Inspirations from the wild

LOVE FOR THE WILD

Every year I depart on a 3 day pilgrimage to The Cotswolds. Yes like every other photographer-come-instagram-creator I feel the draw of the cosy villages and the quiet country lanes. As the cold Autumn days start to settle and the first hues of orange tipped leaves begin to ripen, I can’t help myself but hop in the car and embark on a small adventure.

But this year was unlike any other, as this year I have an 8 month old baby. Leaving Cillian at home with his Dad has brought new meaning to my solo adventures. In years gone by I would set off every month or so to rediscover the person I had become over the weeks passed. And never has that been more vital than while bringing up a small human being. We can’t hope to give them everything they need, if in fact we don’t first ensure that we have everything we need. I can hear the air hostess in the aisles reminding us to “attach your own oxygen mask before helping others” and the same is true for life.

I had a route in mind, starting off in the classic Bibury village and meandering through the hills and hedgerows of the English countryside, before landing in Bath 3 days later. But as with all good adventures, I added villages on route, heading up to Stow-on-the-Wold in search of a cosy tea house and the joys of a coffee drunk hot – no distractions.    

By Friday I was walking down the often busy streets of Castle Combe, enjoying the dew soaked sunrise amongst the local dog walkers and joggers. These spots are often saturated by tourists, but I find an early morning walk allows you to slot in amongst the locals who only really get to enjoy their quiet villages before the day wakes up – or indeed once the bell rings for final call.

With my camera in hand and wrapped up in my chunky knit from last Autumn’s collection – I sat on the bridge overlooking the sleepy hamlet and thought about the last 8 months. Where I’ve been, without leaving the house. The heights i’ve climbed, often only by stepping up from the sofa, babe in arm. Perhaps not while sat in this spot, but certainly while winding through the roads leading up to bath I realised one very important truth. That the difference between being grateful and satisfied, and striving to do more and be more – they’re not dichotic truths. 

In this moment, in this year – im peacefully, gratefully and blissfully happy. And because of this? Well I think its time to work toward, don’t you? 

Follow Imogen Coles on her Instagram @ One Slow Sunday

WILD PICKS