A wild and rainy day, Donald Trump’s last shout, continuing lockdown, shielding …life is a certainly a curate’s egg.
I woke up feeling gloomy, but then I remembered that I have some spring bulbs in my greenhouse outside, and I hadn’t checked them for a week or two. Sure enough, there is progress: the iris reticulata have come through and they’re looking good. These tiny green shoots are spring treasures. Soon they will become miniature irises with dark blackcurrant coloured petals. I recommend them. They can be bought ready grown in pots in a few weeks’ time, although I grew mine from bulbs that I planted in late autumn. Today I brought them inside for a short time for a photo near my new paintings of tulips and hyacinths. I’ve been doing these paintings in a deliberately lighter, more neutral palette in the evenings. It makes time fly past, and I listen to audiobooks, BBC Sounds or music while I am working. I don’t subscribe to Audible, I usually find free books on YouTube, which can vary greatly in quality, but that’s fine. Since I tried to write a book, I have renewed respect for anyone who achieves it, even if it isn’t a masterpiece. Plus, I have found some much loved classics, and lots of vintage Agatha Christie. From BBC Sounds, I like Bill Nighy’s Charles Paris mysteries, Front Row, Desert Island Discs, Book At Bedtime, Eddie Izzard’s reading of her own autobiography, and Katherine Jakeways’ amusing quartet of dramas, starting with Where This Service Will Terminate…to name just a few.
When I am not working on paid articles, I am putting together my Zine. I’ve been very busy writing, cooking and photographing the content. Latest is the brunch board…
There’s lots more but I won’t give it all away as I am asking people to pay for the Zines. After the shoot is over, I can eat the props…this was Sunday’s treat. I did go for a long run to work some of it off. I’ve also been reading some fabulous new garden and nature books which I shall be reviewing in the Zine. There are some beauties coming out this spring, and I have managed to get my hands on all of them.
I hope you are managing to stay upbeat – or at least sane.