Spring at Bryngarw

Every year I am the same. The first signs of Spring get me really excited, so I was practically beside myself yesterday when we went to Bryngarw Country Park and Kenfig Nature Reserve. Bryngarw in particular was absolutely fantastic. It wasn't as sunny as it had been recently, but the air wasn't cold either, and it was perfect weather for walking. I love being outdoors; coming from rural Suffolk it's something I'm used to, and there were plenty of different routes taking walkers around the grounds (most of these being ignored by my other half with a casual "Trust me, I won't get us lost...").

We walked through lots of budding trees, alongside a crystal clear river, and through hundreds of daffodils. The best thing about it was the quiet - no traffic in the distance - and the only other people were the few out walking their dogs. All that we could hear was the river running over the rocks, and for me, that is one of the most magical noises I could ever hear.

When the time eventually came to head back to the car park, we came out of the trees into a clear, grassy area. Across the road, coming from another patch of tall, mature trees, was a rapid hammering sound disturbing the quiet. At first glance it wasn't clear what was causing the noise, and then looking again we saw a green woodpecker. The different greens in its feathers camouflaged it slightly against the tree trunk, but the red on its head gave it away, flashing back and forth as its beak struck. Seeing that really made my day, and also brought home how important it is for some areas to remain as wild as possible.

That little gremlin called Writers' Block

Yesterday was mainly a good writing day. Not that I did a lot of writing, it was more a planning and research day. As with all writing-related activities, that's fine until you hit a dead end, which happened for me at approximately 6pm. What next? I was thinking about this today, as I know that we all have different methods for writing and planning. Some people plan the whole article or story meticulously right through to the end, whereas others prefer to fly by the seat of their pants and make it up as they go along. So I thought the same must apply to when things aren't going so smoothly.

Personally I refuse to acknowledge the existence of writers' block - like some horrible little gremlin that can't manifest itself if I don't believe in it. That's not to say I don't have bad days, I just like to think of them as less productive days and not dwell on it. I also find that going and doing something completely different, and not thinking about whatever I'm trying to write, is a massive help. Something in my subconscious may click, and then I realise what I need to write.

And if all else fails, bizarre as this may seem, I go and have a shower. I don't know if it's simply due to the fact that it is physically impossible to write any ideas down (the Murphy's Law approach to writing?) but there is something about the shower that makes my ideas flow.

What works for everyone else?

Just a few reasons I love Wales

Whoops, I haven't done very well with this so far! Ten days in between the first post and the second - must try harder. Anyway today being the 1st March means it is St David's Day, and I was thinking about why I love living in south Wales so much (seeing as where I live now is over 300 miles from where I grew up). I initially moved to Wales to go to Swansea University, but I didn't have to stay after I graduated, did I? So here is what I love most about living in south Wales:

The beaches
I love the balance between city and countryside that you find in south Wales. You can start in the centre of Swansea and drive 20 minutes to the west and end up on the Gower peninsula, which has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country (I think!). And these beaches are very popular with surfers and sunbathers alike - and just as popular with the locals as with holidaymakers.

The mountains
From Swansea you can drive north, heading towards the Brecon Beacons National Park, and be in the middle of nowhere in half an hour. And I really mean in the middle of nowhere - we're talking cattle grids and sheep surrounding the car if you pull over for too long. I remember that being a novelty when we used to go on family holidays to Cornwall when my brother and I were small, so it's lovely to have it nearby.

The city
Unlike where I grew up, which was fairly rural and meant that I had to drive for around 40 minutes to go to the cinema, everything I need is nearby. But at the same time I don't feel swamped by the city vibe that you get elsewhere. I know, for instance, that I would swiftly go crazy living in London. Being able to escape without having to drive for hours is a precious thing to me.

The rugby
Being definitely more of a rugby fan (union, not league) than a football fan, the Welsh love of rugby sits very well with me. I just have to keep quiet if Wales are playing England...

The castles
For a history freak like myself, Wales is a fantastic place to explore. There are countless castles and ruins to visit, some on my doorstep and some further away. One of my personal favourites is Pembroke castle, the birthplace of Henry VII. The heritage of Wales is rich, and the Welsh are fiercely proud of this.

And one last thought before I finish - it doesn't rain here as much as people claim!