You know the area where you live like the back of your hand. After all, you see it everyday as you head to work or nip to the shops. But do you? Do you really see it?
I thought I knew the small Wiltshire village where my parents live. To be honest, I was bored of it. I was recovering from illness, unable to drive, feeling cooped up and going stir-crazy. The only way I could easily combat this feeling was to get out of the house and go on long walks. It gave me time to think, time to breathe.
Country Road, Wiltshire
Walking with no particular plan, on crisp winter days, was wonderful. It was just me, the occasional farmer and a few cows or horses (though on one memorable occasion, I did find alpacas!) Just a few minutes’ walk from the house, and I felt like I was a million miles away.
Tree in sunlight
It made me realise once again just what a beautiful place the world is – and that I was in a particularly pleasant corner of it at that moment in time. I began to value those walks as a true luxury. I came across isolated thatched cottages that, even to my British eye, looked picture-book charming.
Thatched Cottage
I explored areas of untouched woodland, where only birdsong and the rustle of small creatures amongst the trees disturbed the peace.
Woodland
Sunlight seemed to suffuse those days, though that may be slight rose-tinting of the truth – I do remember some days when I had to venture out in a raincoat and wellies.
Holly Branches
Now I’m back in the frantic pace of normal life, whizzing to and from work in my car, mainly confined to urban streets. While I am glad to have the things back that I lost, I miss having the time for those walks, though I still try to get out into the countryside when I can – and I would urge you to do the same. Rural Wiltshire is indeed beautiful and well worth a visit – but I bet that some of the places outside your front door are too. Go explore – let me know what you find.
At the end of the road
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Beautiful pictures Katy! You’re so right – all too often we rush from place to place and ignore our daily surroundings. I live in Oxford (which is stunning) and am guilty of doing this most of the time. You’ve just reminded me not to!
Thanks Kate, we should go for a walk in the Chilterns together sometime!
Oh darling, these are so gorgeous that my heart hurts a little looking at them.
I can feel the peace seeing these things must’ve brought you. I’m SO glad you took time out of your insane schedule to share these images and thoughts. I needed them, REALLY needed them today, and I am cheered. 
Miss you muchly. xo
It was nice to take time out of the insane schedule to write this – it brought me a moment of peace again
I’m glad they cheered you too!
I wish I were half as eloquent as Krista, but these photos are so unbeliavably beautiful!!
That’s perfectly eloquent, and thank you very much!
Great perspective and wonderful photos! I, too, found my hometown to be one of the most beautiful places in the world to me, but only after an illness also forced me to return home. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Ellen, I’m sorry that you also suffered an illness, but I’m glad that you found your hometown is a beautiful place!