repository

[punts, a couple of weeks ago in Cambridge]

This blog has proved to be a useful distraction and source of consolation in recent weeks and months when terribly difficult things have been happening. It's a little repository of good things, small highlights, and positive moments. These are by no means representative of my days, but I put them here to remind myself that they still exist. The thing is that life goes on, that it's counterproductive and not good to be completely submerged by sadness and despondency (that way madness lies etc). Better to acknowledge the bad parts, know that good times will return, and endeavour to keep a balance. 

[famous for its buns]

So I collect beautiful, simple patterns in punts on the Cam, nicely proportioned, plain Georgian windows contrasting with a 1920s 'handwritten' sign,

[Botanic Garden]

and pure white magnolia against a pure blue sky. 

[Magdalene College]

I put in tulips planted to match rubbish bins (I sincerely hope this was the case and that it's not just a happy coincidence...),

[church opposite Kettle's Yard]

plus little hidden gems of Englishness.

I store all this and more in my repository of miscellaneous goodness.

[detail of 'Youth' by Kathleen Scott outside the Scott Polar Research Institute. Great biography of KS.]

And really, really, really hope that it will be warm enough to go without socks soon.