Seaside Sparkles

When I was preparing this post I was genuinely surprised how much we had done but that it had also felt a restful week. We didn’t return home from Bristol til Monday afternoon and then it was a quick change and then out for dinner with friends. It was a lovely evening at a gastropub, albeit a limited menu after a very busy weekend for them. Dinner was delicious and our mini desserts, mine was a chocolate panettone bread and butter pudding, definitely weren’t mini but were absolutely delightful.

I was keen to have a balance of relaxation and purpose during the holiday. After a few days away, the washing basket was full so I did this and what a joy it was to hang the washing outside on some lovely warm, sunny days. I also did some random jobs that have been on my radar for a while but I never quite had the time to do, I went through our medicine cupboard and took the out of date meds to the pharmacy and cleaned a skylight.

I’ve also had a few games of darts this week, my son used his Easter money to buy a dartboard and we’ve been playing a lot. I was very proud of my first bullseye! 🎯

It was an arty week as I took some time to go into the garden and do some simple watercolours in the sunshine. It was only for an hour or so but it felt so good. I have also been to a couple of exhibitions that have been on ‘my to see’ lists. The first was called People Watching and I really enjoyed the curated show. It was my first visit in which I had the time to properly explore the art gallery and I was really taken by the section on Thomas Hardy, who lived locally. I discovered he actually lived in my town for a period. I’ve always been a big Hardy fan and Tess of the D’urbervilles is my favourite so I was thrilled to actually see the pen he used to write it, onto which is carved the word Tess. I went to a second exhibition in a different art gallery at the weekend for the show on the Flower Fairies by Cicely Mary Barker. Again it was an excellent show, I’m not a fairy person but the detail of her botanical pictures was remarkable. She also spent time in our seaside town and there was a stunning picture of some children playing on the beach which I really admired. I’ve recently bought the Art pass, teachers get a reduced rate and by going to these two exhibitions I’ve now saved more than the pass cost.

On Saturday I found myself with the opportunity for another parkrun adventure. I had to drop the boys off at the Bournemouth stadium for 7am and rather than go home, I chose to go further afield and do Netley Abbey parkrun for my N for the namely, parkrun and alphabet challenges. I also got to run through bluebells something that had been on my running wish list. The parkrun was gorgeous, you run on paths, grass, along an estuary, Southampton water, and through the woods blanketed with bluebells. It was one of my favourite parkruns. I loved the country park where it was and there was so much to explore. The centre piece is the chapel the only remaining building of the military hospital and I spent an interesting visit finding out about the hospital and its history. I also discovered fairy trees, trees with faces and admired so much beautiful cherry blossom. The boys loved their trip to Arsenal with a mighty impressive and unexpected win for the Cherries. The football didn’t stop on Saturday as our son was in a tournament on Sunday and then it was time to pack my work bag!

I’ve really enjoyed this Easter holiday, a mix of family visits, days out, parkruns and relaxation. I feel ready and excited for the term ahead.

I love the Easter holiday and this has been a wonderful week mainly at home. It feels like I haven’t had time at home for ages, I was away all of Feb half term and then Christmas was spent visiting family with only the odd day or two at home. So this time at home has felt like a real luxury and I have done so much ‘home making’ which I love.

I was really keen to do a deep clean of the house. I must stress that as he no longer works Mr S does a great job during the week of cleaning and tidying but there were those little things that needed doing, cleaning the grouting, removing limescale off the shower doors, cleaning and reorganising the cupboards inside and out and cleaning the inside windows. I was really motivated and armed with my cleaning materials and podcasts I enjoyed my hard work and feel very satisfied with my endeavours. I also decided that it was time to light my fancy candles, there were lots dotted around the house and if not now, when?

I also spent time decorating the house for Easter. The picture only shows my kitchen window but I’ve also done 2 other feature windows and decorated the lounge fire place. I didn’t do it last year as we were away for all but two days of the holiday. Whilst this year we were away for the Easter long weekend I felt it important to do it so it doesn’t stop becoming a part of our traditions. I think it’s always nice to make the effort although it was with a tinge of sadness as my decorations no longer contain a hand made card or a school Easter craft project . I miss the Easters when we had egg hunts, decorated bonnets and read Easter stories together. It is always about cherishing the moment.

It’s been nice to have the time to slow down and potter. On a miserable afternoon I took my son down to the arcade for 2p machines and interactive games. We hardly ever go here as I think living in a seaside resort the arcade never quite has the attraction of when you’re on holiday. However, it was fun way to spend an hour on a grey day. I also read the excellent book Why did you Stay by Rebecca Humphries. It’s about a toxic relationship sadly played out and ended in a very public way. It’s a book I would like to share with my daughter. I have nothing but respect for the way Humphries conducted herself in such a horrible situation.

