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

Or should I say dressed as a daisy meadow? It completely bypassed me that my green spotted dress looks a yellow dot short of being rudimentary daisy meadow. Anyway, I took these pictures a couple of weeks ago on a gorgeous sunny day when bare legs seemed to be an entirely sensible choice, not like the grotty cold, windy conditions that we seem to be experiencing this week.

This pretty dress was chosen for me as part of a shopping challenge when I met up with Kezzie and Hazel recently in Ipswich for a good root through the charity shops. It was lovely to see Hazel again of course and great to finally meet Kezzie, a long-time blog buddy and correspondent. As well as having a marvellous browse through the charity shops (oh how exciting to have a whole new town to rummage through!) we also had to each pair up and pick an item for the other. This dress was what was chosen for me to style and I ruddy love it. If I'd seen it on the rail I would have bought it myself; perfect practical length, comfortable shape and fabric, pretty colour and print. Can you ask for more? Nah. I felt like wearing it free, without a belt even though it does have loops and I think it looks better than cinched. My black biker boots appear to go with everything at the moment and this dress was no exception along with plenty of bangles and a necklace.

Thanks to Hazel and Kezzie for picking such a 'me' piece and for such a marvellous day out.

Sophie

Looking for life on this planet sir, no sign of it. This is my love song, it goes like this:

I'm out of place, in outer space, I've vanished without a trace.

I'm going to a pretty place where the flowers grow, I'll be back in an hour or so.

'Cause every time I go to try and leave, something keeps pulling on my sleeve,

I just really want to stay, summer really got a hold of me

I just say whatever I want to whoever I want, whenever I want, wherever I want, however I want.

Getting sentimental as heck, spilling my guts to you.

It doesn't really matter as long as you get where you're going, 'cause none of this will mean jack where we're going.

They tell you to stop, but you just sit there ignoring, even though you wake up feeling like shizz every morning.

But you're young.

If I could take it all back now, I wouldn't; I would have done more stuff that people said that I shouldn't.

I'm all grown up now and updated and graduated. Summer really got a hold of me.

Lyrics are taken, amended and rehashed from Eminem's Drug Ballad. Don't do drugs. Do Summer.

Sophie

The summer wildchild.
A girl often spotted running through the countryside, skipping through wildflower meadows, playing in long grass, dancing in the sunshine with careless abandon. Hair falling in untamed curls down to her shoulders, usually with flowers.
Frequently found by the river, peering through branches to catch a glimpse of watervoles and kingfishers. Barefoot on grassy tracks, dodging butterflies, bees and dragonflies. Paddling by the water's edge where the tide spills onto the sandy shore collecting shells.
Staying out at sunset to catch the dying rays of sunlight and to breath in the cooling evening air.
Simple clothes, much jewellery, little make up. Brown skin, smile as standard.
High spirits, no cares.
I refuse to grow old
May summer last forever in my heart
Sophie