SHAPWICK HEATH IS GREAT FOR WILDLIFE!

Early this morning, in the coolest part of the day, Belinda and I went looking for nature at the Shapwick Heath Nature Reserve, which is run by Natural England. The area was created from land on the Somerset Levels from which peat had been extracted.  It was flooded to make ideal wetland habitats and reed beds for birds and other wildlife.

After parking in the allocated car park, we headed along a broad walk made from recycled plastic.  Despite the current heatwave, everything here was green and luscious, even some of the still water which was covered in green algae. 

We went up high into one of the bird hides overlooking one of the lakes, to see what birds we could spot - see pic above.  It was mostly swans, ducks, cormorants, seagulls and herons.  A photographer in the hide told us there was a rare purple heron out there, but we couldn't see it with the naked eye!

To finish a great morning, we had breakfast in the Rainbow's End Cafe in Glastonbury.  We were joined by a delightful black bird who dined on our crumbs...

SPRING WEATHER AT LAST!

Today, Belinda, Jenny and I had a lovely walk with sunshine!  Spring has at last arrived!  After weeks of cold, wind and rain, it was wonderful to see the sun and Spring flowers...

We walked to Bowlish and up a hilly lane, before heading over fields and footpaths back to Shepton, despite Jenny's request that we didn't go up any steep slopes!  She hasn't walked for a while and was not feeling fit!  We have all been remiss about walking lately and remarked how much enjoyment and benefit we were getting...

We saw a good selection of birds today, including some sweet ducklings in Collett Park - see the largest pic above.  I really needed a telephoto lens to photograph them so they looked more than fluffy dots! 

  
We walked home up the High Street looking at the latest changes - shops have closed down but there are some new businesses, including Junk Soul Brother, where Jenny did some window shopping - see above right.  She also had a good look at my latest window design in the One Craft Gallery, celebrating Spring - see main photograph.

There was plenty of talking and catching up today and we vowed that we ought to get into the walking habit again...

A SPARKLING MORNING ON A NATURE RESERVE!

This morning I went for a walk with Belinda at Westhay Moor Nature Reserve on the Somerset Levels.  It was a beautiful Winter's day with the reed beds and bullrushes the star of the show!  We had to wrap up well as there was a bitter wind but the way the ice sparkled in the sunshine and the blue of the sky and shimmering lakes made up for that... 

The reserve is a special place for watching and photographing birds.  It is famous for the spectacular starling murmurations, which are best seen at dawn or dusk in the Autumn.  There are managed walkways and several hides.  We went into the Island Hide but did not see many birds, only some ducks and moorhens.  However, during our visit we did see some swans in the distance and a cormorant perched on a branch in the middle of a lake.  There is water everywhere, so much so that they provide a life buoy in case you fall in - see bottom right pic!

The walk included wooded areas and signs of spring flowers. The snowdrops are going over with the daffodils coming into bud but this cold weather should hold them back...

FROSTY, MAGICAL MORNING!

Today I had the pleasure of Belinda's company for a walk.  There was a particularly heavy frost, turning the ground white and the pavements sparkling, as though they were encrusted with diamonds!  The sun came up, casting a golden glow over the browns of the skeletal trees and hedgerows, which gave a satisfying contrast to the ice and frosted ground...

There is something about an early morning walk, especially this time of year, that is magical.  It may be hard to prise myself out of a lovely warm bed, but the results are so worth it!  I keep reading articles on how walking and connecting to nature is so good for your mental health and I have found this to be true.  Not only is it physical exercise in the fresh air, but when you have an interesting companion, the talking is very therapeutic... 
  

We walked up towards Windsor Hill, away from the town into the surrounding countryside.  We saw a field full of woolly sheep and these two delightful highland cattle (see above right), who had no trouble keeping warm with their long, dense, hairy coats!

On my way home, I walked through the park and took time out to look at the pond, which was half iced over.  Instead of all the usual ducks - they must have been sheltering in the park, there were many seagulls, miles away from the sea, who looked confused by this frozen water!

WALKING ALONE!

As I had nobody to walk with, I decided to go alone.  It was just meant to be a short excursion to get some fresh air and exercise on lanes and bridle ways.  But two hours later I was home, with soaking wet feet and tired legs!

I started with good intentions, going down lanes and bridle ways to keep my feet dry.  Then, somehow, I was on footpaths and into the long grass which was soaking wet with dew.  Note to self - I need some lightweight, waterproof walking boots!

It was dry, pleasant walking weather and I saw some wildlife, including rabbits and this bird, which I believe is a partridge, who didn't fly off until I got close!  I also photographed some impressive fungi on a couple of trees and loads of Autumnal foliage...

In Los Angeles, Chuck McCarthy, an actor, has started a business - 'people-walking'! Instead of dog-walking (he didn't like picking up the poo!), he has advertised to take people out!  He charges $7 (£5.50) an hour and his flyers say - "Need motivation to walk? Don't want people to see you walking alone and assuming you have no friends?  Don't like listening to music or podcasts but can't walk alone in silence, forced to face thoughts of the unknown future, or your own significance in the ever-expanding universe?"

Apparently, he has had a great response, and so in L.A., there is obviously a need! Perhaps it I should try it over here!!...

