I find myself torn between my favourite seasons...I adore autumn for the warm hues of the changing leaves, of the cosy evenings indoors and the walks in the brisk air and yet still feeling the sun kiss my cheeks. And then there is spring...so much colour and freshness, crisp bright leaves and blossoms of every colour, the optimism of new growth and even sunnier days.
When there is opportunity for the two to collide, my heart sings! Last year, my
surprise was at the beginning of autumn in the northern hemisphere - the tiniest hint really, but gosh it was pretty! Returning home meant that spring had bloomed in all her glory. I couldn't have been happier!
Of course, in my part of the world, our seasons are less distinctive and finding hints of each one is a treat to savour.
These little moments were captured across a couple of days wandering the countryside near Harpenden with my dear friend
Jane. There were long evenings and sweet little places to retreat to for scrumptious food. Treasures times with the dearest of friends...loads of laughter and reminiscing. Was it really a year ago?
Central Park New York - on my last visit
Just the faintest hint of the sweet smell of jasmine takes me back to my childhood...to a moment in time that began a most wonderful childhood experience that lasted nearly five years. Close to midnight on July 24, 1982 I arrived, with my family, in Brunei, Borneo...and my very first recollection is the smell of the jasmine and frangipani in the home we were so graciously welcomed into. It was a truly life changing experience to live as an expat and immerse yourself in such a foreign culture - to create friendships that have lasted a lifetime and now cross the globe; to live a carefree and happy existence; exploring neighbouring countries and the gorgeous natural habitat just a handful of footsteps from our home. Each year as spring approaches that lovely fragrance takes me back to that moment in time...and the beginning of such a wonderfully idyllic family adventure.
...of walking through the gardens of Montmartre; of holding my breath at the beauty of the street musicians; admiring the work of talented artists...simply taking in the pleasures that exploring such a charming city brings. Maybe it's wanting to know more of my heritage...of yearning to place my grandmother in her birthplace in a bygone era. Maybe it's trying to capture the heart and soul, style and beauty of the city of love. Maybe, it's all of that and more...
...beautiful blooms! Dahlias and roses and so much more...one would almost think it was spring!
Green with a tinge of yellow...vivid orange, deep red then a rustic brown. Against the clear, bright, blue sky only to float like a rain shower so gently to the ground. A beautiful carpet of colour, crisp under foot...perfect for throwing up and dancing in. 
