"If you get stuck, get away from your desk. Take a walk, take a bath, go to sleep, make a pie, draw, listen to music, meditate, exercise; whatever you do, don't just stick there scowling at the problem. But don't make telephone calls or go to a party; if you do, other people's words will pour in where your lost words should be. Open a gap for them, create a space. Be patient.”
― Hilary Mantel
I have just got back from Budleigh Salterton.
It's where Hilary Mantel lived out the last years of her life.
The bench above was made in her honour and is positioned outside the library. It's a shame that it has no plaque to indicate why it's here (I hope the rose is obvious).
I'm glad I went; it was nice to get away from my desk and explore another little gem of Devon. I've got many more on my list to explore, including Sidmouth, Seaton and Rousdon -- the latter being where my wife went to school.
Next time around, I'm going to take my inflatable kayak and tent in the event that I make more of my day trip. This time I had to make do with a walk around the town, but I felt a little rushed, and I'm sure there was a lot that I missed.
Still, all of this is a lot better than working in an office or working at home, and I need to make more of these precious hours, bequeathed to me when I decided that working part-time was all I could manage.
Enjoy your day.
Blessings, Ju
PS. I need to do more research on the Jurassic Coast and the work of Mary Anning.