Gently, faintly, I hear the bells chiming again and Bloomsbury Bell is awoken.
I have been spending my time in Oxford coffee shops, pubs and libraries reading and writing and when I have not been doing that I have been in the garden attempting to get to grips with a large, overgrown and rambling cottage garden. In between I have been going back to London for a dose of home.
They say that change is as good as a rest, but maybe sometimes rest is as good as a change. Having had several changes over the last couple of years I have taken time to be restful, be slow and be observant. This hasn't been without its challenges, I struggled to feel content with being slow in a world which encourages speed and change. I struggled to keep myself from a natural fast pace and to believe that it was really fine to take time out of things for a while. Being busy was something I couldn't do without so I found a balance of being busy with 'quiet' things such as gardening, walking, reading and exploring Oxford.
It's time now to walk from the bank and slide back into the stream.
Nice to see you back!
ReplyDeletethank you - it's been a while!
DeleteWelcome back :)It is nice to "hear" from you again.
ReplyDeletethank you!!
DeleteHow wonderful to have you back. Sometimes one must take a time out, to observe and understand. If you're planning on growing veg in that cottage garden of yours, now is the time to start preparing the ground.
ReplyDeleteWe have prepared the ground! Tonnes of manure went on in October and all we need to do now is a little bit of digging. So fingers crossed there will be homegrown veg later this year!
Deletewell done! you're steps ahead of me, we'll have to exchange notes!
ReplyDeleteIt was so nice to see a new posting from you. I, for one, would love stories about your garden adventures, and your attempts at slowing down in a busy world.
ReplyDeleteI think 'garden struggles' is more appropriate a term than 'garden adventures' - I am a complete novice and detest weeding!
DeleteThat's why there is cocoa mulch. Smells divine, adds to the soil, and holds down those weeds. I know everyone uses some kind of bark, and it is cheaper but oh, that cocoa mulch is for me!
DeleteThe ability to slow down in this frantic age should be applauded. Well done! Glad to have you back, and I like the new look, too.
ReplyDeletethank you - not sure if the slower pace will last! Especially since I have neglected quite a few things over the past few months!
DeleteWell about bloody time! :)
ReplyDeletetrue, true!
DeleteI hope you are enjoying Illyrian Spring very much.
ReplyDeleteHi! Welcome back!
ReplyDeleteAt Book Snob's suggestion, I've come to say hello and, based on this posting and your previous postings, I will be staying! Lovely to meet you!
ReplyDeleteVery pleased to see you are back!
ReplyDeletesorry to be boring and echo what everyone else has said but I was so excited to see you pop up in my google reader! :)
ReplyDeleteNice to see you back - I kept you on my sidebar hoping you would be!
ReplyDeleteIsn't there a time for everything? To retreat and to return! I am glad to see you back! And good luck with the garden 'struggles"... : )
ReplyDeleteMy daughter (15) will be for two weeks in Oxford this summer with a student exchange program, she is beyond excited. Any great coffee shops you could recommend??? She will be staying at Oxford University, taking courses in the morning and spending the afternoons touring! But there shall be time for leisurely coffee and tea, we have been assured!