Monthly Archives: February 2015

Tattoos

Wherever Little Owl is and whatever she is doing, Finch wants to be there. He pushes his way in joyfully grabbing handfuls of whatever she is playing with, or alternatively, handfuls of her hair. Poor Little Owl. She got sweet … Continue reading

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Black Spout Wood

This weekend we headed up into Perthshire for the Scottish Snowdrop Festival. Annually venues all over Scotland open to the public between the end of January to the middle of March to show off their snowdrop displays. We liked the … Continue reading

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Hiraeth

Do you know the word Hiraeth? It’s a Welsh word. It kind of means homesickness but really it describes a much deeper feeling than just missing home. It’s a word for being properly ill or heartbroken in your longing for, … Continue reading

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Sores, Spores and Sickly Bugs

At my writing class this week we explored the genre of ‘gritty realism’. Key authors in this sort of children’s literature are Jacqueline Wilson and Cathy Cassidy. In their books they explore themes such as divorce, living in care, and … Continue reading

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Toucan Boxes

Do you know that Mister Maker (of CBeebies art show fame) is a con artist? Now I know it’s not nice to make accusations but it’s true. In nearly every show Mister Maker paints some sort of plastic item (e.g. … Continue reading

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Kingfisher sighting

Last week the most amazing thing happened. Finch and I were out for a frosty walk in the nature reserve opposite our house and we saw a kingfisher! It was bright blue against the dark wet vegetation. It flashed past … Continue reading

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The English Year

I have added a second book to my monthly readings to help me keep my New Year’s resolution of getting back to simplicity and seasonality. This book is called The English Year and is by Steve Roud. The English Year … Continue reading

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Catkins

As the beginning of February unfolds I turn to the corresponding chapter in Stephen Moss’ book Wild Hares and Hummingbirds.  The countryside surrounding his home on the Somerset Levels is shrouded in low mists and dripping with damp. He describes … Continue reading

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