Midsummer miscellany (and a winner)

I know you'll probably be wanting me to cut to the chase. so without further ado: the winner of my little giveaway (as pulled from a hat by Joe) is Elaine, who blogs over at The Craft Shed. Congratulations to you. Please drop me an email Elaine, and we'll take it from there.

There will be other giveaways coming up as I already have some new ideas for drawing and painting projects. But for now, here's a roundup of our midsummer goings-on. Firstly: the weather. Oh dear. Monty Don was waxing lyrical about midsummer on Friday evening, telling us to just get out there and make the most of all that light. Get out there we did. It rained. It was gloomy. In fact, the first thing that came to mind on closing the garden gate was that it felt much more like the end of summer. Blustery, damp and none too warm.

Still, I harvested the gooseberries from a surprisingly prolific few stems growing out of a wall by the river. I go each June. Stewed with a couple of Bramleys then frozen, they'll make a nice filling for a crumble later in the year.

Everything's very pink and lilac and white at the moment. Dog roses, the remains of the cow parsley, red campion, and whatever these (above) are called. They're growing all along the railway line and I feel I should know what they are, but don't.

Joe's definitely hit the Terrible Twos. He alternates between being the sweetest little boy you could wish to meet (and cuddle) and a child possessed. He's three at the end of August. I hope the Jekyll and Hyde thing disappears soon.

Luckily, the storms never last very long and I always stand my ground. More often than not it's a struggle to keep a straight face. If he flies into a rage because something refuses to balance in mid air there really isn't much I can do. I can cheer him up or read to him or demand an apology but I cannot change the laws of physics. Nor can I influence the CBeebies programming schedule.

Sorry if you've seen too much of the peonies already (on Instagram). They've been spectacular; a bunch bought tightly in bud from the 'reduced' section of the supermarket has burst into huge, showy blooms. Each bud has opened at a slightly different time so they're still going strong and making the dining table a thing of beauty.

The healthy eating plan continues. I complete my four weeks on Sunday. I did fall off the wagon slightly last week though. My cravings became quite insistent - not for cake or chocolate, but for Greek yogurt of all things. So I bought some. I admire vegans completely but three weeks of dairy-free was enough for me. Other than that, I'm sticking to the plan. Although the strange combinations of food groups has left me feeling pretty irritated.

So for this final week I'm still avoiding all the stuff I'm supposed to. I'm just adjusting things to suit me a bit better. I've been eating a lot of fruit, which is perfect for this time of year as the strawberries are at their best. So are cherries. And I've been enjoying peaches, watermelon and raspberries too.

Thank you for all your lovely comments on my previous post, and apologies if I initially gave the impression that the blog wasn't going to continue. That wasn't my intention at all. I will be prioritising things a little more but that doesn't affect Mitenska.

Finally, I'm pleased to share that I'm the new Preschool Editor for Tend Magazine. I was asked whether I'd be interested in writing for them and of course, I jumped at the chance. It's slightly daunting when I look at how beautiful and well-written it is but I'm excited to become part of the team and to write for a publication which ties in so well with my own values and passions. My first articles will appear in the Spring 2016 issue and I'm already thinking up lots of ideas. Could this be an excuse to procure another new notebook?

Have a lovely week, and let's all hope the sun comes out soon!

Mitenska & Me (and a thank you)

You may or may not remember (I almost forgot) that a month or three ago, I was planning some occasional posts about blogging itself. Well I've finally found myself back at that little idea. You see, lots has been going on here behind the scenes.

I started this blog in January 2013 (or thereabouts) as a kind of online journal; a place to record what we'd been doing, what I was thinking about, somewhere to keep my favourite photographs. And that's what it is. It's not a means of income. I have no sponsors, no advertising space. I don't have a Strategy. 

But the fact is, I do need an income. We manage fine. We're not big spenders, wouldn't be even if we had the means. I'm happy to lead a simple existence with family and friends, to eat well and be outdoors and make a home.

However.

I took time off with Joe and made financial provision for that. He starts preschool in September. I want to have a career of sorts. That's where things get complicated. You see, it's all too easy to know what I don't want any more: the commuting, the office politics, the endless meetings, the sitting behind a desk and wishing I was somewhere else. What I do want is a degree of autonomy, to do something I actually enjoy, something that doesn't necessarily feel like a job.

So I've made a start. I now have a website which details what I do (writing, blogging, photography, art). I had a meeting with a lady at the local library last week and they're going to display my framed drawings and I'm taking commissions. There are already three in my order book. I'm writing for a few different sites and there are one or two upcoming writing opportunities I've accepted.

We're not talking lots of money here. It all falls well within the 'modest' category. But if I keep plugging away and trying and knocking on doors... well, maybe I can make a go of things. An income, working from home, being creative, being around for Joe.

So where does this leave Mitenska? Exactly where it is. My little space, away from my professional projects, where I can do what I've always done: share the little things which make our life together what it is, write about memories, post pictures. Mitenska has brought me into contact with lots of lovely people. It's helped me discover some really wonderful blogs too. It's not a brand, it's just me and my life.

