The ramblings, happenings and meanderings of Ratty Golightly.
Hello Friend
Thanks for joining me on a dive into thoughts about the pace of Summer. For the past couple of weeks I've been chased by a big hungry wolf. I'm the only one who can see this wolf but it's there none the less. The wolf ticks loudly to remind me that the summer holiday season is almost here, and now it actually is.
I'm not sure that I have a favourite season as each time a new one arrives I fall for it over again. Usually by the beginning of month three of each season, I'm ready for the next. The joy of summer should be (IMO) the happy feeling of lightness, adventure and days longs enough to 'do it all'. The wolf must be tamed. Or if not tamed, befriended. There must be a way to live the busy self-employed life, pay the bills and run wild with the smalls.
I've worked out a plan that sees work days lengthened, lighter evenings in the studio and plenty of adventure days for everyone. I'll only be able to report back on the success of the project in about 6 weeks. Wish me luck!
Below are five great things to consider during the summer. I wonder if you do any of these? If you have any tips, I'd love to hear them. Email hello@rattygolightly.com or DM on Instagram.
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Read on to discover 5 great things for summer time, including a FREE nostalgic listen and, of course, the results of this week's social survey.
The Rat’s 5 great things for summertime…
1) Surround yourself with reminders of adventures.
Even if you can't spend all the time you wish on your adventures, you can surround yourself with pictures, art and souvenirs that remind you of them.
Print out your best summer memories and stick them on the fridge or hang them in frames to remind you of the joy of summers’ past.
Collate collections of souvenirs and make a display or box frame of delights. After the summer you can box away until next year to make each year’s display exciting to rediscover.
Buy artworks of your hobbies to place around your home. The Ratty Golightly Adventure Seeker collection of prints celebrates simple moments of joy from the hiss of the moka pot to the wind whistling through your hair on a two-wheeled expedition. This bike print will raise a smile each time you pass it.
2) Plan a perfect route
Ordnance Survey has a great website brimming with details of routes. It’s possible to seek out routes for cycling, walking and riding using the national networks. There’s even a feature to plan your own route too.
You can choose difficulty rating, distance and see whether you’re likely to be sharing your adventure with any traffic.
Footpaths, bridleways or quiet lanes all provide the perfect break away from the screen (that goes for grown ups too).
3) Choose a family book
Enjoying a story together is such a simple joy. Sitting together and taking turns to read is a lovely way of immersing yourselves in someone else’s adventure. Long car journeys are a perfect time to listen to audiobooks.
The BBC Sounds App has a library of family classics ready to listen. You can download stories too to ensure you don’t miss out when the wifi isn’t about.
E Nesbit’s The Railway Children is just one of the family tales to enjoy.
4) Paint a piece of furniture
Get creative this summer and give new life to an old piece of furniture. Annie Sloan’s Chalk Paint is just what you need to bring colour to almost any surface. It requires little preparation and only takes a couple of coats to get a great coverage.
There’s a choice of wax’s to finish with too depending on the look you’re after.
I’ve been using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint for years - you’ll spot many of the colours on the Ratty Golightly Instagram feed. This picture shows a Lobster print jug atop a console table painted in Duck Egg.
5) Create a junk trunk
Junk modelling is a big deal in our house. So much so we have an entire trunk dedicated to the collation of boxes, packets and loo role tubes for those creative moments. Hours can be passed sticking together boxes to create sculptures and models. There’s just a few other supplies needed to ensure many happy moments:
Tape - washy, masking or cello, preferably on a dispenser for ease of use
Glue
Tissue paper pieces
Stickers
Scissors
Foil
And if you’re feeling brave…
Paint!
I’d love to see your own creations. Share in Instagram stores and tag @rattygolightly
The results of this week's social survey:
“How do you approach the summer hols?”
The Ratty Golightly insta community take a relaxed approach to the holiday period. Well done them - I must ask for tips.
To take part in future Ratty Golightly Social Surveys join me on Instagram
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Thank you for reading, see you next time.
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