365: Day 107

Fun times in Brighton. I truly love that place; the seaside, the pier, the quirkiness of the place…it’s a creative fusion that I adore.

Quiet Days.

There is a day that I like to have, every once in a while; a day that is set in contrast to those hectic, busy days. It’s a quiet day. A day that I can call my own. A day that allows me to take it as it comes, to take it easy. I like those days.

Today is one of those days. A day without a plan, but I shall plan as I go along. The other day, I spent an hour or so sorting my room out, and I think I shall continue today. Hopefully by the end of the weekend, I will have a pretty, clean and calm space again. Slowly, but surely. Pretty much my mantra these days. In a life that requires things to be done quickly, I tend to take the opposite approach. Slow. I don’t know why. I mean, I do things quickly, and I can work to a deadline, and I am beginning to match the boy’s fast pace in life…but there’s something about the slow pace that reaches to me and fits with me. I don’t like to be rushed. I like to have time. And whilst this isn’t always possible, I know that on days like today, I have time, and I can do things at my own pace. A cup of tea pace.

Recently, I’ve been thinking a lot about the blog. Over the past few months, I’ve been putting self-imposed deadlines onto myself, with my Sunday Night Inspiration posts and 10 Things I Love posts. Although I love both of them, I think I’ve reached the point now where they won’t always be a weekly post(s). They’ll mature into as and when posts, posts that I can do when I have the time. The reason for this is because at the moment, I am going through a lot of changes in life, new responsibilities, new directions and a lot of busy days. This blog has always been a place of calm, for me, and over the last 6 months or so, it has become a place where I can record inspiration, happiness. That, that right there, is what I want to continue. So, although I might not always have the time for those lovely, long Sunday Night Inspiration posts, I am sure that it won’t become silent on here. I will find a way for inspiration to seep in.

It might be in the form of a photograph, either my own, or by a photographer that I am currently loving. It might be in the form of a quote. It might be in the form of a link to another blog, or website that I am in love with. It might be in the form of advice. It could be anything and everything, whatever is inspiring me at that moment in time. Over the next few months, I hope to take a few day trips, to the seaside, to a part of London that I don’t frequent, to Cambridge, to the zoo…anything goes, as long as it can be crammed into a day. I want to take more day trips, because they inspire me; and they calm me. Last month, when we went to Norfolk, and I took some time out to go down to the beach by myself, I felt absolutely lovely and calm, I felt at one, at ease. There is something about the seaside that does that to me, and I adore it. The only thing, is that living in London, the closest seaside is Southend, and it’s not one of my favourite places. If I can find a way to inject my life with a bit more sea time, then I’ll be a very happy, content and calm Sarah. Well, that’s the aim, anyway.

Today, on a day when I am taking it as it comes, I am looking forward to cups of tea, cupcakes (the big sis made some “Cookies and Cream” cupcakes the other day, and there are plenty left…and the best thing? They have Oreos in them!), my room getting a few steps closer to “perfect”, photo editing, making some goals and plans…and, sheesh, Sarah, stop with the plan making, already! Take it as it comes. Quiet your mind. Relax. Put your hearing aids in, and listen to some music. Breathe. Enjoy. How are you spending your day? Your weekend? I hope it is a good one, a relaxed one. And if it’s not, then purposely take some time out to relax. I’m raising my cup of tea to you all, this one is for you, and our quiet days.

Time in a beautiful place…

This weekend, I am in Norfolk. Currently, I am sat by myself, on a beautiful, sandy beach, enjoying the moment. “10 Things I Love” might be a little late this week; if I get a chance, I’ll do it over the weekend, or it might have to wait until I’m home on Sunday night. Wherever you are, I hope you have a lovely weekend; I am sure that I will.

Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside…

Everyone delights to spend their summer’s holiday

Down beside the side of the silvery sea

I’m no exception to the rule

In fact, if I’d my way

I’d reside by the side of the silvery sea

But when you’re just the common or garden Smith or Jones or Brown

At bus’ness up in town

You’ve got to settle down

You save up all the money you can till summer comes around

Then away you go

To a spot you know

Where the cockle shells are found

Oh! I do like to be beside the seaside

I do like to be beside the sea!

(All photographs taken by yours truly, and edited in Picnik and the song lyrics are from I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside, the full lyrics of which can be found here.)

Magical Memories

Memories that should be bottle up and kept in some lovely place, not that different from somewhere like Neverland. A place that no one can find, apart from you and perhaps the person or people you shared the memory with. I think we all have them. Memories that mean a lot to us, memories that we never want to forget. Whilst at Uni, I started a scrapbook that I entitled “Magical Memories” but it didn’t get much of a chance to be filled. Hopefully now that I’m home and I should have more time on my hands in about a week or so…it’ll be a chance to find all those scrapbooks I’ve started and have yet to fill/complete.

I really want to go to all these places that magical memories can be made…places like Paris, Brighton, NEW YORK, Barcelona, Lake Garda…places on my wish list. I’ve been to all that I’ve mentioned…and I’m off to the seaside tomorrow…PHOTOGRAPHIC OPPORTUNITIES. Some may be posted on here. And I’ve still got plenty from the summer that are yet to make an appearance on here (they’re a bit shy).

It’s slap, bang in the middle of November now. Christmas is on it’s way. The streets are lit up. It’s okay to start buying presents now. Now, before it all gets a bit hectic on the shopping streets in December! It’s going to be a tight one this year. But it should still be good. Tomorrow, I’m looking forward to seeing what the lights look like beside the sea. Oh yeah. I absolutely L-O-V-E going to the seaside in the winter. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… I just love wrapping up warm, with a hot drink in hand, chips on lap, starring out to the sea…what could be better? Most of the beaches are deserted when it’s cold, so in my opinion, it’s the best time to go to the seaside. If you’re a nutter, like me.

This week is going to be a BUSY one. Yes, very busy indeed. But, for once, it’s all planned out. Tomorrow: seaside. Tuesday: London with the beloved theatre – ALL DAY, it’s going to be a long one! Wednesday-Friday: visiting Lizzie In Wonderland. Friday/Saturday: a close Uni friend is home = catchy uppy times, food times, drinks times, silly times…

Where do your magical memories come from…?

I want to go to the seaside…

Do you want to go to the seaside,
I’m not trying to say that everybody wants to go,
I fell in love on the seaside,
On the seaside,
In the seaside…