No place I'd rather be... is where for you?

[Beaconofpope]

I need something to uplift me.
Mine is
Travelling around the Cornish countryside in our crap car, radio on, kids eating lunchables or Greggs happily after a day being slightly cold on the beach. We're half way through our holiday and have a bit of a suntan. The boot is full of tinned goods and we have made some friends at the campsite.
At my mums, there's an old film on their ancient 24" inch telly which flickers. We have just ate beef stew sprinkled with garlic, rosemary and orange zest and have our crumble in bowls on our laps. We might do a puzzle or play a board game. My phone is out of battery.

Right now, back in the shires for a family Christmas. Winter walks, pubs with fires, meeting up with old friends. Leaving in 2 days and very excited.

In bed. By myself. Cold and wet and dark outside. Big light off, lamp on. Maybe a candle. Clean sheets, clean PJ's. Cup of tea. All snuggly. Nothing to do tomorrow.

A tiny deserted sandy inlet in Menorca at 8am in June. Empty sea to swim in as the sun rises over the high cliffs surrounding. Flopping back onto a towel to eat the almond croissants bought from the local bakery.

West coast of Scotland overlooking Arran and Ailsa Craig. Wouldn't care what the weather was like.

Just the four of us in France. The kids are aged about 11 and 7. We are sat at the table eating pasta and masses of lovely fresh baguette and lots of butter. There is something simple like honey on bread or a tarte tartine for afterwards. Some ice cold white wine from the wineyard at the end of the road.

We have been in the pool for a bit and after tea we will play cards and some board games. Tomorrow we will do pretty much the same after a wander around a local market to pick up some fresh fruit and veg and some sea food. The sun has been shining all day. Maybe tomorrow night there will be a spectacular thunderstorm with thunder and lightening and the four of us will sit under the veranda to watch it.

In the crowd of a small gig of my favourite bands, with my darling best gig buddy, K. Holding hands, lost in the music.

At the home of my other family in the wilds of Ontario, by the lake, on the deck with good coffee, good company and laughter - the home of my Mum's best friend & her family where I have never felt so at home.

Possibly in Pokhara, Nepal, by the lakeside sipping a beer whilst looking up to the snow covered peaks of Annapurna.

Failing that, under my lekky blanket with someone to shag sounds a pretty good idea too

Somewhere on the Riviera, having a cocktail or ice cold rose after a day on the beach, talking about what we'll have for dinner.

I'm currently in bed with post viral fatigue. If I was well and my usual self I'd be in Dublin in the coffee shop at the National Gallery if Ireland. Then I'd go to the Irish Art wing to see the Jack Years and William Orpen paintings. The last time I was there the wing was closed due to faulty lights 😭 I hadn't been home for 12 years and I was so looking forward to seeing them.

NGI is my happy place. 😀

Cornwall for me too but swimming in the sea

After living so far from my family for so many years, there's no place I'd rather be then here with my family.

My DP popped into the other day as they were passing by and had lunch with me. Absolutely ♥️

Sitting on a private balcony perched over the harbour on one of the tiny, untouristy Greek islands, beer and book in hand, having spent the day walking round the island and snorkelling off an empty beach. Boats bobbing, lights twinkling on the water, the odd person ambling by to give me my people watching kick.

Great Langdale, in the valley, fells, campsite, pub... any time of year, I have kit for all weathers.

On a beach in the Caribbean or Hawaii with a glass of champagne and a good book in the sun. Failing that I'll take St Andrews, Edinburgh or Skye, colder but even more beautiful.

Stone circle, Glastonbury at 4am Monday morning.

On a beach on my favourite Scottish island, which I am not going to be daft enough to advertise.

North Yorkshire coast: Whitby, Staithes, Robin Hood’s Bay area or Isle of Wight.

Wish I lived closer to Yorkshire, Isle of Wight is easier to get to for us and we will be there for New Year.

South of France, quieter part near the Spanish border for trips to Catalonia. With my dc and dh, sea views, saltwater pool, local market and kitchen garden.

Snuggled up in bed with my husband, cheesy but true.

Snap! See you there ❤️

Saturday morning in the big white bed the tiny London flat I shared with my late DH, sash window open wide, drinking really good coffee and talking and listening to Radio 3. I’ll never get to go back there – DH died two years ago and I now have a delightfully rambunctious 4 year old who means Saturday morning lie-ins are a thing of the past – but it was the most contentment I had ever felt and is still my happy place.

Sitting on the rocks in Porth Diana, Trearddur Bay on Anglesey, watching the sailing boats come and go and the sea lapping at the rocks below. My happy place.

Right here on the sofa with the dog, it's raining outside and cosy indoors, It's peaceful all around, I can hear nothing but the wood burner and the rain.

My home

Walking the cliffs on the SW coast path. Skiing in the Austrian alps.