Lovely Lilacs and Meditative May

After all the excitement of the virtual launch of Dangerous Deceit on my Regency blog yesterday, I'm in relaxed meditative mode today - and probably need it! Isn't this the most gorgeous little flower card you've seen? It was delivered to me today and was sent by a lovely friend, Lorna, to wish me success with the book. It has really made my day.

Our weather up here in the west of Scotland hasn't been as warm as some parts of England recently, although we're not having the usual rain either. But I noticed our lilac tree was in full bloom and had to try and capture some of the flowers before they fade. I love the lilac colour among the green leaves and, although our tree could do with a good pruning one of these years, it still brightens up the uppermost corner of our garden which overlooks the hills beyond.

As to the meditation part - no I've not taken it up (yet!) - I find poetry and verse very relaxing, and I particularly like medieval and other early century writing when in that kind of mood.

The following is translated from the Latin, 12th century French verse of Marbod of Rennes (not by me!).

Meditation among Trees

Green turf amid silent trees and soft light airs
And a spring of running water in the grass,
They freshen a jaded mind, they give me back to myself,
They make me abide in myself.