Brighter mornings have arrived, bringing a touch of optimism for the days ahead.

Turning the clocks back one hour in October means sunrise comes earlier, giving us more daylight at the start of each winter day. This morning marked the beginning, and I look forward to enjoying more bright mornings as we move through the winter season.

Mr Frost swept in last night, cloaked in flowing gowns of glittering sparkles.

As the sun set, he made his entrance, a gentle mist settling into the cooling air as he gathered his icy breath. With long, frosted fingers, he worked his magic, turning the bird bath into a miniature frozen sculpture etched with delicate lines and swirls.

Branches bowed under winter's first weight, adorned with diamond-like frost that sparkled in the morning sunlight.

Leaves drift lazily through dappled sunlight and still, rain-speckled air, weaving a delicate tapestry of autumn colours gradually blanketing the landscape. The gentle, therapeutic shift in the weather brings soothing calm and a quiet sense of transformation. I love this time of year, and enjoy savouring the last golden rays of warmth, fully aware that our annual visitor, Mr Frost, is already packing his bags in eager anticipation. You can almost sense his excitement and feel the crisp promise of his imminent return.

The first day of October sunshine was simply too tempting, so I set out once again on my bike. The sun was warm, birds sang, kites soared overhead, and I found myself huffing and puffing up the hills, pure happiness. Feeling adventurous and well-equipped with coffee, snacks, and a filled roll, I ventured further into the next set of adjoining hills. Blue skies stretched above, dotted with bright, fluffy clouds drifting over the treetops. Energised, I decided to tackle the ‘red route’ on Ae Forest’s mountain biking trails. Let’s just say, I’m no longer young or skilled enough for red routes, so yes, I took a tumble! Luckily, nothing broken, though I’m now sporting impressive bruises from neck to ankle. October’s lesson: I’m not as young and agile as I once was! But if I hadn’t crashed, I would have missed the magical woodland alive with fungi, the scent of damp, rich soil, and the gentle whispers of the trees. The air felt mystical—fresh, earthy, and full of autumn’s promise.

I just had to take advantage of another fresh but beautiful day yesterday. And another new route with this fabulous view, perfect for a picnic stop. The old mountain bike and my old legs are fairly enjoying themselves.

Also, and more importantly, I just wanted to say thank you for your support, whether from your purchase or following me on FB; I really appreciate all your comments, likes, and love. It's not always easy to run a handcrafted business in a world of mass production, never mind AI !! But I love what I do, and I love being out in the hills, sharing my wee adventures with you.

What a glorious morning for a ride—three and a half cheeky hours of mountain biking in these wild hills. For the first time, I layered up with thermals, a sure sign of the changing season. A crisp nip tingled my face, while sudden gusts of wind brought tears to my eyes.

It’s always invigorating and so peaceful up here. The greens of the landscape are deepening, with browns and ambers slowly weaving through. Fresh, vibrant moss blankets the path, turning it into a colourful tonic for the soul.

Time for some lunch before heading to the workbench for a busy weekend of lead work.

The Autumn Equinox marks the gentle tipping point when darkness begins to overtake daylight, and the world subtly shifts toward winter. Here in Scotland, the change is unmistakable; cool air has already settled in, and the first frost is on the horizon. As summer’s golden light ebbs, the landscape transforms. For centuries, this turning of the seasons has been a time to pause, give thanks, and appreciate nature’s quiet transformation. For Robert and me, we always enjoy witnessing the brilliant tapestry of nature changing, savouring the invigorating freshness, especially in the mornings when we see a cloud of our own warm breath.

But we enjoy embracing this season, feeling calm and grounded, a peaceful transition as we journey toward the Winter Equinox.

But with colder, crisp weather comes clear skies and, like today, sunshine- certainly not shorts and T-shirts- but for sure, time to enjoy a wee toast to the equinox and savour the warmth at the end of the day.

Armed with waterproofs and sturdy boots, I set out into a wild, windswept day filled with bursts of warming sunshine and sudden showers. The dramatic coastal landscape unfolded before me, with endless mudflats, Scotland’s largest saltmarsh stretching to the horizon. Standing at the edge of this vast expanse, I watched flocks of birds wheel and dip across the sky, immersed in an ever-changing palette of autumnal purples, golds, and earthy browns. As I sipped my coffee from the shelter of a hide, a small herd of deer appeared, making the scene even more magical.
Back home now after a three-hour hike, feeling invigorated, extremely wind-swept, and looking forward to a hot shower and a glass of wine.
What a lovely day off indeed.

I felt September drift in on a cooling breeze throughout the night, the chill in the air sneaking in through the open window.

This month marks a transition, a time when memories of summer fade and the promise of cosy autumn days begins to stir.

This morning revealed a much different day than we have been getting. Temperate, rainy drizzle falling from low, overhanging clouds, and for the first time in many months, the need to dig out a light sweater!

However, I do love September, not only because I am a Virgo, and not only because of the bubbles; you know us, we find excuses throughout the year to pop a cork. No, it's more about the weather shift, the cooler temperatures arriving in the North. Then we have the Autumn equinox later in the month. The colours are already changing; more golden ambers fill the fields, and softly but surely the leaves are shedding their emerald cloaks for a more appropriate shade of Cairngorm, our famous Scottish variety of quartz, featuring warm earth tones ranging from smoky yellow champagne to golden amber browns, inspiring a sense of awe at nature's artistry.

Swallows gather viscerally as woodpeckers disappear into silence. Crows in their hoards fill the evening sky like a dark cloud passing overhead; they evoke a sense of mystery and connection, hinting at the storytelling that unfolds high in the trees at night as they rest.

