Running Through the Storm

There seems no letup in this stormy weather, though our house on the hill remains dry and my heart goes out to all those affected by the floods. Living on the coast, we’ve had our share of dramatic weather. But rain and wind won’t keep me indoors; I’ve discovered that the very best thing to do in stormy weather is run..

Walking or cycling in these winds just feels like a hard slog, but running feels natural. After all, what do you do when you get caught out by a shower without your coat ten feet from the car? This is just a small extension of that.

In the last couple weeks we’ve tramped through thick sloppy mud, slipped down water-soaked slopes, been pushed by the wind along slick chalky paths, and held for dear life on to sea railings against horizontal hail. This is not the time of year to buy a nice new pair of trainers- they won’t survive a month. So grab some old gear and let the wind and rain buffet you about. It really is good fun out there.

New Words

I’m not one for new year resolutions but, being a word nerd, I do like to nominate a word for the year. My 2013 word was resilience. I had recently taken on a new job that presented a whole host of challenges: setting up a service, managing a team, and generally sticking my neck on the line. I felt the weight of people critiquing my actions and the vulnerability of exposing my mistakes. So, I’ve learnt to be a little tougher, acknowledge errors and move on, rather than cringe and wallow. I’ve become surer of my own decisions and been happier to stand up for my ideas.

Having survived 2013 and toughened up a little, I want to keep my momentum going, pursue and actually complete all the many plans I scribble in to notebooks late at night. So my 2014 word is projects, to generally be up and doing.. creating lovely things, learning new piano tunes, writing more (including about my work as a Speech and Language Therapist) and reading many more books (a pretty constant endeavour…) I hope 2014 is looking good from where you’re sitting. I’m excited to start sharing it with you!

A Wintry Week

It’s been wet and stormy round these parts; a well-chosen week to be off work, drowsing under the duvet or snoozing by the fire. But even this stormy weather is worth being out in. I loved the adventure of getting caught running the coast path in a hailstorm: a Christmas Day first for me. And the perfect stillness of Newtown after a storm passes is wintry perfection.

Truly though, I only go outside so I can max out on being lazy at home, for which the Christmas holidays are perfectly designed. Visiting family, eating delicious food, and laughing/shouting over games, is the perfect way to tire yourself out, ready for another big snooze under the duvet. I’m due a little more happy hibernating before the new year arrives..

Home for the Holidays

I know I’m not the only one who struggled to get home through the storm today. Lots of trains and boats, splashed sidewalks, and wet boots. Rows of passengers dripping wet on waiting room seats, and long queues for a cuppa.

It’s so good to get home, after riding stormy seas and marching rainy streets. I have a pile of books, some knitting to pick up, and nowhere I have to be, for at least a little while.

I hope you’re all tucked in well from the storm. Safe travels and happy holidays. xx

Tom the Camera Man

I’m sure Tom won’t mind me outing him as an Instagram addict. He’s always loved taking photos, and he’s been happily sharing them with others over on Instagram for over a year. There’s never a walk where he isn’t getting fodder for the feed, especially if we’re out in the golden hour, and he’s a merry hashtag inventor (#chasingwight and #offroadisland for a start.)

So he was petty delighted to get an email from the guys at IG the other day letting him know that he is now one of their a suggested users; a well-deserved accolade for his beautiful gallery! Do go check it out for a snapshot of this island life: forest, beaches, country lanes, and a few flowers and honeybees…