Beatrix Potter & The Lakes

Hi All!

Apologies for my absence but I’ve been on holiday to the beautiful Lake District. I promise to catch up on all the wonderful things you’ve been posting about, but first I wanted to post about all things Beatrix Potter related from my holiday.

I’ve wanted to go to the Lakes for a long time for many reasons but the main reason was to see Beatrix Potter’s house, Hill Top. The Lakes is a stunning part of the country, with its beautiful water and greenery. Hill Top was a piece of this incredible jigsaw.

Everyone’s grown up with Beatrix Potter’s tales: Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck, Benjamin Bunny, Mrs Tiggy-Winkle, Tom Kitten and others, and I was no different. I adored them! The stories, the pictures, each being equally magical for me as a young girl.

It started with Peter Rabbit, originally written in a letter, being published in 1902. For well over 100 years, these stories have inspired and shaped many childhoods. The humble cottage at Hill Top is no less inspiring.

Beatrix Potter was a remarkable lady with many talents. She wrote, drew illustrations, painted, sheered sheep, ran a business and played a key role in the community at Sawrey. She bought vast amounts of land to protect it from future developments, meaning the rolling green hills were and always would be protected. The views from her cottage were just incredible.

As I was walking around her cottage, I felt nothing less than inspired. To see the places that shaped her stories, the life she so happily lived, was just sublime. Her cottage has been left pretty much as she lived in it. I felt if I closed my eyes, I could see her and her life here. There are references to animals and the outdoors everywhere. I personally loved this little fella:

Its small size made it feel even more intimate and homely. You could step inside and just live there. It was welcoming and cosy; I knew straightaway why she preferred here to her London home. It was peaceful and tranquil. As soon as you walked in through the front door, you could feel what it was like to be home.

Whilst exploring here, I also had the opportunity to see some of the places that inspired the stories I came to know and love. It’s something I really enjoy doing. When you’re able to see for yourself the pages coming to life, it is a gift. I felt so genuinely grateful that it has all been preserved for us to see and continue to love.

The first iconic location was Anvil Cottage which featured The Tale of Samuel Whiskers.

Second is the world famous Postbox from Peter Rabbit.

Next is the Ginger and Pickles shop. It doesn’t look like a shop now but the building is much the same. This of course comes from The Tale of Ginger and Pickles.

Then on the trail was The Old Post Office from The Tale of the Pie and the Patty-Pan. This too isn’t a post office anymore but again the beautiful is lovely.

The penultimate place was Tower Bank Arms which was so lovely. We popped in here for a drink and some cake which was a naughty treat. However, it was a really quaint place. This features in The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck.

Lastly, and from my favourite Beatrix Potter story, The Tale of Tom Kitten. I am talking about Tom Kitten’s gate of course. The view was spectacular. It’s a stunning place.

Hill Top is an amazing place. It’s thought provoking, inspiring and I had an amazing time. I think Beatrix Potter would be so proud of the legacy she’s achieved. For one lady to continue to inspire millions of children for generations is really quite remarkable. I’ve been so desperate to go and I’m so thrilled I have.

I hope you’re all having an excellent August. Enjoy the rest of the week!

Big love xxx

Stratford Upon Avon Rocks!

Morning Beauties!

It is summer and it’s still glorious out there. I hope you’re all keeping cool as taking care of yourselves.

All my July posts seem to be about places and adventures and I make no apologies that this post is sort of similar. I want to share with you something is happening in my home town which is completely awesome! By sharing with you all, you may find that where you’re from also do this and may wish to take part, or set one up for yourselves.

The idea is pretty simple: you paint and decorate rocks, hide them, search for others and post a picture on social media to show where they’ve been. You write a little message on the back so you know which social media site to post it to. For me, it’s Stratford Upon Avon Rocks. They’ve welcomed me with open arms which is just so lovely.

I’m not artistic in any way but I’ve had so much fun taking part in this. During the last half term at work I painted and decorated 20 stones of 5 designs. I really really enjoyed it! These are my first ever attempts.

I’m quite proud of these because I think they’re actually ok! I love my little ladybirds the most. So I set off on a little mission early one morning this week, to hide all of these for anyone and everyone to find. Stratford is quite a big town so I decided to stick to a walk all along the river, across the bridge and all along the other side and back again. I was having a lovely walk, with beautiful scenery and was hiding little stones for people to find. Perfect!