For this Easter weekend we have been staying with my father in law in Bristol. On Friday the boys went to see Bristol Rovers and I went up to Cribbs, the out of town shopping centre. It’s rare that I go shopping in such a large centre and I enjoyed looking at what was in the shops, trying a few things on and just browsing, a very satisfying afternoon. I also managed to get a traditional Easter lunch from M&S. It was an inspired idea from the store as everything was ready to go in the oven or microwave and as my father in law’s kitchen is quite basic it was perfect for us and delicious.

Of course, I found a new parkrun to try on Saturday and it was Easter themed as it was at a former chocolate factory in Keynsham. Its nickname is the Curly Wurly as it is like a maze, at any point you have no idea how you got to where you are or how to get out but somehow it works smoothly. The RD didn’t even try to explain the course simply follow the person in front! It was a lot of fun because at all times you can see everyone and we’re all running in different directions. I always love a new parkrun and am so grateful that wherever I am there is normally one to try nearby.

After such a lovely week I am looking forward to more of the same next week, there are a few things in the diary and also the time for my own little projects I genuinely love my job but also I love the holidays.

Last week I didn’t blog as I was feeling a little poorly and really didn’t think that I had much to say, long work days, being a football mum and a frustrating leg injury meant life was very quiet and predictable. I wasn’t feeling much better at the start of this week but I have definitely improved since Tuesday and am back to the best of health, for which I’m very relieved. This winter I seem to have ducked lots of nasty viruses but in this past week I just felt so tired and achy.

Given that I do parkrun every Saturday unless I’m away, it’s been a shock to have to rest for the past two Saturdays. Last week was my home parkrun’s birthday and a really fun morning finishing off with a breakfast in the cafe. Although I have not run I have volunteered in my non running weeks. After physio appointments and practising my exercises daily, I was able to attempt a parkrun yesterday. Although nervous, I ran for 2 miles and then ran / walked for the final mile. I did have twinges and could feel the injury but it was the best feeling to be able to run again. Due to life plans, I actually have the opportunity to do 5 different parkruns in a row, as a challenge hunter this is great news and 4 of the 5 will be new runs to me, bumping up my total of parkruns visited. The first thing I do when I know my Saturday plans are different is to see where and how I can visit a new parkrun. Yesterday was not only about doing a parkrun, but a cycle ride too. Our daughter had asked to visit a country park where we have cycled over the years so we went over, this meant that as soon as I had done my parkrun I jumped onto a bike and explored the forest on wheels. We finished with a picnic lunch in the sunshine. Days like this seem so wholesome and fun. Whenever I think of the life I want to lead it is these sunny days living an outdoor life which show the way. When we got home I went to the kitchen to create and cook, after a few Saturday afternoons of making something special from scratch I feel I’ve got my cooking groove back and have enjoyed looking for new , seasonal recipes to try.

This year I seem to be reading a lot of books. I listen to one on my commute, generally non fiction and then have a fiction book on my Kindle which I read in the evenings or in bed. I’ve read three great books over the past fortnight. Still Running is a beautiful book about grief and purpose when those close to you die. Strangers -a memoir of a marriage is excellent, a divorce out of the blue and the writer’s mood from survive to thrive, whilst she grieves for her former life. The final book, The Authenticity Project is the only fiction, again about being true to yourself. Interestingly purely by chance. the three books seem to have similar themes about being true to oneself.

The heart photo above contains a beautiful water colour my daughter painted for our Easter card. She is such a talented artist and it’s a real delight to have some of her pieces. I am getting into full prep for her big birthday celebration in June. I stayed up until midnight last Saturday so I could book a table in the very nice restaurant we want to take her to. It’s one of these places that is always fully booked immediately so I was up and ready when the bookings went live at midnight to secure a table. My official email confirmation has my booking at 12.02am and when I checked later in the morning, it was as expected fully booked. I’m very relieved to have ticked that off my list, next I need to find a bar in Birmingham for cocktails and live jazz music. As I now have two weeks holiday, my aim is to make a real good start on her birthday plans, I want to create something very special for her. We have the hotel, meal reservations now it’s time for all the sparkles.

