May is the third and last month in our autumn, a time when some days are still ‘shiny bright’ compared to others which are cooling down (definitely colder overnight) preparing for the real go slow part of the year.
I’ve been feeling a bit that way this past few weeks – some days were great with a bright and shiny go get ‘em attitude evident from morn to night……others a bit cold and dreary, need to stay home and hibernate. Mind and body have played up so (as per usual) I retreated mentally as well as physically ‘into my shell’ until I felt safe enough to face the world (IRL as well as online) again.
As you can see, the charity box was going to benefit from my sit down and rest calming knitting sessions (top photo) then our youngest nephew became a father…..of a daughter instead of the predicted son….I gifted them a couple of newborn sized cardigans (lower photo) and laughed at their remarks about babies not being concerned about boy/girl clothes as long as they’re warm and comfortable so followed up by sending them a slightly larger one in a traditional girly pink shade. ‘Love it, so pretty’ was the new mother’s reply……sounds like she isn’t as modern as I thought!
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What has been on my mind is that the garden certainly suffered over the hot summer months. There’s still so much ‘catch up’ to do outside which is going to have to wait a while because even though things are slowly improving I still can’t get down enough to clear and weed….those forecast rainy days haven’t been that rainy out our way but the soil has softened a fraction so once mobility becomes a little easier let’s hope rose pruning and maybe a bit of ground clearing will be achieved
We’re on track to make our way up north about the middle of next month and if the pruning is done that’ll keep them happy until growth begins again in the spring – and honestly what’s a few weeds between friends😊
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As well as needing ‘simple easy’ craft to occupy my mind during that time I also wanted – what else but – something ‘uncomplicated’ to read so ended up rummaging around various online sites (going to the library meant I had to actually socialise with people) and found these with a seasonal flavour- that is they had autumn in the title
- Quartet in Autumn – Barbara Pym (Libby)
An easy to read, relatable 1977 Pym novel about the lives of four people in late middle-age – Edwin, Norman, Letty and Marcia – who work in the same office, are all nearing retirement and suffer the same problem – loneliness. A really good read! - A Breath of Autumn – Lillian Beckwith (Internet Archive)
A ‘delightfully soft, humorous at times and very descriptive’ story by a new to me author of life on a small island in the Hebrides owned and inhabited by Kirsty McDonald along with her small son plus a stepson. The regular pattern of her solitary slow life changes with the seasons and as strangers appear needing her help and involvement in their lives other changes happen. Some she slowly welcomes- others she spends a great deal of time contemplating. One of those ‘could not put down’ books where even though the pace is slow you can’t wait to read more
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lillian_Beckwith
Excepts can be read HERE - The Autumn After Next – Margaret St Clair (Project Gutenberg)
What can I say – this is exactly what it is about … a different, interesting sort of read that makes you think
Famous and Classic Science Fiction Novel
Being a wizard missionary to the Free’l needed more than magic—it called for a miracle!
The Autumn After Next” by Margaret St. Clair is a science fiction novella written in the early 1960s. The story explores themes of magic and cultural dissonance through the experiences of Neeshan, a wizard missionary trying to teach a lazy and indifferent tribe called the Free’l about the proper use of magic. The novella highlights the challenges of bridging different worldviews, especially when one party lacks the motivation to engage with the teachings being offered. source
And look here, as well as being able to read the very short story on screen – you are also able to listen to it being narrated by William Sky
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This post has become rather on the long side – word brevity has never been my strong point – so thank you to anyone who has reached here.
I have to say that one thing that helped me a lot over these past weeks were the simple thoughts of loving kindness meditation (directed to myself) and I often found myself muttering or repeating them silently ‘in my head’ adding love into the mix ~ it’s strange how unloved one can feel even when surrounded by it.. The Golfer would have a fit if he heard me say that because supportive is definitely his middle name
My love to you all – thanks for reading- see you soon
Cathy
I know this isn’t exactly whimsical or crafty but I’m joining Min’s link up as well as Kat’s as a way of saying ‘I’m back’
Still Waters 
Meditation is good for you! I have been spending more of this May in meditation as well. It has been good for much of what ails me! (I hope you are finding the same results!)
