It has become a tradition in our family, and seemingly in families all over the English countryside, to take a good long walk outside on the weekend. Saturdays are busy for us, with football (soccer to my fellow Americans) practice, riding events, getting homework out of the way, and doing errands. But Sundays always consist of a leisurely and often quite social lunch, and then an ambitious walk in the fresh air, no matter the weather. At first my kids resisted going out for a long haul, just when they thought they had earned a lazy afternoon, but now they have surrendered to not having a choice, and also to the knowledge that they love it as much as we do. They also love the enthusiasm of Ginger, for whom the walk is the highlight of her week. She gets long walks with me nearly every day, but to have the whole family out together doing what she loves most, sends her into a frenzy of excitement, swirling around the yard and jumping so high that all four feet leave the ground.
The combination of the wind on my cheeks, the exertion of my body, the company of family and friends, and the chance to get into a casual chat or a meaningful conversation without the distraction of daily life, all make our Sunday walk one of my very favorite things about our life in the country.
I look forward to your posts…can you please tell me what kind of camera you have. I love the colors and the way the pictures look. Any tips?
Amanda, your photographs are lovely and inviting.
And your look is so authentic. What are the boots you're wearing in the above image? They seem perfect for trudging muddy terrain.
We live in Barcelona ( Spain) and we have a farm where we use to go every weekend. There we have pigs, hens, a horse and a donkey. I understand you so much. Our favorite time from the week is the long, long walk throught the forest we all do on saturday and sundays. Our dog WeGo is the happiest dog in the world on this walks. When we are back in the city he is a bit depressed. You look very chic on the walks Amanda
I live in India, have no experience of the snow and and ALWAYS, just ALWAYS plan my trips to 'colder countries' during summer. After your blog, I think Iam feeling ready to travel to a snow/ winter destination…thanks for being such an inspiration!
your life is a fairytale! love living vicariously through u. thanks for sharing such wonderful photos. peace.
Lovely pictures, especially the sun shining through. I love it when women wear their man's clothes! Gingy is so beautiful too!
Nothing a walk through the fields won't cure, my father always says.
Your pictures from England look like they could have been taken from here in the Willamette Valley in western Oregon (well, except for the castles/old stone buildings!). Everything here is green and covered in moss and lichen. OK, and we have lots of fir trees. But it is gray and gloomy here from November to July and we all are dying for some sun. Thanks for sharing your photos.
Always wanted to go to Oregon. xxAmanda
I really like this post, Thank you Amanda. I can be there through these photos.
My young family and I ensure that either Saturday or Sunday, we go into the nature, ideally we go to the countryside but even a walk in Richmond park does re-energise all of us for the week. A ritual!
Maria
Very lovely post, it really made my day.
Also I want to say that during Coco Chanel era , I understand why women had to wear man's clothes, but in our days where you can find women clothes man style, I just don't get. Although my mind tells me they are trying to channel Coco Chanel.
Amanda what do you think?
have a nice day.
anne
Hi Anne – In this case I was just cold, so I borrowed my husband's jacket. In general, I do like men's style clothes but I prefer them in women's sizes. I ordered a mens jacket in a small size once from Phillip Lim and it looked ridiculous on me. Didn't make that mistake again.
xx Amanda
Growing up in Europe Sunday was my favorite day, and is true we all as a family had to go on long walks. Even when I moved to Canada where I work most of the weekends, Sunday remains my favorite day.
I really enjoyed this post, it reminds me of my childhood.