Dining el fresco
Enjoying tea and a book in the park
En route to the seaside...
In the UK, plans should never depend on the weather being fine. Never. My deal-with-the-weather-no-matter-what strategy includes: dress in layers, always (always) carry an umbrella and be prepared to have a good time regardless of rain.
Last week this was true in London and this week I've been applying these guidelines rigorously on the south coast too. Because, yes, with the exception of Saturday, it has rained every day of my leave so far. Every day.
It's true to say that it's been nothing like the week I originally had in mind but, I have to admit, it's been fun too. I've walked for hours, I've dined well, I've read lots, I've slept long, I've breathed deeply and I've watched the weather move in various moods over the sea. It's been peaceful.
I'll share some more photographs of these mini adventures over the next few days but for today, feel free to pop over to Claire's beautiful space, where she showcases her lovely words and images, and have a browse around. I was very honoured when Claire invited me to guest post for a day while she's off enjoying some guaranteed sunshine, and chose to share some musings on dealing with plans gone awry. I'm thinking it could become my speciality subject on Mastermind. Perhaps not quite as interesting as Orthopaedic Bone Cement in Total Hip Replacement, Perfect Squares from 992 = 9801, or The History of Lancashire County Cricket Club (all previous submissions for speciality subjects) but something I'm beginning to feel I know a little about.
Best laid plans...
Best laid plans...
Now that I'm home again - and yes, it's still raining - my non-weather-dependent plan is to catch up with what you've been up to. I'm looking forward to it. A lot. And because in the blogosphere one can encounter all four seasons in a day, you can be sure that I'll be dressed in layers, carrying an umbrella, and absolutely prepared to have a good time, regardless of the weather. I'll see you out there...
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14 comments:
Ahh, those best laid plans...as you often hear me say...Life is the ability to deal with Plan B. It looks like you dealt with it beautifully. I visited Claire's space, it is beautiful. I'm sure I will become a regular to it...her photos are lovely and convey a sense of serenity...something I am so trying to cultivate in my world.
Nice to have you back, and nicer still to see that you didn't allow a little rain to spoil the enjoyment!
Yes, rain has been here and on the peninsula, with high winds- it is March after all...in spite of our early spring March still has it's tantrums. I could also use some warm penetrating sunshine about now- Let's pop on down to S.A. OK? justa quickie , get energized - experience some space...meet you on the corner. Take a sandwich.
bonjour ! welcome back and can't wait to sea (lapsus ! see) more of your photos ... love the last one with the rain, gorgeous, it reminds me of photos I took back in 2007, I have been think about posting one of them I found recently (synchronicity) ... I have to tell you, I love rain (maybe because the rain in south west France is luminous ! ... thank you for introducing me to claire's blog which i will go and visit further :) rain or not, it is nice to have some time off :)
visiting via Claire ... your photos are beautiful with words that match
Thank you for your comments on my blog, they always makes me soo happy.
Your blog is, as usual, full of inspiration and I want to wish you a Happy Easter!
Agneta, Sweden
I think that I'd love the UK, but from what I've heard about the weather, it'd drive me mad. I love my sunshine.
Then again, it's an excuse for an umbrella and to get all Mary Poppins-like!
I'm still being inspired by your blog. Keep it up!
Hello again...it's so nice to have some time to catch up a bit on friends I haven't "seen" in a while. Your holiday sounds lovely, in spite of the rain. We have been having unseasonably warm weather, and reveling in every minute of it.
someone today shared with me her new mantra of "bring it on!"...
i thought of the strength of it when i read your post!
i'll love to hear if you did paint..& i know you were in lovely company...YOU! & ahhh, just to be near the sea!
Rain can be dreary but also affords an excuse to read, nap and watch the colors of the landscape shine. I've spent so little time near the ocean that being able to watch a storm roll over the waves would be a treat. We get pouring rain so seldom that I don't know if I can even find my umbrella. We are still keeping the snow shovel at the ready here.
Ohhh I hate rain. But the way you talk about it makes me smile. I can tell you had a marvellous time in London. I love it there too. When we were there it was nice crispy cold but the sun was out all the time because of the cold.
Can't wait to visit London soon again. Hugs Dagmar
So many X-South Africans I've spoken to find British weather thoroughly daunting. Often I'm quite envious of those soft grey days especially when we are enduring the usual heatwaves but I think even I would be tired of week after week of rain. Glad you had fun on holiday and found pockets of peace. Long walks on the beach .... bliss. I really enjoyed your thoughtful post over at Claire's.
Well, you certainly have the right attitude to plans gone awry! I find that I often have the best fun when I have not planned for something too hard, or when the unexpected (and sometimes resented) change in a situation or plan launches me in a different direction ...
your life sparkles even in rainshowers.
I love this blog. As always you enchant us with your creative mosaic. You inspire us with your "I -am-going-to-enjoy- myself-come-what-may" attitude. and beautiful writing. But... the part that gladdened my heart , more than anything... words that I have longed to see, that made me sigh with pleasure,
"I have slept long" YAY!!!!
As Always xx oo
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