Soulful Reflections | 02.24

Adventures in Matlock Bath, Tales From The Green Valley, birdwatching, what I've been reading, and lots more!

Welcome to my Journal of Soulful Reflections.

I'm thoroughly enjoying the increased birdsong and longer evenings that February has ushered in, along with the lovely yellow daffodils and vibrant greens that are quickly emerging.

There is a beautiful magnolia tree in the garden next door to us, and already the pretty pink buds look as though they are on the verge of blossoming. The rose bushes' shoots are also stretching toward the sky, and the lush leaves of the tulips are making their awe-inspiring entrance.

In the garden, robins, goldfinches, blue tits, great tits, and long-tailed tits have been new and frequent visitors, joined by a large number of pigeons eagerly awaiting their dishes and table to be topped up with seed. Truly, the pigeons never fail to entertain me!

I’d love to know what different types of birds you have spotted recently? Let me know in the comments!

Here are a few of the things that I got up to in February:

• Enjoyed a much-needed, relaxing, adventure-filled week in Matlock Bath at our favourite Airbnb.

• Took a stroll along Cromford Canal.

• Found a book by Heidi Swain in a charity shop that I didn't have yet. (I'm on a mission to collect them all!)

• Discovered a new favourite sandwich combo: cheese and coleslaw! So good!

• Won a keyring on the 2p machines in the arcade.

• Devoured the most delicious fish and chips. (Highly recommend Kostas Fish Bar in Matlock Bath!)

• Had an article published in the Boaters’ Christian Fellowship BCF Word magazine.

• Had a Colonoscopy (for my Crohn’s Disease).

• Spotted two squirrels in the garden. (Usually they come on their own.)

• Visited Birmingham with David to meet a wonderful friend of ours.

• Whipped up one of my all-time favourite quick and easy meals: bubble and squeak.

• Had a late February (nature-filled) afternoon walk. You can find out all about it below:

Some February favourites:

• Tales From The Green Valley. We finished watching this series on DVD, and I really enjoyed it a lot. It’s a British historical documentary, and follows historians and archaeologists as they recreate what everyday life would have been like back in the 1600’s.

• Hannah Hauxwell’s Winter Tales. An incredible and moving story which follows the life of Hannah as she solely runs the farm which she lives on.

• Daffodils. They really are like tiny suns, radiating joy and warmth wherever they bloom.

• Wild deodorant. A bit of a random one, but I’ve been wanting to try a more natural deodorant for some time now. After a quick search, I came across Wild. Thankfully their deodorants are available on the high street, or you can purchase them online on their website. I went for the pink aluminium case, which came as a starter pack, and included the jasmine & mandarin blossom scented natural refill. It smells so good, and honestly I really love it a lot, and it seems to be doing the job!

What I’ve read in February:

A Wood of One’s Own by Ruth Pavey
I really loved reading this book so much. It makes me want to find a patch of earth, nurture countless trees, discover its magical secrets, and bask in the embrace of nature! It’s such an inspiring and encouraging memoir. Plus I love the author’s illustrations throughout. I’m excited to get a copy of Ruth Pavey’s other book, Deeper into the Wood. If you’re looking for a nature-inspired book, I highly recommend this one!

What I’ve been listening to:

Rivers & Robots are an indie worship band from Manchester, here in the UK. I discovered them a while back, and have really been enjoying listening to their instrumental covers of different worship songs. They use a combination of acoustic and electronic music. I just find their music to be very peaceful, uplifting, reflective and encouraging.

 I’d love to know what aspects of nature are inspiring you most at this moment?

The fresh growth that emerges as spring approaches always inspires and uplifts me, serving as a wonderful reminder of the hope and promise that lie ahead. Even after a cold, dark and slumberous winter has come and gone, the beauty and wonders of nature endure and persist, bringing forth new life, new beginnings and endless possibilities.

Until next time…

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