The New Year....and what a day!!

Today sees many people back to work, for me after a fortnight of back to back events, festivities, family visits, eating, sleeping, card games, board games and exploring outside with friends and family! I know i am often heard chanting the saying 'there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing' but i can honestly say that this morning i am quite happy tucked into my office starting to tackle the paper pile that has gathered over the festive period.

I found for many families i spoke to over the festive time, that this year for many it was a time for tightening the purse strings and not getting caught up in the huge amount of spending Christmas can bring, this included me. I found myself thinking much more creatively rather than buying a present off the shelf. Presents this year included many home made gifts, i seemed to make endless stars and tree decorations after our day in the woods on the 17th December with Linda. I also made sure that i gifted 'time' for many, my present to promise to give time to those i love. Although i am utterly exhausted, i have really enjoyed catching up with many friends and family to walk, talk, eat and play. Lets hope i do more of that this year!

I was pleased to read a fellow bloggers review from a parents perspective on the importance of children playing freely outside and recalling his own childhood memories, to read it follow this link http://www.external-designs.co.uk/blog/ It is good to know that Mark is involved in the outdoors...from a design point of view, i wonder if the garden designs could capture the essence of magic and playfulness he recalls from his childhood! A good challenge i am sure.....if we could all design our own gardens / spaces what top FIVE features would you have in it? I would have to have water, a large oak tree, dense cover to play under, tunnels and a treehouse!

I am going to be spending the next week or so putting the programme of events for this year together, so hope to be in touch soon with dates!

Windy wishes