Walk into Spring

Spring is officially here!

So I guess someone was listening to me when I ranted and raved in my previous post about the weather being so gross. Easter week brought beautiful weather for us all (HUZZAH) and it put a huge smile on my face. Thankfully I had a few days off work to make the most of the sunshine and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to get my camera out and take some lovely snaps!

If you don't already know, I come from a wee wee village outside of Armagh. While driving through it, if you blink you will certainly miss it. Now, no matter how much I complain about being quite isolated out here in the 'shticks', the place where I was born and bred contains quite a few snippets of beauty. When I was younger I always loved exploring the nooks and crannies of the countryside around me. My dad and I would even venture out at 6am on a crisp Spring morning (Wellington boots and stick in hand) and traipse through the fields trying to spot some furry creatures. Almost every time we would come across a fox or hare going about their business collecting food for their babies and being stopped in their tracks by two lunatics hiding behind some trees. (Those lunatics being my dad and I) Back in those days I didn't carry around a camera, because I was 10 and I was more interested in enjoying the moment. Now, on the other hand, I love capturing the moment through a lens and adding a wee filter here and there. *Disclaimer: I'm no photographer, okay?*

On Easter Monday my boyfriend and I took a trip up to Kilbroney Park in Rostrevor. We soon realised Easter Monday was probably one of the busiest days of the year for this park, but we trudged on and made the most of the day. Ice cream was scoffed, the bare milky arms were out and some beautiful scenery was seen. All in all a brilliant day was had!

Below are a just few photos I took of the forest beside me. Once a huge stretch of greenery it is now a huge area of deforestation with only just a little patch of woodland. Sun, shadows and silhouettes made for a great series of photos!

I'm currently looking out of my window at a very grey sky but here's hoping the sun will peek through those clouds soon enough! I'm off to enjoy a weekend full of lots of celebrations! Hope you all have a fab weekend and a big 'Happy Birthday' to my boyfriend!

It's amazing what a bit of sun can do!

Freckle.

So Spring has sprung! 

Okay, so maybe it hasn't just yet, thanks to the snow rearing its ugly head a few days ago. Ironically though, little snowdrops are slowly making an appearance in my garden! Here's hoping those darling buds of spring start popping up and the sun decides to peep through those grey clouds very soon! 

So this week I have decided to write a little feature about a new independent magazine I came across, named Freckle. I first became aware of this magazine a few weeks ago via social media, and ever since my acknowledgement I have been itching to get hold of this inspiring booklet. "Freckle is an independently published magazine celebrating the people and landscapes of Northern Ireland and beyond."

On Saturday myself and my other half ventured into Belfast and made a pit-stop at Established Coffee. Knowing that this coffee shop stocked Freckle I was optimistic I would be able to buy a copy, but unfortunately they had sold out, (an indication of how popular this magazine really is). Of course we couldn't leave without having a delicious cup of coffee from this establishment, which in my opinion, provides the best coffee in Belfast, and quite possibly in Northern Ireland. Their chocolate brownies are also the yummiest I have ever tasted! So what I'm trying to say is that you should definitely visit Established Coffee at some point, which can be found on Hill Street, Belfast.

Thankfully I was able to purchase a copy of Freckle at The Black Box! 

This refreshing magazine was just what I needed to escape the humdrum of life this week. I think what attracted me to Freckle is the fact that normal people with interesting lives are featured. The stories which are told come from the need to just get up and do something with your life.  And it's also great these tales are all based in Northern Ireland! 

I also admired that this magazine practices 'slow journalism'. Too often magazines are spun out too quickly without real thought while systematically going through the same motions every week or month. 

Freckle is certainly a magazine where real thought and skill has been expressed. The book is beautifully made (printed onto recycled paper) along with stunning photography. The issue delves into the themes of ocean, soil, belonging, expressing and exploring. My favourite story would be that told by Jim Allen. His story titled 'Love of This Salted Fringe' is a poetic account of his life living by the coast. It is such a beautiful tale told by Jim and after reading his story you will be yearning to take a trip up to the North Coast this weekend. His poem at the end of the article is simply wonderful and one I will definitely be recounting to others.   

If you want to open your mind and discover the hidden gems of Northern Ireland, then you need this magazine in your life. This wee country isn't all that bad. We just need to become more tuned into the fantastic talent we are producing and the beautiful landscapes at our doorsteps.  

If you are interested in buying Freckle, a list of vendors can be found on their website. There aren't many copies left so pick one up today! Or if you already have a copy pass it onto a friend or relative to enjoy!

 >> http://www.frecklenorthernireland.org/magazine/ <<