Simple Tulips – In a Vase on Monday

“I just want to live simply and pay attention to what’s happening each day.”
Kent Haruf (1943-2014), from his last novel Our Souls at Night

This week in Manchester, the weather has been sunny, with the odd light frost.  It has hardly rained at all month – nothing like the usual April showers.  Although I do remember, and checking on my blog and Instagram, it was sunny and dry last year too and then hurled down with rain in May.  We are still in lockdown, and will be for at least another three weeks; I think it will be longer.

My garden is my sanctuary any time but particularly now.  As usual, I am joining in with Cathy from Rambling in the Garden who has some tulips too but also amaryllis – which shouldn’t be flowering at this time of year.

In a vase on Monday – tulips

My tulips are fabulous this year so I have included some more this week – though the cherry blossom and azalea are calling me.

I have no idea what these three tulips are called.  I photographed all the tulip packets last year but have archived them somewhere – oops. Any suggestions from the keep gardeners in my readership most gratefully received.

Simple by Yotam Ottolenghi

I’ve included some cookbooks by Yotam Ottolenghi, partly because of the name and colours.  Ottolenghi is one of My Chap’s favourite chefs so we often eat meals inspired from these cookbooks.  We were discussing our favourites from these books with my Australian relatives over zoom 😊 – if you

This got me thinking about simple pleasures and a slower pace of life.  I’ve written often about wellbeing but here are some ways I keep it simple – if you can – find the activities that help you.

Want to buy Simple by Ottolenghi? visit my bookstore www.uk.bookshop.org/shop/becinmonton (affiliate link)

Keeping it simple

I’m keeping to a routine as much as I can during these strange times, keeping to a ‘working’ day schedule – some learning, something practical around the house like cooking, something creative and something relaxing every day.  It seems to be helping me as I try hard not to worry about things I cant influence.

I know that if I start a massive ‘to do’ list it just overwhelms me.  I’ve often written in the past about wellbeing and what methods I use to help my mental and physical health on an even keel.

Keys to wellbeing

Learning  and discover

I’ve been pottering along with online learning – mostly updating my knowledge on digital marketing and some topics for work including a new graphic design package.  I’ve also been getting back into doing trivia quizzes some raising money for charity and others are with my Women’s Institute pals – good fun and simple pleasures.

For me, creativity is part of this learning and discovery – picking up old hobbies, and unfinished craft projects. I’m getting there with things.

Give

I’m can’t help physically with many local community projects because o my health situation.  As well as arthritis, it’s likely I’ve developed asthma too – ho hum.   But, I am donating and sharing charities making a difference locally – food banks, charities cooking food for vulnerable people and the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Be healthy

As the weather is so sunny we’ve been pottering around in the garden, sorting, staking and tidying. I’ve planted more seeds than usual as I’ve got more time to tend to them – so fingers crossed everything germinates.  I’ll show you how I get on – some are salad leaves, some vegetables and some are flowers.

We are so fortunate to eat well because we both like cooking.   We’re not ones for drinking and never during the week so our routine with this has changed little. We’ve been drinking the odd gin from our supply and having fun making cocktails.

Connect

I’m keeping in touch with my family and friends all around the world using zoom meetings, WhatsApp, phone calls and good old email.  I’m lucky as I know many people from different places so there’s often something to get involved in.

Be active

I’m doing a daily walk around my neighbourhood, usually, along the Bridgewater Canal and around Worsley Wood – we are so fortunate to live where we do.

Packet House, Worsley, Salford dates from 1760 Grade II listed –
15 July 2015

Yoga I’m getting to two or three online yoga classes a week which helps my physical and mental wellbeing.  I’ve mentioned the yoga a few times on this blog:

• Yoga – www.viewsfrommygardenbench.com/tag/yoga

Take notice

This is a fundamental part of my day every day, I try to stay in the moment – focus on helping and supporting the people I love and care about.  I’m noticing which organisations are treating their staff and customers well and am using my money wisely.   Focusing on the mundane, the small things. focus on my breathing, focus on the flowers around me, the bird song, the daily changes around me.

*****

However, it isn’t a competition just do what works for you – just follow the rules, stay at home, stay safe. Showering, washing and changing clothes, eating something nutritious are all just as valid as the activities I’ve mentioned.  If you’re a key worker – thank you and stay safe.

Remember, we are living in the strangest of times, through a global pandemic, so it’s fine to just get through this.

What have you been doing this week during lockdown? Let me know in the comments

Carpe Diem,

Love Bec xx xx xx