Hearth and Home // Falling again...

...into a world of magic as woven by masters of word craft and storytelling.

In the past few days I have immersed myself in my most favourite of pastimes - reading. Not for work, for study or school - but for my own joy. I have finally made the time to read these recommendations, both of which I absolutely loved.

This is largely because I was incredibly lucky to be treated to an iPad for Christmas and therefore have instant access to a wealth of literature almost anywhere. But perhaps also because as the year draws to a close I am reflecting on where I am and where I want to be - and realising that I have neglected this love of mine. Wherever I find myself next year, I would like it to always be a small step away from falling back into that world of magical word craft.

The little things that make you smile...

...or roar with laughter!

Last week I went to see a performance of 'King Lear' at Stratford-upon-Avon. The performance was fantastic, but the highlight of the evening?

Stopping for a drink in a pub beforehand and realising the doors to the ladies' toilets looked like this...

Brilliant.

Brightening my day today...

I consider myself fortunate to work as a teacher in a wonderful school which is surrounded by trees and greenery. One of the benefits  is being able to spot an array of wildlife from my classroom window. Today’s blessing came in the form of a cottontail bunny, resurfacing after the snow and frost, to spring about giddily once the children had left for the day. This put me in mind of a childhood favourite – Peter Rabbit – and brought back many happy memories of snuggling under the duvet with my edition of Beatrix Potter’s collected tales. 

‘I am sorry to say that Peter was not very well during the evening.   His mother put him to bed, and made some camomile tea; and she gave a dose of it to Peter! 'One table-spoonful to be taken at bed-time.’

Very wise advice indeed!

I still have my copy of the tales, although it is now rather battered and worn. It remains tucked away, in the hopes that if I have children of my own, they too will enjoy its magic.