We will remember them

 

We will remember them, and they'll be in our hearts for ever.

On a sunny day this year, whilst on holiday, my husband and I were walking around Wick, in northern Scotland. It's a place we both like very much, and we have visited several times over the years, in all weathers, to look at the harbour, go to our favourite spot for tea and cake, walk the streets and stock up on camping supplies. It is a unique place, with its slightly bleak face, grey buildings and quiet roads, but its story is really rather interesting, and my family have history there.

We had a free day, and were looking for something to do, so I decided to try and go on a family treasure hunt; I wanted to know more about the family members that had lived in that chilly and unforgiving corner of Scotland, and see what I could find to make them real in my mind. So I called my wonderful grandmother in Sussex.

As I walked, she gave my husband and I some vital information to go on - birth dates, marriage locations, names - and led us on a brilliant tour of the town. She is a veritable font of knowledge, and so when we went the lovely archivist at the library, I found - amongst others - my great-great uncle, Magnus Swanson.

Yes, Magnus. Amazing.

Magnus was a soldier with the Black Watch, the Royal Highlanders, and not only was he a soldier but he was also in charge of a platoon during the First World War. At just 27 years old, he took his men over the top at Passchendaele, and was killed in action on October 12th 1917. He was my grandmother's uncle, and until that day in Wick, I didn't know that he even existed.

However, now I do, and we found his name on the War Memorial in Wick, proudly displayed. It was an emotional moment; all those brave men, giving everything to give others a future. He may just be one of many, but he's our one, and I'm so glad that we found him.

God bless them all.

Rolling hills, rolling words

 

Happy Monday! I trust you've all had a super weekend, and that your new week began with a sparkly day today.

I got home less than two hours ago after a brief glimpse of the the bright lights of London, and having spent a most joyous, cosy and unusual few days tucked away in a rather lovely cottage, right in the heart of the Cotswolds. I went with a lovely friend of mine, a fellow writer and all-round super person whom I have known for seventeen years (gulp!) and we were laughing in the car on the way out to the house as it wasn't far at all from where we grew up - a weekend away in a place we actually know very well! I didn't, however, know the village that we were visiting, and it was truly beautiful. We were lucky with the weather on two of the three days, and I took the above photo yesterday morning, looking out from the garden across the rolling Cotswold hills. Stunning.

So, the weekend was about writing, so write we did; we also managed a decent walk around the village, I did a slightly comical run around the house in my slipper socks (I didn't want to abandon my newly-found exercise regime for too long!), there was a trip to some delightful local places, including the amazing Broadway (two words: film set!) and several bottles of bubbly, as well as a homemade roast dinner, risotto and a blazing open fire. I found that, at the end of Sunday, I had added nearly 5,000 words to my word count, and for me that is real progress! A little space, a little luxury, a great friend and some yummy food can make all the difference. I found a spark, some confidence, some peace; I felt like I was writing with conviction, and got quite emotional several times. Cheesy, you may think, but I revel in that connection with my book; I love to feel like I'm breathing life into my characters, and I got a chance to flesh out some of those sections that I had been looking forward to cracking on with. I can't tell you how proud I felt when I realised I'd got underway with it all again.

I've come home with a renewed motivation, so this week will be spent focusing on continuing with my book. Hurrah! Better catch up on Downton Abbey tonight so that I can knuckle down tomorrow..

What gives you that spark, that fire? I'd love to know.

See you soon! x

Writing, some singing, and more writing..

 

Happy Thursday to you all, and I do hope that your week is progressing swimmingly! For the past couple of days I have been having to enter the Christmas realms, rather earlier than usual (I try to not think about Christmassy stuff until the last week of November as a general rule, but sometimes needs must!) The reasoning behind this break from the norm is a brand new venture - a choir for children at a local youth centre, and their upcoming Christmas performance.

I have been brought in as choir leader and coach, and it's going to be superb fun; the children are always a delight, and they get very involved in their individual pieces for the show. I went through a mountain of Christmas songs to find some suitable backing tracks for the choir to sing together, so my festive mood is well and truly on a roll now! In the end, I have picked 'Merry Christmas Everyone' by Shakin' Stevens (classic) and the legendary song that is 'Merry Xmas Everybody', by Slade. If that doesn't get everyone dancing in the aisles then I don't know what will!

So, the first choir rehearsal is tonight, and then tomorrow I head off to London to meet a wonderful old friend so that we can disappear to a beautiful cottage in the Cotswolds for three days' worth of chatting, walking, but most of all, WRITING. I am chomping at the bit to go! It should be highly productive, as the surroundings will very definitely lend themselves to inspiration, with rolling hills visible from every window and everything we could possibly need inside. I am BEYOND excited! Writers need a little escape now and again to find that spark, gain some fresh perspective and indulge their creative side, and having my friend there will be the icing on the cake. Glasses of wine by the fire, home-cooked food and fresh air. Heaven.

So, have a wonderful weekend. Why not indulge yourself a little, if you can? Spend a few hours doing something you really love to do, and brighten up the November weather with the light within..

What are your passions? I'd love to know.

Before you go, check out this beautiful hideaway in Snowdonia (saving up for this next year!)

How about this fabulous winter coat?

Have an enchanted festive treat at the Somerset House ice rink!

See you soon x

Halloween, fireworks and lots of trees..

I hope those of you who enjoy the quirks of Halloween had a superb time this year. I went out with my parents! We dressed up, and made a very eccentric and scary sight as Ghouldilocks (me), Morticia Addams crossed with Alice Cooper (my lovely stepmum) and what could only be described as a Ringmaster (Dad). It was a delight. We trooped to the village pub, had a few drinks and a dance, and came home to wipe off the makeup!

Saturday was pure joy, with delectable sunshine and a bright blue sky, so we went to Westonbirt Arboretum. The colours were really starting to change, and as there was still greenery to be found, we got a full spectrum of greens, browns, yellows, oranges, reds and pinks. Quite spectacular. Follow that with a bonfire and fireworks on a local playing field, wrapped in a scarf with a glass of mulled wine, and the day was complete.

I had a grand time playing and singing for shoppers at the Burford Garden Company yesterday, with lots of kind people coming up to chat, and got to speak to my husband via Skype after watching Downton Abbey - yes!!

How was your weekend? I'd love to know.