Subtitled ‘Living with Less and Ending Up With More’, Simple Matters sounds like my kind of book. Erin Boyle is a simplicity blogger that I have read and enjoyed for a few years now, at Reading My Tea Leaves. She lives in New York, so about as far away from my life as you can get. That’s oneof the great things about simple living, though, … Continue reading Book Friday: Simple Matters by Erin Boyle.
I know hygge has no rules… because it’s a very personal thing and what makes me feel hyggely may well be what makes you feel antipathy… but there are certain things that act as guidelines. Not fixed, immovable rules, but ideas that can help, especially if at a certain point in your life you’ve just hit a brick wall of chaos or doubt that has … Continue reading Hygge Guidance for a Good Life.
I’ve been enjoying myself this week reading up on ancient philosophies, specifically the Stoics. I know. Don’t ask. Philosophy (root words: philo meaning love and sophia meaning wisdom) is described by Wikipedia as the “study of general and fundamental questions, such as those about reason, existence, knowledge, values, mind, and language. Such questions are often posed as problems to be studied or resolved.” Or, as … Continue reading Lessons from the Porches of Antiquity
Today’s title is freely nicked from a hymn I remember singing in my school days. The chorus (which is the bit that has stuck with me forever, or at least 45 years whichever is longest) goes like this: Freely, freely You have received, Freely, freely give…. The hymn is actually about receiving God’s grace and forgiveness of sin. Whether you believe in God or not, … Continue reading Freely, Freely You Have Received…..
There are few pleasures to compare, once the sun actually starts to heat up the air rather than threaten to, with grabbing a blanket, filling a bottle or flask and taking a book outside. My grown up children and I used First Lockdown in 2020 to finish off a Reading Nook in the garden. It’s in a sheltered spot, facing west, so it gets the … Continue reading Spring Into a Book: Comfort Reading for the New Season
***Be Warned: I am going to be very honest in this post about menopause, periods and other Women’s Issues. And Hygge. I’m going to be very honest about Hygge.*** For as long as I can remember, my Mum’s best advice to me was that there are no constants about being a woman. Just when you think you’re used to your life or your body (especially … Continue reading Hormonal Hygge…. Finding my Way Through The Change.
It’s February 23rd and, in England at least, we have a Road Map out of Lockdown. Yes, indeedy. By June 21st, all being well, we should be free of all restrictions and ready to roll. I hope the whole world can be free soon, and that coronavirus can take its place among the ‘things we worry about that probably won’t happen but it’s good to … Continue reading Rain or Shine, Enjoy the Company of your Friends (Mostly Outside).
And once again it is Friday,and I end up writing a book review. The passage of my time is marked only by weekly events like Book Friday, Roast Dinner on a Sunday and Quiz Monday (TV quizzes back to back for the whole evening: love it) Without external pressures of groups, meetings and more, I have noticed my interests becoming more insular this year. My … Continue reading Book Friday: Home for the Soul by Sara Bird and Dan Duchars
How to Hygge the British Way 