Firstly, I want to say a heartfelt thank you for the kindness that you sent my way via your comments and emails after my previous post. Writing things down here on the blog is somehow easier than saying them out loud, and the process of getting thoughts and feelings into written words is helpful and cathartic. But I’m never sure whether writing so intimately is wise and I know that it turns some people off because the subscribers to my blog always drop a little more when I’ve written something on the gritty side. However I am always humbled by the warmth of the responses that I do receive, and that people who have never met me take time out of their day to reach out with such kindness and compassion. Many of your comments touched me deeply, thank you so much for your generosity of spirit.
Last Monday I took myself off for a solo lunch-time picnic, the last for a while because until the beginning of September I’ll have a daily walking buddy (Toby – incidentally he is almost always calm and content and even sometimes quite affectionate when we are out on our walks, he definitely enjoys quiet outdoor spaces and they do bring out the best in him).
So I headed for Panshanger, which is probably my favourite place in the world, and which always provides so much delight, whatever the season. The calves have grown and are now quite inquisitive, approaching with curiosity rather than holding close to their mums. This heritage herd of English Longhorns are a very peaceful and gentle bunch, and I enjoy visiting them and watching their interactions with each other.
Summer flowers are out in the meadows and there are so many butterflies, bees and bugs darting from flower to flower, nature at it’s busiest and most beautiful.
Back at home I’m using my pictures as reference and working on the cow pattern that I hope to have ready in the autumn. It will be slow going over the summer but I hope to make steady progress and will share some pictures when it’s further along.
Thanks again for visiting here with me and for allowing me the space to share these little snippets of my days. I hope the week ahead is kind to you, see you again soon, J x
little cotton rabbits 
Thanks for sharing your lovely photos! It was a joy to begin my day with them! 😊
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Hi Julie – Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful words and photos. All of your pictures are lovely, but I especially like the one of the swan and her cygnets. I noticed some ducks in the background which made me wonder what kind they are. Here in the USA where I live, I’m enjoying watching the mallards, wood ducks, and mergansers with their babies. Also, one can actually “see” from the photo how docile the cows. You’re fortunate to have such a serene looking place to picnic. Best wishes for your summer with Toby.
Sincerely,
Beverly
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Love seeing your photos! We live in the desert in Arizona and to see so much green is a lovely change. I am currently making clothes for a new unicorn and I think of you daily. Thank you for all your creativity and kindness.
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I can almost feel as though I’m there with you on those solitary walks…how I wish it were so. But is a joy to be there with you through the photos. Thank you for sharing and sending good thoughts and prayers for a love calm summer with Toby.
XXX Bonnie
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You are such an inspiration. Always trying to be grateful for the beauty in Nature and Life.
Even in my “grey” moments I try to think about those small bits that full our soul.
Life would be easier if all the people were more grateful.
Thanks for sharing. I am grateful to follow you ☀️💛
Hugs from Teresa
P.S. Sorry by any written mistakes but English is not my language.
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Solitude can be so healing. I grew up as an only child and quiet solitude is one of my favorite things in life. You have my deepest sympathies for. the challenges you are facing in daily life. I cannot imagine trying to handle such. If readers leave when you voice your worries and woes, it is because they refuse to face the realities so many families deal with day after day. Your beautiful photos of the English countryside and your charming knitted creations are a pleasure to see. I am not a knitter so I’m in awe of what you can do with your needles and yarns. I look forward to your every blog entry. I hope the summer goes more smoothly than you might hope. Take care of yourself.
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You are very brave to share your struggles. It is difficult because it involves being vulnerable but also sharing things about other people. Always a toss up because everyone has their own responsibility for their part in a relationship. Someone told me once that you always need 3 types of people in your tribe. The ones who are a step ahead of you, who have recently gone through what you are living. They are your guides. Then you need those who are currently going through what you are experiencing, these are your encouragers. Then you need those who haven’t gone there yet, you are their mentor. When you blog you are a guide to some, an encourager to others and a mentor to those who have yet to live this. I am so excited for the cow pattern. My parents both grew up on dairy farms so cows are special to me.
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Julie, thank you for sharing your beautiful words and pictures with all of us. We appreciate you!
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Thank you.
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I so enjoyed your photos and description of your favorite area. We raise Angus beef cattle and so I am eager for your future pattern. I am very impressed with the patterns of yours that I have used so far and the joy each animal brings to the recipients. Thank you for sharing. I too agree that there are times it is helpful to express our feelings and frustrations to get them out.
