All credit goes to Lily for the title of this post, from her exclamation as we walked through the woods at the weekend. And apologies to those of you, who like myself, now have a certain song by The Proclaimers stuck in their head. Oh well. Who doesn't love The Proclaimers!
Our walk took us along some of our favourite tracks. Often completely empty during the autumn and winter months, they are now beginning to fill with summer visitors. I sometimes resent having to share 'our' woodland, which I know is completely ridiculous. But it's where we go to escape. Where the air smells earthy, and yet fresh. It's where we observe the changing of the seasons, gather elderflowers, wild garlic and berries. And for Lily, it's where the best sticks can be found!
It's where we walk when we don't want to venture far from home. It's where we eat chocolate, sat in our favourite spot, upon a fallen tree. It's where Lily explores independently, where her once tiny hands held tightly on to mine. It's where wellies are worn to allow for walking along the stream. It's where we look up at the sky through the gaps between the trees.
And it is where we gaze in wonderment at sunshine on leaves.
J.X
It is lovely to read of a child these days who is brought up to appreciate the countryside and the wonderment of the sunshine on leaves.
ReplyDeleteLily loves to be outdoors. She's never happier than with her feet in a stream or a stick in her hand - preferably both at the same time. X
DeleteLily reminds me very much of myself when I was her age. My parents often took me for walks in the countryside, sometimes close to home, sometimes we would get a bus to another area and walk the country lanes and paths there. At one point I had an 'I Spy' book and would make notes on the flowers/trees/animals/birds I saw on our walks. I think those walks when I was young have given me the love and appreciation of the countryside I have now I'm an adult.
ReplyDeleteThere's so much to see out there but most kids miss it as they are too busy with their head stuck in their phones. I love Lily's blog title and I hope she still loves these walks when she's older - nature is a wonderful thing.
I remember those I-spy books!
DeleteAs a child I would also spend hours outdoors, happily playing with friends. We were lucky to have the freedom to do so. Lily does have more screen time than I would like, but she is still happiest outdoors, even if I have to push her out of the house initially ;)
What a beautiful post and such an apt post title! Everything looks so fresh and green! The sunshine on the leaves makes everything look so pretty!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bless. The leaves are especially vibrant just now. X
DeleteIt is a place that fills your heart and your soul - I can feel that with your every word xxx beautiful
ReplyDeleteIt is a special place for us. X
DeleteI absolutely loved the lush greens in these photographs. Totally stunning. I had just been reading about painting trees and leaves and adding light and seeing your photographs was everything I would like to achieve (but rarely do achieve!) when I put brush to paper. I always enjoy your photos from your walks. I hope you and your daughter have a good summer. Jean/Winnipeg
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jean. I'm sure your paintings are beautiful. X
DeleteYour woodland is a very special place, and contains memories which will never be diminished by the additional summer visitors.
ReplyDeleteAs Kate says, it is the place which nurtures and refills your heart & soul, those are treasured places indeed. xx 💚 🌿 🍃
I have so many memories created there. The walk isn't particularly challenging, nor are there any spectacular views, but the wood is very special to me, and I find comfort in it's familiarity. X
DeleteLovely words and such beautiful photos, that butterfly is gorgeous. So nice to read how Lily enjoys these walks and her finding the best sticks.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Eileen. The sticks keep on coming. I counted eleven by the back door this morning! X
DeleteI love the effect of sunshine through different trees. Sometimes I stand for ages, just looking and enjoying and appreciating. And feeling the peace. xx
ReplyDeleteThe sunshine has an almost magical affect on the leaves. X
Deletewhat a beautiful post and fabulous pictures. thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Anji. I was just reminiscing and I got a bit carried away :)
DeleteIt’s good to have favourite walks that you can ponder as the seasons change. Yours is a lovely area and glad the flutters are all about. B x
ReplyDeleteAlong by the river is also a favourite but we've not walked there in a while. X
DeleteWhat a lovely place, I can understand why you would want to keep it all to yourselves. Have a lovely weekend. Xx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda. At least I get to enjoy the woods all year round. X
DeleteSounds like Paradise and I'd not want to share it, either!!!!!!! -smile-
ReplyDeleteHope all of you appreciate how lovely it is, to have such, surrounding you. And to have such an area, to bring up a child in.
Gentle hugs
🍓 🍓 🍓 🍓
I often wonder how many times I've walked there over the years. X
DeleteSounds like you and Lily are worshipping in Mother Nature's cathedral.
ReplyDeleteReligiously :)
DeleteLovely. Lovely. Lovely. Yours is the place I come to when I need peace and beauty. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteAnd as always, I appreciate your visits, Billie Jo. Xx
DeleteWonderful selection of photographs, it does look so peaceful.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Thank you, Jan. It is usually very peaceful there, even during the summer when there are more visitors. X
DeleteI love the title of this post! I hope you and Lily had a nice and relaxing weekend.
ReplyDeleteI'll be sure to tell Lily :)
DeleteSunlight and shadows amongst all those beautiful shades of green. Just perfect. I can see why it is such a favourite place for you to spend time walking in it.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't begin to think how much time we have spent there over the years. X
DeleteLovely post, your woodland looks like a wonderful place. So many memories and magic moments there. :)
ReplyDeleteThese woods probably seem very ordinary to many, but they are very special to us. X
DeleteWonderful post Jules, it sounds like a lovely woodland to have on your doorstep. I hear you on not wanting to share those spaces with the summer visitors.
ReplyDeleteI shouldn't really complain, as I am grateful I can enjoy this countryside all year round. X
DeleteAnd long may the sun continue to shine on the leaves. x
ReplyDeleteDefinitely! X
DeleteIt sounds wonderful. I love the photos. This time of year the tourists are at all the popular places. I travel off season for that reason.
ReplyDeleteIt is just beginning to get busier here. This will increase once schools break for the summer. X
DeleteI enjoy walking in familiar places, there's always something new to see as the seasons change.
ReplyDeleteIt is so lovely to see the changes throughout the seasons. Xx
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