Well let’s get the grim stuff over with. In the UK we are having a referendum as to whether we want to leave the EU. Basically the sentiment has been vile and dark on the part of the Leave campaign. Politicians are happily if quietly embracing racist bigotry because it supports their political ambition. The darkness of racism has been raised even within members of my own family. An innocent MP shot and killed for open-mindedness and kindness. Many people killed in a nightclub in Orlando because of who they were. Just so tragic and for wont of better gun control laws almost entirely preventable. How many more?

On a personal level – a friend’s mum who has been unwell. This was really awful news but I feel positive and am sending positive thoughts to her and know she has great support.

Let’s focus on light being found within the heart of darkness. Since I last wrote the delicate colours of spring have metamorphosed into colours of summer bright against the main paint palate of luscious and vivacious greens. Hawthorn bursting into flower and making it look like we have snow in June, chestnut trees blossom in white and magenta, bright pink spires of fox gloves, bright garden roses and their fragrance, delicate pinks of wild roses, vivid rhododenrons and fiery orange lilies, the heady scent of elderflower.

Even some summer blue flowers popping up into the picture, replacing the bluebells of Spring, with tiny Forgetmenots and Harlow Carr offering up it’s wonderful collection of Meconopsis.

 

Birds are onto their second broods at least. Our annual visitor swallows, swifts and martens are all wheeling round the skies.

The last few months have included a much needed and really enjoyable break with Holly. Lots of memorable places visited and experiences created and lots of relaxation!

I had a lovely day with the children at a children’s summer festival with my sisters and friend and her little boy. It was very warm but included some medieval knights and a real life unicorn!! Honest!

I’ve spent time with my sister at an unusual event screening Pan’s Labyrinth. A different thing to do. And before this some time at a wild boar farm in Bowland – another sunny and lovely day out.

I met up with some good friends from New Zealand who I haven’t seen for a long time in London – and ended up here:

Yesterday was the Longest Day of the year. Whereas last year I lit candles, this year I went to the gym and then had a wonderful evening walk in the long light and enduring sun. I relaxed in the lovely light of high summer and felt lots of hope. I also wished health and recovery for my friend’s mum.

I spoke to a swallow and a linnet both resting on a telegraph wire. I saw some bramble flowers the harbingers of Autumn. Listened to the gorgeous songs of a blackbird and robin. I also saw some bumblebees clinging on/sleeping on the mini sun-like orange flower heads of the Buddleja Globosa. However I didn’t get a picture as my phone ran out of battery. But you can imagine these fluffy little bombardiers resting on these tight balls of vibrant orange made up of single tiny flowers, both of which were accented by the setting sun.  I managed to capture the pink of the sunset from my window upon my return.

Here are some photos:

 

 

 

I didn’t get to see the strawberry full moon but it has reminded me I need to find somewhere to go and pick my own strawberries soon! Quintessential summer.

Once again – Let’s keep the light shining bright even if darkness sometimes falls.