Tulips and time for crafts – In a Vase on Monday

‘Flowers heal me. Tulips make me happy.’ Rebecca Wells (1953-  ), US Author most famous for the Ya-Ya sisterhood books.

It has been a strange day, a strange week, a strange Easter weekend – time seems to pass slowly, days blending one into another when there is really not that much going on with us.  The news around the world is grim, I’m only reading information from experts once a day.  As usual, I’ve been gardening as I can concentrate on what needs to be done and what I can influence.  Time in the garden helps me be in the moment, focusing on one task at a time.  We are slowly getting our garden into shape.  I have been taking notice of the flowers, buds and plants in our garden and in our neighbourhood.  The blossom is spectacular The tulips are coming out – Spring really is here.   I can’t tell you how much I love tulips.  I planted plenty last year, but I think the ninja squirrels have been munching them 🙁

In a Vase on Monday – tulip time

This week’s In a Vase on Monday it had to be tulips – I picked:

• two different pink tulips – the colour symbolises of caring, attachment and good wishes – as usual, I’ve got no idea of the variety – I think they came in a random Wilko collection.
• a gorgeous silky purple ‘Queen of the Night‘ tulip
• and a very showy white daffodil

I picked the vase because it’s like a milk bottle, ‘a make do’ vase.  As usual, I am joining in with Cathy from Rambling in the Garden (www.ramblinginthegarden.wordpress.com) she has some stunning, white Exotic Emperor tulips in a simple terracotta pot.  It is always a joy to dive into the links below hers.  I am very happy as there are many tulips.

Crafting – silver clay

Since I’ve been furloughed from work, I’ve got much more time than usual.  I know how much small projects help me mentally by making me focus on what is right in front of me.   I’ve decided to do more crafting, in particular, making more silver clay pieces for birthday gifts and to sell later in the year.  I’m still learning. I saw this quote; it made me smile:

‘Life is a series of obstacles preventing me from crafting’

I will also finish (and starting) some crafting projects lurking around the house.  I’m not putting myself under any pressure, so I’ll just go with the flow about what I achieve.

Life in lockdown

In general, we aren’t finding it too bad.  Counting our blessings, we have our small garden, a warm and cosy house. We can both cook, have time for DIY, talking to friends and family, watching films and listening to music. We like each other’s company too which helps 😉

Having spent plenty of time at home twice over the last five years, I know what helps me and that’s having a routine, getting out of bed, dressed etc and work through a few key activities each day – something creative, something physical (daily walking), something for my wellbeing (gardening and yoga) and something to learn.  I try to keep to a couple hours in the morning and again in the afternoon, then formally end my day with a walk before tea time.

I decided to join in with a blogger link up to write about my thoughts, feelings and activities as we moved through lockdown.  We’ve been in lockdown for three weeks in the UK, although My Chap and I have been avoiding busy places and shops for longer.

• Views from Lockdown – week 1 – 7 April 2020

A few times in my life I’ve been through some tumultuous experiences; looking back I wish I’d written more about what I felt and experienced as it was happening.  So now I have a blog, I’ll be following along with the questions and prompts.  I’m also taking photographs of what I see around the neighbourhood – have a look over on Instagram:

• www.instagram.com/becinmonton

Good wishes to you all; remember to care for yourself too – #selfcarematters.

Have you got tulips in your garden or near you? What are you photographing or noticing? 

Carpe Diem,

Love Bec xx xx xx