I love the way the day warms up, friendly and easy at this time of year. Clouds slowly shake off their sleep and stretch out across the soft blue Autumnal skies, allowing the sun to shine through. The cooler temperatures now enable the trees to relax and prepare for their winter hibernation. Time to wind down and let the green leaves change, relaxing into those fabulous golden colours. Amber's dance with ruby reds as shades of yellow sapphires take to the centre stage, the Autumn Waltz has begun. Nature brings us a therapy of colours, like a gentle hug all around. Soon the leaves will fall and another dance will start, but for now, enjoy the warmth and glow that surround us.

Operation 'Sideboard' is now complete.

Weeks of careful carpentry went into making the side panel with two opening windows, ensuring that our porch is a comfortable spot all year round. We can now indulge in our love for breakfast outside, even in the colder months. Twinkle toes, our old cat, also enjoys the new addition, often found basking in the morning sun and watching the twirls of steam rise as the dew sparkles like happy tears.

Living and working in this beautiful place is a joy, but the true pleasure is sharing it with Robert. His retirement and health are our top priorities, especially with his permanently fractured neck. Despite the challenges, his resilience and positivity make him a joy to live with. I feel incredibly fortunate to have this lifestyle.

Embracing the serenity of the morning, the unhurried breaking of the fast, and the excitement of a new day with the one you love. After more years than we care to remember, breakfast was a rushed affair or a quick bite on the way out the door before six o'clock. The journey to work, the long day ahead, the rush of the day. It's a ritual we now cherish, the slower pace, and the chance to make up for lost breakfasts together.

Low cloud and drizzle this morning. We were splashed from above and underneath; the ground was so wet. Is it just me, or just this area, but it feels more like October. Cold and damp. Our morning ride out was nonetheless invigorating, and the hot milky coffee, a comforting warmth in a chilly morning, was very much needed. Back home and wrapped up in cosy warm clothes. The log burner will be on very soon.

I feel a snuggling afternoon is so very long overdue.

August slipped in without introduction, a bit like an old friend returning after an adventure, with stories to tell, full of emotions, love and laughter to share. I adore this time of year, as it marks the transition into September, which is also my birthday month. I really feel connected with nature around me. I so love to watch the colours change, slow at first, but I notice them instantly. And from that point, it is all about life and the transformation we all undertake. Whether plant, insect, animal, or us, mere humans, we are all part of this shared experience of change, whispering in our ears.

Another reason Autumn is special to us is that it allows us to dance more in the evening, especially after dinner. The cooler weather, dining back indoors again, candles, and music - there is no finer way to relax at the end of the day than dancing in the kitchen with your one true love.

Elsbeth's safe and secure life is about to unravel rapidly. Her partner, James, has kept many secrets from her, and she is about to discover how bad they are as she deals with James' sudden death.

Memories of her happy and loving life will haunt and confuse her, threatening to tip her over the edge, especially when she learns James' death was not an accident.

Elsbeth will travel between the past and present, lies and deceit cutting through her like shards of glass. Her life twists and turns like a rollercoaster. For Elsbeth, this heart-breaking journey will bring her closer to her family and make her filter through her friendships as she knocks down walls and rebuilds her life.

My New News...

At last, my first novel is almost ready for purchase. What a fantastic end to yesterday; my proof copy arrived just as I was stepping out of the shower. Naturally, a small glass of bubbles was in order.

SO... stay tuned for more updates on my debut novel 'Face Value'. Launch date: 31 Aug.

Elven Glass will be supporting its promotion, and signed copies will be available, along with direct purchases from Amazon and Kindle.

As a thank you for helping to launch my book E.G. will be offering a 10% discount on glassware when you buy the book. More details to follow.

What a great start to the day. It's been a while since we were last out on the bikes, my wee legs are feeling it now. It was lovely to watch the mist and cloud disappear, it looks like a lovely hot day ahead.

The calm before the pending storm. After a busy day at the workbench, sipping chilled wine and enjoying the calm, warm evening. Butterflies float all around the birds at the feeder, and the gentle lull of music in the background sets the ambience for our tranquil evening dining.

The colours grow stronger before our eyes, intensifying with the magic of nature. A subtle breeze like a lover's kiss floats in the air with a soft and gentle warmth of summer, her energy full and alive, enjoying the last throws of her spell over us.

Kick-starting August with a cheeky wee coffee at the top of the garden. You know how much Robert loves to make it fresh outside, yes, even grinding the beans while watching the Tits and Gold Finches at the bird hangers. It's always lovely to take a break from the workbench. This month will be a busy, with catching up on orders, restocking, and creating new colour palettes. But, first coffee!!

Low cloud and drizzle, a beautiful, fresh start to the day, although a wee bit wet. A good five miles up the hills on the mountain bikes, soft, lush, overgrown paths with plenty of rocks tucked underneath - I did not say it was a smooth ride, you may have noticed. Red Kites soaring overhead, deer tracks heading off into the undergrowth, we did not see any of them this morning. Breakfast at the top while we soak up the colour therapy, inhale the good Scottish fresh air, no view at the top today due to the low cloud, but nevertheless, a perfect start to the day, not only that, but it’s all downhill on the way home!!

A lovely end to the week, dinner under the porch as the rain swept through. Starting off as a tap, tap on the roof to a complete downpour, a much-needed one too. Happy summer days in the garden, a lovely meal with a delicious homemade pasta sauce, good wine and a wonderful husband and cook, can't ask for more.

Happy 4th of July if you are celebrating. Have you noticed that if you accidentally hit the Shift button and press No. 4, you get the dollar sign? So, I guess you can’t go wrong on the 4th!

July marks a time in the year when I take things that wee bit slower, give my hands a rest. Time to get out there on the mountain bike early when the air is fresh and full of nature; the scent of pine blows gently across the morning breeze as the day opens up, the smell of dew from the grass as the wheels roll on by. Being able to watch deer drink from the mountain streams as quietly (unless you're going up some of the more severe hills, when the sound of panting betrays how unfit you still are!), your wheels rolling over the overgrown paths of grass. Of course, it doesn't take them long to know you are there, but to watch their wee ears twitch and then, with such graceful, long legs, they bounce off, shaking their cheeky white bums at you.

The reward is always worth it. Breakfast up in the hills surrounded by birds, butterflies, and this morning lady birds, with a view of hills rolling from one to another stretching out across a panoramic view. Even watching the clouds gather, donning their dark grey cloaks, cannot dampen our spirits, only our waterproofs. As July usually marks the start of the rainy season here in Scotland, our waterproofs get plenty of use.

But, as always, every month is different, and we are always happy to enjoy whatever joy or challenge comes our way.

Here's to July, sunshine, showers and a new bottle of gin to sample.

Sitting under our porch watching the trees sway in the warm breeze being teased by rain drops carried by the low floating clouds. Blue skies high above so high and out of reach, come back sunshine and blow these wet damp clouds away.

This 30cm square stained glass wall mirrors inspired by my thoughts above. Txx

June has come around so soon with flowers all around making such a gentle sound swaying in the warm summer breeze, make you feel all at ease.

I love taking time out to enjoy the soothing sounds of nature and fill my eyes with calming colours and wonderful sights.