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Your photos always bring me joy. I can see why you feel such peace in nature; you live in a lovely area. I always enjoy your blog, and your patterns, and find inspiration in how you manage the difficulties in your life.
Thank you!
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Beautiful pictures. It is good that Toby had a space that helps him be centered. Nature is a gift.
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Please keep being brave and doing what is right and best for you…you should always be honored by your willingness to honestly share yourself.
I am presently using your boy rabbit pattern to make yet, another, baby gift – inspired by your wonderful directions.
Thank you for being you…
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Dear Julie,
Thank you for sharing your story and your lovely photos. Your journey may not be what some need to hear right now and thus unsubscribe, but that reinforces to me how many of us, whether we comment or not, are still here because we support you, your family, your patterns, your ups and downs. Personally, I so appreciate your candid honesty. Social media and curated happiness is so rampant and your blog is such refreshingly real. I have three blogs that I check regularly and yours is on my bookmark tab because I value it so highly.
Thank you for the glimpse into your life. Though I don’t know you personally, I do wish I did because you have offered so much to my life and I greatly appreciate it.
Wishing you a peaceful summer and beyond!
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Oh what a gift your photos are! You are so clever to get such close up photos of everything. How magnificent creation is! Thank you!
Really hope you and Toby enjoy some lovely walks this summer and that nature has a healing effect on you both. I like solitude and quiet too, but people sometimes don’t get me at all! It seems much more acceptable these days to be rushing here and there in a social whirl.
You are an inspiration to us all. Life is both wonderful and hard, often at the same time! We keep sane by acknowledging both, as you do! Keep on keeping on and we all look forward to all your posts whenever you have the time. Happy Summmer.
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Thank you for sharing such beautiful and calming photos. I can feel their quiet and relaxing effect.
Wishing you the best.
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Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures. Sometimes a little bit of solitude is very renewing and helps us refresh ourselves. We can’t always be rushing about. I hope both you and Toby have some lovely walks this summer.❤️
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Dear Julie
I always look forward to your blogs and your new patterns. which I have had a go at making. And the lovely photos you take. In your latest blog you mentioned people not coming back, due to the content of your blog. You are such a creative lady and a great mum. So don’t let other people get you down. You do great work. and life sometimes can be hard. It’s great you can get out by your self as well as with your children and husband. I just wanted you to know that are people out there to support you.
P.S. I also have a lovely fox that comes to the garden for food like your Kit.
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Beautiful pics Julie and the perfect spot for a picnic!
Wishing you and Toby many happy, peaceful, summer walks.
V x
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Julie, thank you for all your photos and thoughtful words. You continue to be an inspiration both in your family life and your gorgeous knitting.
Thinking of you al over the coming weeks,
Helen x
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Always love you photographs. They allow me to pretend my longed for trip to the UK will indeed arrive someday.
Blessings on you and yours.
Stay well.
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It isn’t at all fair that motherhood should be bruising. Toby is extraordinarily lucky to have such a loving, patient, caring family. Don’t worry about losing people when you share your struggles with us. Those of us that stay with you care deeply about your family, though we’ve never met. We gain from pondering your situation; it makes us wiser humans to be aware that struggles happen, and to witness your strength and love and grace in dealing with your situation. Beyond that, the artwork you share with us is a lovely gift for us all. I was just watching a video of a woman planting stinging nettles in her garden, with the plan of having a collection of various plants with medicinal benefits. She mused over the odd paradox of the pain of encountering nettles in the woods, but the fact that they taste good and have some health benefits when consumed. Perhaps your situation has made you much more keenly appreciative of life’s pleasures than the rest of us. I know I spend too much time pouting over trivial issues, the sting of life’s nettles. I hope I can follow your example and find the balm in the beauty around me. Peace be with you, and with your family, and especially with Toby.
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When I see your name in my inbox, I feel a rush of happiness before I even open it. I know there will be kindness, joy and wisdom inside, and incredibly beautiful photographs. As always, my simple thank you seems very inadequate, but it is heartfelt. Prayers for a manageable and happy summer are with you.
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Absolutely, I couldn’t have put it better myself.
