Wednesday 17 November 2010

LIVE, OLIVE....

Just back from a weekend spent in glorious Umbria, picking olives with a highly-entertaining group of people.
And here I am in a shot which made feel feel as if I was taking part in a rural cookery programme!




Only four of these crates were filled this year (we had eleven last year), since weather conditions meant a sparse crop.
Next they will go off to be pressed and turned into rich olive-oil.



Fresh air, simple physical work and al fresco lunches (in November!) made me feel deliciously relaxed.
What has made you feel relaxed recently?

7 comments:

  1. Wonderful photos, Sharon. It sounds like you had a great time. Fresh olive oil and some warm crusty bread... What else do you need?

    Long walks always seem to relax me. My weekdays are normally spent tied to the computer for work so I look forward to the weekend when I can get out for long walks in the nearby woods. I grab my camera and a water bottle and walk for hours on early Saturday and Sunday mornings. I leave all of the stresses of daily life behind and just enjoy nature. The fall colors are dwindling and the weather has turned brisk, but this hasn't deterred me yet. It's lovely to get out and leave my troubles behind for a while. The solitude and serenity of nature always recharges my spirit.

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  2. That sounds wonderful, Dan - I love walking, too - the only trouble is that I have absolutely no sense of direction and so am not a great "explorer"!

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  3. Ah, but getting lost is sometimes part of the adventure.

    My wife and I used to spend autumn weekends in Michigan's north woods. There's nothing like getting lost in the forest with someone you love. Now there's an idea for a romantic adventure...

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  4. Ohhh have a great time! Caroline x

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  5. Dear Sharon,

    I'm sooo jealous! I love Italy, the sights, the food, the men ...

    I won't mention the weather here right now either!

    Best, Rach.
    XX

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  6. this ...

    Come, Rest Awhile


    Come, rest awhile, and let us idly stray
    In glimmering valleys, cool and far away.

    Come from the greedy mart, the troubled street,
    And listen to the music, faint and sweet,

    That echoes ever to a listening ear,
    Unheard by those who will not pause to hear­

    The wayward chimes of memory's pensive bells,
    Wind-blown o'er misty hills and curtained dells.

    One step aside and dewy buds unclose
    The sweetness of the violet and the rose;

    Song and romance still linger in the green,
    Emblossomed ways by you so seldom seen,

    And near at hand, would you but see them, lie
    All lovely things beloved in days gone by.

    You have forgotten what it is to smile
    In your too busy life­come, rest awhile.


    Lucy Maud Montgomery

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  7. I'm so glad you had a great time, Sharon!

    About me - last months have been very very busy, you know why. But all this hard work led me where I am now...winner, relieved and proud to be part of "a great new family".

    What made me feel relaxed recently... my hopes, my will of winning above everything, looking at my buddies' eyes and glances, our hands chained where I could feel the same passion, the same fear, the same "Don't give up, I'm with you".

    It's not a physical place, rather a spiritual one... but it was powerful and unforgettable. As everything I hope I'm going to experience.

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