Just Humans Being...

We have realised that although we love the idea of being minimalists, we doubt it will ever happen. Living simply is not the same...even though we only ever buy stuff we absolutely need, have far fewer things than we did 10 years ago and have readily adapted to living with less.  Originally, this idea grew from a desire to reduce our "carbon footprint" - to live sustainably and ethically. We've been on an intentional and frugal path since the 90s. Now here we are - living in the smallest of homes; the tiny home dream from so many years ago has become reality.   It suits the way we are living right now as we only ever seem to be here for a couple of weeks at a time before heading off again on another pet sit.  Minimalism requires discipline which is one trait neither of us really possesses. Yes, we have a business - we are responsible and reliable, but we also embrace being idle. We can both have moments of wanting to have a neat and tidy space, but it doesn't really ...

We are feeling a little discombobulated at the moment - going from one pet sit to another. We took a long assignment in Surrey over Christmas and it catapulted us into this whole new world of noise. The constant hum of traffic from the M25 and M3, the planes continually flying to and from Heathrow, the busyness everywhere...so many people and so many dogs. There are no quiet retreats, unless you get lucky in the Surrey Hills maybe on a wet day in January. It was a shock to the system and we both felt it. The energy of the place just doesn't feel good. Woodland car parks are dogging hangouts and each time we thought we'd found a place off the beaten track - it would soon dawn on us that the same guys are turning up.  The young pooch we were with also struggled when walks were busy, so we were constantly trying to find nice places to visit. On our last day we ventured into the Surrey Hills on a recommendation and discovered the Albury Estate and it was perfect for all of us. Tree...

Feeling much gratitude... This beautiful house has become our second home this year and it's funny that we dreamed of living in a thatched cottage many years ago and now here we are.  We never imagined that when we first visited six years ago on a pet sitting assignment, that the owners would fast become such good friends - they offered to take care of Mabel while we are pet sitting and our arrangement is working out perfectly. We have visited frequently throughout the year and get to take over the kitchen and cook up vegan feasts for us all using fresh veggies from the garden. This time, we've been here for a couple of weeks - pet sitting their sweet chum as well as Mabel and today and we are heading back to Cornwall. I've found myself enjoying morning rituals again ( I go through phases of starting the day around 6am). I love early mornings and feel there’s magic in the quiet stillness, especially in this  quintessential English country cottage garden, which is a joy to s...

Most of us live in a culture that equates productivity with success and it's easy to feel like we're always falling behind. Our days are filled with tasks, meetings, and endless to-do lists, and we're led to believe that more is always better. But what if the key to a more fulfilling life lies not in doing more, but in doing less? Doing less is not about laziness or inaction - it's about living intentionally. When we reduce our commitments, we create space for what truly matters: joy, peace, and purpose. This shift allows us to focus on relationships, creativity, and self-care - the things that nourish the soul. Moreover, doing less can significantly reduce stress and burnout. By simplifying our lives, we give ourselves permission to rest, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters. This practice aligns with the principles of simple living, slowing down, and intuitive healing - all of which support holistic well-being. In a world that never stops moving, doing less ...

A Deeper Connection, One Page at a Time In a time of endless scrolling and constant distractions, one of the most powerful ways to build a lasting relationship might be the simplest...reading together. It’s more than just sharing a book - it’s about sharing a mindset, emotions, and a journey.  Couples who read together aren’t just passing time; they’re building a life of long-term intimacy, understanding, and joy. A Shared Language of Love Books open doors to conversations you might never have otherwise. Whether it’s a novel’s moral dilemma or a memoir’s raw honesty, discussing stories helps you see your partner’s values, fears, and dreams in a new light. It builds empathy, trust, and a deeper emotional connection. Grow Smarter, Together Reading stimulates the brain, reduces stress, and slows cognitive decline. When you do it with your partner, you create an intellectual partnership. You challenge each other, learn new things, and grow wiser - side by side. Over time, this shared c...

We have always been astounded that we can go on many walks in Cornwall and barely see anyone else. Since having Mabel this has become very noticeable, as we are out daily - we do prefer to steer clear of touristy places, but it's still a surprise when we don't see anyone on most of our walks. We often start considering the idea that perhaps WWIII has broken out and we didn't receive the message, though usually end up wondering if there's something on TV that keeps folks hooked to their screens instead of enjoying being out and about. It's quite bizarre, especially as there were supposedly over 3 million extra people visiting Cornwall during the summer school holidays. We see evidence on the roads and on the beaches, though we tend to stay away from all the popular destinations and instead we get to indulge in the peace and quiet of lesser visited spots.  Mabel is having great fun in Hampshire for a while - we went to visit her and our friends over there and have ret...