Finding the silver linings.
There is a wonderfulness to be found in the simplicity of everyday life and I have found that joy has been illuminated during this time we are in.
Something that has been playing on my mind, and that lock down (s) invited me to confront, is how much I depend on the past and the future to measure my happiness and who I am.
It’s hard for us as humans, to be in the present sometimes, but taking the opportunity to indulge in my hobbies has helped me see that this is happiness, baking this breakfast muffin for a friend, or making sure i do yoga in the morning, read my daily stoic, and write my affirmations and children’s stories, i realise at the end of the day how much goodness i have filled my day with. And all this goodness makes for a good week and a good life.
And realise it’s all in the everyday that’s part of how we feel the state of happiness.
Here are a few bits and bobsy’s that have illuminated my days! Maybe it might help add something to your list. Would love to hear any rituals you have that make you feel good. (Note: some shops or delis aren’t open right now but were briefly in previous lock downs!)
Writing my children’s stories. Someone suggested I should carry around a little notebook so I can always jot an idea down. It has worked wonderfully and Whirlow Farm has been a big inspiration for writing ideas. Animals, countryside, children dotted about, and the potential for lots of imaginary adventures.
Cutting dairy out has made me reconsider what to bake and what to put in. For instance, who would have thought lactofree philadelphia would work on my carrot cake frosting as well as normal cream cheese?
Putting bananas in the pancake mixture.
Pollards Tea shop on Ecclesall Road in Sheffield. As a tea lover this is a MUST my dears. If you feel fancy, you may fancy a Citrus grey or a Rose tea? It was here that I discovered chocolate tea! Enough said.
Gilt Patisserie. This is an incredibly special place on Abbeydale Road right next to Braggazzi’s. An absolute decadent treasure. Imagine Willy Wonka and a Patisserie Wizard collaborating? The artistic skill, and the silky treasures of it is quite breathtaking. My birthday cake was from here a couple years ago, and it was very very Miss fancy and gorgeous.
Porters Book shop. There is a quirky man who runs the book shop who often sings when you enter as you look around. Weird and wonderful and lovely rustic ole books.
Whirlow Farm walks, seeing the goats and a stop for a coffee at Bragazzi’s!
Reading beautiful books. <3 Right now I am loving Yoko Ogowa’s books and I am reading a book about Nora Ephron’s work and life. (‘’I’ll have what she’s having’’) Also children’s books to help me better my writing and enhance my imagination! Reading Ballet Shoes by Noel Streapfield. So nostalgic for me. Actually was reminded of it from watching my favourite film on loop ‘’You’ve got Mail.’’ This film makes me feel so comfortable and reassured, it’s like a hygge hug and all the best parts of christmas time!
Joining a book club/film club has probably been one of my favorite things I've added to my life. Lovely way to chat to different people in my area who I have never met. A joy to meet and connect with new people of many different ages and stages of life and chat about lovely books and films! We did ‘The Dig’ for the film club and I found Carrie Mulligan truly enchanting, and it was a beautiful film.
Yoga with Adrienne. Focusing on my breath and nurturing every part of my body has been the most powerful way to keep my feeling myself and to help relish my days. Adrienne is just a delight and I love and admire that she helps so many people hit reset and feel good from the comfort of their own homes.
Starting an online baking course! I love to bake as you know, but i am keen to advance my skills and try out other things even though i love and will continue my homey sort of bakes.
Dance Cardio. Makes me sweaty and makes me sassy. It always puts me in a good mood.
Master Chef Australia. I enjoy seeing high end decadent desserts being made.
Sleep, Solitude and Oaty Coffee.
Mr Earl Grey or Lady Grey.
Watching you’ve got mail. (Or Sleepless in Seattle...or When Harry Met Sally.)
Gilmore Girls!
Visiting Chatsworth. Seeing Mr Darcy.
Watching Pride and Prejudice and reading Pride and Prejudice.
Baking/cooking while listening to podcasts or audiobooks. My favorite podcasts:
The Deliciously Ella Podcast
Ten percent happier
Feel better, live more
American Scandal
American History tellers
Armchair expert
The Daily
Life is short with Justin Long
Smartless
Cafe Break Italian- a little bit of italian language everyday!
A History of Italy Podcast
Cooking with an Italian Accent
Untold Italy travel podcast
Stuff you should know
WTF with Marc Maron
Happy Place
Phone a friend
The flower podcast
The great indoors
(I see now how extensive it is. But truly I love them all…)
And I am listening to ‘’I know this much is true’’ on Audio book. A book by Wally Lamb. Can’t wait to see the series with one of my favorite actors Mark Ruffalo.
Spending time with my tortoise, Audrey and my person.
I shall also be doing more baking with bobsy blog posts! I have decided to keep my journey of researching children’s literature just for me as i don’t feel i can commit the time to making polished posts that justify my love for them.
Hope you have something to enjoy today.
And that you are taking care of your body and mind.
Love connecting with you again.
Happy being, friends.
Until we meet again,
Bobsy. Xoxo
