Fields of Barley

As I was driving over to the Newcastle on Tuesday when it was incredibly windy, I saw a field of unripe barley rippling in the wind.  It was such an uplifting sight, I pulled off the A69 and turned down a side road so that I could stop and admire the spectacle.  The field shimmered like shot silk as the whiskery heads bowed and tossed in carefree abandon; it was if the crop was dancing exuberantly to the irresistible music of the wind.  After a few minutes, I drove off with an overwhelming sense of cheerfulness that lasted all day

Paper Bridge

I simply had to take a walk along Grisedale Beck yesterday, below the imposing fells of Helvellyn and St Sunday Crag to see Steve Messam’s temporary art installation “Paper Bridge”.  What was remarkable, besides the impressive construction itself, were the number of happy families queuing in the drizzle to clamber up and pose for photos with huge beaming smiles. The overwhelming sense of shared joy was palpable, this simple project bringing happiness in a way that I'm sure the artist never imagined.  And, if one or two people decide to explore the fells as a result, then that's a bonus!

Feeling thankful

Recently, I took part in a FB initiative to be thankful for things each day and post them as my status.  I usually don’t bother with these types of campaign but as FB can be full of destructive and negative comments and this year I was determined to celebrate the small things, I was happy to take part. And it’s proved to be a hugely positive and affirming thing to do.  It’s been revealing just  how many beautiful things happen each day that we can enjoy, be that a smile from a stranger, early morning birdsong or a wonderful view

Flowers on Carlisle Station to cheer up train travelling!