Have just spent a lazy morning reading the paper and drinking a large coffee. Whilst reading the "Review" section of the paper, came across a review of a new book "Their Darkest Hour: People Tested to the Extreme in World War Two" by Laurence Rees. The book, it would seem looks at both those who showed exceptionary bravery, and those who became, what could best be described as monsters.

Must admit, ever since I was a child, I've always had a morbid fascination about this subject. I could always be found in the War section at libraries or bookshops, perusing books that cover survivor stories or personal accounts. It's one of the main reasons I ended up studying History at University. What fascinates me is what is it about war that can make people committ horrendous acts? Besides those who actually committ the acts, there are also those who are aware of what is happening, but do nothing. And then there are the few, that are prepared to stand up and do something. But if you think about it, the majority of people don't. I don't wish to judge anyone and whenever I read the various accounts, I always find myself asking "what would I have done?"; "how would I have reacted?" I honestly don't know, or is it I don't want to know the answer to those questions?

I've just thought back to my childhood in South Africa, during which time, horrendous acts were being committed as well. OK, I was a child at the time, and it was only in my late teens that I became aware of some of the stuff that was going on. (Now I sound like I'm making excuses!) When I was old enough to vote, I voted for the "left wing" party rather than support the National Party. Went against my parents wishes by attending University of Cape Town - the first university to go multi-racial. But then I left the country. Whilst I was at University, I was too scared to take part in any mass demonstrations but many people did. So, does that mean even now, as an adult, I'd do things on the edges but ultimately be part of the majority that hope someone else would put a stop to it??

Quite a soul searching question isn't it? And, if you're really honest with yourself, would you be happy with your answer?

Think I'll be purchasing another book to add to my already bulging bookshelf.

This is going to be a slightly strange post. The intention is to share a dress I fell in love with, with you.

Now....you need to understand that I'm not big on clothes - don't spend a fortune on them - tend to live in jeans (unless the occassion calls for clothes which are smarter, sexier, etc). So bearing that in mind, you can imagine my surprise when I came across this dress, and thought "I want it". Don't know where or when I'd ever wear it - it's not exactly day wear is it!!?? But I just love it and really hope one day I will have the occassion to wear it.

Well, I made it! Managed to drag myself out of bed at 4am - wasn't too difficult as I woke up at 3am!!!! I always do that - whenever I know I need to get up early, I wake up an hour before I need to. It was lovely and peaceful as I got into my car and drove off to Scotney Castle.

Didn't realise but this was the first dawn wander organised at Scotney. The Warden hasn't been there that long and decided to introduce it as an annual event. We were, therefore, his guinea pigs. The walk, I thought, would last 1.5hrs. When I got there, he told us it would be 2hrs - well, it ended up being 3 hours!! It was great even though we missed the dawn chorus by about 45 minutes but there were loads of birds all chirping away. I'm no twitcher, so can't tell one bird call from another. Advantage of going on a guided walk is being told which calls belong to what birds. Besides birds, rabbits, squirrels and sheep, we didn't see any "wildlife" although he did walk us past an active badger set. Interesting fact: when the nearby A21 was built, they had to destroy a badger set. Reason they got permission was they said they'd built an "artificial" one for the animals in Scotney's grounds. Apparantly they're not always successful, but in this case, it's worked.

Although there were 20 of us, it was peaceful and it was great value at only £5. We did say that if the tea shop had opened they would have made a fair bit of money from us as we were all hungry by the end.

Anyway, here are some pictures of the morning:

Now that I'm back home - having stopped off at a coffee shop for a coffee and muffin(!) - I feel a little tired but don't feel I can go back to bed. Have a lawn to mow before the rain turns up. At this rate I'll probably be in bed by 8pm tonight!!

Finally, another interesting fact I learnt today: during summer, especially if it's been hot and there's been little rain, be careful about sitting under a large Oak or Beech tree. They're not really sure how they do it, but the trees are known to shed "limbs" as a way of conserving moisture/water. So, you could be sitting innocently under a lovely large tree and have a rather large branch fall on you. Don't say you haven't been warned!!!

I'm sure I'm not the only one, but I am so pleased it's Friday and not only that....it's bank holiday!!! This past week I have felt really tired. So much so, I missed going to the gym and my pilates class!

Now although normally I would be able to sleep late on a Saturday, tomorrow I have to be up and about by 4am at the latest! One of the nearby National Trust properties - Scotney Castle - have organised a Dawn Wander with the resident Warden. So, between the hours of 5am and 6:30am I'll be wandering around the grounds and woodlands with my trusty camera hoping the weather will still be dry. I am looking forward to it even though I know it will be difficult getting up.

On the positive side of things, when I get back I can always go back to bed!!!

