Peonies are positively my most favourite flower. I just couldn't get the light right at homes so I photographed them on the beach - any excuse to get down there! My Mum gives me a bunch every year. I am sure the season does not usually last this long. I have been so pleased watching them unfurl from tight buds to beautiful frothy flowers.
Life, although stressful for the same reasons as everyone else, is somehow very magical at the moment. I checked my blog for one year ago and I had typed in capitals - tell the wind to stop blowing. That would have meant cold trips to the paddling pool and beach, poppy petals being ripped from their stems and very bad hair days!
Instead we have been basking in summer holiday sunshine. It is almost a sin for children to go to bed on time when the sun is out in strength. The pebbles hold the heat when the sun has gone, keeping us down there even longer. The children cleverly ask for one more swim before we leave the beach (usually @ 8.30 pm - don't tell their teachers!!!). It is hard to refuse children such good exercise. Apart from this Sunday morning the TV hasn't been watched by the children for weeks and we don't have computer games vying for their attention - their hair is bleached by the sun and wavy like they have already had their 6 weeks summer holiday.
I have enjoyed doing a few watercolours on the beach - sorry that should be messing around with paint. I cannot paint anything properly but I love the colours merging together, something I love about felting too.
Today, 20 of us met on the beach for a BBQ. The sniff of suncream, the seasalt and sizzling BBQ sausages literally was heaven. The twelve children played beautifully together. I have a garden trug that I have constantly filled with plastic bowls and cups. Just peeking in that trug makes me happy as it signifies happy gatherings.
A large pile of sarongs gathered from different holidays teeters in my wardrobe. I would not dare wear one on its own but have taken to wearing one like a little skirt over my cropped trousers. I cannot resist the summery colours. Somehow, summer and that holiday feeling increase ten fold when a sarong is involved.
This year I planted more lillies in the garden - I didn't know nature produced such vibrant colours - how mad is this yellow! The clashing of the purple and yellow are so uplifting in the hot sunshine. I love watering the garden at the moment as the smell of the earth wafts up, mingling with the scent of lavender and rosemary.
Last week I helped on the school trip to Wakehurst Place, which was an absolute pleasure. They hold the largest seed bank in the world. One project the children had to do was make a picture using fruit and vegetables. My daughter started to make the picture of the man anatomically correct - it had to be my daugther, didn't it! ....... off for more outside cooking tomorrow - I really encourage you to try it too as it involves no sweeping up or hoovering of crumbs (something I hate doing) ....... have fun!
