Sometimes, you just have to take time for yourself. Block out the rest of the world and do what brings joy and peace to your soul. That’s what I did a few weekends ago. Life was hectic, I was stressed and I thought, ‘stop a minute, please’. I thought it was time to actually enjoy the space I was in, that which I have worked so hard for. Ignacio was off that Sunday, so we were both around on Sunday morning together which was just lovely. I made myself a random smoothie of ginger biscuits, oat milk and bananas. I drank this alone in the garden enjoying the sunshine. After a conversation with a friend the day before, I was inspired to make some French toast with brioche. I made a few slices and ate them with Ignacio in the garden. It was just so nice. Maybe ‘nice’ is a lame word but it just was, so very nice. We just sat there eating our food and smiling at each other.

Then he when back into the house to continue the room painting and I tackled the garden.

I’m not a gardener but it has been my dream to buy a house with a garden, which is what we were lucky enough to do. I did not really appreciate just how much time and effort gardens would require but also did not realise just how much I would enjoy gardening. When I first moved in, a close friend who lives not far from me, opened my eyes to the weeds that were growing and how to remove them. Weeds were not things that I had thought about – ever…

So I started this Sunday with taking out the weeds. It was hard work, because they seem to be EVERYWHERE, the hardest bit was between the paving stones. However somehow I had fun. I had my music on, the sun was out but not too hot, I felt good. I sorted out the flowerbeds, i.e. cut back a few dead bits of plant, planted a few seeds. I cut the grass for the second time, easier on this round and l was less sweaty with the effort.

At the end of the afternoon the garden looked neater, tidier and I felt great. I felt just great. I wish I could have bottled up that feeling up and release it at times when I’m feeling less than good. But I think perhaps I will just have to do more gardening…