The weather took a definite turn this week, so I leaned into slower days, creative moments, and gentle adventures close to home.
One very wet day called for staying indoors. I baked, pottered, and watched old episodes of Bridgerton. It felt like exactly the right thing to do. I did pop out briefly to the book fair at the Civic Hall in Totnes, and I’m so glad I did. I met some truly inspiring local authors and came home buzzing with ideas.
Mary Elizabeth Earle shared her powerful work The Longing, which explores her experience of mother and baby homes and forced adoption. I also met Carey Jane, who writes beautiful poetry and shares her work online, and P.J. Danby, who told me all about her fantasy novel Blood of the Nightstalker. Rosemary Griggs’ historical fiction, rooted in the Totnes area, was especially tempting. Back at home, I baked a carrot cake and spent the afternoon quietly creating while the storm raged outside.
At the weekend, I persuaded Glenn to hop on the train with me for a day out in Plymouth. We walked, explored, and finally made it to The Box to see the exhibition Remember, Respond, Resist. I loved it. The Grayson Perry tapestries were a real highlight and made the visit feel extra special.
Monday was a more practical day. Glenn was out early volunteering on Bob the Bus, while I made a start on dinner before we drove to Kingsbridge to view a sheltered housing scheme for my mum. It was absolutely lovely and left us feeling hopeful. Later, I used some beautiful apples gifted by viewers to make a comforting apple crumble.
Tuesday evening brought one of my favourite moments of the week as Totnes lit up for the Christmas lights switch-on. The town was full of music and colour. A brass band played carols, stilt walkers towered above the crowds, and giant bubbles floated through the air like lanterns. Father Christmas even made an appearance. It felt like the real start of the festive season.
Midweek began with Zumba, which is quickly becoming one of my favourite hours of the week. Afterwards, we headed to Brixham so Glenn could test some clips for the new boat cover. While he tinkered, I did a bit of charity shop browsing and struck gold straight away with Christmas jumpers and decorations.
Thursday was a long, rainy workday. The sort where you’re grateful to stay warm indoors. After finishing up, I stretched my legs and picked up a takeaway curry. There’s something very comforting about a warm Balti on a wet evening.
The week finished on a high with a vintage bus ride out to Buckfast Abbey for their Christmas market. It was much bigger than I expected, and I picked up several presents before heading back to Totnes for my charity shop shift. A full week, full of small joys, gentle adventures, and festive moments.
