There really is such a thing as a silly question

A slightly delayed, nonsensical ramble From Keeper's Cottage. Coffee at 11:00 dear. I've got so much to tell you.

We’ve all been there. Any group environment, whether it be in education, work or some kind of social function, whoever’s facilitating the group will always say “and there’s no such thing as a silly question” and I would like to provide some fairly robust evidence to refute this weak theory. Bear with me, this will all make sense. Possibly.

I present to you Exhibit A: “would anyone like to see the dessert menu?”

A question I have never understood. Just bring me the menu. Possibly offer me the statement “and there’s no judgement hear if you would like to pick two.”

I don’t know this particular memory came back to me, but I thought it would serve as Exhibit B. I remember working as an estate agent many moons ago, and as we were talking about a new client, and I misheard what had been said, so asked for clarification “did you say he was a pilot or a pirate?” The moment those words left my mouth, I realised the gravity of my stupidity. But there we go, see. Silly questions do exist. Usually in my presence.

Monday is never going to be the new Sunday, is it?

You might have noticed that today’s instalment of From Keeper’s Cottage is slightly late (remember I operate on Argyll Time). As much as I’d like to think that the publication of this blog on a Monday could give us an extra Sunday, I don’t think this is really how the Gregorian calendar works. No, unfortunately I got waylaid by my new Lloyd Loom chairs, which if you follow me on Instagram you’ll possibly be fed up seeing already. That, and some gardening work and, most importantly, a lovely lunch out with friends (hence the opening question… of course I am having dessert, especially if sticky toffee pudding is on the menu!)

We have had another lovely, long weekend. I have been trying to take Fridays off work whenever I can, as we’re about to get into Silly Season work-wise with so many things going on, we won’t really have chance to properly ‘chill’ until mid-May. So, I have just been trying to steal little bits of time for things that really matter.

Friday was a glorious day. We have been on a good run of blue skies. Even though the evenings have been frosty (ah, Fools Spring, you get me every year) I will take that for those blue skies, shimmering lochs and that promise of new life. We managed to coordinate diaries and get a few of us together for a lovely lunch at one of our favourite places – Ocho Inveraray. Not only is the food consistently delicious, but the whole ambience is wonderful. And nestled right on the banks of Loch Fyne for some added magic. We are very lucky indeed to have this as a ‘local’ eatery. And I say with the supreme confidence of someone who has had their fair share of sticky toffee puddings, Ocho’s is King.

A few snapshots from Friday's lunch

Musical chairs

After a wonderful afternoon of good food and great company, my delivery of new chairs arrived. It really was the day that kept on giving. Lloyd Loom furniture is a relatively new discovery to me. I’ve probably been in the presence of many items over the years, but only recently have I developed a true appreciation. In fact, it might come as no surprise to say my friend Gill (@gillstewartartist) has some and after sitting in them in her beautiful cottage, surrounded by the warmth of their wonderful home and company, I formed quite an affectionate attachment to them. Aesthetically, they also really suit the vintage, cottagecore style. Ever since, I’ve been mulling them over in my mind, thinking if I see any, I’ll snap them up. Then, one morning I was just having a quick scroll through Instagram, when I spotted one of our lovely local studios was doing a pop-up opening mid-week. A pang of sadness washed over me. Alas, we were working and couldn’t visit. But I thought that is probably a blessing in disguise, as we’ve spent a fair bit this month already. Still, as you do when you’re an irresponsible adult, I proceeded to scroll through her tantalising pictures. And there, be still my beating heart, a full set of Lloyd Looms. “F**k it” my silly little reckless mind said, “you’ll regret not pursuing these beauties”. “I will, won’t I?” I replied to the naughty part of my mind. “But where will we put them?” Paul said, in his usual, pragmatic way. “Pfft, minor details,” I replied wafting my arms around to imply that they could go here, there, anywhere, you just have to have some imagination. “So I can say yes to them, then?” I deduced from his non-committal “but why?” Fast forward a week, and they’re the latest tenants at Keeper’s Cottage. And there’s not a single morsel of regret. They’re such lovely, solid pieces, and Oh My Days, so comfortable. I’ve given them a whitewash refresh, and this now makes their zesty green cushions really pop. So far one has moved into the cottage. But I think I know how my lunch hour will be spent today!

A quick weekend refresh for the Lloyd Loom chairs

Bath time

Our latest garden installation is a new (old) bath. On the front of the cottage. That should give any passers-by something to talk about. Of course, it’s for planting. Crikey, what did you think? Me, sitting there, playing with my rubber ducky. Honestly.

Over the years we’ve really developed a love for old, reclaimed pieces for both the home and the garden. What began from necessity all those years ago after we’d just purchased our first home and we could only afford furniture from charity shops, we’ve realised that actually that’s a lovely way to fill your home. Sustainable and gives your home a completely unique feel. We bought this bath a little while back as one of our favourite home and gardenware shops was closing down. We’ve mulled over what we’ll do with it for a while, and it’s had many potential roles. But it's now taking pride of place at the front of the cottage. The ground at the front of the cottage is solid rock, so we are reliant on containers to add interest and colour, so this is just perfect. I now want everything to grow double-quick. I’m ready for the riot of colour.

Not much to look at right now, but I’ll keep you posted through the summer…

Little moments of joy

In my ramble from last week, I talked about trying to find the little moments of joy in the everyday. The world feeling so heavy and impossible. There have also been a few instances recently that have brought into sharp focus how fragile and uncertain life can be. You really can’t waste any time. You cannot live for the weekends, or for those holidays, or for some golden age in the future – it might never arrive. I’m trying to channel all these feelings into being a bit more present, and taking the time to look around me for all the things that are truly wonderful.

So, my little moments of joy from this last week were our dog walks. With the arrival of the good weather in Argyll, and the noticeably lighter evenings, we decided to head a little further afield and add some variety – for us and the boys. Being immersed in the forests and woodlands with their cool, clean air, being enveloped by the rugged, imposing mountain ranges of the West Coast and overlooking the glistening lochs bathing in the setting sun’s glow, I feel very grounded. After a busy day at work, alongside balancing all of life’s admin, being able to escape for an hour or two on a evening and really remind ourselves why we moved here is a pure luxury. Knowing whatever the 9-5 throws your way, being able to go for a mini-holiday every evening is a reason to be very joyful indeed.

A selection of our evening dog walks. Easy to see why the West Coast stole my heart, right?

And on that note, I wish you all a very lovely week. We’ve got this!

G xx