Picture books, paper goods & pretty things.
A place I used to visit with my Nana when I was little. Still as beautiful today. I captured this photo by accident. I was walking on my own but the silhouette of this girl looking up at the man on the walkway above was perfect in amongst the palms.
A much needed trip to see the sea. My sister took this photo of me looking out across the waves. The tide reminded me that life has a rhythm. Breathe in. Breathe out. The good always comes back around.
This beautifully made video from Holly Exley is the epitome of a quiet life. I’ve recommended her videos on here before and they just get lovelier and lovelier. There are some lovely tips for sweet things in this little gem.
I first became aware of Jekka McVicar while I was working at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. For many years, while I looked after Alan Titchmarsh, he would stop to chat to her and we would admire her stand or garden. Jekka started by growing herbs for friends and soon they became so sought after that she found herself growing more and more. To the point where her family had to move to a house with some land so that the business could flourish. How wonderful to make a living from growing something that brings such happiness. Jekka has grown herbs for many top chefs, adding that little something extra but essential to finish their creations. She now creates herb gardens for school children and hospices amongst others and she also teaches to make sure that her immense knowledge is shared.
I listened to this interview while walking along the river in the sunshine. It's a lovely escapist listen.
The Herbal World of Jekka McVicar, Food Programme - BBC Radio 4
Culinary herb pioneer Jekka McVicar shares her life through food with Sheila Dillon.
I've posted about the power of nature before but this weekend we walked in the woods and I was reminded of the soothing loveliness of trees. Majestic, wonderful, wise. If you are feeling out of sorts, there is nothing more levelling than being in amongst the majesty of the woods.
I've had the pleasure of working on the wonderful RHS Chelsea Flower Show for the past week and wanted to share some pictures here. First thing in the morning before the show opens, it's the very definition of a Quiet Life. Still. Glittering in the early sunlight. Beautiful. To me, it's so much more than a flower show. The growers, gardeners, designers and BBC production team are all creative, passionate people who care so much about the show and the energy that creates is just magical.
Love this time of year. Spring springing & blossom blossoming.
An early Sunday song this week as I'm taking a little Easter break. This beauty was introduced to me by Mary Anne Hobbs's show a year or so ago. I listened to it on headphones while walking through the blossom in Regents Park and was taken to another place. Just magical. Happy Easter my lovelies!
Every now and then I get a deep craving to see the sea. It's an inbuilt desire to be at the edge of the land, to watch the tide ebb and flow and to breathe in the salty air. I had been working all morning and decided it was time for a break. I was only going to take an hour or so but suddenly needed to get out of the city. I found myself reasoning that I could work on the train there and back and within thirty minutes I was on my way.
It was rainy, grey and misty but sometimes that's the best time to see the sea. There were hardly any people around and the colour of the sea was absolutely magical. I walked slowly along the pier and breathed in the air, listening to the tide. An hour was all I needed. A little fix. Sometimes you just have to see the sea.
I caught this little gem of a nature programme by accident last night on BBC Two. The story-telling and filming are really unique. Must have taken such dedication to create. Completely captivating and a beautiful little treat.