Something of Beauty

I always insist we don’t do Valentine’s Day in our house. It’s Brett’s birthday and it seems a shame to overshadow his day with what is basically a commercialisation. Yet we always do. Every year I buy (or make) two cards even though most Husband birthday cards seem to disappear from the shops as soon as Christmas is over. And he always buys me a card and a gift. To be fair over the years the gifts have become less indulgent and I’ve never forgiven him for buying me a hand blender – if we’re going to do this lets have a little romance about it – a gift I use nearly every day as he regularly points out.

Having a nice meal out becomes a nightmare too – with special menus (special prices to pay for the free rose!) though we did take a party of 12 noisy people into a restaurant filled with romancing couples and celebrated his 40th in style. I make no apologies for this but I am going off thread a little.

This year Brett bought me the most beautiful gift. He bought me a book:

If you’ve not seen this book yet – it is stunning. I love it on all levels. It appeals to the mindful knowing coach in me, the artist, the bookbinder and the sometimes struggling, lacking confidence, lonely 13 year old child that still resides deeply within me.

I don’t want to say anymore or share any more – its something you simply have to experience for yourself. I don’t read much, it tires my eyes and I fall asleep quickly even in the middle of the day. But I’ve had to slow down my desire to read this, limit myself to a small section every day and savor every word.

It’s arrived at a perfect time, a time when Caroline Flack is still firmly in the media reminding us to #bekind, this book makes us think and reminds us life is beautiful especially with cake.

But now I need to go and make something beautiful too. I need stock for Leek Open Studios trail in April/May. Hope to see you there.