10 Simple Things #3

1. Over the past couple of weeks we’ve seen Ash and one of my favourite artists, Gruff Rhys at our local indie music venue, The Trades Club. Gruff is always a joy to watch, but this time round it was an intimate experimental show with chat, songs and PowerPoint presentations. Loved it.

The best night I’ve had all year however, was the Ash gig. Guitars, sweat and steamed-up glasses (mine), it was one of those concerts that made you feel alive. Bliss.

2. Flights are booked! I’m so excited to be going to Western Australia next Easter for three weeks, to see family. We decided not to go abroad this year after a great summer at home and we are instead focusing on house stuff, our New Year’s break to Silverdale, and the odd UK city break in between. Knowing we have Oz to look forward to in 2019 is keeping us going for sure. 3. I love this time of year just before autumn begins. The blackberries are out, the moors are draped in heather and the woodlands are rich with mushrooms and lush green foliage. I’m appreciating all of this before it turns to gold.

4. I’ve started watching Tottenham Hotspur since the new football season started. And I’m loving it so much. I’ve always been a fan (my London born nanna took me to a few matches) but I have been a rubbish supporter over the past few years, probably since her passing. No more!

5. Even though I’ve not been in education since 2002, I still get the back to school/uni vibes in September. I’ve always felt it’s the best time of year for a fresh start, rather than in January when everything feels that little bit harder. I just want to hunker down in January, don’t you?

I’ve been working on my no pressure autumn wishes for the months ahead that feel realistic to me, and are part of my long term goals. On that list, and something I’ve been working on this summer, is creative writing. My simple goal for the months ahead is to fill my new journal with creative writing exercises, ideas and thoughts.

To help me get started, my friends at Pen Heaven sent me (gifted items) this stunning Palmi Large Leather journal in pastel pink and the Parker Jotter Premium Bond Street Black Pen. I’ve dedicated this journal purely to my creative writing, and the Parker pen to all future writing endeavours. I’m besotted.

Do you have any autumn / winter goals?

6. Learning to rest more and prioritising it for my health. It’s taking time but I’m getting there.

7. House decluttering. I’ve no idea where the motivation has come from but it’s not wavering yet, so I’m riding the wave of tidy cupboards, charity shop drop-offs and organised house joy!

8. Nottingham adventures. A simple day spent with a good friend catching up over art galleries, noodles, cocktails and dessert. Heaven!

9. We have a new oven! Our bottom oven has been broken for a while so a collaboration with AO.com was very timely. I can’t wait to start baking properly again (hello Walk + Eat recipes) and let you all know about the brilliant AO.com service.

10. A new hair do. I’m not great at going to the hairdressers and I won’t bore you with details of my anxiety-ridden appointment the other week. But I have a fresh new do and I love it.