In the wilds of Norfolk the scenery is delightfully uncluttered. The open fields and big skies give a real sense of freedom of space and time. Remember I said yesterday about daisies turning back time? The whole of the rural inland countryside in Norfolk fills me with a wonderful sense of being lost in time. In town it feels like 2017 but out in the sticks it could be 1980, 1920 or 1892. Of course, not really, there are giveaways but in general the gentle sense of thing never changing quickly is a comfort.
We're drawn to water; pacing along the riverbanks, following the course of the flow in a peaceful stride. At this time of year the banks are still visible yet are soon to become crowded with reeds and obscure the hub of all the action.

The oil seed rape is now fading noticeably in the fields- though in these shots it's at it's most vibrant.

An interesting church, many rural churches in Norfolk hold a certain curious charm of why they look so unusual.

This particular walk was a new one to us; a circular trail along the Wensum Way I found on the Norfolk council's website. It's some way out of Swanton Morley on the Carrick Estate and the circular route is 3.25 miles long with parking suggested at Hunter's Hall (which is a gorgeous venue) - it felt wrong to be parking somewhere I wasn't frequenting even though the council suggested it so in order to kill two birds with one stone I popped into the reception to ask where the footpath lay, armed with my printout of directions. The chap I spoke to was most helpful, efficient and didn't seem to mind where I had parked. I was grateful not to shouted at for being a nuisance.

Look at the driveway! What a lovely sight. Would be perfect for wedding photos.
It would have been a pleasure to tell you how our circular walk went swimmingly well but predictably a bovine shaped spanner found it's way into the works. Our walk was more three sides of a square and back.





A little slice of rural peace.



Let's hide out in the wilds a while longer.
Sophie

 I never hear much of a fanfare when the crocuses start to appear, they certainly don't seem as popular as any of the other winter to spring wild flowers. People fawn over snowdrops, wax lyrical over daffodils but there's not much said about the humble crocus. I have a few in the garden but they're a little flimsy and so clumsy feet often spoil away things from the off.
 The little daffodils have graced the gardens with their cheerful sunshine yellow. I'm fond of having the original large kind in a vase in the house, they last a good long while, are cheap but oh so cheerful.

 Primrose? Primula? I think?
Have you been admiring the recent additions to the colour palette?
Sophie

I read a lovely quote in the last month which has escaped me in part but it went something along the lines of “just like wildflowers, if you venture off the beaten path who knows what you may blossom into”. Now I think of it, I'm not sure that's what it said at all, but I think I got the gist. Perhaps it was more a sentiment about appreciating beautiful moments that pop up in unexpected places.

Sophie

Let's just take a moment to applaud this gorgeous strip of wild flowers still in bloom in mid September, I think that's pretty marvellous. When the temperatures take a dive, I tend to reach for a nice thick shirt and a knitted tank to keep me cosy. There are not enough tank tops being worn these days, let me tell you! I maintain that keeping warm starts from the core; vest, top, long sleeved item and then a snug knitted tank to keep all the warmth in before a giant jumper. Don't even think of whining to me that you're cold unless you're dressed appropriately, there will be no sympathy from me!
Mustard. It's a colour that was everywhere a few years ago for Autumn yet these days people shy away from this bold shade of yellow. It's seasonal, it's bright, it's cheerful. Don't shy away from mustard, mustard is your friend. Be kind to mustard for one day, when your mind clears and you see the light, you too will want to to cosy up with this autumnal shade. Mark my words.
Sophie

A dark dress in summer is something of a risk but on this particular day the sun was hidden behind clouds for much of the afternoon, occasionally breaking through to beam down light in spooky shafts. I've become rather taken with wearing these yellow flowers in my hair, they are such a lovely cheerful accessory which on this occasion match the yellow in my dress. Another find from the charity shopping trip to Ipswich with Hazel and Kezzie a couple of months back, this Monsoon dress is a simple cut with a pretty neck detail. Worn with biker boots, heart pendent necklace and lots of bangles.

This landscape is how I see the Brecks in my mind; a flat outlook with wild grasses and flowers with pine trees swaying in the summer breeze. At this time of year it looks distinctly dry as the sandy soil drains easily, leaving a dusty surface. You can almost hear the insects buzzing in the undergrowth, and the birds calling out. This fabulous arc of wild flowers is such a joy to behold, irresistible for me to miss, I'm so drawn to the fleeting details before they vanish for the season.

Sophie

Being happy. That's a broad subject, isn't it? I recently read two great posts by Rosie “Should happiness be so hard” and Alice “Catching dreams” which didn't really resonate with me at all. I know, I'm pretty sure I'm the odd one out. By nature I'm a realist, a pessimist according to some,but I don't dream big (or at all really), there is no yearning for something amazing to happen; as far as I'm concerned - this is it, there is nothing more. It seems not to be the case for everyone which I suppose is for the best.

The mundane rigmarole of modern life can drain our inspiration with regrettable frequency but I have the answer for myself. Take joy in more. Look closer, take time to see the finer details, appreciate the smallest of things as well as the bigger picture.

The long grasses and open spaces, with hot winds and racing clouds. Birdsong all around and planes in the far distance leaving graffiti across the deep blue skies. The fluttering of butterflies and darting dragonflies, dancing in pairs by the river; teasing and flirting before settling down. The gentle hum of bees on each bloom; they buzz around to inspect before landing on each flower and crawling around to indulge in the pollen in abundance. The fish swimming upriver; pausing to feed, jumping to catch flies on the surface and vanishing before you can catch sight after hearing the 'plop'.

Learning to let the great outdoors restore my balance and fill me with joy has been the best discovery of my life; it's so simple and so accessible. Don't get me wrong, I'm not brimming with happiness at all hours of the day, but what I do know is where to go when I'm feeling a little empty.

I wish everyone could find what they are looking for with such ease. Find it and cling on to it for dear life.

Sophie

PS. I shot myself running around in the grass and it was such great fun