I don’t think I ever saw something so sad since a film called the “Call of the Wild” until today – the branding of Exmoor ponies. Not just once but several times – look it up, you will feel sick. So unnecessary… meantime  – how wild is this weather?

I was asked recently if I believed in Karma. I said simply that “you reap what you sow in life” and for every action you take there are consequences. A short while ago, on my third attempt, I managed to buy something that I had been forced to do as a direct result of someone elses actions in 2014 and it has given me back my hopes for the future.

– it is also the theme tune used for the building of Kensmyth at Clay Meadow in a video shown to Visitors – so it really says it all for me…

Brand New Me – by Alicia Keys

It’s been a while
I’m not who I was before
You look surprised
Your words don’t burn me anymore
Been meanin’ to tell ya
But I guess it’s clear to see
Don’t be mad
It’s just a brand new kinda me
Can’t be bad
I found a brand new kinda free

Careful with your ego
He’s the one that we should blame
Had to grab my heart back
God knows something had to change
I thought that you’d be happy
I found the one thing I need
Why you mad?
It’s just a brand new kinda me
I’ve found a brand new kinda free.

It took a long, long time to get here
It took a brave, brave girl to try
It took one too many excuses, one too many lies
Don’t be surprised, don’t be surprised

If I talk a little louder
If I speak up when you’re wrong
If I walk a little taller
I’ve been under you too long
If you notice that I’m different
Don’t take it personally
Don’t be mad
It’s just a brand new kinda me
“That ain’t bad
I found a brand new kinda free.

Ooh, it took a long, long road to get here
It took a brave, brave girl to try
I’ve taken one too many excuses, one too many lies
Don’t be surprised, oh, said, you look surprised

Hey, if you were a friend
You’d wanna get to know me again
If you were worth the while
You’d be happy to see me smile
I’m not expecting sorry
I’m too busy finding myself
I got this
I found me, I found me, yeah

I don’t need your opinion
I’m not waiting for your “OK”
I’ll never be perfect,
But at least now I’m brave
I know my heart is open
I can finally breathe
Don’t be mad
It’s just a brand new kinda free
That ain’t bad
I found a brand new kinda me
Don’t be mad

So many of our regular readers will know that Norfolk is one of our favourite places to visit. Anywhere by the sea and you will find myself, my family and my dogs in it! A few years back now, we met little Kieron on a trip up there when he was very little and watched him paint in his home at that time, also visiting the Art Gallery and meeting his Art teacher. He loved our dog – the Flat Coated Retriever we lost in 2015 to a nasal tumour. cuddles in the rain. it is so nice to see that he kept up his painting…

according to latest figures this week he is now worth nearly £2 million…  I hope he is still the nice kind boy who cuddled my dog in the rain…

The two boys look so tiny and young – especially Mitchell who adored watching Kieron paint that day!

Happy November to one and all. Amazing photographs and scenes in the Cotswolds…

October 31st sunset said goodbye to the month like a roaring lion…

and in the morning, crept softly in November… like a Lamb