It’s as if people have discovered the countryside around them – and nature – for the very first time.
Anyone who is anyone is out and about for their daily exercise, which means many of them are going up the hill where I usually walk the dogs every day.
As a result, I’ve changed my route, wanting to avoid fellow walkers and the gates they’d touched. I’ve become more anti-social than ever, the Grigg side of me in its element during lockdown in such a wonderfully beautiful place.
I’ve been a worshipper at the altar of nature for many years now. I was born into it, really, growing up on a small farm less than ten miles away as the crow flies. I’ve always felt very at home in a field, under a big sky, next to a river and walking through woods.
But even children of nature need a routine to keep them on the straight and narrow. Me, I live for lists so I can tick off tasks as and when I’ve done them. It makes me feel anchored, safe and secure, as does staying at home in this crisis. It makes me feel like I’m in control.
So starting my day by going up the hill has always helped set up my day. When I don’t go up there, I feel like something is wrong, as if I’ve forgotten to brush my teeth or put my earrings in or put on one black shoe and one navy one.
Sometimes, though, it’s good to change your perspective. I’ve been looking at the hill from entirely different viewpoints lately as I find alternative routes for my daily exercise.
And today’s viewpoint, well, I reckon it will be a good place to set up an easel once all this nonsense is over.
That’s about it.
Love Maddie x
