Out & About, Cafes and Catchups

How the past few weeks have flown by. They have been full.

A trip to Manchester to catchup with friends kicked off this month of May. A long journey but a thoroughly enjoyable one on the train. Armed with a packed lunch, a puzzle book and a special challenge devised by a friend. We each chose five songs to share which had a special meaning to us, maybe as a reminder of a person/event or just that had significant lyrics to us (some may feature in this month's playlist below).

It was a fleeting 24 hour visit filled with fun and games the first evening, fumbling our way around the city. The next morning after a nice cup of tea and croissant I insisted on a look in Fred Aldous, a large art shop, before a visit to John Rylands library. An amazing building built in commemoration of him by his wife. It gives lots of Harry potter vibes with it's vaulted ceilings and dark wood. Definitely worth a visit.

A stroll around and a sit by the cathedral but the bells were ringing, deafening in fact for well over an hour, so our peaceful rest nearby was not so peaceful! Maybe my visit was too short, or maybe i'm just not a city girl, but I wouldn't rush back for a visit. A hug goodbye at the train station and off I was back down south.

(I may write stories of my railway journeys another time, there is always a tale to tell with memorable people and events.)

I am currently in a café as I write this. Waiting for my eldest daughter whilst she is in a three hour English exam. My third café in a fortnight! I should do it more often. They bring a peace, time to think and reflect. Space in my head away from other tasks, to to write, to sketch, to rest. Today I have read a little - more about that next time, writing some notes to come back to and ponder over.

So this month's nugget of encouragement is to take yourself somewhere, on your own, to think and reflect. Whether that is a café, your local library or anywhere away from your everyday distractions. Enjoy yourself, treat yourself and give yourself a guilt free moment of peace.