It’s the most wonderful time of the year… For me the Christmas music goes on from November 1 (along with some cheeky fairy lights), and then when December 1 comes round the tree goes up, the mince pies go in the oven and the merriment begins.
I love all the build up – the hours spent choosing the perfect presents and wrapping them, going for long walks in frosty nature, singing carols with gloved hands wrapped around hot mulled wine… Christmas is one of my very favourite times of year.
***PLEASE NOTE THIS GIVEAWAY HAS NOW ENDED***
As the second giveaway this week in celebration of Do What You Love’s 2nd birthday, I have put together a bundle of creative inspiration from Japan where I recently spent six months having a fantastic adventure, learning traditional crafts and taking thousands of photos.
The winner of this giveaway will get:
taken in the gorgeous flower shop ‘The Willow Garden’ in Hebden Bridge
I think November is a good time for…
… slow cooker dinners
… fairy lights
… sparklers
My workspace in Miura-san’s beautiful studio
As promised in yesterday’s ‘Behind the curtain’, this is the first in a series of posts sharing how to make a traditional noren curtain – something I learnt under the watchful eye of talented kimono designer Miura-san.
Tottori, Japan
A lot of people ask me for tips on planning adventures, and going on big trips. I have been fortunate enough to live, work and travel in more than 50 countries across the world, on every continent (including Antarctica!) so I know a thing or two about packing and preparing.
People ask whether the most important thing is to have a very clear budget, or to sort all your visas out in advance, or to learn some of the language before you go. They ask whether they should read a book about the culture, or buy a new rucksack, or make sure they get their house rented out. They ask whether the most important thing is to find a good travelling partner, or find somewhere to stay ahead of time, or pack for all weathers.
Actually it is none of the above.
When I look back on my time in Kyoto, one of my fond memories will be of time spent wandering around the cities many tiny shops. There is something very special about the way in which Japanese people lay out their spaces, present products, and create an experience for guests (which is what you feel like, rather than a customer).
I am talking about shops like this one – Pao is a clothing and ‘zakka’ accessories/stationery/lovely things store run by the vivacious Junko.
I visited her on the day of a blue moon, and after we had chatted a while about papermaking and all sorts, she reminded me to look up to the night sky for luck and happiness that evening…
Cycling is a brilliant way to travel – you see so much more than when you are in a car. It’s like you are IN the scenery. We had a brilliant time cycling 70km across seven huge bridges over the Seto Inland Sea, breathing in fresh salty air as we pedalled high above the sparkling seas.
I led him astray.
He was supposed to be at school, learning some more grammar and having a kanji test.
But I pursuaded my man to skyve off for the day and we escaped to the beach.
Of course I wouldn’t generally advocate truancy… but it was all the more deliciously fun because we shouldn’t have been there!
My kind of Monday…
Every now and then we all need to be a bit silly and I just couldn’t resist this…
