Patterns and Texture

I love digital photography - I love the way that you can snap anything and everything.  In Cornwall I decided to take photographs of tiny details and patterns that I saw as I explored the beaches.

I'm inspired to create something crafty to incorporate some of these wonderful patterns and textures.

St Ives 2014

We have just spent the most wonderful week in St Ives.  Both children decided to come with us and we had some great family time - which we all enjoyed.  The weather got better and better with each day.  We watched seals and dolphins play in the water, and I met up with Noelle, Lesley and Carolyn - my 3 lovely St Ives buddies.  We had coffee and cake and visited a couple of galleries and got to know each others tastes a bit more.  I loved it.  A colleague thinks i'm strange to keep visiting this place time and time again ( I have to say that they have ever been here so what would they know!) but I think you can see from the photographs why I love it.  Apart from being stunningly beautiful, it is also my "happy place" - the place I feel totally at peace with the world.  We have had some brilliant family holidays here and I am hoping that this tradition will continue for ever.  

 It was the first time we had visited out of school holiday time too - the beaches were a lot less crowded.

 We also ditched the tent in favour of a fabulous little apartment that had stunning views and a gorgeous balcony from my bedroom - which I really missed this morning.

Until next time St Ives xx

Dearne Valley Walk

Our latest walk with the walking group saw a small gaggle  (just 5 of us) tackle a long (almost 10 mile) but thankfully flat trail along old disused railway tracks that at one time would have served the many coalfields and mines in the Dearne Valley.    Our walk started at the very beautiful church in Darfield which I was told is worth a look inside - I'll have to pop back.

 I was amazed just how many railway lines there were - I don't think any of them were used for public transport.  We cris crossed the rivers Dearne and Dove.  Both very pretty little rivers, but they wreak havoc in these parts when we have very wet weather as the land around here is flat and houses have been built on the flood planes.

 Part of the old coalfields have been turned into Wetlands for wild birds and flowers.   It's amazing to be able to wander through fields filled with rare wild orchids.

To say that the walk was really in the middle of nowhere, we managed 3 refreshment stops (1 picnic, 1 ice cream and 1 pub!!)

 We also found a hidden trig point - unusual to find one not on top of a hill.

 We took ages to do the walk (I think I get the blame for photographing everything!).

Such a great way to spend a Saturday - much better than mooching around spending money I don't have on things I don't need!!

The Botanical Gardens

So the rain stopped, and the sun came out.  On Sunday, we had a brief window of opportunity to make the most of the day before hubby had to do a quick turn around to go back to work, so we rang our daughter and arranged to meet her for brunch in the Botanical Gardens , Sheffield.

 It's a lovely place to wander and plenty of people make great use of the lovely grounds at the weekend.

 My daughter loves Daisies - she has great taste.

The brunch was great too.