Three times a week, come rain (yes, honestly, I have even run in the rain) or shine, I go out for a 3.5 mile run through the fields surrounding our village. Up until now it’s been a very relaxed affair, with no pressure, just a little “me time”.

But recently I realised (with a bit of help from my quite competative husband David) that to take up to 45 minutes to run 3.5 miles is pretty pathetic. So, no more gentle jogging, no more taking time to smell the flowers - it’s serious!

I’ve been working really hard to get my time down to 35 minutes - which is a fairly acceptable 10 minute mile and today I did my best time ever - 33.36!

I love this time of the year, when there is so much springing to life, colour and shape, things seem to change and grow overnight.

I like Honeysuckle but I almost prefer the buds to the flowers. Look at the organic and sculptural shapes of these buds that are almost, but not quite open.

Have a lovely weekend!

I’ve been playing around with my new Canon camera. It’s a bit tricky and needs a bit of trial and effort to get to grips with (especially if like me, manuals hold no appeal…)

I’ve taken some pics of the stunning hellebores that are in flower in my garden at the moment. I love that they are among the first to lift their lovely faces amongst the grey of the English winter.

The last clematis petals have dropped sadly. I am always amazed at these brazen blooms that burst from a spindly, scraggly tangle of stems.

I never know quite what to do with the plant. Do you prune it or leave it alone? It looks quite untidy during the winter months, dry brown stems wrapped around our pretty white trellis. But when spring comes, light green leaves arrive, and not long after we are blessed with these gorgeous flowers.

I came across Jude Miller’s website today and could hardly believe that her creations are made from paper!

I love it when someone who is obviously so talented finds their perfect vocation and is rewarded for it. Jude Miller must fall in this category.

Being a “flower” girl, I really struggled to choose a picture of her work to put up here – I think my favorites must be the Passionflowers, but for those of you who have contacted me recently for wedding jewellery – have a look at the Bindweed Garland, there are all kinds of wonderful things you could do with that!