Moments of Calm

I write this on a summers afternoon.  Sitting in my garden, a ladybird with a shiny red cap and definite black spots has just landed on my screen and is making her way slowly across it. Taking a moment perhaps before she has to fly back to her demanding family.  I can hear bird song. If I were cleverer I would tell you from which bird. The sound of the wind moves through the branches on the large tree of heaven which stands in our garden, and I catch the occasional scent of sweet pea and rose when the breeze moves in the right direction.  In the distance I am aware of the rumble of aeroplanes making their way to Heathrow, transporting 1000’s of passengers from far flung lands.  At the bottom of my garden is a sports field and every now and again a cheer goes up as someone scores a run or wins a game.

The grass is lush and green and long.  A result of the rain we have had so far this June.  A benefit some might say. Beside me is the novel I am currently reading, a cup of half drunk tea in my favourite mug and a copy of’The Nature Notes of an Edwardian Lady’ which I bought this morning from a second hand book shop. The sun is warm on my arms and  the tubs of geraniums and lavender gently glow in its light.

I have been writing for the last couple of hours, intermingled with hanging out washing and editing some photographs.  Soon I have to move inside and get ready to go out. I will reluctantly close the doors and windows as I go, leave the  house and catch a bus. But for the moment all is calm.