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Dear Julie;
As I become more experienced (AKA older 😂), I have decided that I only want people that really see me in my circles and not those who want me to be what they want to see… to fulfill their needs. I also have found that our Jack is truly a tried & true people sorter. He attracts such interesting, authentic, compassionate, fun-loving, magical people… the ones that nourish my soul, encourage me to grow & become more myself. The sorting process is so worth it in the end. I recognize that I am not everyone’s cup of tea but I love sitting & spending time with those who do see me in all my wonder & foibles & love me despite my complexity. Those are my people & I am theirs.
You, Julie, are a person that I will virtually have at my table. Carry on. You are wonderful!
With love, Lori from Vallentyne
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Beautiful, calm pictures. Oh the beauty of that blue butterfly…captured perfectly! xx
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What fantastic photos, especially the insects, beautifully captured. The blue butterfly is exquisite. I love that Toby is usually calm and content on your walks, hurray for the soothing power of the woods. The cows are fantastic, so unusual to see longhorns. I hope you have a good rest-of-the-week. CJ xx
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As alway send love
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I wish there was a way that I could bring to you the joy you bring to me with your photos. I can look at them for hours and pretend that I am there. Sending you heartfelt wishes for a peaceful summer with Toby.
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Your writing about your son is actually wonderful for us who have relatives who are also challenged. For me it is my grand daughter and after I had to stand between her and her death by suicide I find it a comfort to know that there are others who also struggle. I do not stand alone and neither do you. God Bless.
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Hoping things are going better for you. It is always a risk to share personal struggles, but in some way we all have life struggles: reading about someone else’s struggles makes us feel less alone in ours. Thank you for your bravery.
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Hello Julie, thank you for another beautiful post. I am about to start my travels again and am taking your unicorn pattern with me, another gift for a baby on the way and I am so excited to be knitting those two gorgeous dresses. As other commenters have said you post about real life, yes it is hard and you may lose some people, but I think you also help others by sharing things that they are experiencing. I am sorry if some people only want happy, but life isn’t like that. I read your blog, and comment, as much for hearing news from your family, as for the gorgeous photos and knitting, so please don’t stop. You have brought such joy in to my life over the last 15 years, so thank you. Off to buy some more of your patterns for a friend who has been inspired by seeing my makes
Love Alison xxx
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A beautiful post, as always. I can see why Toby is more content when out in nature with you. Just being there through your photographs brings me peace and contentment. You truly have an eye and a heart for beauty. Honestly sharing your heart is good for all of us as we can help carry each other’s burdens. That’s what friends are for. Whether through technology or in person, we all need a caring touch now and then.
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Tammy, I love that you shared that philosophy with us. I am committing it to memory. Than you
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Dear Julie Your picnic looks perfect! Thankyou again for the photos. Your eye, and skill provide such balm for me, and I am sure for many others. The photos also provide a reminder that there are pockets of beauty even in difficult times. That you take the time to share speaks to your great generosity of spirit. You are such a gift! You and your family will be in my thoughts in the coming months.
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Your photos are always so lovely and bring so much . You are such an inspiration to so many. Thank you for sharing your gifts and remember what a blessing you are.
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I just discovered your patterns on Ravelry and clicked on over, fully expecting to find an abandoned blog. I am absolutely enchanted by your offerings here on your site, what a lovely little piece of the internet! Thank you for putting this beauty out into the world. I miss the good ol’ days of blogging where we shared our lives with each other and I’m so pleased to find something reminiscent of that.
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Glad to hear that you’re enjoying your walks with Toby. Your knitting patterns bring so much joy to my life. Congratulations to Amy on passing her test.
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Julie,
I have been meaning to write to you for some time. In 2020 I became a first-time grandmother (at age 70) to a beautiful little boy who, now at age 3, has been diagnosed on the Autism spectrum. I had been reading your blog for a long time, but now I’m reading it with special interest because of our situation. You are truly an inspiration and I admire you so much. Our little Giuseppe is basically non-verbal, but he does have a few words. Also, he has had some dark tantrums which were scary to see. He is going to school and receiving lots of therapy, and we do see some leaps in his learning. Most of the time he is sweet and loving, but I think the tantrums are do to frustration.
Wishing you a peaceful July and August, and all the best to you and your family.
Jo (USA)
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Hi Julie,
It’s been awhile since I have had time to visit your blog. Thank-you for all that you share whether it is happy or difficult. We are here to help each other. I will keep you in my prayers.
Have a nice summer.
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