Moments of Calm

Well, its been quite a week hasn’t it.  I can barely believe where we are  now, or in fact that only just over a week ago it was new years day.  It’s not been the easiest week for any of us I’m sure, as in the UK we adjust to a new National lockdown and the implications of that.  Also trying to make sense of rocketing numbers of infections and deaths from Covid-19 is hard to do.

For me working in the hospital this week has been challenging on so many fronts, so I have been very happy for a couple of days of down time over this weekend.  As is the way when comfort is sought, I have turned to cooking and books.  Both are reassuringly familiar.  I don’t know about you but familiarity seems to help right now.

The Comfort of Soup

Home made soup is a wonderful thing.  The process of mindful chopping and stirring; bringing together a deep pan full of colourful goodness and inhaling the steamy aroma as vegetables and herbs gently meld is deeply comforting.  Having a pot of soup on the hob makes me feel homely and calm.  Knowing that whatever the week might bring, I will aways have a healthy bowl of goodness waiting for me makes life feel a little bit better.

The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy

Oh this book!  Its such a beautiful thing. I am sure there can barely be anyone around who hasn’t come across it, or its author in the last 12 months.  It is a book of such gentleness and kindness, and could not be any more perfect for the days we are living through.  The story of this little band of unlikely friends and their observations on life are timely and comforting and the illustrations just gorgeous.  There is a real calm to be found within its carefully put together pages.

For our 25th wedding anniversary this year we were given a Charlie Mackesy print from our dear friends, and it is one of our favourite things.  It simply says “I’ve realised why we are here’ whispered the boy. ‘For cake?’ asked the mole. ‘To love’ said the boy. ‘And to be loved’ said the horse.”

Perfect.

Have a beautiful week xx