Albert Bridge, which spans London’s Thames between old Chelsea and Battersea, is about as twinkly as a bridge can be. It reminds me of the Brooklyn Bridge in New York… just as pretty but probably not as well known, or photographed. With clear skies and a festive feeling, I raced down to the bridge one evening last week to catch the ‘magic hour’. I don’t know that my photographs capture the essence of this structure, the beauty of the evening or the comings and goings on this historic river… but what I did feel was that taking a few minutes out … for myself… to simply admire and to breathe… is brilliant therapy.
This time of year can become demanding… anxiety ridden… and quite daunting… We become frenetic in our quest to ‘get it’ all done for the holidays’… Our lists grow and grow… this must be done, that must be done… Work deadlines swell as the year comes to a close and the pressure mounts as we ponder gift giving and entertaining. Not to mention the decorating… deciding on a scheme and the implementation… If you are a creative homemaker this not only gives the most joy but also requires a huge effort and commitment. And then there are friends and family… making time and spending time…
It’s a long and tiring journey to enjoy those tantalising bubbles we are so looking forward to…
What we do tend to forget in our holiday countdown is ourselves… taking a few moments out each day to pamper our spirits. As I wrote the other day… a little ‘me‘ time goes a long way to making us feel happier, become more productive. In doing that those we love around us, our friends and families, become the beneficiaries.
This season I am trying to make sure that I am engaged with what is happening around me… to experience the spirit of Christmas and to take a few minutes for myself here and there. Hopefully, by stepping back from time to time, everything will be less frenzied and less frazzled.
If I could give each of you a gift these holidays it would be a ‘stolen’ moment… for you to enjoy in anyway that brightens your day. As women we often feel guilty about indulging ourselves, as if we are not deserving or, as if it is a an act of selfishness…
We all know that this is far from the case… simply because most women are blessed with a generosity of spirit and a massive propensity for giving… It’s who we are… and how we work… A little time out from time to time will only enhance our capabilities.
Have a fabulous weekend… xv
Sparkle And Shine
the albert bridge is not the only place to sparkle… twinkle up your holidays with fairy lights galore…
make your christmas tree memorable… add another pretty bauble to your decorations…
and for yourself… don’t forget a dash of red to be extra gorgeous and glamorous…