Whilst I was on my travels, I found my first rock. I was so excited, I can’t explain. My first rock was really apt too! For those of you who know me, you know I’m a massive Harry Potter fan. My first rock find was real perfection seriously!

What really is amazing is when you see people find your rock and post it online! It’s like spreading joy and excitement. What could be better? I must admit, every time I’m around now I keep an eye out to see what I can find! Last night, on my way to dinner, I found another in the car park. He had to come with me!

So I’m also thinking about my next lot of rocks that I’ll decorate. We had a little hedgehog visit our garden last night so maybe I’ll start with that. Any ideas? All welcome but remember I’m no artist. Some out there are incredible! I’ve seen portraits, chocolate bars, animals, famous faces – it’s endless! Now to find my next beauty…

I hope this inspires you to take part in a community project like this or set one up. It’s ridiculous how much joy I’ve taken from this and I wish you all happiness and joy too.

(FYI: Books will be returning as my next post will be my review of the July book for the Read the Year Challenge!)

Big love all!

Xxx

Newcastle Adventure

Hello Everyone!

July seems to have become the month where I go off exploring. School hasn’t quite finished but this weekend has certainly made me feel like I am on holiday!

This weekend I spent time in Newcastle and the surrounding areas. It’s only my second time in Newcastle and I absolutely love it! There’s some really beautiful buildings here. I liked this guy most!

The first stop was Souter Lighthouse, standing midway between the Tyne and the Wear. This lighthouse opened in 1871 and stands proud today. It remains an iconic beacon. It’s the first lighthouse in the world that was designed and built to be powered by electricity.

Due to it being such a clear day, the views span for about 35 miles. Amazing!! You may remember from my previous post that being near the sea is one of my favourite things. This was just beautiful. Again, I felt like I was abroad. We need to cherish our British seasides really. They are just as good as any other.

After exploring the lighthouse and mooching about the coast, I then started to head towards Seaton Delaval Hall. This grand hall sits perfectly within Georgian society. However, it was more of a party house.

The Delavals had a flamboyant lifestyle and were full of life. They were known as the most notorious Georgian partygoers and pranksters. Everyone wanted to be invited to their balls and parties. It was hot topic at the time!

However, today this house requires your imagination as it was ravaged by fire two hundred years ago. It still wears it’s scars today. I don’t think this detracts from its beauty though. I think it adds to it because it survived.

The day of adventure didn’t end there! After having ice cream and lazing in deckchairs soaking up the sun, the last stop was to see The Angel of the North.

Created by Anthony Gormley in 1998, it stands 66ft tall looking over Gateshead. The wingspan is 177ft across, opening its arms across the city. Gormley wanted to create a sense of an open embrace.

I’m really thrilled I’ve seen her. Photos really don’t do it justice; you need to see her and experience her for yourself.

What an incredible weekend. I can’t believe I saw so many beautiful things in one day. We have some amazing places in this world but it’s what it makes us feel that’s just as special. This has given me the motivation to see out the last of this term. I can do it! If you ever have a sense of doubt, look out at this stunning view and give yourself five minutes. That’s my plan anyway!

Hope you’re all still enjoying this beautiful weather!

Big love all xx

Birthday Weekend – Flamborough Adventure

Hello Sunshiners!

July is upon us and it’s Britain is beautifully basking in the heatwave so far. Yesterday was my birthday and to celebrate my family and I are spending the weekend together.

Today we went to Flamborough because we fancied being by the sea. Flamborough is situated 4 miles from Bridlington. It’s a really beautiful little place; a hidden treasure. The little beach cove meant that we had found a lovely spot to spend the day.

I love being on a beach, the sand between your toes, the constant sound of the waves makes my mind completely empty. I’m completely at peace. I find it so therapeutic and calming. Today did not disappoint. In fact, I’m writing this on my way home, I’m that excited.

My birthday has been pretty awesome and I wanted to share it with you lovely people too. Have you any seaside stories? Regardless, I hope you’re enjoying the sunshine and taking some time for yourselves. You deserve it!!

Enjoy July everyone!

Big love xxx