“Travels with my family, and thoughtful contemplation… (Time away and space created)”

With birthdays galore, and trips to favourite places on the cards, August promises to be a month rich in lovely experiences and nature filled wonder. The hills and rivers of Scotland call me, and I crave quiet days where I can sketch, write and photograph nature’s details whilst having the space I need to breathe and to ponder the ideas which have been whirling round my brain these last months.  

 

Situation new and change of place, change of pace, act so as to comfort our mind, and show us the path we need to follow. I love that of holidays; the space created always tells us which direction feels right.  

 

Our holiday in July set us all up with the most idyllic trip to Devon. Last minute as ever, we followed the weather and it was just what we all needed.  With nature reserve and beaches close by, I was glad to continue running, surrounded by bird life, dragon and damsel flies, and all sorts of moths and butterflies.  As a family we delighted in seeing a pair of kingfishers fly directly over us, resting in trees above our heads, and calling to one another.  Magic lives in the places we choose to notice, and the wildlife abundant in this local wilderness was lovely. 

 

A gym on site meant I could tick off all my workouts, and I know I enjoyed our break all the more for keeping so active for the duration.  Early mornings, just me and the world, in a somewhere new, helping to quell any unease, that time sitting by pools or seated whilst travelling, can sometimes create.  

 

With beach in close proximity, I enjoyed beachside runs on the prom and loved seeing oodles of dogs, early morning frolicking in the waves, tails wagging and happy barks.  Their owners sensibly catching the morning cool, so as not to subject their family dogs to the heat of the day once it arrived in force.  

 

We visited many local nature havens, caves also, and the National Marine Aquarium in nearby Plymouth.  We spent the most amazing evening on a boat on the calmest sea.  Leaving from Brixham Harbour, and out into the English Channel.  As the sun fell gradually to the horizon, brightest sunlight onto twinkling seas, we were greeted by porpoises and Risso’s dolphins, as well as common dolphins.  Mesmerised by both the mirror-like water’s surface, and the sea creatures who joined us, I was in my element.  Blessed to have witnessed it all with my husband and children by my side.  

 

With the World Cup in full throw, evenings were spent outdoors also with a big screen to view all the matches while the girls played nearby.  Evening air remaining warm, allowing the fresh sea air to fill our lungs until our dusk wander home.  

 

The parched grasses were the only downside. Yellowed parks and grasslands, roadside verges and fields aplenty. Climate change perceivable all too well, with wildfires close by and fire engines passing often.  Since home, as many communities and towns are being ravaged by more wildfires, both here in Scotland and within Europe, the plight of our weather patterns changing feels all too close.  

 

Our ‘lawn’ in our own garden is filled with clovers, daisies, speedwell, buttercups and orchids.  Where my girls play football, still the ground is green. These natural plants hold the moisture, and we are one of the lucky few homes locally where we live to be blessed with green ‘grass’ it seems.  

 

Now more than ever I know we must do what we each can.  Small gestures, tiny incremental actions, in a world that is on fire, yet each little choice can help somehow.  Each drop in the giant ocean, mounts up… just like the sea we sailed upon.  

 

I have been glad this week to run twice in the rain. Refreshed by it softly falling upon my arms, my face. For it to have been such a rarity these last week scares me.  

 

With the remaining months of this year, I hope to work towards small shifts, in my father’s memory, to celebrate his life. To pay forward his love for this world, and of environmental projects and hopes.  

 

He was a man who fought for change. Whose actions were filled with hope and thoughtfulness.  Ways to support nature, and the flora and fauna, and the communities who lived within and amongst it.  

 

I hope I can do him proud.  My small actions, in his memory, and the memory of my Mum.  

 

Crossing fingers for the arrival of clement weather.  For it to stay a while, and for the land to heal.  Whilst we, and those most affected, all try to heal too.  

 

~ Jenna