A while ago, at a Book Fair, I bought a book called ‘The
Darling Buds of May Book of the Seasons,’ and have finally got around to
reading some of it.
It is sectioned into the four seasons, and each section
contains extracts from the writings of H.E. Bates (the author of “The Darling
Buds of May”), showcasing his mentioning of the English countryside in that
season.
Celebrating the fact that we are now in Spring, that was the
section I read first.
The book was published in 1992, and is beautifully
illustrated by Llewellyn Thomas with both coloured illustrations and black line
drawings.
I was saddened this afternoon to learn that one of my
favourite rugby players, Sean Wainui, tragically died in a car accident this
morning. Sean played for our regional
Chiefs and the Maori All Blacks team. He
was 25 years old.
It brings home just how fragile life is, and how none of us
can know when our end may be.
Live each and every day the very best you can,
Margaret.
Yay for Spring, sad for ending at age 25.
ReplyDeleteThat´s why Ingo each day he comes home safely from work in Salzgitter, some 40km away, shouts "I´m home, love ya". It can end ...
I've never actually seen that series when it was on tv but maybe I should.
ReplyDeleteThere was a TV series made many years ago of the Darling Buds of May and now they've just made a new series - they've "updated" it by changing some of the characters to 'people of colour' which of course when the book was set in the 50s there weren't many black or Asian people in small villages. I'm not sure about watching the new series as my late husband loved the original so much
ReplyDeleteHubby and I loved the first series as well (I have the whole set on DVD). I did not know they had made a new 'updated' one - it doesn't really sound right, does it?
DeleteSuch a young age, his family, friends and fans must be devastated. So lovely as my garden closes down for winter, I see you and your garden preparing for spring.
ReplyDeleteA friend with whom I am staying remarked very favourably on The Darling Buds of May television series yesterday so this was a coincidence. I certainly would reiterate your "Live each and every day the very best you can."
ReplyDeleteLife is ephemeral to be sure. Enjoy every minute.
ReplyDeleteThat first illustration from the book is so.beautiful.
ReplyDeleteSo sad to.lose someone at at all, but somehow seems more tragic when one is so.young.
The Darling Buds of May ----what a beautiful book! I'm wondering what the story is all about?
ReplyDeleteI actually like reading kids books, such as "Grimm's Fairy Tales", "Andersen Fairy Tales "....lol
Indeed, life is short and not forever. So we should cherish every moment of our life.
Herbert Bates wrote many books but Darling Buds of May is perhaps his most famous. It was actually a series of books, telling the story of a fictional family living in rural Kent, England.
DeleteI enjoy reading fairy tales as well :)
That's a lovely book. Nice to read and celebrate the season
ReplyDeleteLife is fragile and we all only have so many days allowed us on this earth, but hallelujah there is an enteral life with Christ. Enjoy your lovely spring season, it is such a blessing after the stillness of winter.
ReplyDeleteYou're absolutely right...enjoy every moment.
ReplyDeleteThe book reminds me of one I have, Seasons of Delight by Tasha Tudor...pretty illustrations of what happens each season on her farm. Enjoy your Spring...we're in the middle of colorful leaves, chilly mornings, & pumpkins!
Tasha is a fairly recent discovery of mine but I don't as yet own any of her books. I've enjoyed her things online though :)
DeleteBooks which let us read, in the Seasons, are lovely.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about the death of the young athlete. -sighhh-
Enjoy each day!
🍁🎃🍁🍂👻🍂🍁🎃🍁
You must have had quite a shock when you heard that your fav. rugby player was killed. You're so right. We just never know what a day will bring.
ReplyDeleteYour book looks interesting. I have not watched that series at all so I know nothing about it. I do like books with lovely illustrations and paintings though so would no doubt enjoy paging through it.
Wainui's death even made the news here in Greece (ticker tape across the bottom of the screen as Mr B was watching English language news). Very sad.
ReplyDeleteYour book looks delightful.
That looks to be a beautiful book Margaret.
ReplyDeleteYes, Sean's death was a shock, and as you say, life is fragile
Stay safe
Blessings
Maxine