I don’t know about you but when August arrives, I just want to down tools. My brain becomes mushier and my approach to all activities, work or otherwise is far more languorous. Although I haven’t had to adhere to a term time calendar for years, I still see August as a month for generally doing much less, and I find myself quickly slipping into holiday mode. I envisage sundresses, picnic blankets and cool drinks and lazy walks by the river.
In preparation for this unavoidable holiday mindset I have been working hard over the last couple of weeks to complete lots of work projects so I can take it a little bit easier over August, the traditional British Summer Holiday Month. This has meant some very early mornings and some long working days. I’m hoping it will all pay off as I imagine myself dedicating at least a few August afternoons to reading those books I have been especially saving for just this time.
Over the last couple of weekends I have happily taken to the picnic blanket to enjoy some outdoor blues and jazz. Our little corner of West London has an excellent blues and jazz festival every year. Of course it hasn’t happened since summer 2019, so it felt especially good to be back this year. A lazy Sunday afternoon with live music in the sunshine, accompanied by a cool drink and an ice cream was a real treat.
One of my favourite places to walk in London is Hampstead Heath. Despite the well healed local residents, the heath has a wild and untamed air to it which I just love. Friday fish and chips in a local pub followed by a stroll across the Heath to Parliament Heath was just what the doctor ordered after a busy and exceptionally hot few days a couple of weeks ago. The view from Parliament Hill never fails to restore and calm. The city of London with all its tall buildings and busy streets seems to be just touching distance away, and yet as you rest and drink in the view you are aware of not much else but blissful silence.
If you find yourself in London this summer and are craving a bit of peace, I highly recommend Hampstead Heath for some restorative moments of calm.
Lots more moments of calm here.
