It’s just a short walk from my kitchen to the washing line in my tiny garden, but it’s amazing how often I can be distracted & waylaid. Today was no exception. There’s something about clothes that have been line dried in the open air – they have a distinctive scent, real outdoor freshness that no washing powder manufacturer can successfully imitate!

I thought I saw a face starring at me – an angry screwed up expression, cheeks purple with rage, explosive! This little face sits just outside my kitchen, one of many flowers on a gorgeous viola. I love these dainty little blooms. They suit my petite garden well, somehow pansies, no matter how colourful & cute look oversized, brash. My viola is unnamed, but it’s special because I rescued it! It’s part of a potted display that our local Hillier’s garden centre was selling off – cheap. A faded cyclamen, thyme and my viola. That was weeks ago now. My reward is the viola which has continued to flower faithfully. I think it must have known that I was in need of something to cheer me today, so among its flowers there was a very special face, to stop me in my tracks & smile. Sometimes it’s simply nature that can make a difference to a day.