Yesterday we travelled back to a wood we used to walk in a lot where we lived before, with the aim of collecting conkers (lots gathered). It was rather strange – it’s a lovely big wood, lots of paths, huge trees, gorgeous autumnal colours appearing but it felt like something was missing. It didn’t feel magical anymore like it used to. I think it must be that we are so used to the woods by us – they feel deeper and so natural, with virtually no people going in them. That primal, earthy feeling just doesn’t occur where hoards of people are marching through all the time, at least not with the same intensity. Even Daniel, whose mind is usually on matters factual noticed this, and commented that he felt relieved to return to our forest afterwards…
Going on with the art course – proper hand drawing now:
This is what I opened my eyes to after our morning meditation:
Made spelt bread and soup together today… nice autumnal thing to do. Soup was good, the kids chose the ingredients which were carrots, sweet potatoes, onions, sage from garden, tomatoes and a little salt.
We went off to yoga and piano while it rose… on a side note… Toby always ‘cries’ when I play the piano but he’s now started doing this when the kids play too. They’ve improved greatly and it’s now obviously ‘tunes’ they are playing not just disjointed notes. This gives credence to my theory that he is actually singing – he never makes a noise like that at any other time. If he’s not in the room to start with he always comes through and does not look distressed – I think he appreciates music 
Managed to scoff a whole loaf between us for lunch
The Artists Way: A Course in Discovering and Recovering Your Creative Self - an intensely powerful and synchronistic way of clearing blocks, old psychological patterns and dysfunctions of the past. Get doing your morning pages, they're amazing!
fabulous guide to foraging in Britain.
amazing Russian books these: spirituality; growing; living naturally; raising children with love and respect; quite magical. Release any preconceived ideas of how life should be (or books) and create your space of love!
A very well researched novel which, alongside Picoult's usual 'heading to a trial' plot, explores many facets of and perspectives on Asperger's Syndrome. The potential and common effects of AS on siblings is especially well documented here. As gripping and informative a book as 
a great storehouse of food growing knowledge from Dirty Nails :)
"Girls just wanna have... wanna have fun...", and we still are :)
