YAY! My three years of blogging.

Thanks for joining me today as I celebrate three years of blogging. It's been great, made all the more special by your participation, be it with your comments, emails or silent readership - it's all been very welcome, so thank-you!


What finer place is there for me to spend my anniversary than on one of my favourite beaches here on Samson. Everyone loves to get away from it all and this is where Steve and I like to chill.


To be perfectly honest, I wasn't really sure if I'd make it to three years. Blogging is a funny old game, quite lonely at times as you sit facing the screen, wondering what to write that might keep your audience engaged. Sometimes the words flow, especially if there's been something exciting to share, but at other times I really do feel I'm scraping the bottom of the creative barrel.


At those times, I think of my dear friend Carole who lives in Oxford and who used to holiday here on the island for many years. We became friends during that time and still are now. When I get stuck with what to say I think of her and how pleased she is to still have contact with me through the blog; seeing my swimming antics, my colourful outfits and of course, the beautiful island I live on. So this one is for you Carole. As you no doubt know, I've just returned from a dental appointment on the mainland and have had no time to put together a fancy shmansy anniversary post, but I do know you'll be delighted to see this glorious backdrop and the happy memories it evokes of your and Nick's time spent here.


Carole used to holiday with her best friend Teddy and therefore I can't mention one without the other. Teddy laughs that her job entails her wearing scrubs all day and yet how coming home to see the latest from Tresco's fashion scene has her captivated. Not one for dressing up, Teddy still loves to share in the often over the top, flamboyant ensembles that I wear. I think maybe that could be one of the strengths of my blog - we all need a bit of a escapism. 



And if I'm doing name checks today, then I must mention Angela, another long term friend who visits and keeps abreast of things thanks to the blog. Her entire year is a countdown to the next trip for her week's timeshare. These islands have a lure, a heartfelt attraction that keeps her and those like her in this state of addiction. Worry ye not Angela, all is well here and I'm looking forward to seeing you in September!


The outfit seems to have become a secondary feature today - the top was from New Look last summer and the skirt is another ancient piece that has no label to ID it. 


More and more I see the blog as an avenue to build relationships, and all because of my wish to share this island life. Sometimes my life is too hectic and draws me away from the blog, but the way I look at it, is that I'll have something more to talk about when I return. And talking of returning, I have returned from Truro with some new clothes which I'll share with you in due course. Primark came up trumps with a rather fab pair of striped culottes for the summer in a nautical theme. And yes, I did a quick scour of my favourite charity shops too resulting in some fabulous bargains. Be patient my lovelies - you'll see these all soon.

In the meantime, I'll be found (in reality, not on the blog) at our local "Fun Day" on Sunday where I'll be hosting the Cheap Chic stall as I recycle lots of my clothes as well as those from many others on the island. And on Monday it'll be time for the monthly challenge from the Style Not Age collective. I've still to get my offering photographed, so on that note I must leave you.

Thanks again to everyone who reads this and for making my three years of blogging worthwhile.


Anna x

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A bit of a round up

I'd like to take a moment to do a round up of the summer months, in particular of my swimming, and the friends who've joined me in this crazy pastime. I'm an all year round sea swimmer, (for those of you who are new to the blog) and more importantly I don't wear a wetsuit. I love the challenge of swimming in the cold Atlantic ocean in just a swimsuit. The daily routine, no matter what the weather, makes me feel good. It takes drive and determination to face something that so many would flinch at. In addition it helps keep my focus throughout the winter months when SAD threatens to settle around me. 






Kate is a dear friend who visits the island as often as she can - this is from her June trip. The joy we feel after our swim is pretty obvious.


And here's fellow blogger Kezzie who visited the Isles of Scilly in August while on a cruise with her mother. We three managed to fit in a quick dip on Pentle Bay together before I gave them a whistle-stop tour of this little island paradise.


Kezzie and Ros were impressed by the endless clean white beaches and turquoise sea.


It's difficult to believe that this idyllic scene is in the UK. I promise - this image hasn't been tweaked - it really does look like this!


September was when I managed to fulfil a long term dream of mine by swimming in the Jubilee pool in Penzance. The beautiful art deco building has recently been rebuilt after severe storm damage in February of 2014. See the details here.






Mid September, and Kate and I were both on Appletree Bay enjoying some late summer sun.


This was taken on the morning on 2nd October which was the day before our 35th wedding anniversary. I had a swim just after sunrise and took some time to contemplate life with my wonderful husband. It's good to stop and count your blessings.


10th October, and one of my daughter's work colleagues, Anna, was on the island for a few days. We had a couple of sessions on Appletree Bay together. (She swims like a fish - I tagged along in her wake.)


And and this was taken on Friday at sunrise on Pentle Bay. I'd just finished my morning swim when the sky and sea turned golden before my eyes. Cold water swimming is scientifically proven to encourage the release of endorphins (our feel good hormones). I suppose that's why I do it again and again. And also for mornings like this.

For more information on the benefits of cold water swimming see the programmes "The doctor who gave up drugs" with presenter Dr Chris van Taulleken available on BBC iPlayer.

Linking with -
Cherie of Style Nudge
Anna x

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