This week I seem to have been drawn to all things Cotswold. It was only when I came to write this I realised this was the case. Last year my mum and I spent some lovely days in Stow on the Wold. Its a great place to visit from London as its not too far away and is a lovely contrast and way to slow down. From the ways in which I have been finding moments of calm this week, I am clearly subconsciously dreaming of such escapes in the future!
The Writings of Laurie Lee and Miss Read
I love Laurie Lee’s writing and have love delving into it to find descriptions of nature or the seasonal changes. This week I have been reading a book in the vintage mini series by Lee called Summer. The writing is tantalisingly good and I have been transported to the Cotswolds in June.
“Summer, June Summer with the green back on earth and the whole world unlocked and seething – like winter it came suddenly and one knew it in bed almost before waking up, with cuckoos and pigeons hollowing the woods since day-light and the chipping of tits in the pear blossom”
– Laurie Lee
Similarly Miss Read writes beautifully about village life and the changing of the seasons. I love the Thrush Green series which I read through last year. This year I have begun reading my way through the Fairacre books. Her writing is gentle and unassuming and instils a sense of calm that remains quite necessary in these strangest of days.
Agatha Raisin
I have never read the MC Beaton Agatha Raisin books which even I’m surprised by. This kind of ‘cosy crime’ is exactly my thing. However, I have been enjoying the back catalogue of the TV series of the same name. Agatha is a sleuth solving murders, once again in the Cotswolds! I love the undemanding but entertaining nature of this programme. As there are 3 series and I have only seen the first 4 episodes I have many happy hours of viewing ahead of me.
Evening Walks
The working week has had a number of challenges and one of the best ways of unwinding this week has been an evening stroll. Sometimes before dinner and sometimes after. One walk was just after some torrential rain. I love this time especially at this time of year. The scent of rain is so fresh and everything is extra green and shiny. We also made it to Hampstead Heath, which although busy because of its vast size is, it is easy to find peace along side stunning views across the city.
Have a lovely week with many moments of calm.
