London Life Places

An Early Walk in the Park

December 12, 2013

With all the Christmas decorations, preparations, shopping sprees, parties, food and drink consumption (phew), one can easily get overwhelmed. In order to centre myself, get some perspective and absorb some daylight I like to go for an early walk in the park.

Just breathing in the cold air, looking at this vista calms me in minutes and is far away from all the bright lights and Christmas songs blaring out from every shop and car that I pass by.

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It’s great to get out early as you hardly see anyone for a short while.

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I LOVE weeping willow trees. There’s something so wise and wonderful about them.

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Dreaming of summer here and loving the colours and patinas.

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The best part is to watch our furry friends going about their business. I could watch them for hours.

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One camera loving dog! He literally posed for me:-)

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These beauties would look good on my roof terrace.

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Love this little mini truck carrying off leaves. At least this doggie litter bin is in a Colourliving colour!

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I don’t know about you but I’m quite chilled now. Best advise I can give to myself for this hectic period is to take it easy, watch my food intake (no need to worry about alcohol in my case), get as much daylight as possible, do some gentle exercise and don’t forget to breathe.

How do you prepare for this manic period of the year? Do let us know!

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30 Comments

  • Reply Catherine@farmhousehome December 12, 2013 at 1:20 pm

    Oh what a wonderful post Tina. We should all follow your lead at this time, I’m finding it hard to relax and am feeling quite tense with everything I have to do. A friend told me the other day about a relaxation app you can download and make part of your day for 5 or 10 minutes which I’m going to give a try. As always beautiful photos, the first one is stunning and I felt like I was there. xx Am going to send you a tweet, your Christmas card arrived today!

    • Reply tina December 16, 2013 at 10:35 pm

      Hope you’re managing a little to pace yourself… That App sounds amazing? Will you let us know what it’s like?

      Thank you. The park isn’t far from me and I enjoy an early morning stroll. xx

  • Reply michaela December 12, 2013 at 1:29 pm

    Loving that top photo (very atmospheric!) My favourite time to go for a nice brisk winter walk is after Christmas lunch – tis a bit of a tradition of mine!

    Have a great weekend Tina! xx

    • Reply tina December 16, 2013 at 10:35 pm

      Ha. So I know what you’ll be doing next Wednesday afternoon. Hope you have a fan Christmas lovely x

  • Reply Gudy Herder December 12, 2013 at 2:53 pm

    You had me at the first pic, Tina! You should frame this one. Seriously! xx

    • Reply tina December 16, 2013 at 10:35 pm

      Hahaha. You’re too kind Gudy:-) xx

  • Reply Carole Poirot December 12, 2013 at 11:19 pm

    Ahhh, beautiful. There’s something very calming about nature in winter, somehow much more relaxing than summer when it’s all buzzing. Relaxing at the moment is quite a challenge, things really are manic and getting slightly on top of me. Can’t wait to escape to the moors and some quiet time over Christmas ๐Ÿ™‚ Lovely post and gorgeous images xo

    • Reply tina December 16, 2013 at 10:37 pm

      Yes, nature in Winter has something special I agree…. hope it’s all calming down a little for you this week:-)
      Thanks Carole xx

  • Reply Parisbreakfast December 13, 2013 at 8:14 am

    I wish I was in London…
    Paris Xmas is not that overwhelming…

    • Reply tina December 16, 2013 at 10:37 pm

      Ha. I know what you mean… but still, you’re in Paris… enjoy!

  • Reply James Balston December 13, 2013 at 9:21 am

    Aah, park life. Love it! Couldnt do without my one (Crystal Palace). Were your pics of Hampstead?

    • Reply tina December 16, 2013 at 10:39 pm

      Heard that Crystal Palace is rather beautiful.
      This is Finsbury park, one of my favourites…. hope you’re well x

  • Reply Gerard @WalnutGrey December 13, 2013 at 10:35 am

    Very calming indeed my dear. I have a wonderful park across the road from The Bakery and I must confess I rarely use it. Really should do something about that!

    Nature is so peaceful & tranquil in the wintertime. You’ve captured it well. I love that feeling of hibernation and restfulness.

    Can’t believe you said ‘dreaming of summer’… well actually I can. I’m happy just to be in winter for now ๐Ÿ˜‰

    It amazes me that people stress themselves out so much with Christmas, dashing here and there. That said I don’t have kids, so no doubt that’s a real pressure point for some.

    For me at this time I like to nestle – maybe read, watch some old movies etc.

    Gxx

    • Reply tina December 16, 2013 at 10:49 pm

      I would have thought as a writer you might enjoy a little bit of outdoor breaks, especially if it’s on your doorstep.
      It must be so good for clearing the mind.. I gather you spend quite a bit of time in the gym, which is indoors.