Given the year so far, a half term break of wet and windy weather seemed and proved inevitable. I have never consulted tide times as much as I have in the past few months, to be prepared for possible floods and road closures. The half term was fully booked and I think that in the future, I need to plan a little day to myself, simply to relax with no to dos. I have driven more than 550 miles in the past week. It’s difficult to complain when I know Mr S would love to drive and misses it so much but his injury has affected not only his independence but mine too. In the past he would take the children out for the day, pop to the shops and just do those little things which I’m now needed for. There’s no alternative at present and it’s simply making the most of the situation we find ourselves in.

It was a family week and we’ve managed to visit all our close family. As we had a few days with my elderly father in law, our days were fairly sedentary as he has limited mobility. However for someone who’s approaching his mid 90s I would love to be as fit and sharp as him at that age. We spent a relaxed and simple Monday with him and my sister in law and husband and it was good to catch up with them. On Tuesday we went to the local trampoline park. Usually my son and daughter participate and I watch from the cafe. This time my daughter was unable to make it and I ended up giving it a go instead, in the words of Gretchen Rubin, choose the bigger life. It was great fun as it’s got such a great set up. There are loads of trampolines to practice moves and gymnastics but also activities too, basketball, dodgeball, gladiator style games, an assault course, slides and reaction games all with the bonus of being played on trampolines! I found the games lots of fun but it was the simple trampoline moves which made me anxious. I was able to remember simple jumps and twists but the thought of bouncing down to a seated pose and jumping up again seemed strangely daunting. It took me a while to muster the courage with my son showing me how it was done and several false starts, but I did it and with such ease that I really wondered what I was so nervous about. However a somersault was definitely out, I will push but I know my limits. After a pub lunch we returned back to my Father in law’s and I took a little time out to pop into a M&S selling clothes! It’s a novelty as where I am the company closed all the stores in the three towns local to me and we now only have food stores nearby. I did find a nice boho style midi skirt and got to use the vouchers that I had bought off the children at Christmas to purchase it, so it feels like a little treat! Tuesday was also pancake day, which is a little difficult away from home. For ease we brought a ready mix pack and made some pancakes for breakfast. They actually came out pretty good and it always seems fun to have them for breakfast. When the children were little if pancake day landed on a school day they would always have them for breakfast and it was also a special occasion.

Given the quiet nature of our time away I was able to read lots. I finished three books. Without a doubt the most moving and one which will stay with me was Our Last Steps. This is a true story about a local woman who was involved in a serious car accident and whose life changed irrevocably. It is absolutely heartbreaking, I cried reading it, but the book rather than being a pity memoir shows the strength of love, family and community in trying to make a different life from tragedy. I won’t give all the story as I don’t feel it’s my place to share someone else’s. However I am sure I am not the only person who watches the final firework in our summer display and blinks away the tears.

As well as reading lots I also finally finished our 2024 photo year book. Yes, for someone who is organised this delay is unheard of. 2024 was the most difficult and hardest year of my life and I think this caused the delay. Whilst there are lots of happy smiling photos the reality was different. I’m so pleased to have finally ticked it off. I still need to do 2025 but that was a much, much better year and it will be a pleasure to put the book together.

On Friday. I had the pleasure of watching my daughter compete in her first horse riding competition. Thankfully it was in half term as any other Friday and I would not have been able to cheer her on. It was a delight to see her in the environment she thrives in, she introduced me to the horses, gave me a tour and then showed such professionalism rider in the competition. I shared the competition photos and news of her first prize with my neighbour. His wife was a passionate horse rider and often took my daughter down to her stables. She would have been so proud which makes it all so bittersweet.

Finally to end half term the boys went off to West Ham yesterday for an away day. I took them over for the coach and fitted in a parkrun en route too. The boys decided to have a breakfast whilst I ran. It’s become a tradition to purchase a mug from every stadium visited. This started when we started visiting stadiums on holiday and we now have a large collection of English and European football mugs. The photo is the mugs from this season’s away games. I’m unsure how to display them, I’ve suggested we put them in order of position in the table but it’s in random at present. Whilst the boys were away I had a nice mooch around some charity shops, tried a vibroplate to try and help my running knee injury at the gym and then had a coffee with a friend. A very busy but enjoyable day.

It’s now back to school but the days are getting longer and spring is coming so there is lots to look forward to. It’s nice to feel that the hardest part of the year is behind us.

Time ran away this past week and whilst I prepared the photo montage for last week I didn’t publish a blog entry. I’ve kept the two montages together for this catch up to illustrate each week.