Your baby sweaters are just so adorable and I am so happy that your family was able to dip in as well!
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It definitely has a soothing effect (or is supposed to) calming the mind and body. Sometimes I benefit….others I wonder when ‘it’ will happen
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Of course I read to the end. I was wondering if you would head north this winter. You seem to enjoy it so much.
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It’s (up north) certainly one of my happy places Andrew. Just 10 weeks this year…that will be enough to warm my bones
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The absence of love is a killer. Glad the Golfer is so supportive.
I like Barbara Pym’s books…..a pity she gave up writing when her publisher went ‘trendy’.
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I read a couple a few years ago Helen but can’t remember which ones they were so maybe if I have a Pym reading binge that will jog my memory😊
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I also like Barbara Pym’s books – and must reread some of them. Thanks for the reminder.
I have also neglected the garden over summer (and we have had next to no rain). The weeds have thrived though and I am, slowly, getting back into it.
I am sorry you have been despondent and hope it lifts.
Hugs.
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My moody times seem to have become more noticeable as I’ve aged EC. Too much time on my hands a well meaning friend’ informed me…..were you like this when you were younger and on the go all the time? Wasn’t sure how to answer that one, different times different stresses and worries. Maybe I was but too busy for it to register
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I love your last graphic, so much so that I copied it and plan to spread it around.
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Such simple phrases aren’t they…just enough words to convey a thought.
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Sorry you’ve been feeling fed up, well done on trying some things to keep yourself moving forward.
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I read somewhere the other day that people with ‘Granny hobbies’ fare better mentally on the whole because of the meditative value of things like knitting. Sounds like you have been having a rough time and I’m glad you have your own answers for that. Good to see you back (and not surprised at the number of finished garments you have achieved…). Not having watched TV for over 7 months I have actually started reading g again and some evenings even manage a bit of k sitting too.
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Gosh I didn’t realise you’d been back home that long. New home new lifestyle we’ll make a housewife out of you yet!
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Those words from loving kindness got me through many tricky times a while back…and it’s always good to be reminded of them. I do a calm meditation and more once a day and it’s to help me come back to ‘centre’ because…”anxiety” has been high in recent times.
Take care
Denyse x
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May yyou be healthy
May you all be happy
May those you love always bring you joy!!
Lovely knitting. Mindful knitting is good time for peaceful mediation.
I used to love Lillian Beckworth but I haven’t come across her books for years. She wrote so well of the place she lived
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I’d never come across Lillian Beckwith before finding this book…..I’ll definitely be looking out for more of her work
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Hi Cathy, I have seen those words before and I think I’ve done the loving kindness meditation they come along with too. Aren’t they beautiful and comforting words? I’m sorry you haven’t been feeling the best over the last few weeks. I can relate. Things have been tough at my end but we ride the waves don’t we. Gratitude helps me – finding things I am grateful for. Your little knitted cardigans are gorgeous! I’m sure your nephew and his wife would have been thrilled to receive one for their new baby. I’m loving the look of the books you’ve listed here and have noted them down. I only want easy reading these days. Real life is hard enough lately without reading stressful or difficult to read books. By the way – posts don’t need to be creative or whimsical to link up with #WWWhimsy – you can link up absolutely anything (except overly political or religious posts). Wishing you many happy days ahead Cathy and thank you for linking up with #WWWhimsy ! xo
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Comfort was what I was looking for Min and yes, that mantra certainly provided that for me.
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Hi Cathy, I think it’s important that we share the feelings we are going through and so I thanks you for being open in your post. I hope you’re feeling a bit less down by now. Your knitting is always superb and must be such a great way to keep moving forward as well as meditative. My mother, who lives alone, loves to sit and crochet in the evening as it’s good for her in so many ways. Glad you’ve got some travels north to look forward to. Take care x
#Teamwwwhimsy
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