So I may update you with anything exciting which happens. I'll probably share some drawings. My 'work' website can be found on the blog, but only if you want to look for it. Otherwise, it's just Mitenska as it's always been.

And finally - a little giveaway. Not for self-promotion purposes. Just basically to say thank you for visiting. I'd like to offer the 'winner' a personalised painting. They're drawn in ink and then coloured with watercolour, with nature-inspired illustrations around the name of the child (or grown-up, why not?). Just let me know (in the Comments section) if you'd like to enter and I'll randomly pick a winner at 6pm on Sunday 21st June. You can then tell me the name you'd like me to paint and I'll send you the picture in a sturdy envelope.

Good luck!

Midweek Miscellany

It's been quite a while since I wrote one of these midweek miscellany posts. There's been much to tell you about and much to photograph: the village fete (gusty but good fun - and we bumped into lots of friends); a vast improvement in the weather (so plenty of walks. Sometimes we've managed to head out twice in one day); Joe getting some kind of stomach bug again (but he's getting better now)...

Please note that, as is often the case, the photos don't necessarily correspond with the writing. It kind of adds to the miscellaneous feel. Well, that's my excuse anyway. Jumping from this to that is just how these posts go so apologies if the whole thing seems a little disjointed. Probably reflects my current state of mind.

Is it just me who finds Punch and Judy vaguely disturbing? I know Mr Punch gets his come-uppance and all that. Perhaps it's those puppets. They're the sort of thing that gives me bad dreams.

I did take some good stuff away from the fete though. Despite being unable to indulge in either prosecco or a cream tea thanks to this eating plan, I did pick up an old set of weighing scales with weights for a fiver. And the lovely old wicker basket they were sitting in was included in the deal. I squeezed a cute little Royal Doulton set (£1) into said basket. There's something nice about kitchenalia; things that have been well-used and loved.

I'm picking up bits and pieces for our new kitchen. It's an extension built onto the back of the new house. The searches came back saying it doesn't have planning permission. Perfect!

But it's been there for thirty years so we can't be asked to take it down. We do want to get the quality of the building work checked out though; it's another delay but worth taking the extra week or two over. This house-buying lark can be extremely trying.

I've been drawing a lot of late. And painting. I'm working on a new project which might just blossom into something. It requires a lot of time and planning just now but hopefully it'll pay off. I'll share more as things progress.

Seasonal fruits: lovely apricots. They're the closest thing to sugary goodness for me right now. I've taken to standing and inhaling the aroma from the biscuit jar (Cadburys Chocolate Fingers combined with ginger nuts).

This whole eating plan is tough. I'm coping. But I genuinely didn't think it involved total elimination of anything; I'm a believer in 'Everything in moderation'. Have you ever given up sugar? It's dreadful. For the first three or four days I had awful headaches, followed by a few more days of complete and utter exhaustion. And now I just crave cake.

Moving swiftly on... The countryside is truly glorious at the moment. It's such a joy to walk in the hills, through the woods, by the riverbanks... And Joe loves it too. Freedom to run in the long grass and explore.

Today was very warm and sunny (I foolishly have the sunburn to prove it). We stayed home as Joe was really sick last night and I didn't fancy a repeat of that all over the church hall floor. Instead we called at the garden centre for some pots, then put up the play tent outside and he managed an ice lolly. He made a better job of it than he did with Saturday's ice cream.

We get lovely light coming in on sunny days; in the mornings it's around the back and the sun shines onto Gertie's table. In the evenings the study becomes (fleetingly) warm and golden.

I'm hoping to go strawberry picking soon at the farm near where we used to live. And in the meantime I'm keeping an eye out for elderflowers. They're not quite there just yet but the cordial bottles are at the ready. Elderflower cordial and sparkling wine is a match made in heaven.

We had a barbecue last night. Nothing big, just a back yard job with the three of us. If you have to eat healthy food (lean meat and vegetables) you might as well stick it on a skewer and get plenty of flavour from it. I suspect the barbecue will be seeing quite a lot of action over the next few weeks...

I hope you're enjoying the weather (and that it lasts - let's just ignore the forecast, shall we?) and that your week's a good one so far.

Cautiously optimistic

The sun has arrived. The howling wind and torrential rain have (for now) gone. I'm feeling cautiously optimistic that summer's on its way.

It's been a very busy week; on Tuesday I looked after my little niece. I took her to playgroup with Joe. And I spent the whole night beforehand worrying about taking care of such a tiny baby - it seems like for ever since Joe was small. And he was never that small. Needless to say, everything was absolutely fine.

Yesterday was pretty crazy; a mad morning followed by lunch with my stepdad (who'd kindly offered to come and babysit a sleeping Joe whilst I went to another meeting with social workers). Apparently, considering my brother's circumstances, this heavy involvement of professionals and authorities is quite normal. The good news is that they're very happy with the situation and hopefully things can start to settle down soon.

I started a 'clean eating' type plan. It's 28 days long. That's 28 days too long. I baked the above pie but did not partake. Right now it's all about fresh fruit and vegetables, pulses, lean meat and fish, nuts... No dairy or sugar, no alcohol or caffeine. Wheat's not a problem as I don't eat it anyway.