The one theme in this past fortnight, actually all year so far is the rain. It has rained every day this year and the signs of flooding are everywhere. This has really limited activities so my first week is finishing off books and a Lego activity. Both books are excellent, Table for One a great break up book of self discovery and the Year of yes is again more self discovery but as a non fiction piece of work. The writer is not a single 20 something who has the freedom to say yes but a full time employee, mum to three who by saying yes is able to challenge herself, ‘fear the fear’ and enrich her life. It’s an inspiring read.

It’s many years since I helped the children with Lego but I couldn’t resist when I saw this Valentines heart, my first ever Lego set! On a wet Saturday afternoon when the boys were at football I sat down, football commentary playing in the background and just focused on my set. It gave me a little joy to be creative and do something fun just for the sake of it. Yes I did have a long list of things I could have done but sometimes you need to pause daily life.

Earlier on Saturday, I had discovered an art exhibition at our parkrun venue. I saw it advertised on a notice board and as the boys had gone to football I popped in to have a look. It was a fascinating exhibition featuring photos of neuro diverse people and challenged perceptions of identity. It was so good and apt for some of my students that I quickly organised a trip before it closed. It was an excellent visit and the students really enjoyed it. I felt lucky to have experienced it twice.

My final picture on the first montage is of a gift from an Australian colleague who is returning home after a sabbatical in the UK. She has been an amazing support in class and so well liked by staff and students alike. It’s been a sad goodbye. I like to think we’ve taught her as much about British culture as she has for Australia to us. However we do all agree that a Tim Tam is superior to a Penguin biscuit. Sometimes people pop into your life for a short time but make a big impression.

This second week of the post has been quiet, with the only notable thing being goodbye drinks with our Australian colleague.

I was sad to read of the death of James Van Der Beek this week, who to me and many of my generation will always be Dawson. I loved Dawsons Creek, I may have been in my 20s when it aired but the teenage angst was still so relatable and it was one of the best series on tv in the 1990s. I was team Pacey in the big love triangle but was equally taken by the other characters too, Joey, Jen, Jack and the brilliant Grams. It’s funny how even the theme tune can take you back to the 90s.

Another 90s flashback this week is the Body Shop having a big nostalgia campaign as they reintroduce Dewberry products. To be fair, I don’t need any advertising, I loved Dewberry and had all the products when I was younger and was gutted when it was discontinued. Needless to say I’ve run to the Body Shop to get new supplies and the smell is just as divine as it always was, I am a very happy person!

The final photo is of Stephanie from Lazy Town whom I was compared to this week. It was our school’s Valentines disco with the dress code to wear pink or red so I embraced this with a bright pink wig, reminiscent of Stephanie’s hair and a pink outfit. The comparison amused me and it was very accurate. It made for a fun outfit and we had a blast, doing the Macarena and all the party classics. The wig made another appearance on Valentine’s Day itself as we dressed up for parkrun. It was a fun morning for fancy dress with the run director dressed as Cupid and one runner all in black came as the Milk tray man carrying a box of the chocolates around the course. Sadly I had no love for the run itself which was brutal in such muddy and cold conditions but as always lots of love for our lovely community.

We are now on half term, but it’s a busy week away visiting family and lots of driving. On a leaderboard of the school holidays, February half term sits firmly at the bottom, it’s wet, dark and cold, it’s only saving grace is that after it, the next 3 holidays are the best of the year. Controversially I argue that Christmas is too busy with lots of holidays to be restful so only ranks 4 out of 6 in my personal league table!

January is not my favourite month of the year. Dark, wet and cold days, none of the pretty lights of December and so little in the diary. This week was typical January and so little to write about.

I miss my pretty Christmas lights and every January I try to fill the house with flowers to brighten the house. Tulips are my favourite flowers and coupled with my funky new vase, it’s a perfect pop of colour on my bureau. My classroom looks bare too so I’ve been popping £1 bunches of daffodils around the room, a perfect little pick me up.

On the classroom theme, I was interested in the neurodivergent Barbie released last week. Whilst there has been a mixed reaction, personally I love to see a doll with a communication aid, twiddles etc.. Representation matters.

After last week’s schedule was paused due to icy weather and football, this week I was able to start my half marathon training properly. I’ve added a new speed session which I did for the first time and wow whilst it was a much shorter run than normal at just over 20 minutes it was tough. My long run was lovely and social as by chance, I bumped into friends I hadn’t seen for ages en route and it would have been rude not to stop and have a quick chat.

This week I got my new nails done and it’s one of my favourite colours ever and so not my usual. I did fancy something different and the deep maroon, brown, grey colour is stunning.

Whilst I had considered doing a fortnightly catch up because of the lack of content, I also wanted to highlight that some weeks are ordinary in nature and that’s okay.