Candles flicker in the evenings as nights draw in faster, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere; the blanket over the chairs offers comfort, making outdoor dining feel even more special as the garden transforms into a cosy retreat. Enjoying the evening light while we can.

The evenings are becoming more enchanting as autumn approaches. Last night, we enjoyed a delightful dinner on the porch, enveloped by the soothing sound of rain pattering on the roof. The air was invigorating, filled with the fresh, earthy aroma of damp grass.

As we settled in, I couldn’t help but watch the raindrops pirouette gracefully off the leaves, casting tiny glittering jewels in their wake.

Meanwhile, the swallows gathered in ever-increasing numbers, fluttering through the twilight sky. Soon they will be embarking on their long migration, leaving us to cherish the memories of their fascinating aerobatics and constant chatter.

All very quiet at Elven Glass. Enjoying some lovely downtime, which I hope inspires my friends to take a moment for themselves, resting my hands before the leading begins again, and exercising my but!! While trying out new recipes from Robert's new cookbook, a cheeky wee gift from me to him. Plus, some new French wines to enhance the experience. All very relaxed and contented here.

July has swept by in a vibrant wash of colour therapy. The garden bursts with hues that seem to energise every chakra, each flower and leaf offering its own unique sensation. I’m reminded how ancient wisdom claims that different light frequencies influence our moods and bodies, something I’ve truly felt this month. Mountain biking has been my ultimate reset, soothing my nerves and strengthening my body as I discover new trails and breathtaking views. These outings have also helped me strike that ever-important balance between healthy habits and my love of wine…a joyful part of my daily ritual!

July has been a haven of rest and renewal with so much time to relax, explore, indulge, and savour the peace of these beautiful surroundings. I’ve felt truly content and calm, especially sharing life’s simple pleasures with my soulmate. Love really is a many-splendored thing. Slowing down has brought a new rhythm,  warm, sun-soaked days filled with nature’s music. The gentle hum of bumblebees, the swift dances of swallows, the soaring red kites, and butterflies weaving between dragonflies all create a living symphony, while finches and tits provide a cheerful chorus. Thank you, July, for such a dreamy escape.

July settles in with a shimmer of heat, slowing life to a gentle, unhurried pace and making water as essential as air. Afternoons slip away beneath the parasol, with a novel in hand, until the warmth lulls me into a soft summer nap. Record-breaking temperatures render any effort after 9 a.m. almost impossible. I take advantage of the early hours, working at the bench from 6 to 9 a.m., savouring the last breaths of cool morning air.

After breakfast, I sink my feet into a bucket of ice-cold water for instant relief. Even SPF 50 melts away under the relentless sun, and although a golden tan sounds lovely, it's far too sweltering for comfort. I find myself longing for Scotland’s familiar moderation, where the sun is kind but never harsh. Evening meals are spent outdoors, chasing the faintest breeze and wishing for the gentle embrace of a few degrees less, Scotland’s true summer signature.

Even sleep is elusive, the nights heavy with lingering warmth, as summer’s heat clings to the slight darkness and birds are quiet for just a few short hours.

June has slipped by almost unnoticed, its final days arriving too soon. Warmth builds gently beneath soft summer clouds that occasionally weep gentle showers. Swallows dart and swoop, tirelessly feeding their young, while hedge sparrows coax their fledglings into flight. Sheep, now shorn, graze contentedly, almost lost behind thick, leafy hedgerows bursting with growth. Farmers work the fields, cutting sweet hay as red kites wheel overhead, their sharp eyes searching for their next tasty morsel. The countryside hums with ever-changing activity, each day offering something new to marvel at. Thank you, June; you are always such a delightful month.

It’s a morning ritual that wraps seven o’clock in a hush of comfort, offering a peaceful pause before the day begins. Outside, summer rain drifts in on warm, fluffy clouds, its gentle rhythm tapping a melody on the porch roof. Sharing this quiet moment with Robert and our cat Finesse fills the morning with calm, love, and serenity.

Summer Solstice Greetings.

Last night, darkness hung above, and shadows drifted high overhead. The birds paused only briefly before their songs began to fill the air again around 3 a.m. Now, sunlight streams in, and a gentle summer breeze whispers through the lush green leaves.

Today is one of those cherished days, woven with joyful memories of our engagement... when Robert knelt on one knee in a restaurant in Kefalonia so many years ago, when I said yes.

Since then, we’ve made a tradition of marking the Summer Solstice and what we call our 'Engagemoon'...melding the magic of that moment with the wonders of Midsummer.

Yesterday I had my first puncture in years; thankfully, my trusty toolkit was at the ready. Of course, finding a nice wee spot to start with coffee and cake, then meandering through peaceful countryside. Watching crows spar with red kites overhead, while slender sheep grazed contentedly, now free of their fleecy coats. A warm summer breeze carried bird song in every direction.

A good start to the week.

Sometimes the simplest days turn out to be the most magical, no plans, just the ease of the moment. After a delicious meal, we let the evening settle in, listening to gentle music and enjoying the outdoors as pipistrelles put on an aerial display, their delicate silhouettes darting through the dusk. Bonny wee bats indeed.

Then is was time to blow out the candles!

Looking for a summer read? not bought my new novel yet?

Order from Elven Glass and get 10% off my stained glass goods or original paintings.

Have a wee look, see anything you might like, drop me a message and I'll arrange a discount.

Tx

There’s no such thing as bad weather—only the wrong clothing.

The rain deepened every shade of green around us, making the landscape glow. Our boots and waterproof trousers gleamed with droplets from the long grass, but underneath, we stayed warm and dry.

There was no view at the top, just a blanket of low cloud above our heads, but the air was thick with the scent of blossoms, as if honey drifted through the mist.

Wonderful.