 

AN URBAN WALK!

Today was cold - still a bitter wind - and dreary, with rain in the air, so we decided to keep to an urban walk.  It was more window shopping than stomping over fields! We always enjoy looking in all the windows of the High Street Shops.  I am redoing the One Craft Gallery window on Friday ready for Easter, so I was looking for ideas...  We are also very nosy when it comes to empty houses and can be seen peering through the windows! 

We noticed the charity, Cats Protection, had put up a display in one of the empty shop windows - the realistic sleeping cat above top centre is part of it.  We have loads of cats on our estate which would be fine if they kept to their own gardens!  I have had to clear up the mess they leave behind, and recently, we thought a lovely blackbird couple were nesting in the ivy on our garden wall but have now been deterred by a cat prowling on the top!  I love watching blackbirds and have recently finished a couple of artworks featuring them...

Talking of artwork, today we noticed Mr. Fox painted on the side of a house in a passageway (see below bottom centre), where we have been before.  Funny we hadn't seen it previously - must have been deep in conversation!  Other sights today included rather a nice motorbike on the pedestrian way outside the tattoo shop (top left) and the imposing facade of the Anglo Trading Estate (top middle).   

SIGNS OF SPRING!

Today had a different feel all together, fresh and crisp, with hints of Spring everywhere, if you looked hard enough!  There were plenty of things to see in Collett Park (see above).  And yes, it is easier to get up at the crack of dawn, with these notably lighter mornings!

Another shortish, brisk walk today as I had a busy day ahead!  I needed to be back in time to sort out seating for 10 ladies in my small salon!  They were coming for a session at Skin and Tonic on 'health and wellbeing' with a make-up demo.

My group of ladies came for two hours.  As the time went on they became more relaxed and settled into the salon environment - the noise levels went up and they asked lots of questions!  It gave me the opportunity to talk about the new treatment that I am very excited about - Microblading!  This is the form of tattooing for eyebrows that I have just done on Helen, and she was writing about it in the previous post.  It is semi-permanent and lasts about 18 months to 2 years - a godsend for some ladies!

I took a lot of the photos today - got right up close to the ducks, the odd seagull and then there were these painted handprints on the pavement...

DAWN CHORUS!

We didn't manage to get out for a walk this morning - Jenny wasn't feeling well and it was dark, windy and not inviting for a solo trip!  So instead I thought I would show you some artwork inspired by our walks.

Remember the silver birch bark that I was recently given - well I have made 2 cards using it, together with other papers.  As we often hear the birds singing on our walks, I have drawn some of the birds bringing forth notes from their open beaks!  I used the bark in exactly the same way that I would have used paper.  It created an interesting texture as well as lovely colour and markings.

I am now thinking of producing a larger panel on wood using the same subject and naming it 'Dawn Chorus'!!

MAKING IT SNAPPY!

A surprisingly pleasant walk today.  I was concerned that I would be waking up to arctic conditions this morning, after the weather forecasters gave warnings all day yesterday about the plummeting temperatures...

We had to make it snappy today!  I had some very early clients so I was quite content to sprint around town, stop to pick up our veg from the market and nip home, walk done!  No chance, Helen had other ideas,  pointing out we had plenty of time!  So we hiked up to Barron Down and we both agreed there is a very calm , stillness up there and great views of Shepton...

We came back our favourite way - through Collect Park, always picturesque - see above.  Today there were a load of seagulls - the resident ducks didn't seem impressed!  Below are some pictures of the town, including the landmark cenotaph with its recently laid poppy wreaths...

Now winter has arrived officially, we need to be upping our skin protection.  There are so many skin products out there, it's hard to know where to begin with your purchases.  Firstly,  I suggest you decide on your specific needs.  If your concern is dehydration, ORIGINS do Three Part Harmony, an Indulgent Nourishing Cream and an Oil-Infused Serum which will soften and hydrate beautifully.  This is the 'creme de la creme' - a real line eliminator which tightens and gives a luminous finish but at a price - both are £60!


The other end of the price scale would be something like Palmer's Skin Therapy Oil, which amazingly for the price of £9.99, contains line smoothing Retinol. Great for leaving the skin supple and comfortable - not greasy.  I mix and cherry pick, using high end and cheaper products, depending on my concerns and my purse!!

Remember that branch Paula collected when she joined our walk on Wednesday?  Well, she sprayed it silver, added some baubles and lights and this is what it looks like today - a Christmas tree for free!! Talking of Christmas trees, later today I saw the big one being erected next to the Market Cross, so let's face it, Christmas is almost upon us!!  I like to aim for present shopping and card writing to be tied up before November is out, leaving December free from hassle, as it's crazy season in the salon...

BIRD AND PERCH

No walk today!  It's a bank holiday and Jenny expected visitors. I did think of going on my own but the rain put me off, so instead I went into my warm, dry studio and worked on pieces inspired by what we have picked up on our walks. 

This piece of wood was lying on the ground.  Immediately, I could see the shape of a bird and a branch so I set about creating a background on which to mount it. This was done on a 7 x 5 inch canvas board with layers of collaged papers, including maps, text, music, my own painted papers and a copy of a photograph taken on one of our walks, plus gesso.

I then signed it,  put it into a painted frame and it was finished!