opening chapter two – hello february
The baby of the year. 28 days. Countless opportunities to start anew. Silk slips. All things lace. Freshly cut rose fills the air. Dress to impress (yourself!) Date night at home? Dim the lights (*wink wink*) Chunky knits. Sunday roasts. Pour the red - mine’s a large. Trusty jackets. Step outside. Snowdrops poke their heads up from below. Final frosts. A chance to pause. Reflect and breathe - what’s going well? Winter bows. Curtains fall. Another season comes to an end. The garden wakes. Daffodils tease. We wait patiently for spring.
One of my most vivid memories from this time last year was walking through the open fields near our house one morning in February, when Ali and I were hit by the sudden (and oh so welcomed) distinct smell of spring. After months of darkness – both literally and metaphorically that is – I remember both of us feeling gleeful and getting excited in an instant and my love affair with the English countryside got a whole lot more intense!
Get a room Lydia, I know!
The thing is, up until that point I’d always seen February as a pretty bleak month. Bitter and bare, it goes by in an instant. But as soon as I stepped outside and stopped to take it all in, I’ve come to realise that it’s a month that keeps us on our toes – stuck in limbo between the seasons, never quite sure whether to offer sunshine or snow.
Which is why I’ve grown to look forward to it in recent months and slowly but surely fall in love with the drama it brings.
Whilst I’m livid at 2022 for delaying pancake day until March (the audacity, I know!), alongside the romance that comes hand-in-hand with countryside living, I’m also looking forward to the romance that Valentine’s Day brings (hint hint Ali!). Expect a round up of my favourite Valentine’s essentials coming your way soon and a Millen-Gordon guide to the perfect Valentine’s Day date night at home.
*cue the Pinterest scrolling for romantic tablescape ideas*
Finally, a little birdie (and by birdie, I of course mean Google) told me that today marks day one of the Lunar New Year… and this year belongs to the majestic tiger.
Rumour has it, it’s a year for passion and adventure. To exorcise evils, be brave. To roar and roam free.
Sounds like a pretty wise plan if you ask me ladies and gents.
Welcome to February.
It’s time to roar.
A true inspiration you and Ali are, it’s funny how much you have impacted my life! So happy to see you beaming and full of joy and excitement….well done! Baci da una ragazza Americana in Italia.
A true inspiration youand Ali are, it’s funny how much you have impacted my life! So happy to see you beaming and full of joy and excitement….well done! Baci da una ragazza Americana in Italia ??
Love love love
Thank you so much Hayley! Lots of love, Lydia x
Lydia, I live in New Zealand and would love to visit the English countryside. Thank-you for documenting life and how it is lived over the other side of the world. This way – In our (slightly locked up) world that we are still living in over here, we are able to experience the english country side in a different & virtual way. I always look forward to your videos and love reading your blog. Thank-you for being so open with your lovely life! It is beautiful, dreamy and gives me hope.
Thank you so much Hannah, I’m so glad you’re enjoying this new approach! Enjoy the rest of your week and chat soon. Lydia x
Love these monthly blogs with that approach to seasons! 🙂
Thank you so much Lucia! That means a lot. Lydia x
Hi Lydia,
Love your new blog and reading all the posts! Great addition to your photo and video content. I have been following you on YouTube for YEARS but unfortunately I can’t follow you on Instagram… hopefully we can resolve this soon 🙁
Thanks so much for your support Julia x
Love it!
Thank you I’m so glad x
Hi Lydia!
So beautifully written, you inspired me to see life with my eyes wide open. To be present and enjoy every season. I live in Florida ( originally from Slovakia) , so is a lot to see here.
Thank you Lydia for the inspiration, for the feeling I have when I’m reading your chapters.
I am opening my chapter book, with my eyes and heart wide open.
Say hi to Ali.
Thank you for kind words I’m so happy you are enjoying this! x
love it!
Thank you sally!