I didn't do it as an elimination diet. I just wanted to re-set my metabolism, clean things up a little. So I wasn't prepared for what happens when you give up processed sugar. Headaches and serious fatigue and spots. Luckily all these are going away now, but I never thought I'd end up salivating at the pick'n'mix display at the supermarket, staring in an unhinged fashion at the white chocolate mice.

Good job I'm a stubborn so-and-so. I'll see this thing through and even though I'll ease off a bit once it's over, I do think it wouldn't do us any harm to eat a little better in future.

My energy levels were back up again today. So I went for a walk while Joe was at nursery. It was glorious: sunshine and blue skies, fields and woods. That hour alone, breathing in the hawthorn blossom scent and noticing the flowers... well, it was nourishment for the soul. 

I came home and changed the beds, hung out the washing, and did the chores with a renewed vigour. Amazing what some sun and warmth can do for you.

It feels as though lately I've been juggling a lot of things. I haven't blogged as much as I'd have liked to, or caught up with everyone else's blogs either. There's a big pile of ironing to do. I'd hoped to do some drawing and painting too. But family comes first, and that's non-negotiable really.

This weekend I'm hoping to do all of those things which I'd like (or need) to do. And it's the village fete on Saturday. It was rained off last year but the forecast isn't too bad this time around. I even considered submitting an entry for the baking competition but don't think I'll get around to that. Not to mention that whipping up buttercream and smelling cakey deliciousness wafting from the oven would probably tip me over the edge. It would end up like the scene in Chocolat where the mayor gorges uncontrollably then lies there in a sugar-induced stupor.

Sorry, there's nothing more boring than people whingeing about diets, is there? 

Thank you for all your lovely comments on the blog lately. I really do appreciate it, and will play catch-up over the next day or two. For those people who've emailed me directly: I will reply over the next few days, I promise.

Have a lovely Friday and weekend. 

Happenings

Here I am, a bit late to the party (again) but hoping to join in with Annie's recent post. I haven't done one of these 'bits and pieces' posts for a while and will hopefully return to my 'Midweek miscellany' thing soon.

So what's been going on around here this past week or so? Sunshine, showers and gusty winds have had everyone asking, "Is it really almost June?" It just isn't very warm. At all. But that hasn't stopped the usual outdoor potterings; lately we've been planting up some goodies we brought home from the plant nursery over the bank holiday.

It's a place in Cheshire, between Wilmslow and Macclesfield. A friend owns it so he kindly fills the boot of the car each year and we come home with lots of free plants. We do pay it forward, though, and share the booty.

Joe loves the visit. There are tractors and chickens and sheep and the odd llama... Not to mention endless greenhouses to explore.

He comes home a very tired little boy.

And he doesn't stop talking about tractors for a very long time afterwards.

In other garden news, the herbs are coming along nicely...

And we picked up a few perennials yesterday from the market: a dark purple aquilegia and a red Geum ('Blazing Sunset').

As well as the usual fruit, vegetables and eggs it's always nice to see what's new in any given week. Hopefully once the local searches are conducted (we're at that stage of the house purchase) it won't be too long until we can put these into the earth.

Outside the gate there's a profusion of flowers. Others, like the lilies, are getting ready to burst open. And the Lady's Mantle should be flowering at some point.

We had a pretty perfect Saturday: a lie-in (thank you Joe), the aforementioned wander around the market, a picnic lunch eaten whilst sitting in the boot of the car, and a leisurely walk. The knowledge that it's leftovers for tea always makes things that bit more relaxed. And the fact that it was takeaway curry from the night before... As I said, perfect.

The riverbank was just dreamy. Wildflowers galore.

Prettiness everywhere.

The hawthorn blossom smelt lovely too. We were lucky with the weather as the sun put in a rare appearance and warmed the flowers; they in turn released that unmistakeable scent that to me encapsulates May.

The bluebells are still out too.

These things don't smell particularly nice. OK, they're a bit stinky. But pretty nonetheless.

Today started off drizzly and grey but we still managed some outdoor time. The lilacs are beautiful, and there seems to be more aquilegia growing all over the place.

Joe had to have his fix of locomotive action...

And as well as the lambs, he was quite taken with these little piglets who have recently taken up residence nearby. They were obviously having a lazy weekend of it.

Back at home I've finally thrown out my flagging birthday flowers and replaced them with a modest posy. A few bits of lisianthus were salvaged from the bouquet but other than that it's centaurea from outside.

And here's a small purchase from the tea room at the church: a belated birthday present from my brother. There are actually seven books in total, all Enid Blyton 'Rewards' titles. I had these when I was little and most have disappeared over time. We have maybe fifteen of them now though, which makes me very happy.

As the weekend winds down I'm going to put a plate pie (mince and onion) in the oven, wait for my stepdad to come and join us for our evening meal, and perhaps go for a little walk afterwards. I hope you had a lovely weekend and that next week's a good one. 

And that the temperatures rise a little.