I have been longing for spring, there’s no denying it. Fortunately, in my job, I can cheat a little sometimes and bring the seasons forward, just a little. I’m currently editing a regional magazine (Nene Living) as one of my freelance contracts, and I love the seasonal photo shoots that we do to showcase local independent retailers. I particularly enjoy the spring shoot, because I have to go out and find fresh flowers, pots of bulbs, and light, bright homewares. We were so lucky this time, too, as we were able to shoot in a lovely rustic cabin called The Arc, which is very close to my home in East Northamptonshire. The Arc is tucked away in woodland, right next to the River Nene. We were blessed with a bright, sunny day last week. I packed the car with tulips, hyacinths, hot cross buns, mini eggs and all sorts of other props from my stash. Local retailers had lent us baskets, jugs, linens, throws, hare prints and rugs.
Here’s the cabin…
Together with photographer Lesley Anne Churchill, we were ready to rock’n’ roll.
The Arc sleeps four people, and has a rustic bedroom, indulgent bathroom with a proper tub and a power shower, and upstairs, two single beds in a gallery (the steps lead up to this room). I loved the kitchen, too. It was an amazing place to stage our shots.
We spent about four hours setting up the photos. Lesley Anne’s pics will be used in the magazine in our March issue. These are just my snaps from the day.
When I got home, I felt that I wanted to continue the spring theme. 
Hyacinths….
I decanted some of the shoot flowers into my own pots. And then I painted some of the props…
And ate others 🙂
Hambleton Bakery rhubarb and almond slice <3
Seriously, it has been a long, dark winter. I’m usually a fairly upbeat person, but it was starting to get me down. I have certain tactics to cheer myself up, however. Number 1 is painting, either with watercolours or acrylics in tubes. I don’t pretend to be anything more than an enthusiastic amateur, but it brings me such pleasure. I like to lose myself in it, preferably with some of my records on the turntable, coffee or a cuppa at my side and a few spare hours.
My second seasonal booster is to think about my spring garden. I collected some seeds for the first time last year, and I’ve been buying others, and I really enjoy thinking about what I’m going to sow when it warms up, where I’ll plant them, and even better, the days when I harvest my own flowers.
My seed collection
The third pick me up has been this little chap…
He’s not mine, he’s my friend Jo’s little dog, Theo. He’s been to stay twice now, and it’s been brilliant taking him for walks. I’ve never owned a dog. In fact, I’ve always been a bit wary of them, but he is a favourite. Those curly legs!! Yes, Theo’s presence has definitely made winter feel much more friendly.
If you’re interested in renting The Arc, the link is http://www.thearccabin.co.uk
