The Darling Buds of May (and Joy)

A recap of life lately; solo parenting, worrying and gardening, in that order. Whilst searching for joy in the new month of May.

A brief recap of life lately
It’s been a little while since I’ve written. My father broke his hip, my husband has been in America, and my job has been busy, so I’ve found life a little harder to manage.

Thankfully after three weeks in hospital lovely Norm is now back home. His resilience and determination never fails to inspire me. It was even his birthday in hospital, although I’m not sure he appreciated my ‘hip-hip hooray’ banner.

My dad is very much a glass half-full man, his optimism is his super power. He’s a forbearing, patient, post-war generation man with a joyful, child-like heart.

I’ve seen the most perfect father’s day present … shhh don’t tell.

Glasses by Vinegar & Brown Paper

A bit about Solo Parenting
I understand this term probably isn’t correct. I have a loving partner who I share all parenting, financial and emotional responsibilities with, so I’m not solo.

Those wonder women, and men, who single parent properly solo, are warriors to me, and I would never compare myself to their heroics.

However since the girls were very tiny Mike has been away a lot, I don’t have my mum to turn to and my work is very busy. This has meant a lot of juggling and mental overwhelm (and tears!)

My girls are utter darlings, I’m so lucky to be their mummy, they truly are such good girls, but the toddlerdom temperaments are quite demanding. So after long bank holiday weekends on my own, this print sums up things nicely.

Mum Print by Chloé Lawson

Multi-tasking Mothers
I once reached out to the queen of multi-tasking Clover Stroud, who I love to follow here on Substack, asking how she copes with flying solo.

(Her husband is based in America, she has five children, hosts her own podcast and regularly publishes best selling books. I mean she truly deserves a medal.)

And can you believe she was kind enough to message me back? She said ‘It’s bloody hard. Exhausting. Cut as many corners as you can!’

So one of my new personal mottos is ‘Serve the fish fingers’ when Mike is away, as for me that is the perfect cutting of corners.

Print by Billy the Kid

Creativity is the cure
The anecdote to overwhelm, and my greatest passion is creativity. It’s the thing that brings happiness, hope and is my ‘non-negotiable’. Creating, planning and vision boarding is my therapy!

So for the last few weeks I’ve been focusing my attention on my weather worn, not-very-child-friendly, postage-stamp-sized garden. And it's been bringing a lot of joy just creating grand plans for it.

I’ve been pulling out tree stumps, digging over beds, power washing and cutting down overgrown climbers, and now we’re ready to build, plant and grow. I can’t wait.

I will divulge more in my next Substack, (especially the planning of the Dunkley garden Wendy house)… but here’s a glimpse into my mini garden goals.

Sign by Mims & Family, swing by The Oak & Rope Company

A hopeful summer is on the horizon
My husband is back with us, my father is home from the hospital and the weather is giving us glimpses of glory. Life feels more hopeful.

I hope you’re doing ok right now, life can feel continually overwhelming, just remember there’s always something to look forward to, no matter how small. Keep looking for the pockets of joy.

Merriness for your month of May

• Magical Light and early morning strolls. We are really enjoying the Isabella plantation at the moment as the Azaleas are out in full bloom. We print out a nature checklist, which the girls love to tick off, and their new favourite activity is creating magical crowns from the flowers that have dropped off the branches.

• Cow Parsley. For me it’s prettier than any fancy bouquet, my daughter Joy agrees whole heartedly and she picked me a posy of them for my vase at home. Why don’t you pick something wild for your table at home?

• Alfresco eating. From posh picnics, to quick croissant stops with a view, (we love a Kapucin on Richmond Hill) to pub garden crisp buffets, to after work dinners in the garden. It’s heaven. Tiny picnics in unusual places are my favourite.

• Bank Holidays! need I say more? (only when not solo parenting)

• Bridgerton. Its back - a break for the brain and a feast for the eyes. If you need a little inspiration watch this speech from the creator herself.

• Foodie Festivals and summer fetes. We popped along to one last weekend, and as a ‘daddy’s home treat’ we let the girls get their face painted. There’s no greater joy watching the confidence of a little girl blossom when she has a rainbow unicorn painted on her face. We’re hopefully going to Foodies Festival Syon, next.

• Clarksons’ Farm Series 3. I know, I feel exactly the same about Jeremy as you do, I didn’t want to watch it either, but it’s joyful television. Me and Mike laughed endlessly at the bit where the goats kept nibbling on them. Although if you want to watch proper regenerative farming in action, I highly recommend Biggest Littlest Farm, (it’s currently on Netflix) It’s one of our favourite films.

• Ice-cream weather. Although we’re all year round ice cream enthusiasts, it’s now more appropriate to enjoy a scoop or two. We are so lucky to have the most amazing home-made ice-cream shop on our doorstep. We highly recommend their Eton Mess flavour.

A snap shot of our merry May so far, with my darling buds, wishing you a lovely one too.

May is pretty, May is mild,
Dances like a happy child;
Sing out, robin; spring out, flowers;
April went with all her showers,
And the world is green again;
Come out, children, to the glen,
To the meadows, to the wood,
For the earth is clean and good,
And the sky is clear and blue,
And bright May is calling you!

May is pretty, May is mild,
Dances like a happy child,
On a blessèd holiday,
Come out, children, join the play!
Annette Wynne.

Until next time,

Love Gabi x