When I visited the Stones earlier this year, I had hoped I may be inspired to take out the pastels or acrylics. Well, those who read my post, will realise that it was bloody cold. So, although I was inspired in other ways by being so close to the giants and felt privileged to walk within the inner circle, I came away with no drawings.

Well, today after pounding in the gym, I felt a flurry of inspiration - here's my Stonehenge.

Just realised that 3 or the 4 paitings I've done this year have all been done is shades of blue & purple!

Oscar has been absent for a while which I've put down to the heat and now the rain! This morning, when my housemate arrived early in the morning to start moving her stuff out, Oscar snuck in. I was still in bed and he decided to come and say morning. He has now been in the house all day, except for about an hour or so when I had to put him outside when I went to the shops. When I got back, he was waiting!!

I said I'd try take a few photo's of when he lies ontop of me as he is really cute. The pictures aren't the best, but then being pinned down doesn't allow a lot of movement to get the perfect shot! Anyway this is Oscar lying on my tummy.

It's "funny" how I have developed connections with ginger cats! The only cat I've had as a pet, was a wonderful vicious ginger fluff puff called Jaspar. A friend has a ginger cat who took a quick shine to me and now, Oscar.

Woke up this morning and it was blue skies and wonderful sunshine!! Isn't life wonderful!! Here are some of my musings and going ons today.

Managed to do my chores this morning - weekly shopping, washing - and I even found myself going to the gym! Now, how good is that!?! Came back and decided to spend time in the garden just enjoying the wonderful weather. Did something haven't done for an age, and pulled the sun lounger out and lay in the sun. Just lay there listening to the world around me. It was so peaceful - I could hear the trees swaying in the breeze and from the noise could tell which way the breeze was coming and going; listened to the various birds tweeting; distant sound of people talking in their garden. It really was very relaxing to do nothing but "listen". I'm not very good lying in the sun so in between listening, I was up and down doing odds and sods. Had my fill of the sun today, so have come in doors to blog for a bit.

Whilst lying, I did think about prejudices and stereotyping, and that no matter how open minded we think we are, we always come across something that makes us realise that for some or other reason, we've been "had". Luckily so far in my life, because I am open, I tend to work past these obstacles. Which is just as well as there are aspects of life I would never have experienced if I had closed down.

It's been a long time since I've drawn or painted.....far too long, in fact. Some months ago, had an idea for a painting and for some reason, haven't felt like being creative, so the idea stayed a rough drawing in a book.

This weekend - the warm weather may have helped - decided to give it a go and unleash my creativity(!!!). I've called it Lotus Meditation. Have to stop myself from being too critical as it's not quite worked out how I wanted. But, as I said before, I'm trying to be less self critical, to enjoy the process and to be brave about sharing, regardless of the outcome.

I guess I should not leave it so long. Need to stop myself from saying that! Everytime I find myself using the word "should" I'm trying to turn my thought pattern around to: "I can but I choose ....." Thus so far, for various reasons, I've chosen not to paint or draw. Going forward, I choose to draw & paint more, which will improve my skill & technique.

Some posts ago, I wrote about the neighbourhood tart of a cat - Oscar. He is a ginger cat that appears very affectionate. Since moving in I've spent a lot of the time trying to keep him from sneaking into the house. Well, a couple of weekends ago, I decided to stop trying! With the weather warming up, I like to keep the back door open. Decided I can spend my days chasing him out or I can relent and just let him in. I've gone for the latter as long as he doesn't try and mark or scratch anything.

The first time he came into the house, it was like he belonged. He wasn't skittish or nervous. The little bugger trotted upstairs, straight into my bedroom and plonked himself on my bed. Luckily I had a blanke folded up and that's were he sat. After a few cuddles, he settled down and slept for the rest of the day. That is until it was time for my bed and I carried him downstairs & put him out. Now, it's become a regular ritual. And wo betide if the back door is shut. The catflap (previous owner?) which is locked, is given a bit of a hammering by his paw.

I can't believe how "at home" he is. When he is asleep upstairs, I can potter around and he hardly stirs at all. He must feel safe and secure, which in some strange way, I take as a compliment! Sometimes he likes to sit on me or preferably curl up. One day I'll set my camera to take a photo as he curls up in the sweetest way. He also appears to like lying on my tummy (face towards mine) and lies on his side, with his one paw on my shoulder.

I don't put out any food for Oscar as I can't help feeling that if I did, he wouldn't leave and I'll end up with a cat full time. Don't know if his owners keep him outside during the day, but he genuinely seems to enjoy visiting and basically sleeping in my room.

As with all cats, I'm not sure who has charmed who. Although, having said that, I think he has definately charmed me!! So, I do have a new man in my life. Unfortuantely he is a little ginger fluff bag of a cat and not of the tall dark & handsome variety!!