Reflections: The Magic of May - a photo journey
Last chance to join the
next six week Compass Rose programme: 'The Key to Your Inner Guidance'
Dare to Blossom
Monthly Circles on Zoom - a choice of day and time
Reflections: The
Magic of May - a photo journey
Springtime in
Cornwall, such a wonderful time. We have had a cool spring here, in contrast to
some areas in the southeast of the country. There have been primroses out for a
little while, the tiny blue spring squills are flowering on the cross-cropped
grass where the sheep and cattle graze on the cliffs, and the very first pink
of the sea thrift is just appearing.
I was a little concerned and missing out on a 'bluebell walk', a tradition I
love to follow at least once each year. However, this week - in spite of
having a long 'to do list' (including writing these words for you), I consulted
the weather forecast and my diary and decided that my first priority on Monday
morning would be to drive to Respryn Bridge on the River Fowey. (I am so very
lucky - those of you with commitments to an employer as I used to have for many
years may be envious of my flexible schedule).
As I drove away from
the windswept north coast of Cornwall, I began to see the larger trees, many of
them in leaf, and a few bluebells in the hedgerows. Once I arrived, finding the
carpark quiet, I set off along the river bank. Rather than a 'reflection'
in words this time, I am simply sharing photos - taking you with me on the walk
up through the woods and then around the glorious gardens of Lanhydrock House
full of azaleas, rhododrendrons, camellias, magnolias.
View up-river from
Respryn Bridge
Ancient tree by the
River Fowey.
From the foot bridge
across the River Fowey
Bluebells and beech
leaves
Bluebells at the base of a
tree
Bluebells all around
It was very peaceful, hardly a soul around, just birds of all sorts -
woodpeckers, pigeons, a jay, blackbirds and robins singing sweetly. Several
trains passed on the mainline between Cornwall and London that runs along the
valley here, yet peace soon returned.
Wood anemones
Mixed woodland trees
Closer to the
gardens the flowering shrubs begin appearing.
A towering
rhododrendon
Old fallen tree trunk
There are still many
fallen trees and huge branches from the recent storms, the photo above shows an
older one that has weathered.
An unusual camellia
with pale pink stripes
Bright pink rhododendron
Wisteria against the wall of
Lanhydrock House
The formal beds
Fresh spring leaves on a
copper beech
Ornamental cherry?
The magnolia arch
Star magnolia
Wild bluebells mixed in with
the garden shrubs
An usual azalea, stunning
colour
A wall enclosing a secret
garden?
Further along there are some metal gates that a locked, but you can peak
through them. It is not clear if we are inside or outside the walled garden at
this point - a magical paradox?
The view through the locked
gates
Inside the circular 'cottage
garden, this often features in my magic carpet rides
The sun dial beside
the bench in the last photo
A type of fuchsia?
Back through the bluebell
woods on the way home
Connecting with an ancient oak
tree beside the River Fowey
Ancient oak tree
This photo is playing tricks and appearing upright when I edit, but sideways in
the email...
There I will leave you, having shared some of my wonderful spring walk with
you.
For your own
reflections - perhaps simply choose one or two of the photos to flow-write with
and see where that takes you?
Last
chance to join the next six week Compass Rose programme: 'The Key to Your
Inner Guidance'
There is already a
small group gathered for this new theme with the familiar flow around the
Compass Rose. Here are some words from someone who took part in a recent
programme:
"Mary’s work helps
us to weave deep connections - with ourselves, with others, and with the beauty
that surrounds us. It has a subtle yet strong power."
We begin on Monday 2nd May, and I will be opening the private Facebook group on
Saturday or Sunday to invite people in to find their way around. Full details
are on the website here The Zoom
gatherings will be on Wednesdays at 11.00 am UK time, possibly with and
additional call at 7.30 pm on Thursdays, depending on where people are in the
world. There is a final taster session at 7.30 pm this Thursday, 28th April and
you are most welcome to join us - email me for the details. After
that date, you can still join the programme up to Wednesday 4th May, contact me
if you would like to know more or to book.
Dare
to Blossom Monthly Circles on Zoom - a choice of day and time
The drop-in circles
are held twice each month The next dates are Saturday 14th May and Monday 23rd
May. You can find the events on Facebook or LinkedIn, or simply
reply to this email and ask me for the Zoom link. It is a pleasure to welcome
those of you who prefer not to connect via social media, all you need to join
us is the Zoom link that I send to you in advance of the time.
Payment is by donation, depending on your circumstances. People offer from zero
to £30. I host the circles with no expectation, simply deep gratitude for your
presence.
If you are observant you may
notice there is no 'birthday giveaway' in this newsletter. I have decided to
discontinue this as no one has taken up the gifts offered so far.
I send wishes for health and happiness for you and all you love.
Thank you for joining me here this month, any thoughts, feedback, or questions
are always welcome.
Mary
