May Day heralds happy days

Traditionally May Day marks the beginning of summer and in ancient times was associated with Flora, goddess of flowers. Amongst my Celtic ancestors it was (and still is in some parts) celebrated as Beltane, heralding the summer pastoral season in the northern hemisphere with hearth fires being doused, swept out and rekindled from community bonfires and the hanging of garlands on doors and windows. In northern European countries, including England, festivities that included dancing around the Maypole welcomed the new season. 

So, in the spirit of these joyful rites, I am going to be celebrating May too. There's a very special Birthday happening in my family of the heart this month, a visit to spend time with another dear friend in her beautiful country home, and a trip to the seaside to look forward to. I'm hoping for some sunny days and some happy days and some happy sunny days. Days to celebrate. The theme for NaBloPoMo this month is sweet and although I have wimped out of posting for 31 days, I've committed to at least 21 and will try for more. Sweet seems to me a good starting point for a celebratory endeavour. 

In her usual inspiring and wonderfully enthusiastic way, Lisa has been gathering creative ideas and is suggesting a bit of structure to motivate us to play together, explore sweetness, take photographs, and weave words throughout the month of May. 

So far we have a colour week happening in week 3 (I love colour weeks!), I suspect Mosaic Mondays will continue (you might have noticed I'm quite fond of a mosaic?),  and this I believe statements will be posted on the 30th, a very special day in Lisa's calendar and something we can build up to during the month. Oh, and there is definitely going to be a giveaway. I'm so excited! Please do join us for all or whichever of the month's activities appeal to you...

Let's start with Five Senses Friday, inspired by Abby 

I See

~ a field of sweet little chamomile daisy stars scattered on a lawn - so humble and pretty they make me smile whenever I pass this park, and sometimes I can't resist just sitting amongst them for a while.

I Smell

~ the clean, sweet smell of freshly mown grass - one of the most quintessentially summery of scents for me.

I Taste

~ delicious early strawberry and sweet mango fruit salad with Madagascan vanilla yoghurt - I love summer fruits and anything with real vanilla makes my tastebuds dance.

I Feel

~ a soft, light rain on my face - not much sun forecast in the next few days but the winter chill has gone from the air and that is sweet indeed.

I Hear

~ the rhythmic hum of the train on the rails that carry me south to the sea - I can't wait to see and smell and taste and feel and hear the ocean... Sensory and soul food! Sweet.

It feels like a good start...

Happy May Day, Happy Friday!

♥