Moments of Calm

Its been quite a week hasn’t it, weather wise that is.  Temperatures at the beginning of the week up to 20 degrees in London, blossom bursting from the trees and most of us walking around with a certain spring in our step.  I adore spring, the promise of whats to come, new life and all the beautiful spring flowers.  And yet I have felt slightly uneasy this week.  It shouldn’t be spring in February.  Something is not quite right and I’m not sure how to feel about it.  So amongst the many calm moments which being in the sunshine has brought I have also had some moments of feeling a little less than calm.

Snowdrops and Churchyards

One of the happiest sights early in the year for me is Snowdrops.  I admire their pluck and courage, poking their heads above ground when (usually) temperatures are not much above zero.  I love their hardiness as they withstand snow and frost and remain perky.  Their bobbing white heads standing proud on slender green stems is a beautiful sight.  The best place I know to see snowdrops is the churchyard in a tiny village in Norfolk where I grew up.  I always try to make a visit at this time of year to make sure I catch them. Last weekend with my mum and my husband, I spent a happy half hour admiring these courageous little flowers.  The setting of the churchyard is so tranquil, so few cars pass by, its always quiet.  We had a lovely calm time there which set us up for the rest of the day perfectly.

Cycling by the River

I have cycled in London for many,  years.  On occasion it can be fraught, and hectic, and a certain degree of forcefulness and bravery is needed to contend with London traffic and pedestrians.  However, as a commute I mostly find it much calmer and certainly invigorating than public transport.  My cycle ride is only 30 minutes but part of that is along a short stretch of the River Thames at Hammersmith.  This week, it has been beautiful.  The short ride in the early morning sunshine, golden light and still water has been a gentle way to begin a busy day.

Writing in my Local Library

I will often extol the virtues and necessity of a local library to the community, but I’m guilty of not visiting mine nearly enough.  It is only a 5 minute walk from my house so I have little excuse, except that perhaps the opening hours don’t always work for me.  However, one day last week I spent a very happy few hours sitting writing and researching there.  Its a small library but a peaceful place.  It was lovely to see the steady stream of people coming in and out borrowing and returning books.  Sitting surrounded by books full of words as I created my own pages of words was such a pleasant place to be. I shall certainly be making a return trip.

Wishing you a week filled with your own moments of calm.

You can find lots more of my Moments of Calm here.