Over the last week it has become very noticeable that the days are shortening. In the past I used to detest this lessening of day light hours, but now I welcome it. It’s about learning to bring light in to darker hours. It’s a time for switching perspectives and even what you do when.
Let There Be Light
When I think of light, I think of two types. There is the light of my actual lights. Specially chosen soft light bulbs creating a warm, cosy and inviting atmosphere. Strings of fairy lights to add a twinkle. A string of lights in the garden, as well as candles flickering. All make me smile, and it means I don’t mind that I have to turn the lights on.
And the other light is more metaphysical. It’s using the darker parts of the days to be more productive, and enjoying the lighter part of the day to relax and have fun. It’s an actual conscious mind shift.
Choosing Time
I actually like to take time to sit and work out what works for me. Preferably enjoying a sunny day and a coffee in Cafe du Canard, surrounded by my feathered and furry friends in my considerations. My thoughts run along the lines of what to do when.
As an early riser, I know I now have 3 to 4 hours of work time before daylight. It’s a lovely time to work, sat on my napping sofa, lights twinkling and usually a cat snuggled in on my side. It’s my time to go through my regular chores for my shops and blog. And by dawn, most of my days work is done.
Connectivity
I take my laptop into the garden if the weather is fine and use the opportunity to be sat amongst the ducks foraging to work on photographs or writing. My wifi doesn’t extend to Cafe du Canard, which I adore (and have no plans to change). It means staying focused on what I want to do, with no distractions from the internet. Just duck distractions, which always make me laugh.
After a good forage the ducks get sleepy and that’s my time to head back inside to the office and internet connectivity. Time to put new items in to the shops (links below). My intent is to get all my new listings done before mid-day. Most times I am successful, but every now and then research draws me in and it takes a little longer than planned.
The Rest of the Daylight
If the sun is shining, mid-day is time for photographs. Natural light is always best for taking photos, but it can be tricky as days shorten. So I have to be quite disciplined about when to take them. I always hope to photograph at least once a week, but it can vary as the days vary.
Photography done, lunch eaten and the afternoon daylight is mine to do with as I wish. The weather once again generally dictates my choices. If it is nice the garden always beckons, even in winter time. Not so nice and some restoration work inside the house calls to me. I always have a project on the go, some kitting, embroidery, repair work or paper craft. The afternoon is overwhelmed with choice.
But sometimes the mood strikes to simply read a good book. This can be done inside or out. Cafe du Canard is a favourite reading spot, but I never begrudge a rainy day as then the cosiness of my couch can be enjoyed instead.
Mondays
During the darker months, when I am guiding less, Monday afternoons are often set aside for administration, whatever the weather. A necessary evil, but one I like to get out of the way at the beginning of the week. And for some unaccountable reason requires daylight. Go figure.
That done, I treat myself to a walk if the weather is holding. Or if not, or I’m simply feeling lazy, a movie and project combination is always a make me smile decision. Nothing helps with relaxing both mind and body more than doing something pleasant, joyful and yet at the same time productive.
A Bit of Planning
It’s a curious think that a simple life can take such planning. But it is in the planning and use of the darker hours that makes my day so enjoyable. And it aids me in welcoming, even wanting, those darker hours. A very real excuse to slow down, re-think and change how one does things.
If you too enjoy or would like to enjoy a simple living lifestyle, I hope you will check out my other musings : Finding a Simple Living.
And if you enjoy what you read, why not join in and Nourish Pumpjack & Piddlewick? Or check out my shops below…
My Shops
Pumpjack & Piddlewick – Fan Findings from France (and beyond, but mostly France)
French Silk Scarf – offering up the quality of vintage and antique scarves from France
Here’s a tiny visual sampling of vintage and designed items you will find in my shops:
Simply click on a picture to see more items.