new day, a new dawn and the birds are singing about 7.00 am Whilst there is talk about killing magpies and crows in certain parts of England due to them destroying songbirds, this is not happening in our county. We have a birdtable in our garden which I regularly fill with bird seed, peanuts, bread and fat from bacon etc. It was lovely to see large birds like magpies take their turn with robins and chaffinches as they let each other feed from the table. This was last Spring and I thought - share and share alike - plenty for everybody. The cycle is starting again.