      Haha. Yes, am very peaceful with being in winter and ecstatic that in a few days will see the shortest day of the year! Dreaming of Summer is always good:-)

      Hope you are nestling with your Shell Chair… yes, can’t wait to watch lots of movies. xx

  • Reply Igor December 13, 2013 at 11:13 am

    These images are beautiful and evocative, Tina! They make me want to grab a Charles Dickens novel, sit next to a fireplace and dive into Victorian endeavours…

    • Reply tina December 16, 2013 at 10:50 pm

      Oh, lovely.. hope you get a change to grab that CD novel:-))

  • Reply debra finn December 13, 2013 at 11:18 am

    Some great shots here Tina, especially those of the trees. Juliana took a pic of Brockwell park the other day that was so reminiscent of Gill Rocca’s paintings I must email it to you. It’s a beautiful time of year.

    I’m a bit of a last minute Lucy when it comes to Xmas. More so this year too as the show was later than normal. I’ve only just started thinking about what to get people this week but it all comes together in the end… normally. I’m not going to stress about it. Have a brilliant holiday.
    Debs x

    • Reply tina December 16, 2013 at 10:52 pm

      Thank you Debra.. yes, do email that photo. Would love to see it.

      Best thing to do is take some deep breaths and just strategically go through the list. It all comes out in a was, as they say.
      Happy holidays ladies an it was wonderful to meet you xx

  • Reply Chi @ 106 December 15, 2013 at 6:26 pm

    Lovely post, Tina! ๐Ÿ™‚

    I’m pretty chilled, too. I really don’t get the rushing around and manic buying that people tend to do at this time of year.

    I’ll be making cards with L, making edible gifts and preparing for The Hubster’s birthday shortly before Christmas. I’m also curling up with lots of great books and my favourite throw – bliss! ๐Ÿ˜€ x

    • Reply tina December 16, 2013 at 10:53 pm

      Hello chilled Chi. I can just picture you curling up with books, iPad and two gorgeous girls and plotting Hubster’s Birthday event. Bliss indeed xx

  • Reply Anya Jensen December 16, 2013 at 5:34 pm

    Lovely calming shots Tina, I’m fine and keeping calm. I have made fun cards, ornaments and cookies with the girls, whilst listening to chilled out tunes. I already did my Xmas shopping (rest in the UK – now that will be hectic I guess) but kinda just fancy putting my feet up, and chilling out. Love the weeping Willow too (always fancied a girl called Willow – oh well in another life, I have enough girls:) Happy Monday to you,
    Ax

    • Reply tina December 16, 2013 at 10:56 pm

      Good to hear Anya…. love it when people can actually enjoy the lead up to the festivities… listening to chilled out tunes sounds fun:-)
      Am sure you’ll have a brilliant time in the UK.

      Hahahaha. Yes, maybe in another life time OR have a quiet word with the MR over Xmas:-)) LOL xx

  • Reply Alison Sye December 16, 2013 at 9:53 pm

    What a great post Tina, the simple stuff is always the best. We are totally spoilt in London with our amazing parks, and like you, I make full use of them. xx

    • Reply tina December 16, 2013 at 10:59 pm

      Agreed. Simple stuff is just the best!!I love that about London… the parks are just amazing… xx

  • Reply Doris December 18, 2013 at 2:34 pm

    Hi Tina, you photo’s are beautiful as usual. This year I’ve been pretty organised and relaxed. I’ve tried to enjoy nature more this winter so your post really spoke to me. xD

    • Reply tina December 24, 2013 at 8:20 am

      Thanks Doris…

      Isn’t it just wonderful to work ahead, rather than being behind and stressed.
      I’ve enjoyed your IG showing us your walks in parks and forests. x

  • Reply Jocelyn Casey December 22, 2013 at 2:10 am

    Beautiful captures, Tina. I enjoy seeing the world through your eyes. I agree with Judy, you had me at the first image! Your photography and words gave me a moment to be out of my head and just enjoy the wonder in your work. Thank you for sharing and I look forward to next year! Keep warm, Jocelyn x

    • Reply tina December 24, 2013 at 8:22 am

      Thank you Jocelyn. I wish you and your loved ones happy festivities and I look forward to meeting you in 2014. x

  • Reply Louise - 30s Magazine January 21, 2014 at 4:46 pm

    That first photo is almost angelic. Beautiful! You should compile your photos in a book! The best of London beyond the tourist traps that is ๐Ÿ˜‰

    • Reply tina January 24, 2014 at 2:42 pm

      Thank you Louise. Ha. There’s an idea…..

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