On My Doorstep
Come on a few short walks with me and see the beauty that is on my doorstep.
Hi, I’m Becky, an artist and writer based in Derbyshire. I write about my life in what I hope is an honest and open way. I write about mental health, autism, sobriety and simply trying to find my way in this world. Please subscribe to support my work and to read more of my posts.
Hi,
How are you?
After my less than superb news from the physio, I felt sorry for myself for quite some time. But, then I remembered what I wrote about gratitude and how no, I can’t go on a really long walk, with my flask full of tea and some sandwiches but, I can walk for 30 minutes.
So, this week, that is what I have tried to do. And I took my camera, to capture what I saw just a few steps from my home. I am sad to say I haven’t used my camera in a long while so it was nice to get back to it.
So, let’s get walking. (For 30 minutes or less)
Monday
On Sunday evening, I was really excited about my idea, to go on walks and take my camera. By Monday morning, I was not so enthused. I stayed in my pjs for a while but I managed to get myself dressed and go on a little walk.
These snow drops have taken over one of the older graves in my local cemetery and it looks very beautiful. I think cemeteries are beautiful though, in all my Wednesday Adams glory. (Probably more Morticia age-wise nowadays.)
Tuesday
Now, Tuesday was worse than Monday. I didn’t get out of my pjs at all, even though I had work at my 9-5. A black oodie can hide a thousand sins. And a bear onesie. I just felt exhausted all day, to the point that, after work, I went and lay in bed for 15 minutes. So, my walk didn’t venture very far from my doorstep at all.
I set out to get a photograph of one of the birds on the bird feeder but, shockingly, they all flew away when a human in a bear suit came galumphing towards them with a camera. So, I settled for a close up of a berry.
Later on, I managed a rather shoddy photograph of a bird through the window in the door:
I win. Sort of.
Wednesday
It rained all day so I stayed inside.
I know, I know, not the best excuse for not going outside all day but I don’t like getting soaking wet and cold. I like being warm and dry. I am more cat than duck.
Thursday
Thursday it ceased raining so I went back out. I love trees and have taken many photographs of this tree in my lifetime. I think I need to embrace my inner Sharon Blackie and write a tale about fairies who live within it or the fact that it is secretly a Derbyshire Goddess who protects the lands.
I am not very good at myth/fantasy so I probably won’t but you never know.
I also love old, stone barns. I did a whole university photography and video project in one (not this one) where I told a sort of abstract story about a ghost that haunts it. There’s definitely more of a story in that but more horror than fairies.
The best part of my Thursday walk, however, was that I met a horse and he let me stroke him and take some photographs. Yes, I asked him if it was okay.
All in all, a very beautiful, accommodating horse.
After my Thursday walk I felt great and cursed all the people who talk about how getting outside everyday is good for us because they are right! It’s just, at this time of year, I don’t want them to be.
Friday
Friday was another clear day which made it easier to get outside again. On this walk I did not see any horses (not close up anyhow) but I did see a lot of sheep.
I stopped near a gate to get a shot of these cuties. I am fan of all sheep but these ones looked like they were wearing fluffy, brown jackets. I apparently spook sheep as easily as I spook birds.
I went back to my old faithful of trees for the next photograph. They don’t run away from me.
But, as I carried on walking, I met the sheep version of Thursday’s horse:
I now think I could quite easily have a career taking sheep band photos.
Is that really where I’m going to end this week’s letter? Yes, yes it is.
Thank you so much for reading. I really enjoyed writing this weeks letter and I hope you enjoy reading it.
As always, if you did enjoy it, please give it a like, leave me a comment or reply to this email. And please give it a share or a restack. It would mean a lot. Thank you. 🖤
Until next time, take care of yourself.
Love,
Becky
🖤✨🌈
Love these, Becky! So many hearts ❤️
That sign and the sheep are just too perfect. Thank for you sharing these gems!