We’ve had a marvellous summer. Yes, coping with the very hot weather was a bit of a challenge. But that in no way diminished our enjoyment of all the riches and treasures on offer in Edinburgh during the main festival month of August. There’s no better place to be.
The Festival Wheel, Scott Monument and Balmoral Hotel from Princes Street Gardens
Now that we are settling into the season of mellow fruitfulness (my favourite time of year), I have had a chance to reflect on some recent highlights.
Spending time with family and friends is always one of the best aspects of our summers. This year we kicked things off with a visit from my sister and her ‘kids’ – fast growing of course. In fact, we were engaged in belated 18th birthday celebrations with Mitchel. And who can resist a bit of girly madness….
Me, Mitchel and Steve at our favourite Indian Restaurant for an 18th birthday meal
Me, Rachel and Lucy in our traditional family headwear!
We also enjoyed catching up with London-based friends who are now hardened Fringe regulars, seeing plenty of shows and sharing some great meals together.
From the thousands of Fringe shows on offer, we always try to take in a wide range of offerings. My favourites this year included Giles Brandreth, whose meander through memories about meetings with bygone stars of stage and screen was touching, charming and very funny. And I adored the performance by Norwegian poet Fredrik Høyer, whose show ‘What I Talk About When I Talk About Running’ was a beautiful, funny story about life, marathon, ultra-runners and the rom-com film The Holiday. All whilst running for his life on a treadmill! It was the epitome of the spirit of the festival.
Interspersed with Fringe shows were regular trips to the Edinburgh International Book Festival, where I saw talks about art, the environment, the power of of the novel to heal and so much more. Added to this were the wonderful art exhibitions in town this year. What an incredible mix of inspiration, learning and entertainment. And what lovely memories to store in the archives.
I have some physical mementos too, in the form of this glorious pile of books. I try hard these day to avoid adding physical books to my already-too-large library. But in relation to these volumes, resistance was futile. I’ll talk more about why in part two of this mini-series. 🙂
Yum!
Sounds like you had a great summer Liz! Lovely photos 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a splendid summer. ( I hope it was equally good, migraine-wise?) Lovely to see Dear Heart at the top of your book pile. 🙂 And I am curious to hear more about the books by Victoria Crowe.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Mandy – you are very kind to ask about my head. It has, touch wood, been pretty steady which is great. Dear Heart arrived yesterday – can’t wait to get in to it. And I’ve got tons to say about the wonderful work of Victoria Crowe – watch this space! xxx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Touch wood! Long may the steadiness continue.
LikeLiked by 2 people
😊💕
LikeLiked by 2 people
A lovely Summer it has been indeed. Good to see you celebrating with family and enjoying Edinburgh and more books.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Ute! X
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am envious of the pile of books. There is simply not another inch of space here for new books. It’s the one downside of having moved.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel your pain. I probably should not have indulged in these ones, but could not resist. Down go the buying shutters for a while though…
LikeLike
What a wonderful summer! I’m glad that we were able to meet at the very beginning. Hugs and love coming your way. That stack of books is so tempting!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Already looking forward to your next visit….! xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
It looks you had a ball, with family and all those forays into the arts! Did you do the painting in the first photo?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Kerry, yes it was all brilliant. And yes, that is one of my ‘100 day’ pictures – number 7 in fact. I have today published number 91 – amazing! 🙂
LikeLike
How wonderful it must be to live in Edinburgh at Festival time! What jolly photos of you and the family and I loved looking at the great heap of books! I am glad to see from Mandy’s question and your answer that perhaps your migraines are less erratic/frequent?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Clare. I am still having a daily head problem, but it is all (touch wood again!) low-level and treatable with meds, which is a massive bonus. I am lucky to have an attentive GP who is providing excellent support. Xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is good news, Liz. I still can’t imagine how difficult life must be for you with a daily head problem. I get migraines fairly regularly but at least I have clear periods in between xxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry to hear that you suffer too – what a nuisance they are. I am hoping mine will slacken off as I get older – this happened for my mum, so fingers crossed I am the same.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope so too, Liz xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person