Really not much

It was a busy week, but somehow I lacked inspiration. Sometimes being really busy does that – you just go from one thing to the next and nothing sticks.  Much got done but I reached the weekend wanting something to pop. Alas, no.

On Saturday, after Chris the DIY guy delivered the refurbed bench (see pic), I’d accompanied the dog into the world, I’d done part of an editing job (around every eight weeks, I find myself with some weekend work – I don’t love doing it, but as a friend says, TOTM [think of the money]), and I’d proofed an essay for my son, I needed to do something … something different.

So, I took myself for a walk to the small ‘town’ a couple of miles away. Surprisingly, given the weather is improving, the coastal path wasn’t busy. I had no real plan. So, I walked to town, went down a quiet road to the estuary, walked along what’s called the Goat Path by the estuary’s edge (see pic – it’s the elevated concrete path on the left and its low tide, and no, I don’t know why it’s called the Goat Path) into Topsham.

Once there I realised that everything closes by 4 on Saturdays so there were only windows to look in.

I then cut into the village, passing the outdoor pool (which had a sign up stating it will be opening soon – to my joy, as it means I can join the Nutters, the early morning swim club, after I’ve had my second Covid jab), and worked my way towards the farm shop, which was the only busy place.

From there, I walked home via the ‘secret’ path (it runs off the coastal path, up a hill past several new builds, and then you can turn on to a track which leads to the main road and, after a bit, home). Unless you’ve lived round here for more than 10 years it’s not apparent it goes anywhere other than up a hill.

By the time I made it home (after about two hours) I was exhausted. But I came home to find a small parcel, which included a travel size of Malle’s Carnal Flower (yes, I finally caved) waiting by the door (the other item in the parcel was The Ordinary concealer – I picked badly regarding colour from the online system so this will go to a friend).

I sprayed Carnal Flower on before bed — a bit of a contrast to the soothing lavender-esq things I use to ease into sleep – and was reminded of how complex and beautiful it is. Warm, lush, green – it’s a wonderful iteration of tuberose (which I’m trying again this year to grow). Notes include bergamot, melon, camphor (not to the extent of SL Tubureuse Criminelle), tuberose, ylang, orange blossom, coconut and white musk. I especially enjoy the warm/cool green opening. When I lived in London there was a flower stand in Covent Garden which almost always had tuberoses (which, of course, I’d buy) and the house would be perfumed for a week or so.

See what I mean? No oomph. Nothing head-turning. No formal idea or event to stick a post on. Just. Stuff. It’s almost April. Here’s to warmer weather inspiration.

So, anything inspired you recently? If you’re a tuberose lover is CF on your list?