May 2022 - The Magic of May

 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