& So It Snowed!

Yesterday I woke to a blanket of snow. Not a very thick blanket, more of a sheet, beautiful nevertheless.

I have started to walk the pooch through the field twice a day now, so knowing how much he loves the snow I was dressed and out!

It's magical isn't it? Everything cloaked in white, bringing with it a stillness to the air. As I walked I had a smile on my face and laughed out loud as Olly dove into drifts. Living high up on the moors we get that bit extra - lucky - especially when not battling to work ;-)

& so my thoughts turned to Christmas - well, it does doesn't it when there's snow? This year feels extra special as I imagine Sebby seeing the christmas tree and decorations, the wonderment of it all. What goes on in those little heads?! A first visit to Santa, I can hardly contain myself, eeeeekkkkk!!

Of course the gathering of family and friends, sharing and creating memories and special moments. I try hard every year not to enter the madness, try to be mindful of what I am buying. For Christmas should be about coming together; not the dashing from shop to shop frantically finding something that matches what 'you spend'. 

This year, there is a calmness in my heart, it makes me want to change my lifestyle even more and think about where I want to be; what I want to do, for I know this calmness is because I am free of the stresses of work (not for much longer!!)

So, some pictures that I really enjoyed taking this weekend - thank you so much for stopping by and for lovely comments!

Whatever you are up to this weekend,
may you be calm in your heart, XX

A Perfect Autumn Day To Run (Not Me)

First trip out in the car on Sunday (since my op). I went along to a local beauty spot - Entwistle Reservoir. Absolutely perfect Autumn day, the colours so vivid against the clear blue skies and reflected on the water.

I often run here, it's beautiful, enhances my thinking and it's great because it's flat as oppose to walking out of my front door where the only way is up 'baaabbbyyy!'

I always incorporate hill sprint reps into my running as it improves strength and endurance and this is why I was here - Mr.L was doing his hill sprints and I was happy to go along; breath that fresh air deep into my lungs and read my book ;-) & take photographs of course!

Mr.L ran up and down here for half an hour - 150 steps - 1.5 miles in total! Madass!

So important to stretch and cool down properly - it means less injuries, muscles slowly cool down, not just STOP, your heart rate gradually slows down and it also helps flexibility.

Just look at those socks!! :-)

Can't wait to be back running. In the meantime I don't mind watching! I will be looking at booking on some races soon for next year to help to motivate and have something to aim for.

Hope you are having a lovely week!
XX

Weekend Wanders

Hello! Blogging Mojo Back!

Took myself off this weekend for a walk around my nearest National Trust property
 Gawthorpe Hall.

The gardens are beautifully set out around the Elizabethan house, known as the 
Downton Abbey of the North.

The building has some beautiful architectural details that have survived the years.

The gardens at the back overlooking the wonderful countryside.

Beautifully kept, love the purple!

I really enjoyed myself, particularly taking photographs.

I keep thinking about getting another National Trust membership, there are so many wonderful places to visit - I really want to visit here!

Thank you for dropping by!
XX

Light & Shadow

 It's Saturday!

It's a beautiful Spring Day - let's go!

What are you up to?
XX

Weekend Wander's

 I recently visited Haworth Art Gallery, as my friend was 

exhibiting there, amongst other students following a trip to Africa. 

The gallery is a beautiful old building, with creaking wooden floors, old leaded windows

 & a grand return staircase. Sorry....no outdoor pics, it was peeing it down!!

This clay and mixed media exhibition was thought provoking, some of the pieces I adored, particularly the depiction of Gustav Klimt's passionate 'Kiss', babies in the womb, the wonder of life, little miracles with their little rosebud lips & all tucked up....adorable.

Sculptors Tony Bingham & Ann Maria Rimmer.

Now the following is so wonderful, crazy, messes with your head!!!

Woolly Thoughts Illusion Knitting by Steve Plummer & Pat Ashworth.

Walking in to the exhibition, you are greeted by a roomful of two colour stripe rugs, hung on the wall, lovely colours, nothing special, BUT, move to look side on and images of Mona Lisa, Marilyn Monroe, Leonardo, Nefertiti appear. Blew.Me.Away.

Pendle Witch, whoooooo

My favourite piece by my friend was this - the herd protecting the young, 

beautifully captured, a gift!

There was other media on show from the trip to Africa, I was really taken with 

these paintings, again captured beautifully - a passing moment. 

The little boy's eyes on his mothers back, wonderment. 

The older baby being a little rough with his mum's breast 

containing precious milk, all his!

Just wanted to show this rooflight glass artwork.....

& this....wasn't sure what it was initially, but the colours attracted me in. 

Simple, effective, made by children using paint & plastic bottle bottoms, 

then stapled together. Fabulous yes?

Anyone else like to wander around art gallery's on wet, windy weekend's? 
XX