Oct 5

Pretty Cottage One of the things I look forward to most in my day is my morning walk. Unless the weather is positively dreadful I will make some effort to get out of the house and take my exercise. :spring: Usually I have some small purpose in mind, to visit the library, the antique shop, the post office, the market but this morning I had nothing of the sort and so enjoyed a walk for the sake of walking.

I think many people underestimate the pleasure of this pastime, so I am going to make a suggestion. On your next day off, choose a time to enjoy a walk, mid morning or late afternoon are usually the most pleseant but whatever suits, allow yourself at least an hour. Dress comfortably, if you are wearing lolita wear flat shoes and loose fitting clothes, carry nothing but your keys, a book, a bottle of water and a piece of fruit :apple: If it is sunny bring your parasol, likely to rain, your umbrella. Leave your house and set out in whichever direction takes your fancy, I usually pick which street to go down based on how interesting it looks. Wander to your hearts content, don’t get lost in your thoughts but be aware of everything around you, the wind on your face, the sun in your hair, the insects and birds and flowers and plants. Stop to smell pretty flowers, pick fruit from trees, sit in a park and read or lay on your back and watch the clouds. :autumn: Enjoy not having to be anywhere or do anything. Have an adventure for one.

This morning I brought my camera :camera: with me which I usually don’t, but I thought I would share a photo of this pretty cottage I found. It had such a lovely garden gone wild with daisies and nasturtiums and red roses growing over the porch! I also saw a beautiful swing hanging from a willow tree, a mulberry tree heavy with fruit (which I couldn’t reach) and loquats (which I could!) and so many butterflies! Cabbage Butterflies and Wanderers everywhere, there was a field of wild grasses with a cloud of white wings fluttering above it. I love spring :heartsmall: